The Athleta Ultimate Bra A-C is a medium-impact racerback bra for smaller cups, positioned for run, train and HIIT. Solid colors use 75% recycled polyester and 25% Lycra, per the page, and the brand calls the SuperSonic fabric sleek with supportive compression. It lists at $49 and was on sale for $24.97 when we checked, though sizes were out of stock. It is a straightforward, comfortable choice for A-C cups doing cardio, with recycled fabric stated by the brand.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Athleta Ultimate Bra A-C Review (2026)
4/5
our rating
our rating
$49 seen $24.97Full price on Athleta’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: A–C cups doing cardio, training and HIIT.
Skip it if: You need high support or a larger cup.
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What we like
- Sleek racerback for movement
- Supportive compression
- Made with recycled polyester, per the page
- Positioned for run, train and HIIT
Watch out for
- Medium impact, not high
- Out of stock at fetch
- Final sale on discounted colors
On this page
Fit and sizing
The page lists sizes XXS to XL, built for A to C cups. For D-DD+ cups, Athleta sells a separate Ultimate D-DD+ version. The page showed every size out of stock when we checked, so confirm availability. The brand also pairs it with its Empower Mastectomy Bra Insert.
Fabric and feel
Solid colors and prints are 75% recycled polyester and 25% Lycra, while textured versions use a different blend. The brand also says SuperSonic is made with recycled nylon in one place, so the page is not fully consistent; treat the percentage line as the more specific one. It lists wicking, quick-drying, breathable and compression properties. The recycled material claim is the brand's own.
How it performs for running and training
Athleta calls it best for cardio: run, train and HIIT, at medium impact. Medium impact suits A-C cups for most workouts, but some runners may want more hold on long runs. The racerback design is meant for distraction-free mobility and airflow. For higher support, see the Nike Indy High Support. Our best running sports bras page has more.
Price and value
List price is $49 and the page showed $24.97, marked final sale. At that price the Ultimate is good value. See Athleta for the brand's return rules before buying a final-sale item.
Alternatives
Without a cup-sized version, the Gymshark Running Sports Bra is high support for $58. See our best sports bras for a small bust.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you need high support for long runs, cups above C, or an underwire. Also skip it if stock is the problem, since every size was out of stock when we checked.
Specs
| For | Women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XXS–XL (A–C cups) |
| Fabric | Solid colors: 75% recycled polyester, 25% Lycra (SuperSonic) |
| Recycled materials | Yes (brand states) |
| Support | Medium |
| Cup sizes | A–C |
| Alpha sizes | XXS–XL |
| Closure | Pullover |
| Adjustable straps | No |
| Longline | No |
| Style | Racerback |
| No | |
| Good for | Running, HIIT, Gym training, Cycling |
The verdict
A comfortable, reasonably priced medium-impact racerback for A-C cups, with recycled fabric stated by the brand. Buy it for cardio, training and HIIT, ideally on sale and in stock. Skip it if you need high support, larger cups or a purchase that is not final sale.
Alternatives to consider
Nike Indy High Support Padded Adjustable Sports Bra4/5 · $55Gymshark High Support V-Neck Sports Bra4/5 · $56Gymshark Running Sports Bra3.8/5 · $58
Frequently asked questions
What cup sizes is the Athleta Ultimate A-C for?
A to C cups. Athleta sells a separate D-DD+ version.
Is it high impact?
No. The page says medium impact.
What is it made of?
Solid colors and prints: 75% recycled polyester and 25% Lycra, per the page.
What sizes does it come in?
XXS to XL.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Ratings estimated from specs and review consensus (owner reviews, brand-page reviews, tester sites); not tested by us. Fabric percentages from page data; some prints use another blend (40% recycled polyester/37% nylon/23% spandex). Page also says 'recycled nylon' for SuperSonic. Padding not stated on the page (null); recycled claim is the brand's wording. List $49, $24.97 shown.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.