The best sports bras tested by a female exercise class

If you're a keen runner, or if you need a high impact sports bra, then Runderwear is the brand for you. Both this Power Running bra and the Energize (see below) are well worth the price-tag. Underwear specialise in sports clothing for running, so they know what's needed. Supportive and comfortable, Runderwear say the Power bra offers a 72% reduction in breast movement when running. We tested this bra with Kath, who is a keen distance runner as well as a member of my kettlebell exercise club.

Reviewed by Kath, 54: I love a Runderwear bra! I am struggling to know the difference between this one and my older easy-fit one, but I felt this was actually easier to get on! I can't fault this bra at all. It offers amazing support while running and is supportive no matter what activity I'm doing.

The material is soft and comfortable and there's no rubbing. It's a firm fit but not tight, and it needs to be firm anyway to make it suitable for running. There are no problems with the fasteners and it does up at the back.

I've washed it a lot and it's still wearing well - no support lost.

Runderer bras are expensive, and it's easy to think 'I'm not paying that,' but you really do get what you pay for. I've worn so many different bras over my years as a runner, and Runderwear are by far the best quality both for the comfort, longevity of the bra and for the level of support offered.

This underwired bra has light padding and is suitable for medium to high impact sports. The straps can be adjusted to a racerback style of preferred. It goes on and fastens at the back like a normal bra.

Reviewed by senior writer, Becky Fuller: When this bra first arrived, I was dubious because although I live in sports bras, I never wear an underwired one. I've always felt they'd be too restrictive. Well, I've happily been proven wrong!

This goes on like a normal bra, and I would fasten it at the back. However, I did check, and you can quite easily fasten it in front and swivel it round (you know what I mean - we've all done it!), so if you do have any issues reaching behind it's still ok.

I thought it would be stiff, but it's not. It's just really comfortable. I've worn it for 14-hour days and not felt uncomfortable once! I've worn it on long hikes, to teach kettlebells, and even just while I'm working at home.

It washes well, and hasn't become saggy or lost support. It also has really good coverage across the breasts. I'm a 34C so not at huge risk of falling out, but I do like to feel like I'm strapped down! However, what I would say is although my breasts were snugly contained, it didn't feel restrictive at all. I also love the colour!
I'd highly recommend this bra and I think it's good value for a high quality product.

This custom fit bra from M&S works by having velcro tabs at the aide that you can pull tighter or loosen as needed, to ensure a snug fit. You can also adjust the straps from the front. The bra is extra high impact, making it suitable for sports like running. We tested this bra with Kathy, who does spin, circuits, kettlebells and yoga.

Reviewed by Kathy, 53: The velcro fastenings make this bra relatively easy to get on and off, and there's good coverage. Being fully adjustable is a definite bonus as you can tailor it to your needs. However, I did find that the velcro rubbed if you don't line it up really well, making it uncomfortable. That's a shame as it was comfy otherwise.

I wore it to spin and circuits classes and it felt great, but anything where my body wasn't permanently upright, like yoga, or certain kettlebell moves, I felt my breasts moved but the bra stayed where it was. The cups are quite moulded, so it's not very flexible. So I'd say it's better for high impact upright sports only.

I think I possibly needed to size down because there was quite a gap at the top, and that might have reduced the movement for me.

It washes well and I like the style.

This high bra provides great coverage and is made from quick drying fabric. It also features 'zoned cooling' to keep you comfortable. It's suitable for medium to high impact sports, has cross over straps and a hook and eye fastening.

Reviewed by senior writer, Becky Fuller: This Under Armor bra provides a great level of support for most activities. I wore it to spin class, where I sweat a lot, and it was great at keeping the moisture away from my skin. I've no idea what 'zoned cooling' is, but although the fabric gets damp it wasn't uncomfortable.

I like the amount of coverage it provides as it makes me feel secure. I'd say it fits true to size as well, though they're sold according to dress size not bra size. I tried a 10, which was great until I lost weight and then it felt a little gappy at the sides, so I probably needed a smaller size. The cups are fairly rigid, and I didn't quite fill them.

The hook and eye fastening is easy to do, but the straps do go over your head, so you can't fasten it at the front. The straps are crossover, which was fine for me but may not be to everyone's tastes. I found it really comfortable but I wouldn't wear it all day as it felt too snug for that - it feels more like a sports bra than an everyday bra, whereas the Pour Moi one I could wear all day with no problem.

It washes extremely well - I feel the quality of this bra is really great and it's one that will last a long time.

This Goodmove bra from M&S features a zip front, plus quick, drying, moisture wicking fabric to keep you cool. It has a racerback and an elastic underhand for support.

Reviewed by senior writer, Becky Fuller: A front-fastening sports bra is such a great idea for anyone with shoulder issues or any condition that can impact their ability to reach to their back. This Goodmove bra is so easy to get on and off, you just slip your arms in and fasten.

As you can see from the second picture below, there's a little clasp you do up before the zip. I like this as it made me feel secure but also, it lines the zip up so it's easy to do. Once fastened, the bra sits snugly to the chest.

Fit-wise, the 34C was perfect around my body, but I felt the cups came up large. However, what I would say is M&S offer a brilliant bra-fitting service, so take full advantage of that if you can. I'm certain that had I done so, they'd have found me a better size.

I always find M&S clothes comfortable and this bra is no exception. I wore it all day on several occasions quite happily, although because the cups didn't quite fit right it didn't create a smooth line under my t-shirt. I'm not really bothered when exercising though!

I wore this to teach kettlebells, for hiking, and I also wore it several times for gymnastics. My breasts were secure even when upside down, despite the slightly larger cups. The elastic underband is a huge plus. It's snug but not tight, and offers great support without digging in. The fabric wicks sweat away easily too - I was dry even after some really sweaty summer workout sessions.

It washes well at 30 degrees and dries very quickly, which impressed me. I think this bra is great value for money and comfy to wear, just make sure you get the right fit.

Another Runderwear bra, the Energize, is great if you have large breasts. It's super-strong but lightweight, and exceptionally comfortable. You do slide it over your head, but then it has a hook and eye fastening at the back. We tested it with Amanda, who does kettlebells regularly. She is also a busy mum of 2 little ones.
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Reviewed by Amanda, age 40:** This is my second Runderwear bra and I wouldn't wear any others for exercise now. Unlike a lot of high-impact bras, it doesn't feel really restrictive and in fact I've worn it all day on several occasions and not felt like it's tight.

It's not all that easy to get on as a plus-sized woman, but I think that's what makes it so supportive. However, once it is on, it doesn't chafe or rub at all, and it moves with my body well.

I often find my breasts will move around a lot when exercising but they're not going anywhere in this bra! It washes well and my other one, which I've had nearly two years, is still just as good as when I first got it.

So although they are pricey, they do last really well and honestly I'd rather pay more for this kind of quality than buy a bra which sags or loses support after a while. Seriously believe the hype around these bras because they're fab!