The Ultimate Lululemon Sports Bra Review: Tested by Real Women for Every Workout & Everyday Wear
Welcome to the definitive guide to Lululemon sports bras! After extensive testing of every style, from high-impact support to luxurious everyday comfort, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of our absolute favorites. Finding the perfect sports bra can be a game-changer, whether you’re crushing a HIIT session, flowing through yoga, or simply seeking all-day comfort. Lululemon is renowned for its premium athletic wear, and their sports bras are no exception, offering a blend of innovative design, exceptional support, and stylish aesthetics. However, with so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
Our team of three women, each with distinct body types and bra sizes, has put these bras through their paces in real-life scenarios. We understand that what works for one person might not work for another, which is why our diverse perspectives are crucial. In this detailed review, you’ll uncover our top three Lululemon sports bra picks, learn why they stand out from the rest, and discover several honorable mentions that deserve your attention. We’ll delve into their unique features, ideal uses, and provide insights on sizing and fit, ensuring you make an informed decision for your next Lululemon purchase.
This post was updated on with Lululemon’s latest sports bra styles and updated insights from our rigorous testing.
We’re thrilled to share our insights on the best Lululemon sports bras, a topic that has been highly requested by our community! Our commitment is to provide authentic, relatable reviews, showcasing how these bras truly fit and perform on “real life” bodies. We believe transparency and genuine experience are paramount when making purchasing decisions, especially for something as personal as a sports bra.
Each bra featured in this review has been rigorously “workout-approved,” enduring everything from intense training sessions to leisurely strolls. The selections aren’t just recommendations; they are bras that we genuinely love, wear consistently, and confidently stand behind. It’s rare to find any of us without a Lululemon bra on, whether we’re hitting the gym, running errands, or simply relaxing at home. Their unparalleled comfort, support, and durability have made them an indispensable part of our daily wardrobes, making the investment truly worthwhile.
Meet Our Reviewers: Real Bodies, Real Bra Sizes
To provide the most accurate and relatable review, our team consists of women with diverse body types and bra sizes. Understanding our measurements will help you gauge how these bras might fit your own body. We believe that seeing how different styles perform across a range of figures offers a more comprehensive and trustworthy perspective.
- Lee: 5’7″ – 36H
- Linley: 5’3″ – 32C/D
- Emily: 5’9″ – 36DD
An Important Sizing Note: A crucial tip we’ve discovered through extensive wear is to consider sizing up by one full size from your typical Lululemon tank top size when purchasing a sports bra. For example, if you comfortably wear a size 8 in most Lululemon tank tops, opting for a size 10 in their sports bras will generally provide a more comfortable and optimal fit, especially around the band and for fuller coverage. This ensures better support and avoids any uncomfortable compression, allowing you to move freely and confidently.
Understanding Lululemon’s Sports Bra Categories
Lululemon expertly categorizes their sports bras to help you find the perfect match for your activity level and support needs. They classify bras by low, medium, and high-impact use, ensuring there’s an ideal option whether you’re practicing restorative yoga or tackling a marathon. Beyond impact level, Lululemon offers bras in two primary sizing systems: traditional numerical sizes (such as 2, 4, 6, 8, etc.) and specific cup sizes (like 34A, 34B, 34C, 36D, and so on). This dual approach allows for a more personalized fit, catering to a wider range of body shapes and preferences. Understanding these categories is the first step in navigating their extensive collection and pinpointing the best Lululemon sports bra for your unique needs.
After thorough testing and collective deliberation, we’re excited to reveal our top three Lululemon bras that received unanimous votes from our team. These are the styles that consistently deliver on comfort, support, and versatility, making them essential additions to any active wardrobe. We’ve also included a few extra honorable mentions that we simply couldn’t keep to ourselves, as they offer unique benefits and fantastic performance.
- Energy Bra: Our all-time favorite medium-support bra for versatile workouts.
- Bend This Scoop and Square: The ultimate t-shirt bra that doubles as a stylish swimwear top.
- Like a Cloud D/DD: Unrivaled softness and comfort, especially ideal for larger busts and postpartum wear.
- Plus, a few more honorable mentions you absolutely need to know about! 🤩
1. Lululemon Energy Bra: Our Top Pick for Medium Support
Across our entire team, the Lululemon Energy Bra holds a special place in our hearts – it’s truly our one true love in the world of sports bras. This iconic bra was instrumental in making us fall head over heels for Lululemon’s sports bra collection, and it remains our absolute top recommendation for anyone looking to try a Lululemon sports bra for the very first time. Its perfect balance of support, style, and comfort makes it an ideal entry point for newcomers and a cherished staple for seasoned enthusiasts.
