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Nike Swoosh Review

Traditional sports bra with comfortable built-in pads, high support compression, and comfortable rib band at an excellent price
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Nike Swoosh Review (Nike Swoosh, sports bras, 2024)
Nike Swoosh, sports bras, 2024
Credit: Kate Pitts
Price:  $40 List
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Manufacturer:   Nike
By Kate Pitts ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 16, 2024
79
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 23
  • Comfort and Fit - 40% 8.0
  • Support - 30% 8.0
  • Style - 15% 6.0
  • Quality - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Nike Swoosh is a classic athletic-style sports bra at an unusually affordable price. Its snug compression and secure sewn-in pads keep everything secure when you lift your max or tick off the miles on a morning jog. The snug and comfortable fit makes it a versatile workhorse for a range of medium-impact exercises, although women with larger chests may opt for an encapsulation bra for more support. At this price, the Nike Swoosh is one of the most durable and easy-to-care-for bras in our lineup.
REASONS TO BUY
Classic athletic look
High support
No-roll chest band
Pads are sewn in
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud branding
Runs small

Compare to Similar Products

 
nike swoosh
This Product
Nike Swoosh
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Budget Sports Bra for Activewear
Top Pick Award
Best Low-Impact Sports Bra with Inclusive Sizing
  Best Buy Award
Best Value Sports Bra for Everyday Comfort
Price $34.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 4 sellers
$46 List
$36.80 at Amazon
$26.83 at REI$34 List
$35.00 at Amazon
$35 List
$24.39 at REI
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line We never knew how easy it could be to wear and care for a sports bra with sewn-in pads. This bra keeps you snug during your hardest moves and gives you a classic athletic styleThe sufficient compression, soft recycled material, and supportive rib band work together to make a comfortable sports bra, perfect for any body or occasionThis high-neck running bra features two side pockets for keys and cards and a back pocket for your phoneIn fun colors and athletic fit, this bra features a handy back phone pocketA soft, breathable, and date night attractive bralette best for smaller chests that is a budget buy for everyday wear, backpacking, traveling, restorative yoga, and swimming
Rating Categories Nike Swoosh Girlfriend Collecti... Brooks 3 Pocket Senita Sarah REI Co-op Active Br...
Comfort and Fit (40%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
Support (30%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
7.5
3.0
Style (15%)
6.0
8.5
7.5
6.5
7.0
Quality (15%)
9.0
9.5
5.0
7.5
7.5
Specs Nike Swoosh Girlfriend Collecti... Brooks 3 Pocket Senita Sarah REI Co-op Active Br...
Material 72% polyester, 28% spandex 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 21% spandex 100% polyester 72% polyester, 28% spandex 86% polyester, 14% spandex mesh
Support Medium impact Low/medium impact High impact Medium impact Low impact
Size Range XS - XXL XXS - 6XL AB - DDE XS - XXL XS - 3XL
Support Type Compression Compression Compression Compression Encapsulation
Strap Style Racerback Crisscross Racerback Racerback Racerback
Adjustable No Yes No No Yes
Padded Yes, sewn-in No Yes, removable Yes, removable Yes, removable
Neck Line Scoop neck High neck High neck Scoop neck V neck
Key Pocket No No 3 Back pocket No

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Nike Swoosh is made from a polyester and spandex blend and constructed with sewn-in pads. Nike sources the polyester in the material from recycled plastic bottles that are converted into yarn to lessen the environmental impact. Recycled material is part of Nike's “Move to Zero” production policy, including buying carbon credits. The Swoosh is available in multiple bright colors with the Nike logo on the center chest and in sizes XXS to 2XL.

Performance Comparison


nike swoosh - what is calling you to "just do it"?  nike is the goddess of victory...
What is calling you to "Just do it"? Nike is the goddess of victory and may you feel victorious in your breath and movement.
Credit: Val Pitts

Comfort and Fit



The Nike Swoosh balances medium-impact activities and all-day comfort. At a budget price, it offers quality construction details like sewn-in pads and a soft inner mesh liner, making it an excellent value for such a dependable athletic fit.


