For most women, it's hard enough to find a bra that fits well, much less one that you can comfortably run in. When you run, you bounce, you sweat and the fabric of your bra can chafe tender areas. Joggers need bras specifically built for high-impact support, and most sports bra manufacturers make a note of this factor on their labels. This is especially important if you are a C cup or larger. SportsBra411 recommends a bra that not only compresses your breasts, which most sports bras do, but one that also encapsulates your breasts, separating them into cups.
Cup Sizes A and B
For small-breasted women, the Hind Skinny Bra Top and Nike's Sweat Beauty Reversible Sport Top are both good choices. The Nike bra has a slit in the back that offers a better range of movement and it's made of Dri-Fit jersey fabric to control sweat. Hind's product is seamless to avoid chafing.
Cup Sizes B and C
The CW-X Sport Support Bra hugs well for larger women, and the Brooks Pro Fit Bra is especially good for controlling bounce. It's not a pull-on, but has hook-and-eye clasps like regular bras. Patagonia also has a good bra for larger-breasted women, the Active Sport Top. The back is mesh for improved ventilation and the front fabric is doubled. Champion's Vapor Seamless Sports Bra is made of coconut particles, which helps control the odor of perspiration. The Moving Comfort Lila Bra is one with molded cups.
Cup Sizes C and D
Very large-breasted women have their own challenges when it comes to a jogging bra. Restraint becomes even more important than sweat control. "Women's Health" magazine recommends Champion's Double Dry Cotton Racer Back Bra Top to address both issues. Also suggested for larger women is Moving Comfort's Maia Bra. It's got double-knit construction and shaped cups for larger women, but can be hard to find. Moving Comfort also makes the Fiona bra that is more readily available and has gotten good reviews.
Other Considerations
You won't know how a bra is going to stand up to jogging unless you try it on and jump up and down for 15 seconds or so. Rely on this "jump factor" first and foremost over merchandiser's advertised claims because every woman is different and there is no true one-size-fits-all approach to a good jogging bra. Equally as important as compression and encapsulation are straps that adjust to your particular fit. If convenience matters a great deal to you, the REI Cross-Training Bra has a pocket sewn in between the shoulder blades to hold your car keys or anything else you want to tote along. You can access it by reaching over either shoulder. However, this bra is best for smaller-breasted women.
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