The Energy Bra is expertly designed to provide medium support, making it suitable for B-D cup sizes. Its signature racerback design not only offers enhanced mobility but also adds a stylish athletic touch. Available in various styles and a constantly evolving palette of colors, it’s a versatile piece that complements any workout wardrobe. This bra excels in high-intensity activities such as HIIT, running, and spin classes, but its comfortable compression also makes it a fantastic choice for everyday wear. If you appreciate a supportive sports bra that keeps everything securely in place without sacrificing comfort, the Energy Bra is an unparalleled choice.
Linley, with her 32C/D sizing, is a devoted fan of the Energy Bra Longline, wearing a size 6. The introduction of the longline version a few years ago was a revelation for us, especially for those blessed with a fuller chest, as it provides additional coverage and a more secure feeling. For years, it has been Linley’s unwavering go-to workout bra. She consistently praises its ability to “hold the girls in” during a wide array of activities, from the dynamic movements of yoga to the repetitive impact of running, allowing her to focus entirely on her performance without any distractions.
Exploring the Lululemon Energy Bra Styles
While the core design and support of the Energy Bra remain consistent, Lululemon offers a couple of popular variations to cater to different preferences for coverage and band length:
- Longline Energy Bra – This is the specific style pictured below and is our team’s favorite for its enhanced coverage. The extended band provides a bit more fabric around the ribcage and torso, offering additional security and a slightly more modest feel. It’s fantastic for pairing with high-waisted leggings or wearing on its own as a crop top.
- Regular Energy Bra – The classic Energy Bra offers the same beloved fit and medium support as the longline version, but with a band that is approximately half the length. If you prefer less fabric around your midsection, or if you find the added compression of a longer band unnecessary, this shorter version is an excellent choice. It provides ample support for workouts while maintaining a more traditional sports bra silhouette.
2. Lululemon Bend This Scoop and Square: The Ultimate Everyday & T-Shirt Bra
Introducing our newest obsession: the Bend This Scoop and Square Bra. This isn’t just a sports bra; it’s our new favorite t-shirt bra, celebrated for its silky-soft feel, comfortable support, and incredible versatility that makes it perfect for everyday wear. Whether you’re working from home, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely weekend, this bra offers the ideal blend of comfort and subtle shaping.
Linley, typically a 32C/D, finds exceptional coverage and a fantastic fit in a size small/medium. She particularly loves the extra stretch this bra provides, which allows for a more forgiving and fuller coverage if needed, accommodating slight fluctuations in size or offering a bit more modesty. The fabric molds beautifully to the body, creating a smooth silhouette under any clothing.
Beyond its stellar performance as an everyday bra, the Bend This Scoop and Square boasts impressive versatility. It’s an excellent choice for low-impact activities like walking the dogs, providing just enough support without feeling restrictive. It seamlessly disappears under t-shirts, eliminating any visible lines or bulk. What truly sets this bra apart is its unexpected functionality as a stylish swimsuit top! Its quick-drying fabric and flattering design make it a chic option for a dip in the pool or a day at the beach. Inside, it features a removable pad that extends across both breasts, offering a little extra cushioning and shape. These pads can be easily unclipped and removed if you prefer a lighter feel or a more natural look.
Exploring the Bend This Bra Collection
The Bend This collection is designed with versatility and comfort in mind, offering creative strap configurations and flattering necklines. Here are some popular variations:
- Bend This Scoop and Square – This is the hero bra pictured below, renowned for its incredible comfort and smooth lines. Available in versatile neutral colors, it’s the quintessential t-shirt bra, delivering unparalleled softness for daily wear and making it an effortless choice for any outfit.
- Bend This V and Racer – This innovative bra truly gives you two styles in one! Its reversible design allows you to wear it with the chic V-neckline in the front and the sporty racerback in the back, or vice versa, offering different looks to match your mood or outfit. Emily has even worn this reversible bra as a fashionable swim top, showcasing its adaptability.
- Bend This Scoop and Cross – Another incredibly versatile, two-way wear option, this bra features a playful racerback design with a distinct hole on one side, offering a unique aesthetic. The other side presents a classic low scoop, providing another stylish wearing option. Its flexible design makes it a fun and functional addition to your collection.
3. Lululemon Like a Cloud D/DD: Unrivaled Softness for Larger Busts
The Like a Cloud Bra lives up to its name, offering an unparalleled level of softness and comfort. Its innovative design minimizes harsh seams and eliminates restrictive clasps, making it feel truly like a second skin. This bra is designed to fit a wide range of body types, available in an extensive array of sizes to ensure everyone can experience its luxurious feel.
