Playing sports in high school and college, I always struggled to find sports bras that offered enough coverage and support for my (what felt to me like) disproportional C cups. I couldn’t shop at Target like all my friends. I was 5’2″, 110 pounds, and yet my chest seemed to protrude beyond my body, no matter what I wore. A simple cotton sports bra wouldn’t cut it.

Now that I’m in my 30s and have gained curves and weight in other areas of my body, my chest feels more proportional to my size. Even still, finding a sports bra that I can comfortably wear for my preferred workouts (HIIT or Crossfit) is a challenge. I need enough fabric and coverage to not spill out, but I also want support and compression for burpees and box jumps. Material matters too, as I’d like to ensure what I’m sweating in is safe for my pores. And it would also be nice to support sustainable and ethical brands. It feels like a lot of boxes to check.

The good news is that there are a handful of sustainable brands out there designing sports bras for all shapes and sizes of chests, and with organic materials too. Some have more support for sports like running and HIIT, while others are soft and stretchy for low-impact exercises like yoga and hiking. And guess what? I reviewed them all, so you can hear first-hand which ones work for your desired exercises. Let’s dive in.

*For reference, I am a 34C and ordered a size medium in all of the sports bras except Outdoor Voices (small).


1. Boody

Our Pick | Active LonglineRibbed Seamless Bra
Materials | Organic bamboo, organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XS-XL
Price Range | $19.95–$49.95

Boody is an Australian-based brand designing activewear and basics with Bamboo viscose. While I love the concept of this company and that it’s a B Corp, I’ll admit I was skeptical about trying a bamboo sports bra despite all the praises about the fabric, like how it’s antibacterial, thermo-regulating, and hypoallergenic. To my surprise, Boody’s Active Longline Bra became a fast favorite—it’s the bra I’ve worn most from the list. It’s comfortable and form-fitting, offering complete coverage (no side boob) and medium support for my C cup. I also love not worrying about what materials may or may not be seeping into my pores and chest when I sweat. While I wouldn’t be able to do high-impact workouts in this bra, it’s great for yoga, hiking, or cycling.

As for the other bras in this collection, I tried the Ribbed Seamless Bra in dove (the color is 😍). Though it doesn’t offer nearly enough support for exercise, I love wearing it at home or changing into it after a sweaty workout.


2. Pact

Our Pick | Double Scoop Longline Bra
Materials | Organic cotton, elastane
Sizes | XS–XXL
Price Range | $25

I’ve been a longtime fan of Pact for affordable and organic basics, so I was excited to try one of their sports bras—specifically the Double Scoop Longline Bra because of the 100+ raving reviews. To no one’s surprise, it is just as comfy as everything else I own from Pact, thanks to the GOTS Certified Organic Cotton. The cut fits nicely, especially under the armpits (no riding and no side boob).

My one wish is that the bra had a tiny bit more elasticity under the bust to hold everything in; you can kind of see how it’s coming away from my skin in the second photo. But, again, I’m working with a C cup. Overall, I found this sports bra to offer enough coverage and support to hike or do low-impact exercises. Bonus: Pact is Fair Trade Certified and carbon neutral.


3. TomboyX

Our Pick | Full Spectrum BraEssential Soft Bra
Materials | Polyester, spandex, nylon
Sizes | XS–6X
Price Range | $45–$59

This is my first time trying something from TomboyX (a certified B Corp), so I was shocked to find this my favorite sports bra on the list. The Full Spectrum Bra delivers on its promise of high compression and high performance, making it a sports bra I feel comfortable wearing for HIIT or Crossfit. The fabric is also antibacterial and anti-odor, which I love.

I also tried the Essential Soft Bra with OEKO-TEX Certified cotton. Though it’s super soft, I would only recommend this as a t-shirt bra or for low-impact exercises, as it doesn’t have the same compression or support. But it’s very comfy!


4. Girlfriend Collective

Our Pick | Simone High Support Bra
Materials | RPET (recycled plastic water bottles), spandex
Sizes | XXS–6XL
Price Range | $42–$58

If you were to raid my closet, you’d mostly find Girlfriend Collective. I’m in love with the brand’s crop tops for hiking and yoga and also for working from home (currently wearing the Dylan Tank as I write this). Surprisingly though, or maybe because I love the crops and tank bras so much, I’ve never tried an actual sports bra from the brand. And so, I was eager to test out the Simone High Support Bra.

The great thing about this bra is the adjustable straps (three-setting hook and eye) and built-in cups, offering more than enough support for HIIT or intense cardio. I could have gone up one size to have just a bit more fabric to hold everything in (there was a little spillage on the sides). But all in all, I like this one and plan to add it to my GC wardrobe rotation.


5. tentree

Our Pick | InMotion Double Scoop Bra
Materials | Recycled polyester, elastane
Sizes | XS-XL
Price Range | $48

How gorgeous is this color!? I was so excited to get my hands on tentree’s InMotion Double Scoop Bra, as I already have the InMotion Longline Bra and love it. Apart from the color palette, the fabric is soft yet breathable and has just the right amount of stretch. This is one thing I love about tentree’s athleticwear; it fits so well. I wear the high-rise legging for literally every workout.

That said, I’d likely recommend anyone with a larger bust opt for the longline bra, as it has more coverage on the underside. Since I have a C cup, I found the elastic band on the double scoop didn’t always stay flat on my skin. I do love that it hits just right under my arms to offer additional coverage though, and everything feels snug and held in place. I’ll keep wearing this one for walks, hikes, and other low-impact exercises! Bonus: tentree is climate neutral and a B Corp.


6. Outdoor Voices

Our Pick | Doing Things Bra
Materials | Nylon, lycra, polyester
Sizes | XXS-3XL
Price Range | $58

With over 900 raving reviews and a honeycomb mesh back, I knew I had to try the Outdoor Voices Doing Things Bra for my workouts this year. So far, it’s been a go-to for medium-impact exercises! The bra is super comfortable, and I love how it’s constructed for sweaty workouts with the breathable mesh and racerback fit (it will be great for summer hikes in LA). It’s a bit lower cut than I’d prefer for anything like running or jumping (My larger-bust girls know what I’m talking about), but it’s great for just about everything else. Most of all, I love the removable padding in this sports bra for additional coverage and support. It’s a winner if you ask me.


7. MATE The Label

Our Pick | Organic Stretch Sports Bra
Materials | Organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XS-XL
Price Range | $58

There are few brands I love as much as MATE the Label when it comes to comfortable and organic basics. While a bit pricier, the quality of the materials is noteworthy. For example, since reviewing the sweats last year, I’ve worn and washed them weekly (sometimes more). And they still look brand new.

To complement this cozy outfit, I opted to try the Organic Stretch Sports Bra in Bone, which is as form-fitting and comfortable as it looks. It’s not a high-impact bra, but it’s perfect for walks, morning stretches, or wearing under a t-shirt. Like all MATE apparel, I never want to take it off.