I personally tested these nontoxic and organic sustainable sports bras. Here are my notes on fit, performance, and durability.
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. At just over five feet tall, my chest protruded beyond my body no matter what I wore, and a simple cotton sports bra didn’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 running) is a challenge. I need enough fabric and coverage, and I also want support and compression for burpees, box jumps, or sprints.
Why consider organic and nontoxic activewear?
“Finding a sports bra that I can comfortably wear for my preferred workouts (HIIT or running) is a challenge.”
Organic and nontoxic activewear is my preference because it’s not just about looking good while working out — it’s about feeling good too. Nobody wants synthetic fabrics or harsh chemicals rubbing against their skin, especially knowing they can be absorbed (no PFAS please). Rather organic fabrics, like cotton or bamboo, feel softer and are less likely to cause irritation, plus they’re often made with eco-friendly dyes. These organic materials are also free of the harmful chemical PFAS, which is linked to period irregularities, ovarian disorders, high blood pressure, and fertility concerns.
When it comes to organic cotton specifically, its farming methods have minimal impact on our ecosystems compared to conventional fabrics. It’s biodegradable and organic cotton producers support socially responsible labor practices, meaning each purchase supports the fair treatment of garment workers. By being intentional with my activewear purchases, it’s great knowing I’m supporting brands that care about sustainability and ethical production practices.
Can sustainable sports bras actually be supportive?
I’ll be the first to admit it is difficult to find organic cotton sports bras that are actually supportive — but there are a few on this list, and it’s what I prefer to wear when possible. A lot of activewear is made with synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon because they’re durable, stretchy, and good at wicking sweat, but they can also release microplastics and may not always be great for sensitive skin. If organic cotton options are out of the question, I look to products made from recycled fabrics — they still have the performance benefits of synthetics but with a smaller environmental footprint. To make sure they’re safe for my health, I look for certifications like OEKO-TEX, which guarantee they’re free of harmful chemicals. I also use these non-organic/natural material bras only for high-impact exercising and change as soon as I’m done working out to minimize contact. I’ve included my favorite ones at the end of this list.
“It is difficult to find organic cotton sports bras that are actually supportive — but there are a few on this list.”
Our criteria:
Our editors have worked out in the top sustainable activewear, corresponded with brands, and read thousands of customer reviews to compile this list. I personally tested each of these sports bras for fit, performance, and durability to see how they held up through many sweaty workouts and rinse cycles. Plus, I’ve noted which exercise I think each bra is better suited for. For context, I’m a 34C and ordered a size medium in all except Outdoor Voices (small). We update this list regularly with our emerging favorites that meet the following criteria:
- ORGANIC & NONTOXIC | The brands on this list use only materials that are nontoxic and PFAS-free. These options are all safe, breathable, and comfortable for anything from lounging around to working up a sweat.
- SUSTAINABLE | Each brand is committed to ethical, eco-friendly production and various sustainability initiatives. We’ve included details on sustainability certifications so you can be sure you’re supporting thoughtful business.
- SUPPORTIVE | Since sustainable activewear is known for being slightly less supportive, I’ve put each of these sports bras through the ringer. Below, you can read my notes on how they held up through rigorous workouts.
Looking to update more of your athletic wardrobe? Try these sustainable activewear brands or these brands for organic cotton leggings. I also tested and reviewed sustainable running shoes.
Best Overall | Most Affordable | Most Supportive | Best Cotton
1. Boody
Materials | Organic cotton, organic bamboo, elastane
Sizes | XS – XL
Price Range | $15
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
Materials | Organic cotton, elastane
Sizes | XS – 3XL
Price Range | $25 – $38
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 see in the photos that the fabric comes away from my skin. 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
Materials | Polyester, spandex, nylon, organic cotton
Sizes | XS – 6X
Price Range | $24 – $54
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. tentree
Materials | Recycled polyester, elastane
Sizes | XS – XL
Price Range | $24
Look at this gorgeous 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.
5. MATE The Label
Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, spandex
Sizes | XS – 3X
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.
6. Everlane
Materials | Recycled nylon, elastane
Sizes | XXS – XXL
Price Range | $17
Everlane doesn’t miss when it comes to quality basics for an affordable price point, and so I was really excited to learn they came out with a line of sports bras (and to try one for myself!). The Perform Longline Bra is made with GRS-certified recycled polyester and features a scoop neck and racerback, removable cups, and double-layered lining, in addition to lightweight compression and technical sweat-wicking properties.
I found this bra to be very similar to the Girlfriend Collective sports bra, with a little less support. It’s super soft and form-fitting, though I wish there were a tad more elastic under the bust to really hold things in. Overall, it’s a comfortable and supportive fit that holds everything in, whether I’m doing yoga or running. Three cheers for Everlane.
7. Organic Basics
Materials | Organic cotton, elastane
Sizes | XXS – XXXL
Price Range | $30
I will be honest: I am very hesitant to associate the word “supportive” with Organic Basics. I’ve tried a few items from this sustainable brand in the past, and while super soft and cozy, their bras and undergarments veer towards a particular body type that I don’t have. That said, I am extremely impressed with the fit and materials of this bra. It’s not something I would wear for a workout (though I’m sure those with smaller cup sizes would be fine), but it’s perfect for changing into right after a sweaty class. The organic cotton is so soft and seamless. It’s grown without harmful chemicals and made ethically in Egypt. And the color options are so vibrant and fun! I highly recommend this one for just about everything except your next CrossFit class.
8. Girlfriend Collective
Materials | RPET (recycled plastic water bottles), spandex
Sizes | XXS – 6XL
Price Range | $52 – $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.
9. Outdoor Voices
Materials | Nylon, lycra, recycled polyester, spandex
Sizes | XXS – XXXL
Price Range | $48 – $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.
10. Quince
Materials | Nylon, spandex, polyester
Sizes | XS – XL
Price Range | $30
I hopped on the Quince train sometime last year and haven’t looked back since. The brand is a fave for simple and sustainable basics (take a look at some of their certifications and production requirements here), and I was super excited to try the sports bras to see if they would also fit the bill.
I tried two sports bras from Quince (or, rather, one is a tank?), and I preferred the Longline Sports Bra to the V-Neck Cropped Tank, especially for workouts. The full coverage of the longline is a huge bonus, though I want more compression and support (the fabric is pretty thin). I’d recommend this one for hot yoga or pilates only. As for the tank, I so desperately wanted to love it. The fabric is soft, and the fit looks super flattering on the models. But it just didn’t sit quite right on my body. You can’t win them all!
Kayti Christian is a Senior Content Strategist at The Good Trade. With an MFA in Nonfiction Creative Writing, her work has appeared in TODAY, Shondaland, and The New York Times. Since 2017, Kayti has been uncovering and reviewing the best sustainable home brands and wellness products. Her personal journey through four years of fertility treatments has inspired her to write extensively about women’s healthcare and reproductive access. Beyond her work at The Good Trade, Kayti is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a Substack newsletter with 6,000 subscribers, and the cohost of the FriedEggs Podcast, which delves into IVF and infertility.