Emily (36DD) and Lee (36H) are particularly enthusiastic about the D/DD version, praising its exceptional coverage and gentle support. This bra has become a vital piece for them, notably doubling as an outstanding postpartum and nursing bra. Its incredible softness proved invaluable for sensitive nipples immediately after childbirth—a comfort that is famously difficult to find, as any new mother will attest. The absence of clasps and limited seams also contributes to its irritation-free wear during such a delicate period. While not engineered for high-impact activities, the Like a Cloud D/DD provides ample support for low-impact workouts like Peloton rides, yoga, and Pilates. Emily comfortably wears a size 10 in the D/DD version, appreciating its perfect balance of comfort and subtle hold.
It’s important to note that while this bra offers remarkable comfort, it is not designed to be a running bra or for intense, high-impact movements. Instead, it excels in providing gentle support and unparalleled comfort for activities such as yoga, Pilates, barre, walking, or simply for luxurious everyday wear, making it a true staple for those who prioritize softness and ease.
Exploring the Lululemon Like a Cloud Bra Variations
The Like a Cloud bra collection is all about exquisite comfort and seamless design, tailored to different cup sizes while maintaining its signature buttery-soft fabric:
- Like a Cloud D/DD – This is the specific bra highlighted and pictured below, and it’s our absolute top recommendation for postpartum mothers. Its incredible softness, combined with generous stretch, makes it an ideal nursing bra, adapting comfortably to changing body needs. It provides excellent coverage and gentle support for larger busts.
- Like a Cloud B/C – This version is designed for B and C cup sizes, offering slightly less coverage and featuring thinner, more delicate straps. Despite these differences, it retains the same luxurious, buttery-soft fabric and seamless construction that defines the Like a Cloud experience, perfect for those seeking gentle support and supreme comfort.
- Like a Cloud A/B – Catering to smaller busts, this A/B version comes with classic spaghetti straps, maintaining the minimalist aesthetic and incredibly soft fabric found throughout the collection. It’s an excellent choice for those who desire light, comfortable support without any bulk or restriction.
Lululemon Sports Bras: Our Essential Honorable Mentions
While our top three picks hold a special place in our rotation, it would be an oversight not to highlight several other fantastic Lululemon sports bras that we regularly reach for. These bras consistently deliver exceptional comfort, support, and style, proving their worth for various activities and body types. When we’re not sporting one of our absolute favorites listed above, you can almost certainly find us comfortably wearing one of these outstanding honorable mentions. They offer unique features and cater to specific needs, making them valuable additions to any Lululemon collection. Let’s dive into these other gems!
Envital Bra: Light Support, Full Coverage for D/DD+
The Envital D/DD Bra stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking lighter support without compromising on full coverage—a challenging combination to find, especially for D cups and beyond! Lee (36H) absolutely adores this bra for its perfect balance of light-to-medium support, which comfortably accommodates a fuller bust while providing ample coverage. She has successfully worn this bra for a variety of workouts, finding it ideal for any activity that doesn’t involve high-impact movements like jumping or intense running. The Envital Bra shines in practices such as cycling, strength training, and elliptical workouts, where consistent support and coverage are key.
Lee, wearing a size 10, notes that if there were one minor tweak she could suggest, it would be the addition of a V-neckline. For D/DD “girlies,” adequate coverage in the cleavage area is often a priority, and a V-neck could enhance both comfort and aesthetic appeal. Despite this, the Envital Bra remains a highly recommended option for its unique ability to combine lighter support with robust coverage for larger busts, ensuring confidence and comfort during your fitness routine.
Align Bra V-Neck DDD/G: Butter-Soft Comfort for Larger Chests
The Lululemon Align Bra, famous for its impossibly soft Nulu fabric, initially catered to smaller cup sizes with its A/B version and C/D version. However, we were absolutely thrilled when Lululemon expanded the line to include a DDD/G version! This addition was a game-changer for those of us with larger busts who craved the Align collection’s signature buttery-soft feel and ultimate comfort.
This larger-cup version retains all the beloved qualities of the Align fabric, combining it with a flattering V-neckline and a supportive longline band. This design provides ample coverage and gentle support, preventing Emily’s (36DD) chest from spilling out the top—a common struggle with many bras not designed for fuller figures. Emily wears a size medium in this style and finds it to be an exceptional everyday bra for larger-chested ladies, offering unmatched comfort for daily activities. Furthermore, its light support and luxurious feel make it perfectly suited for low-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, and stretching, allowing for full range of motion without any discomfort or restriction. It’s truly a bra that feels like a dream.
