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7 of the best zip-front sports bras for running
Designed for easy-on, easy-off, here are some of the best and most supportive running bras on the market
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
Getting in and out of a sports bra can be a workout in itself – especially if you’ve just finished a particularly sweaty session. And if you're someone with a limited range of motion, then getting ready for your training session is something that should be as accessible and seamless as possible. So, what’s the solution? We present to you - the zip-front sports bra.
Our pick of the best zip-front sports bras
In a rush? These are our favourite editor-approved zip front bras, at a glance. Keep scrolling to read more.
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Who is a zip-front sports bra good for?
Zip-front sports bras work in a very similar way to back-fastening bras, says Charly Rhodes, brand manager for sports bra brand boobydoo, with 80% of the support coming from the under band. The key difference is – naturally – how you get in and out of it.
'Front-zip sports bras tend to be of hybrid or compression design, since encapsulation bras have a more rigid cup structure that can't be interrupted by a zip or front-fastening,' she says.
As well as preventing bouncing, sliding and chafing, the main benefit of these bras is the ease of getting them on and off, making them ideal for a number of people. This includes those with limited shoulder mobility, those who have undergone surgery to the breasts or upper body, people breastfeeding or those who simply prefer to see what they're doing, Rhodes says.
And while the best sports bra for you ultimately comes down to your personal preference and individual needs, people with a fuller bust (D cup and above) can benefit from a front-fastening design because it allows for a much wider and robust back support system, helping distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly and, in turn, reducing back and neck pain and improving posture.
What to look for in a zip-front sports bra
If you're not used to wearing a zip-front sports bra, it can – somewhat ironically – be a bit finicky to get on at first. For this reason, Rhodes says people often make the mistake of sizing up to make things easier. 'But you still need to make sure the under band is firm and secure, giving you about 1-2 inches of give,' she says.
'It takes a bit of time to get the technique right, but I would always suggest getting some fitting advice by booking a virtual or in-person fitting appointment so you can be sure it is the right style and fit for you.'
Also, be sure your zip-front bra has good zip covers to protect your skin from the metalwork.
The best zip-front sports bras: Tried and tested
This high-support bra has all the quality we've come to know and love from Nike, but with the addition of a zip to make it easier to get on and off. It offers Nike's highest level of support, thanks to the encapsulation support, which individually supports each boob. It's in a racerback style with wide, adjustable straps. There's a hook-eye closure which allows you to get the fit just right and the sweat-wicking fabric features mesh inserts in key cooling places, to keep you dry.
| Sizes | A-G |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
This sports bra really is a dream come true. It's easy to get on and off, thanks to the front-zip fastening, it's buttery soft against the skin and the zip has never rubbed, even over a marathon distance. It's an investment, but if you can afford it, it's one of the most comfortable running bras we've ever worn.
| Sizes | 30-40 A-E |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
A fantastic mid-range option, the seamless design of the Brooks Dare Zip Run Bra helps to minimise chafing, while the Neopreme material sits comfortably against the skin without feeling all hot and sticky. In fact, we’d say this is one of the best sweat-wicking bras we’ve tested overall.
Testers found the bra ran true to size, with an ideal amount of compression from the under band to keep the breasts secure and bounce-free. The straps aren’t adjustable, but this doesn’t detract from the level of support. Testers also liked that the cups are moulded, which creates a natural silhouette underneath your top and means you don’t have to faff around with removable pads when it comes to washing it.
| Sizes | 30-40 AB/CD/DDE |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
Under Armour Infinity High Zip Sports Bra
Under Armour's Infinity High Zip Bra works in a very similar way to its standard Infinity High Bra, which is one of our favourite sports bras for bigger busts. It's designed to work with the natural shape of your breasts and features a moulded, PU injected one-piece padding, rather than two separate cups (although it's obviously separated by the zip).
The zip is one of the easiest to do up and the bra feels comfortable on the run, although it would be good if there was a slightly wider range of sizes. Our tester wore the M and said that while the cups were a good size, the under band could have done with being a tad tighter. It's also cut fairly high under the arms, which might not be to everyone's liking. However, these are just small gripes.
| Sizes | XS-XL |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
If there’s one word to describe the Enell bra, it’s comfort. Specifically designed for C cups and above, it provides full back coverage with wide non-stretch straps helping to distribute the weight of your breasts evenly. We’ll admit, we were a little surprised by the shiny, silk-like material of the bra at first, but after several runs, testers found it to be nicely sweat-wicking and soft against the skin.
While the Enell is a front-fastening sports bra, it actually uses hook and eye closures rather than a zip. Again, we thought this was going to be fiddly and time-consuming to do up, but our tester almost found it more comfortable than a traditional zip-closure and reported their breasts feeling ‘supported without the squish’. Enell offer some of the most generous size ranges we've ever seen too, although make sure you check the size guide because it works slightly differently.
| Sizes | 32 inch to 60 inch bust (see sizing chart) |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
This Ultimate Support bra from M&S comes in at an affordable price of £26. Our testers found the zip slightly more fiddly and temperamental than others, but once you’ve got the knack of it, the under band and straps provide an impressive level of support. The fabric feels soft against the skin too. We would recommend sizing up on the band though, as it runs on the small side.
| Sizes | 32-42 F-H |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
Elegant yet understated, the SportJock D3 Sports Bra is one of the most flattering zip front bras we've tested, and while the wide back design may be too much for some, our tester liked that it could be warm as a crop top style bra in the gym or during the summer months.
The bra secures via three metal hook-and-eye closures and a zip, with no tugging or pulling of the zip required. The material is almost T-shirt-like, sitting comfortably against the skin and keeping you chafe-free. If this sounds like it's going to be stuffy and uncomfortable, though, don't worry – one of our testers wore the bra for a particularly sweaty interval session on the treadmill and found it wicked away moisture well.
It's definitely one for fuller busts, though. Sizing is slightly unusual in that it's based purely on under band size, with cup sizes DD-G lumped under each size. One of our testers, a DD cup, found the under band nice and snug, but there was a tiny bit of extra 'space' in the top of the cup. A wider size range would be beneficial.
| Sizes | 24-44 |
|---|---|
| Support | High |
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