Sports bras continue to be a necessary part of leading an active life, but they don’t need to feel like torture. I’ve tried styles ranging from low to high support, along with some innovative designs to find the best sports bras for keeping our tatas feeling fine when we’re out climbing. These strong-body friendly cuts have been thoroughly tested on routes, boulders and around the campfire. Here are our picks for the best sports bras for rock climbing.
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Most Adjustable
Kari Traa Froya Bra
A very comfortable bra that let you dial in your best fit. The extra wool layer on makes this bra feel warmer, ideal for cooler days.
The Froya bra combines a soft wide elastic band with adjustable straps and a wool lining for a winning combination of low support comfort and customizable fit. I like the double layer design for extra coverage, and the medium high neckline kept the ladies fully under wraps. The narrow elastic straps come together in a racerback style that didn’t dig into my lats and I liked being able to lengthen the straps to fit my body.
Most versatile
Tera Kaia High Cut TOURA
A true quiver-of-one sports bra, the High Cut TOURA is what I’d pack on any long trip. The TOURA has been updated with a new design and fabric. It’s a piece of gear that I put on day after day, and it never fails me.
The TOURA doesn’t have a tight elastic band, but instead has a wave shape along the bottom and a light overall compression fit that keeps it securely in place, making it comfortable for hours of wear. I like this level of support for everything except super high impact activities like running. The new recycled fabric is slightly less silky than the original fabric on the exterior, but the lining felt very soft next to my skin and the bra still has an all-season highly breathable feel. I love the low wide arm holes and crossing straps that let my shoulder move freely. And, added bonus, this bra is made to double as a swimsuit, and dries super fast.
Most stink resistant
Smartwool Intraknit Crop Bra
Smartwool Intraknit Crop Bra
The longer cut of this bra and double layer of fabric delivers extra coverage when wearing it alone. This bra is made for low impact activities but it felt like it had enough mid-level support to comfortably wear on a short run.
Smartwools Intraknit bra is a seamless racerback option that has enough wool to keep it feeling fresh on long road trips. Its seamless design was comfortable, as there was nothing to dig in or irritate my skin. The ribbed compression bottom band kept the bra from riding up. The fabric on this bra felt substantial and somewhat thick, making it a good choice for cooler weather or slightly less sweaty days.
most durable
Lululemon Energy Longline
The narrow, crossing straps and lightweight, breathable fabric make the Energy Longline ideal for hot days with a lot of movement. This bra excels at everything from chill bouldering sessions to long, hot approaches, to even rest day runs.
The Lululemon Energy bra has been a long standing staple for no-fuss boob support. It’s a versatile design that is made to last for years without stretching out. I like the longline design for wearing this alone, but it’s not so long that I feels bulky under a tee or tank. The cut is low under my lats so I don’t get any uncomfortable pinching around my ribcage. This bra is a true workhorse, getting the job done for me for years, and looking good all the while.
most supportive
Arc’teryx Soria Long Line
The Soria Long Line Bra is a high support bra that still feels light and airy while holding you firmly in place. The wide flat crossing straps and high neck cut eliminate any bouncing, even during the most high impact activities.
I especially like the high-neck cut on steep routes where the pull of gravity can cause things to shift around. I felt like I was full insured against unplanned nip slips. The back of this bra is super comfortable with wide straps that flex and move with my body. The fabric is smooth with a lot of mesh that kept the air flow high, making this a great higher support option for hot weather.
most flexible
Athleta Aurora Seamless Crop Rib Tank
This Athleta top has seamless ribbed fabric that felt super comfortable and stretchy, with no tight spots. The longer length is perfect for wearing it solo on hot days. And the lighter level of support was comfortable while bouldering and sport climbing, whether at the crags or even in the gym as well.
The Aurora Seamless Crop Rib Tank was the lowest support top I tried, and for certain days, that’s just the vibe I’m looking for. This had enough coverage that I felt confident wearing it alone, but it’s thin enough to layer under another top. The v-neck cut was a good middle ground of a lower neckline that didn’t put me at risk of inadvertent flashing.
Best tank bra
Vuori Daily Crop
The Vuori Daily Crop is a crop top with a built-in shelf bra that has enough support to get after it, sport climbing, bouldering, and at the gym. The scoop neck cut felt open and airy on hot days and the straps stayed in place on my shoulders.
I also loved the wide open feeling across my upper back, and the fabric had plenty of stretch. The length of this crop felt great as a stand alone piece, falling just above my harness. The built-in bra was on the lighter side of mid-level support. I wouldn’t jog in it, but for any climbing, even steep or dynamic moves, I felt more than secure.
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