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The Best Sports Bras for Every Workout

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Adam Franklin Beckham
The Best Sports Bras for Every Workout

Comfort is a big part of a good workout, and sports bras help a lot with that. A good sports bra will make you feel supported and ready to run, do yoga, go to spin class, or go hiking.


There are a lot of different types and features to think about, like mesh panels, racerbacks, and cushion inserts. But it's important to pick a sports bra that's made for the type and level of exercise you do. Read on to find out more about low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact sports bras so you can make sure you're wearing the right one for your workout.


High-Impact Workouts

A high-impact workout is any kind of exercise practice that requires a lot of movement. Some examples are hopping, running, hitting, doing aerobics, and even mountain biking. For these kinds of intense workouts, it's best to wear a sports bra that gives you a lot of support.


What Is a High-Impact Sports Bra?


This style keeps your breasts from moving around too much and keeps them in place. Most high-impact sports bras have either compression bra technology or encapsulation bra technology. Compression bra technology doesn't have cups and instead presses both breasts directly against your body. Encapsulation bra technology supports each breast separately and gives them more shape. A mixed bra has both of these styles. Many sports bras for high-impact activities are padded, which helps keep the breasts in place.


What to Look for in High-Impact Sports Bras


When looking for a high-impact sports bra, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Most importantly, you'll want to make sure that the shoes fit tightly so that they don't move or bounce while you work out.


Compression and/or insulation technology will give you a lot of support if the fit is right. But some people like the extra support of underwire sports bras. The thin wires that run under each cup can help separate and support each one, which is especially helpful for women with bigger busts.


Adjustable bras can also be helpful because you can change the way the band and straps fit to make the bra fit better and keep it in place.


Sports Bras for Running


When you run, a compression or encapsulation high-impact sports bra will help your breasts stay in place. No matter what kind of sports bra you wear for this activity, make sure your breasts don't move or bounce around too much.


Sports Bras for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

Again, for this kind of high-impact workout, you should choose a compression or closure sports bra. A racerback sports bra, which has a T-shaped back, can also be very helpful. It gives you more freedom of movement and makes it less likely that the straps will slip when you move your arms.


Sports Bras for Team Sports


We also suggest that people who play team sports like soccer, basketball, or softball wear a high-impact sports bra with support and/or closure technology. Depending on the sport, a racerback bra may help you move your arms more freely.


Sports Bras for Mountain Biking


Mountain biking isn't always as intense as the workouts mentioned above, but you'll still want to wear a medium- to high-impact sports bra to minimize movement on those rough and rocky dirt paths.



Medium-Impact Workouts

Medium-impact workouts are slightly less rigorous than high-impact activities. Your body is still moving, but in more controlled ways and certainly not at full capacity. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, hiking, cycling and spin class.

What Is a Medium-Impact Sports Bra?


While high-impact sports bras are crafted with robust compression and/or encapsulation features, medium-impact styles aren't quite as extreme. Medium-impact bras will still restrict movement and help you feel supported, but they'll have more give to them, often resulting in greater comfort and versatility.

What to Look for in Medium-Impact Sports Bras


Focus on support, flexibility and comfort when shopping for medium-impact sports bras. Though you don't need quite as much compression, you do still want to feel supported.

Sports Bras for Jogging


We recommend a medium- to high-impact sports bra for jogging and brisk walking. (If you have a larger bust, you may want to err on the side of more support.)

Sports Bras for Hiking


Flexibility and support should be your primary focus when it comes to shopping for a hiking sports bra. A racerback style is also nice, since it allows for easier arm movement and works well with a tank top.

Sports Bras for Cycling & Spinning


A medium-impact sports bra that feels comfortable and keeps your breasts contained is ideal for on-road cycling and in-studio spinning. If you're going to move off road, opt for a high-impact sports bra instead.


Low-Impact Workouts

Low-impact workouts typically involve slower, less frequent movement. Examples include walking, strength training, barre, Pilates and yoga.

What Is a Low-Impact Sports Bra?


Low-impact sports bras prioritize comfort and flexibility above all. Your breasts are still supported enough throughout your workout, but there's usually minimal compression (if any) and definitely no need for any underwire. Generally speaking, you'll notice fewer seams and clasps.

What to Look for in Low-Impact Sports Bras


Focus on comfort when seeking this style—think soft, buttery fabrics and straps that fit well and move with you. This category includes more design-forward styles, such as strappy sports bras.

Sports Bras for Yoga


yoga bra offers the perfect combination of security, softness and flexibility. It's often designed as a pullover to reduce the need for clasps and other forms of closure.

Sports Bras for Pilates & Barre


A comfortable, low-impact sports bra is perfect for classes where you're moving slowly and methodically, like Pilates and barre. If you find that you do need slightly more support, consider a medium-impact sports bra instead.

Sports Bras for Strength Training


A low-impact sports bra works for strength training too. Seek a snugger fit, especially if you're bending down and standing up, and opt for a racerback design—especially on arm, back and chest strength-training days.

Finding the best type of sports bra for your workout can help take you to the next level by allowing you to focus more on the task at hand and less on your undergarments. By having at least one sports bra for every impact level, you'll be primed and ready for action.

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