Whether you are lifting weights, training for a marathon, or hitting the yoga mat, wearing the right sports bra that gives you comfort and support is key to a better workout. Here’s how to buy the right style however you are moving.
First up, it’s important to match your sports bra with the type of activity you are doing. Designed to provide three levels of support: low, medium, and high support for use in low, medium, and high-impact sports the type of bra you will need depends on your cup size and the type of exercise you do.
These bras were designed for lower-impact activities, like yoga, pilates, power walking, and golf. They are made with a focus on comfort and mobility and often use soft materials.
For medium-impact activities, like gym, cycling, skiing, and core training, go for a medium-impact sports bra. These bras are made from materials that offer great support and moisture management, they will keep you comfortable even when your pulse is at its limits.
These bras are designed for higher-impact activity, with support and comfort as the main priorities. The materials used offer great support and moisture management to help you through the more intense sessions. These sports bras are perfect for running, CrossFit, and HIIT and if you have a larger bust that needs more support.
There are no muscles in your breasts. They’re supported only by skin and a network of ligaments that weave throughout the breast and attach to the chest wall. Irreversible breast sagging occurs when these ligaments are overstretched.
Now let's get technical. All sports bras minimise breast movement through the following approaches, here’s what you need to know.
These bras use individual cups to surround and support each breast separately. There is no compression in these bras (most everyday bras are encapsulation bras) making them generally best for low-impact activities.
These bras typically pull over your head and compress the breasts against the chest wall to restrict movement. They do not have cups built into the design. Compression sports bras tend to work best for low- to medium-impact activities.
Many sports bras combine the above methods into a supportive and comfortable style. These bras offer more support than compression or encapsulation alone, making them generally best for high-impact activities.
Regardless of the strap type you choose, it's worth noting that thin straps will generally provide less support than wider straps.
These straps crisscross in the back and usually provide good support. The straps are often adjustable, so you can fine-tune the fit. Depending on the style, crisscross straps can hide nicely underneath a sporty tank top or make their fashion statement.
This strap style is most similar to an everyday bra. The straps are often adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit. Bras with tank top straps often have a back closure, which offers additional adjustment. Some tank top bras are designed to allow the straps to be crisscrossed for versatility.
Sports bras with a racerback have shoulder straps that come together between your shoulder blades to create a Y-shape. Racerback bras provide good support for medium- to high-impact activities, but they are typically not adjustable, so it’s important to size the bra correctly. Racerback straps hide well underneath a racerback tank top.
The only way to know if it fits well is by trying it on. Generally, the bra should fit slightly tighter than a regular bra, but you should be able to breathe deeply and comfortably. There should be no chafing and if you jump up and down on the spot your boobs should feel secure and supported.