Ultralu Bra D/DD: Adjustable Support for Dynamic Workouts
The Ultralu Bra has quickly become a new favorite for Lee (36H), especially in the D/DD size. She wears a size 10 and highly appreciates its thoughtful design, particularly the clasp closure in the back. This feature is incredibly practical as it allows for adjustable sizing, a significant benefit when dealing with natural fluctuations in breast size throughout the menstrual cycle. The ability to customize the fit ensures consistent comfort and support, no matter the day.
Beyond its adjustable nature, the Ultralu Bra boasts a perfect scoop neck that offers flattering coverage without feeling restrictive. The fabric is exceptionally soft, a hallmark of Lululemon’s quality, and provides a generous amount of stretch. This stretch is crucial for accommodating and gracefully covering fuller busts, ensuring everything stays comfortably in place. What sets this bra apart is its versatility across workout intensities. It’s robust enough to handle any sort of workout, including high-impact activities like HIIT, making it a reliable choice for dynamic movements where strong support is essential. For those seeking an adjustable, super-soft, and highly supportive bra that performs across the board, the Ultralu Bra D/DD is an outstanding option.
Choosing Your Perfect Lululemon Sports Bra
With such an array of fantastic options, selecting the best Lululemon sports bra for your individual needs can still feel like a big decision. To help you narrow down your choices and invest wisely, consider these key factors:
- Activity Level: Match your bra’s support level to your workout intensity. For high-impact activities like running or intense HIIT, opt for a high-support bra to minimize bounce. Medium support is ideal for cycling, gym workouts, or brisk walks. Low-impact bras are perfect for yoga, Pilates, or everyday comfort.
- Bust Size and Coverage: If you have a larger bust (D+ cup), prioritize bras specifically designed for D/DD or DDD/G sizes, as they offer enhanced coverage and targeted support. Styles with wider straps and fuller cups are often beneficial. Smaller busts might prefer bras with thinner straps or those focusing on comfort and light shaping.
- Comfort and Fabric: Lululemon is renowned for its innovative fabrics. Do you prefer the buttery-soft feel of Nulu (Align collection), the smooth compression of Luxtreme (Energy Bra), or something else? Consider seam placement, padding (removable or built-in), and clasps versus seamless designs, based on what feels best against your skin.
- Versatility: Think about how you’ll wear the bra. Do you need it solely for workouts, or are you looking for a versatile piece that can double as an everyday bra, a t-shirt bra, or even a swim top? Bras like the Bend This Scoop and Square excel in multi-functional use.
- Personal Style: While functionality is paramount, don’t overlook style. Lululemon offers a wide range of colors, back designs (racerback, criss-cross, scoop), and necklines. Choose a bra that makes you feel confident and complements your activewear wardrobe.
Caring for Your Lululemon Sports Bras
To ensure your beloved Lululemon sports bras maintain their shape, support, and luxurious feel for years to come, proper care is essential. Always follow the care instructions on the garment’s tag, but generally, machine wash cold with like colors, and avoid using fabric softeners as they can break down the technical fabrics. Tumble dry on low heat or, ideally, lay flat to air dry to preserve elasticity and prevent shrinking. Treating your bras with care extends their lifespan and keeps them performing at their best, so you can enjoy your Lululemon investment for many workouts and daily wears.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Lululemon Fit
We hope this comprehensive review has provided invaluable insights into the world of Lululemon sports bras. Our journey through various styles, impact levels, and unique features has reaffirmed our belief in Lululemon’s commitment to quality, innovation, and wearer comfort. From the unwavering support of the Energy Bra to the cloud-like softness of the Like a Cloud D/DD, and the versatile charm of the Bend This Scoop and Square, there’s truly a Lululemon bra designed for every body and every activity. Remember, the “best” bra is ultimately the one that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and supported, allowing you to move freely and conquer your day, whether at the gym or in everyday life.
We encourage you to explore these fantastic options, keeping our sizing tips and personal experiences in mind. By understanding your specific needs—be it high-impact support, everyday comfort, or specialized postpartum wear—you’re well-equipped to find your next favorite Lululemon sports bra. Embrace the comfort, enjoy the support, and experience the Lululemon difference. Happy shopping!
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Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Lululemon. We were compensated for our honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely our own. Thank you for supporting Fit Foodie Finds and the brands we genuinely love!