Is a Sports Bra Necessary for the Gym?

If you're planning on hitting the gym or working out at home, there is a lot of workout gear that you can probably skip. But what about your bra? Is a sports bra necessary for the gym? For most women, the answer is yes, but it does come down to personal preference on whether you choose to wear a sports bra. We go through everything you need to know about the benefits of wearing sports bras here.

What are the Benefits of a Sports Bra?

If you have your favorite everyday bra that fits well and provides good support, is sports bra necessary for gym workouts? The short answer is yes, we recommend wearing a properly fitted sports bra for working out – and here are some reasons why.

1. Extra Support

Whether you're running on a treadmill or sweating your way through a hot yoga class, your breasts, no matter what size they are, are prone to shift with every time your foot hits the treadmill or you change your position.

Sports bras are constructed to provide maximum support by firmly holding your breasts in place during high-impact activities. Most sports bras provide compression of the bust, which keeps your breast tissue firmly against your chest. An encapsulation style sports bra will also provide bust separation to keep your breasts separated to prevent uni-boob and chafing. Not all sports bras provide both compression and encapsulation of the bust, but a supportive sports bra will provide both to keep your bust as supported and bounce-free as possible.

2. Prevent or Reduce Pain

We may refer to breasts as a single body part, but they are actually composed of numerous ligaments and tissue that connect to the muscles in your chest. Wearing a supportive sports bra can help prevent or reduce pain in and around your chest wall.

Engaging in a vigorous activity without the support of a properly fitting sports bra can stress the cooper's ligaments connective tissue and ultimately cause you pain. That pain isn't necessarily limited to the breast area or breast health, either. Working out without a sports bra can also leave you vulnerable to back, neck, and shoulder pain. It may also make you more susceptible to developing stretch marks on your breasts. A supportive sports bra will help support your cooper's ligaments and in turn prevent tissue damage.

3. Comfort and Breathability

No matter how comfortable your everyday bra is, it simply will not provide support for higher-impact activities like a sports bra will. Everyday bras generally are not made of quality sweat-wicking fabrics and are not designed to support the bust through a high-impact workout. Not only is a sweaty everyday bra uncomfortable, but if you wear one during your workout, the sweat and increased friction that often accompany a workout session can leave you vulnerable to heat rashes, yeast infections, and other types of skin irritation.

Quality sports bras are composed of breathable, moisture-wicking materials that will help keep you cool and dry throughout your workout. We always recommend you wear a sports bra if you plan on working up a sweat. A good sports bra will keep you supported, cool, and comfortable throughout your gym session.

4. Improved Confidence

If you're like many ladies out there, you know what it feels like to start a workout only to find the bra you have on doesn't offer the support you were expecting. Unwanted bouncing and inefficient support can quickly make you self-conscious.

Wearing a sports bra will prevent unwanted and painful breast bounce, making it easier for you to stay confident and focus on your workout goals.

What's the difference between a Sports Bra and Regular Bra?

Regular bras typically aren't designed to meet the challenges women's bodies face during exercise. A good sports bra will always be created with two primary goals in mind: active bust support and moisture control.

A properly fitting sports bra is essential, but a sports bra becomes even more critical if you have a larger bust. Not only will the right sports bra make you comfortable, but it can save you from a lot of pain post workout.

Many women with large busts are prone to experience more back, neck, and shoulder pain associated with inadequate breast support. We recommend every woman with large breast wear a sports bra while working out. Even if you have small breasts, wearing a sports bra is always beneficial.

In the past, many women felt they needed to choose between comfort and aesthetics. The sports bra has come a long way. Today's selections include bras that can not only serve their purpose but match your personality, giving you the support you want whether you're working up a sweat, running errands, or simply lounging at home.

About the Author

Maeve Gesualdi is a Fordham University alumna where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fashion Studies. Based in New York City, Maeve is part of the marketing team at Glamorise. Maeve regularly interacts with customers via social media and product reviews, as well as with influencers and models. She is constantly getting feedback on our products as well as gaining a better understanding of what women in our category struggle with and/or look for when searching for a bra. Aside from writing, she is passionate about all things travel and fashion.

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