How to Find the Right Style of Sports Bra
Learn Which Style of Sports Bra is Best Suited for You
Wearing the correct sports bra is crucial for adequate support and comfortable exercise. Breasts are made up of mostly fatty tissues, with Cooper's ligaments being the only internal support system they have. However, these ligaments aren’t very strong, and with too much movement, they can weaken and stretch causing pain while exercising and the development of saggy boobs. This is why wearing a supportive bra really is essential and why finding the right features for your body is a crucial step in finding your perfect sports bra. In this article, we describe the different types of sports bras and what features work best for different bodies.
Type of Support
Classic compression bras provide an overall compressive fit by pressing both breasts against your chest. These are usually best suited for medium to lower impact activities and for those with smaller breasts (A/B). Women with smaller breasts usually find that a simple compression bra offers enough support for most activities.
Encapsulated bras keep each breast separate, like a traditional bra. These typically provide better support for larger breasted women.
Encapsulated/compression bras combine compression and encapsulation. This is ideal for high-impact activities because each breast is individually supported. This kind of support is the best option for larger breasted women as it offers maximum comfort and shaping. The combination of compression and encapsulation presses the breasts to the body while giving each breast its own cup for optimal support. These bras often feature adjustable straps.
Back Styles
Racerback bras create a "Y" shape in the back. They are generally not adjustable and are pulled on over the head. Racerbacks typically come in sizes XS to XL and are good for low to medium-impact activities and for those with smaller cup sizes.
Cross-back bras come together in the back to allow for increased range of motion and typically have some adjustment features.
A scoop-back design is most similar to an everyday bra. This style is easier to put on and take off, which can be especially beneficial for larger-chested women.
Bras with convertible straps allow the wearer to change the back style from a scoop-back to a cross-back design, depending on individual fit needs and preferences. This is helpful if you're looking for a flexible style or if you prefer to have your straps hidden under your tank top.
Types of Closures
Hook-and-eye closures are clasps on the back of the bra. Most standard bras feature three hooks to choose from for a customised fit.
Some bras are designed with zippers. These make the bra easier to get on and off. Many women with larger breasts prefer this type of closure as they still get a full, supportive fit without having to pull the bra on over their head.
Types of Cups
Molded cups are seamless and provide shape with less structure and no additional padding. They are designed to complement and maintain the natural shape of the breast.
Contoured cups are used in bras with padding or liners. They provide shape, modesty, and support. An easy way to tell if the cups are contoured is by laying the bra on a flat surface; if the cups maintain their shape, they are contoured.
Removable cups add protection, modesty and support. As the name suggests, they can be removed easily.
Putting It All Together
1. Find your size by measuring for your band and cup sizes. See our article on measuring your bra size.
2. Consider whether you would be best supported with a compression bra, an encapsulated bra, or with a hybrid encapsulated/compression bra.
3. Have an idea of what style of back, closure, and cup would best suit your needs and preferences.
Ready to start shopping? Visit Our Sports Bra Page.