Young people have a lot going on in their lives, so worrying about the best sports bra for teens and tweens shouldn't have to be one of them. There are a ton on the market, and honestly, most of them are perfectly passable. But unlike is the case with calculus, passable isn't good enough.
There are a few things to consider when buying a sports bra — activity, bust size, style, and cost. The bra your teen would require for soccer, softball, track, or hockey is going to be different from what they need for yoga or walking about. High-impact sports need high-impact sports bras. Depending on how busty your teen is, you might find yourself in the specialty bra section, looking at bras specifically designed to keep a larger bust contained and comfortable.
The next part is pretty crucial, even if it seems silly: the style. If you're an athlete, you know that sometimes those bras are all they wear on hot days at practice. Your teens aren't going to want to wear a boring bra that they'd be fine wearing in the winter. Also, there are so many styles to choose from these days: racerbacks versus traditional straps, clasp or no clasp, pads, etc. Some of these things are a personal choice, but others are more specific to the activity — like the racerback style that gives more support. And if your teen is younger and still developing, getting something that fits well, and makes them feel confident and comfortable, is key.
You should also know that sports bras for teens can get pricey. While it can be a great idea to buy a better bra for an intense athlete, your average jogging teen likely doesn't need an $80 bra. So, make sure to consider activity when taking into account the price of the sports bra you choose.
No matter the activity or need, there is a bra your teen will love on this list.
If your teen is on the smaller side, this is a great, well-built, lightly supportive bra. It's perfect for walking, yoga, pilates, weight-lifting, and other similar activities. It also looks fantastic at a great price point. Teens will feel mature in this bra, even though they're completely covered.
The longline bra from Nike is a classic. A medium-impact sports bra, this model is great for jogging, dancing, riding the elliptical, and hanging out on a warm day.
It goes up to size XXL, so larger busts will be just as contained as smaller busts. It's made of wicking fabric that pulls moisture away from the body, providing maximum breathability.
Not all high-impact bras are as attractive as this one from Knix — nor do they come in as many sizes and styles. As someone who is on the bustier side (34D/DD), I can tell you that this bra really holds up. I've worn it to play soccer and go running, and it felt as good as a sports bra can feel. There's no rubbing or chafing — as well as none of the dreaded uniboob.
However, it does have a clasp at the back, which your teen might not love showing when they're on their run. But it does make this sports bra easy to take both on and off.
Good, gender-neutral bras are hard to find. So many are designed to emphasize the shape of the bust. This may be great for cis or femme people, but not so much for those who don't wish to be identified as such.
Thankfully, Tomboy makes this concern go away. This is a versatile, low-impact sports bra make of Oeko-Tex cotton and spandex for maximum comfort. It's also extremely size-inclusive, ranging from sizes XS to 4X. It's great as a tank or a bra, and it's even relaxed enough to sleep in.
Sometimes, you really just want a cute bra that works ... and Gymshark has you covered. This is a medium-impact sports bra in a cute pattern, with an asymmetrical top and strappy back. The fabric is extremely breathable, and the chest band hits at just the right place.
If your teen is bustier, this bra will keep everything in place, thanks to its adjustability and sheer strength of the fabric. It doesn't look like it should be breathable, but I promise you that it is. If your teen is involved in a very high-impact sport, this bra will make their life so much easier.
The chest strap and arm straps can be adjusted, thanks to the super-strong Velcro. The zip at the middle makes it easy to take on and off.
This beauty has 20,000-plus reviews on Amazon, with a near-perfect rating. It's a size-inclusive, medium- to high-impact bra made of nylon and spandex that washes like an absolute dream. It's comfy and cute, and darn it — it's under $20. What a win!
This bra is stylish, supportive, and size-inclusive, going up to a size 6X. It is so smooth and silky to touch. It might just be a great choice for teens who are starting to wear a bra, because it's more like a tank top with a ton of support.
The cuteness of Summersalt's patterns cannot be beat. Plus, this midi-tank sports bra fits like a dream. And if you so choose, you can get matching pants and live your Clueless fashion dreams vicariously through your teenager.
It should also be noted that this sports bra is made of recycled fabric, so you're doing a good deed for the earth as well.
This option is one of the best bras for basic cardio like Crossfit or Peloton, with enough hold to restrict (but not confine). The real standout of this bra is the feel: It has a textured surface that is just buttery against your skin. It's a bit like being hugged by the softest down ... that just so happens to be machine-washable.
Cat BowenParenting EditorCat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.
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