The Best Racerback Bras of 2026, Tested & Reviewed By Editors
Our favorite styles are from Wacoal and Crz Yoga.

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?
Bra shopping can make even the most confident person question her cup size. Most people aren’t wearing their true size, says Laura Henny, founder of The Rack Shack, a bra fit boutique in New York. A racerback style—in which the straps meet at the back to create an X or Y shape—happens to be a sort of Goldilocks option, suiting most sizes because they’re super customizable. That’s part of why racerback bras have such a loyal following: they’re supportive, comfortable, less likely to slip around, and easy to style under a variety of tops.
Best Racerback Bras
- Best Overall: B. Tempt’d by Wacoal Racerback Front-Close Bra
- Best Budget: Crz Yoga Butterluxe Y Back Sports Bra
- Best For Large Busts:Athleta Perfect Form Sports Bra
- Softest: Beyond Yoga Spacedye Slim Racerback Cropped Tank
- Most Comfortable:Rhone Sports Bra
As a style writer who’s tested more bras than I can count (at different weights and sizes over the years), I’ve found they tend to work especially well for smaller and larger busts alike. That's especially true for sports brasor minimizer braswith added features like underwire, molded cups, or a wider band, says Dani Read, a senior designer for luxury lingerie brand Cosabella. Adjustable straps (as opposed to fixed backs) can also help you get the right fit in a racerback, she adds. Breathable fabric is another important consideration, especially for everyday comfort. That’s why it’s a go-to style for Women’s Health’s style and fitness team. It’s super easy to wear for hours under workout tops and office dresses.
What to Consider
Size Range
Our experts say that the most important consideration in selecting any type of bra—racerback or otherwise—is finding the right size. And, unfortunately, sometimes you may not be able to find your size at any old retailer. Most stores only stock "standard sizes"—that is, sizes 32-38 B-D, says Laura Burke, intimate apparel stylist and certified bra fit expert. But inclusive bra sizes go as large as an N cup, she says, so keep an eye out for a wider range of sizes when you're shopping if you need to. And remember: You may have to visit a bra boutique to find sizes on the far end of the spectrum.
Adjustable Straps
When it comes to racerback styles, Read recommends adjustable straps, particularly if you're larger-chested and know you need more support. "The strap placement should have the straps sitting comfortably on your shoulders," she says. The correct strap placement helps alleviate pressure on the shoulders and distribute the weight of your bust evenly, preventing back pain.
Materials
Read recommends looking for a bra that has a soft and breathable fabric that won’t irritate you throughout the day. She highlights her favorite bra fabrics below:
- Nylon: Nylon gives any bra a smooth, lightweight feel while offering plenty of strength and stretch for a supportive fit. It also helps the bra lie flat under clothes, which is key for that seamless look.
- Spandex: Also known as elastane, this is a lightweight, stretchy fabric that will give your bra that snappy, elastic feel.
- Polyester: Polyester adds structure and durability to a racerback bra, helping it maintain its shape and provide consistent support throughout the day. It also wicks moisture and dries quickly for extra comfort, especially when you’re wearing it for hours, making it great for workout bras.
- Cotton: Cotton adds softness and breathability to a bra, making it super comfortable. It’s especially great for sensitive skin or warmer weather since it’s naturally breathable and gentle.
How We Chose
We first wrote this story in June 2024 and have been regularly updating it with top-performing selects ever since. To find the best racerback bras for all bodies and breast shapes, I consulted dedicated bra fit experts and professional stylists, plus asked our team for feedback on the brands they wear and love. We put our heads together and talked through support, materials, styles, sizes, fit, and more to make sure our final list included something for everyone—from wireless bras, sports bras, minimizer bras, and options for small chests. Read on for our guide to the best racerback bras that we tested so you don’t have to.
Meet the Experts
- Laura Henny is the founder of The Rack Shack, a bra fit boutique in New York, New York.
- Laura Burke is an intimate apparel stylist and certified bra fit expert.
- Dani Read is a senior designer at Cosabella, a luxury lingerie brand.
- Chellie Carlson is a professional stylist based in Los Angeles.
Shop More of Our Favorite Bras
Best High-Impact Sports Bras | Best Strapless Bras for Large Busts | Best Back Smoothing Bras | Best Nursing Bras | Best Backless Bras | Best Sticky Bras | Best Front-Closure Bras | Best Sports Bras | Best Compression Bras | Most Comfortable Bras

Shannen Zitz is the Associate Style & Reviews Editor at Women's Health, where she covers all-things sneakers and activewear. Previously, she was an assistant editor at Prevention. Shannen graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

Derm-Approved Face Washes That Editors Actually Use

Hilary Duff Drops Reebok Activewear at Walmart

Shop Kerry Washington’s Exact Vuori Cover Look

The 9 Best Cooling Sheets, Tested by Editors























