Most women are familiar with sports bras and opt for a sports bra for working out and other high impact activities. Depending on your activity level or what your workouts look like, there are many different types of sports bras to choose from.
In this article, we'll go through everything you need to know about sports bras and how to choose the right sports bra for you. If you're searching for a new sports bra, keep reading. ``
What Types of Activities Can a Sports Bra Be Used For?
Sports bras offer the utmost support level for any activity, and can be used for a wide range of activities, in and out of the gym. Many women find sports bras to be a great option for everyday wear and opt for sports bras as their everyday bras.
Whether you only opt for a sports bra in the gym or wear them everyday, a good sports bra should provide optimum support. Keep reading below for a breakdown of the different sports bra styles and their key features, and determine the perfect sports bra for you.
Types of Sports Bras
There are many different types of sports bras, and it comes down to your personal preference and your bra size to determine the right sports bra for you. Generally speaking, most sports bras share features like adjustable straps, moisture wicking fabrics, and either wireless or underwire designs, but there are a few different styles to consider as well.
Low-Impact Sports Bras
Sports bras designed for low-impact activities offer the least amount of support. Low-impact sports bras are generally wireless, and do not feature rigid underwires. If you find yourself doing lower-impact activities like walking or yoga, low support bras might be a fine option for you.
If you have a smaller bust, a low-impact sports bra is also probably a safe bet. However for women with larger busts, a low-support level might not do the trick.
Medium-Impact Sports Bras
For activities like cycling or Pilates, medium support bras will likely do the trick. These sports bras offer a comfortable amount of support that isn't too restricting, but will keep bounce in check and minimize movement. Medium impact sports bra styles can be either wireless or underwired.
High-Impact Sports Bras
High support sports bras are the ones you should grab when engaging in any higher-intensity workouts like running, Zumba, or HIIT classes. These sports bras offer maximum support to inhibit breast movement during exercise, and usually have wider straps and non-stretch fabrics.
For women with a large bra size, high support bras are usually the best option regardless of activity level. For the utmost support, look for a high-impact sports bra with underwires, however there are select wireless styles as well.
Compression Sports Bras
Many sports bras are compression bras, meaning they keep the bust snug tightly against the chest wall. Compression sports bras limit breast movement and provide secure support during exercise. Compression sports bras will provide adequate support for women with smaller busts, or anyone looking to limit breast movement during exercise.
However some women with larger busts might find compression bras to be uncomfortable, as they can cause a uni-boob effect. If you have a larger chest, a simple compression sports bra might not be the best sports bra for you.
Encapsulation Sports Bras
Encapsulation bras keep each breast in a defined cup structure to separate each breast individually. Encapsulation sports bras mimic everyday bras in this way. Encapsulation bras are a great option for women with a larger cup size, as they provide maximum support of each individual breast and limit movement. These sports bras also help to prevent uni-boob and chafing.
Combination Sports Bras
There are also sports bra styles that provide both encapsulation and compression of the bust. Combination sports bras will provide the utmost breast support while also giving you a great shape, and these sports bras are popular for this reason.
A great plus-size sports bra will provide both encapsulation features and compression features. This will provide the utmost support for women with a larger bra size.
Racerback Sports Bras
Racerback bras are popular sports bra styles. These bras have either T-back or criss-crossed straps which narrow in the back between your shoulder blades. Some women prefer racerback sports bras to traditional bra straps, as many workout tops are also racerback styles. Racerback bras also prevent shoulder straps from slipping during exercise.
Back Closure Sports Bras
Many sports bra styles now feature adjustable back closures, similar to everyday bras. Having a hook-and-eye closure allows you to adjust the tightness of your bra as it stretches out over time, in turn increasing the life of your bra. Many back-closure sports bras also feature adjustable shoulder straps for a customized fit.
Front Closure Sports Bras
In recent years, sports bras with front-closures have seen a surge in popularity. Front-closure sports bras either feature a zipper front-closure or a hook-and-eye closure. These sports bras are easy to get on and off, and will not leave you struggling to reach behind you to unhook your bra or wiggling a sweaty sports bra over your head.
A front-closure style is also a good sports bra for any woman with mobility issues or anyone who prefers to wear a sports bra as an everyday bra.
Concluding Thoughts
If you're shopping for the right sports bra for you, be sure to try on a wide array of styles to see what works best. Sometimes sports bra sizing can run different than other bra styles, so be sure to consult a sports bra size chart as well. Look for features like wide, adjustable straps, compression and encapsulation, and easy closures for a comfortable fit.
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.
Related Posts:
Lift, Shape, and Support With Comfort and Style
