Not all sports bras are created equal. To ensure maximum support while you work up a sweat, you need a bra worth its stuff. Why, you may wonder, are sports bras so important? Over time, the ligaments that attach the breasts to the body stretch and can cause sagging. A sports bra helps protect against that stretching sensation during your workout, holding your breasts close to the body even when you're pounding the treadmill. So whether you're an A cup or D cup, sports bras are a must.

Since women come in many shapes and sizes and athletic endeavors in many varieties, you'll have to find a bra that works well for your particular shape and sport. While you may burn 600 calories in that hot yoga class every Tuesday and Thursday at the crack of dawn, the amount of support you'll need isn't the same as when you're jetting to an hour-long spin class or busting out a 2-mile run during your lunch break.

The Best Bra For: Running (Extreme Impact)

To find the best bra for running, look no further than running superstore roadrunner.com. Ranked as one of the most popular on the running retailer's site, the Women's Moving Comfort Fiona Bra has armholes and contours designed specifically to cut down on chafing as your arms pump back and forth when you're out pounding the pavement. The bra has molded cups and adjustable straps. The best part is even the bustier runners out there will be comfortable in this bra - Prevention Magazine ranked it as the "Best Bra for Ds and up." $43.99
The Best Bra For: Yoga (Light Impact)

For most yoga practices, you only need light to moderate support from your sports bra. The Seamless Option Bra Top from Athleta gives you the support you need, even when jumping back into plank. It comes in Black Maha, with stylish designs, so you can opt for a shirt or just sport, well, your sports bra. This is made of Athleta's trademark Skinlift yarn, with low impact removable cups in sizes A to C. Adjust the straps to wear as a cami or as a racerback for added support. $36

The Best Bra For: Skiing and Snow Sports (Medium Impact)

For the ultimate authority on everything alpine and athletic, look no further than The North Face. The bra's name, Bounce-B-Gone, is pretty self-explanatory (just picture moguls skiing on the Winter Olympics, and you'll get the idea). The bra's unique features include a wide elastic hem that adds support, and a Lycra compression fabric that stretches with your movement. An added plus is the moisture wicking feature where sweat is pulled away from your skin to the outer layer of the bra's fabric, where it dries more quickly. Even when it's cold outside, if you're skiing, you're sweating. $28

The Best Bra For: Horseback Riding (Extreme Impact)

No scanty little camis here, ladies. Horseback riding has just as much impact as running, so it should come as no surprise that the PureLime Ladies Compression High Impact Sports Bra is extremely full coverage. It's designed with bustier women in mind, and though featured on equestriancollections.com, it can also dub for running and aerobic activities. Coolmax material allows quick drying, shaped shoulder straps and molded cups. This bra also is devoid of side seems, which helps prevent chafing. The special feature includes compression straps that limit up and down movement - perfect for trotting, and still helpful with cantering. Now if you could just get that horse to gallop ... $72
The Best Bra For: Basketball, Soccer, Etc. (High Impact)

The McDavid 5630WT Hex Fusion HexPad Women's Sports Bra provides support in a series of hexagon-shaped mini pads. While its name may be complicated, the bra is not. The hexpads work by spreading out impact across the surface of the bra, allowing you to feel confident, even in high impact sports like basketball and soccer. The bra has a special compression fabric made of 88% supplex and 12% spandex that moves with your body, whether you're running down the court or catching a teammate's stealthy pass. The Hexpad bra also features racerback straps in a keyhole design, and has a moisture management system to keep you as dry as possible when your heart rate kicks up. The Hexpad bra is available for team orders and discounts. Don't worry; it can make a slam dunk for virtually all sizes - from 32A to 44C. $33.99

The Best Bra For: Cycling (Medium Impact)

From spin classes with throbbing music and blue lights to 50-mile rides on winding mountain roads, the Madison Bra by Falke is tailor-made for sweating it out in the saddle. This is Falke's No. 1 selling sports bra and with good reason. With the Madison bra, say goodbye to the uni-boob. Double breast "encapsulation" separates the breasts, which, along with the mesh inserts, helps with ventilation. The Madison is a bra top that features a racerback, which allows it to dub for that killer yoga or Pilates class. Available in 32A to 38D. $40

The Best Bra For: Step Class (High Impact)

The Lucy Cool It Sports Bra II is a double threat: it has 2 layers of shelf bras, one with Lucy removable "cupcakes." Keep the cupcakes in for added support or take them out if you prefer. Either way, hidden straps on the inner layer help provide additional support. The outer layer features a racerback design. Add the brand's Powermax compression and you've got some serious support, whether you're jumping into a V-step or popping out into an L-step. This bra is form fitting and great for muscle support, and features moisture wicking and odor inhibiting capabilities. (So don't worry if you had a garlic-laced pizza before class.) One tip: when washing this bra, take out the cupcakes and hand wash them, lest you have a Picasso-esque uni-boob look upon further use. Comes in Pixel Flower Print/Very Berry or Lucy Black/Very Berry. $42