Have you ever thrown bra pads in the trash because they slide everywhere during workouts? One of the biggest complaints about many sports bras is the “slip and slide” passage. No fun to look down after your personal pull-up record and realize you have lopsided boobs from bra pads gone rogue. A feature that makes the Nike Swoosh stand out is sewn-in pads that do not shift, so the bra has a consistently clean look.

nike swoosh - the nike swoosh runs small but if you size up then the straps and...
The Nike Swoosh runs small but if you size up then the straps and waistband are comfortable and never dig.
Credit: Felly Montelya

One feature we love is the Nike Dri-FIT sweat-wicking fabric that ensures superior breathability during intense workouts. The newest update of the Nike Swoosh upgraded the design with a soft inner mesh liner that impressed our testers with its softness and breathability. The soft mesh lining and the sweat-wicking Dri-FIT outer fabric of the Nike Swoosh are quality details for an affordable bra.

nike swoosh - looking at the bra inside out, you can see how the pads are sewn...
Looking at the bra inside out, you can see how the pads are sewn into place for added support, comfort, and shaping.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Support


The Nike Swoosh offers premium compression and wide fabric that holds everything. The built-in pads make it more flattering and add structure.


We found the compression of the Nike Swoosh comfortable and great for most medium-intensity workouts at the gym or outdoors. The waistband is firm without being constricting. Our testers found it was comfortable for mountaineering, CrossFit, and biking. The snug fit can feel confining for some women in activities with deep breathing and mobility, like yoga. While the bra generally runs small, some women choose a snugger fit for more compression. The wide waistband adds to the support and doesn't roll or lose its elasticity mid-workout. The bra fabric stays snug against the body for the most part, with a slight but comfortable, relaxed fit around the armpits. The strap bands are wide, comfortable, and don't cut into the shoulders. Women with larger chests may want a bra with more encapsulation for HIIT or running.

Excellent compression keeps the girls snug, while sewn-in pads keep things from shifting when you rock your wildest moves.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Style


The Nike Swoosh has a classic athletic style. While the bra doesn't turn heads, it makes a statement that it is time to get sporty and on the move.


If you like a classy and athletic fit, then the Nike Swoosh is an iconic traditional sports bra with a high U-neck line and firm compression. The high scoop neck offers excellent coverage that feels secure in inversion training and keeps you tucked in during curls and squats. It comes in various bright, attractive colors and features the iconic Nike swoosh mid-chest. The Swoosh is a straightforward bra that gets the job done comfortably. The logo name “Nike” is inspired by the Greek goddess of victory, and this style tends to inspire athletes and serious training. The style is utilitarian but of premium quality, and this well-constructed bra stands out against competitors with its affordable price point.

nike swoosh - built-in pads give you a smooth fit and solid athletic performance.
Built-in pads give you a smooth fit and solid athletic performance.
Credit: Kate Pitts

Quality


Considering it can be machine-washed and dried without sacrificing durability, the Nike Swoosh is a time-conscious woman's solution for a bra that is a snap to care for and maintain.


We all hate having to unfold every article of clothing in the dryer to find a sports bra pad that went AWOL. Flimsy and removable pads in sports bras often pop out or bunch up inside the bra. They can take more time to stuff in the little hole and smooth into a decent boobish shape than the time it takes for some morning workouts. Many removable pads disappear in the mystical land of lost socks and ghost us without support or, worse - a one-padded bra. The Nike Swoosh solves this issue with sewn-in pads, making this the epitome of a low-maintenance sports bra. The Swoosh is one of the most resilient bras we tested in wash cycles, and market research indicates that this bra has stayed in top shape for years. The spandex in the material helps ensure shape retention and durability.

nike swoosh - the nike swoosh looks just fine after a regular wash and dry cycle.
The Nike Swoosh looks just fine after a regular wash and dry cycle.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Should You Buy the Nike Swoosh?


The Nike Swoosh is a classic workhorse with quality medium support, breathability, and durability for a hard-to-find price. It breathes during your hottest workouts and dries quickly after being soaked with sweat. Soft material and mesh lining make it comfortable for the entire workout, although we recommend staying true to size for more compression or sizing up for a more relaxed fit for hiking or yoga. Many women love the classic athletic Fit and the easy on and off of the pullover. The Swoosh is one of your best easy-care and no-hassle bra options.

nike swoosh - the swoosh has a snug and supportive compression that lifts and...
The Swoosh has a snug and supportive compression that lifts and secures you for your flow state.
Credit: Kate Pitts

What Other Sports Bras Should You Consider?


The Nike Swoosh compression is the best fit for small and medium chests, especially if you are an athlete pushing your intensity in training, and more prominent women might want more encapsulation support to prevent movement while doing rigorous exercise. The Lululemon Run Times High Support is one of the most comfortable and stabilizing bras, while the SheFit Ultimate provides maximum support and more adjustability to tailor the fit. Once you have found your bra, look at the best exercise equipment to get your body moving.

Kate Pitts
 

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