Stuff We Love: Sports Bras

You can't get into the gym without the right equipment, so we put the hottest sports bras to the jiggle test. Find out which ones kept everything in place and which might leave you feeling flat.

The Jiggle Test All-Stars:

Champion Jogbra Sportshape Bra, $24.99
Why we loved it: Anything that comes with its own motion-control requirements is all right with us. Champion takes your boobs' bounce seriously by rating the level of support required to control "breast movement" and evaluating the amount of that movement involved in various activities. Depending on the specific activity you intend to use it for, and your breast size, you can find the exact right support. Mumbo jumbo aside, all you need to know is that it works. The Sportshape is a soft-cup sports bra that has adjustable straps and double back clasps. The mesh panel between the cups allows for ventilation where you need it most. All things considered, this is the best of the bunch.

What you should know: The only drawback here is aesthetic. Even though the "baseball cups" ‑- two seams cutting across the breasts horizontally like, you guessed it, a baseball ‑- are doing something right, they leave a weird silhouette when the bra is worn alone, which probably wouldn't be done at the gym anyway, since it looks more like intimate apparel than Stairmaster chic.

Natori Sport Bra #34439, $39
Why we loved it: There's no patented material and no gimmick, but holy cow, does this thing work! This comfy cotton number feels and performs like a sports bra while fitting like a regular one. A big, efficient regular one, but the covered underwire allows for a well-defined breast shape (versus tank bras' uniboob look) without any digging whatsoever. Almost everything is adjustable, so you really can customize the fit for maximum effectiveness. What you should know: The way it performed its function more than makes up for any shortcomings in form, which is really just a matter of preference anyway. To us, the double seam (an underwire and a reinforced side panel) is a little reminiscent of a nursing bra. Or chest plate. But you should also note that, like any other bra, getting the proper fit is key. Without it, the straps had a tendency to slip and the cups felt a little loose. Once you adjust the back clasps and strap length, you'll be good to go.

Little Bit of Jiggle:

Shock Absorber Impact Level 3 Anti-Bounce Sports Bra, $46
Why we liked it: When you put this bad boy on, you get the sense that someone spent a long time in front of the old drawing board. First, nearly the whole thing is made out of CoolMax, so any "moisture" hardly has a prayer before being wicked away from the body. Plus, there are all sorts of seams intended for maximum support. Unlike other slip-on racer-back sports bras, Shock Absorber's has adjustable side panels to find the perfect fit.

What you should know: For all that forethought and the amount they're charging, it seems like it should work better than it does. The tank-with-a-keyhole design may be sexy or serve some function we couldn't discern, but it felt strange to leave the top and middle of the breasts exposed. And by strange we mean flimsily supported. The bra's "overalls" design ‑- a panel on the front and then a second one coming from the back over the shoulders ‑- made us feel like our breasts were forced downward instead of into the firm and perky illusion some of the other bras offered.

Old Navy's Sports Bra, $10
Why we liked it: For the money, you won't do any better. Sure, you're not going to get any fancy technology with this plain tank bra, but it's supersoft against your skin and gets the job done sufficiently. The CoolMax lining lifts moisture away from the body to avoid the dreaded postworkout chill. And, unlike the more structured and complicated boulder holders, you could definitely wear this bra as a stand-alone top.

What you should know: Women with more to, ahem, work with should buy a size down, because after wearing this bra for about an hour, it conforms to the body, stretches and loses some of its holding power. Aesthetically, the design is cute and offers pretty good support overall, but no matter what size you buy for the foundation factor, the extra-low scoop neck leaves some places ‑- top and sides ‑- more vulnerable to the bounce than others.

Too Much Jiggle:

Adidas Women's Response Long Bra Top, $44.99
Why we didn't like it: While you won't find a more attractive bra in the group, this one didn't provide much more support than any other cute top you may have in your closet. And like that cute top, you'd probably need to wear another bra underneath this one to be able to exercise painlessly. The armholes' deep cuts come far enough down that they leave some of the side of the breast needing more coverage, and there's no way to adjust the fit. While the top itself is made out of ClimaCool, a breathable material to keep perspiration at bay, the bra material inside is a thick, almost fleecy cotton that gets kind of hot while working out.

What you should know: The V-neck racer-back tank top with a shelf bra inside outfits you both with discreet coverage and a hot little number to strut around in, not to mention being safety conscious with reflective stripes on the neckline and back. Its simple, classic, pullover design isn't saddled with any fussy clasps, straps or seams to negotiate, but that also means it's not designed with maximum bounce-busting in mind.