The best Nike sports bras for running

Running is one of the most accessible workouts, simply because all you need is a good pair of shoes. But there's one big caveat for anyone with breasts: a supportive, sweat-wicking bra built for high-impact sports is also a major must-have.

Logging miles without one of the best sports bras for running is more than just annoying—it can be uncomfortable. When breasts are not properly held in place, their movement can strain the Cooper's ligaments, the connective tissue that shapes and supports breasts. This is just one reason why it's so important to find a supportive sports bra that securely fits before racking up the miles.

There isn't a single best sports bra for running. What works for you may not be right for someone else, and that's because everyone has different fit preferences, body shapes and breast sizes. If possible, when shopping for bras online, consider ordering more than one size so you can get a feel for your preferred fit—the ones that aren't a match can always be returned.

Can't figure out if a sports bra is right for running? Here's what to know: the sports bra should lend support while jumping and feel secure, but not be constricting. To help figure this out, try the two-finger rule: if you can't fit two fingers under the bottom band or shoulder straps, it's probably too tight. When a bra is too tight, it can cause the skin under the breasts to chafe. Also, if the shoulder straps are digging into your skin, that's a good sign you need a size up. Conversely, if you can fit more than two fingers, consider going a size smaller.

When shopping, there are a few important things to bear in mind. Generally speaking, bras are broken down into high-, medium- and light-support categories. Larger cup sizes generally require more support, and that's found in high-support sports bras. Within each of these categories, various features help cut down on breast movement in different ways. Some of the features Nike incorporates into its designs include:

• Compression—this offers a secure fit, providing breasts with support while minimising movement. Generally, compression bras provide low to medium support.
• Encapsulation—some of Nike's high-impact and plus-size bras may have separate moulded cups for each breast to help cut back on movement.
• Hook-and-eye closure—this is the clasp generally used on a traditional bra. The feature offers adjustable compression while typically providing a snug fit on the band to keep bouncing to a minimum.
• Adjustable straps—this feature enables you to customise your fit and lifts the breasts to control movement. It's also worth noting that wider straps tend to offer more support than thinner ones.

To help you narrow your search, here are the best sports bras for running by size and level of support.

If you don't like feeling too compressed during runs—and have a smaller cup size—light-support sports bras might be the top choice for you. Nike light-support sports bras have a host of features to keep you feeling supported and comfy, including sweat-wicking technology, removable pads for customisable coverage and adjustable straps for added lift and comfort.

In terms of style features, you can find longline and traditional bra silhouettes in both U- and V-necklines, cooling details like cut-outs and mesh inserts, and fashion-forward, dual-tone colourways.

Medium-support bras help to minimise bounce and provide a secure fit for small to medium cup sizes. Breathable mesh, front zip closures, compressive materials, removable pads and bold prints are just some of the design and fit features that support you as you rack up mileage. If you prefer extra security, look for styles with wider straps or those that cross over at the back, which may offer more bounce protection.

(Related: The best Nike sports bra for nursing)

If you're looking for some of the best high-impact sports bras for running, you're definitely in the right place. With sizes that fit A to G cups, Nike has some of the best high-support bras for running.

These bras come in a variety of colours, from vibrant pink to basic black, with chest-supporting features such as adjustable shoulder and bottom bands and encapsulated pads that mould to each breast to help keep motion to a minimum. Whether you're running a 5K, taking a HIIT class or lifting weights, high-support bras will serve as a go-to for just about any type of workout you've got planned.

For a high-impact running sports bra that's specifically made for your body type, Nike offers a variety of plus-size options. Many plus-size sports bras are designed with the assumption that all shoppers who wear larger sizes also have a big chest. But many of the 1X to 3X sections at Nike are built specifically to support different cup sizes, from A to G. This means shoppers get a customised fit for next-level bounce protection.

Apart from customisation being a top priority, Nike plus-size sports bras come in a range of styles. Many of the plus-sized bras have features like adjustable straps and bottom bands, front zips and moulded cups, which all work to keep you comfortably contained. Eye-catching print options, crossed front straps and cut-out detailing help to further boost confidence as you crush your run.

(Related: The best plus-size sports bras from Nike)