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Sports bras should provide the right combination of comfort and support. Too tight, and you might compromise comfort; too loose, and you could lose necessary support. Since sports bra fits and styles are subjective, consider your type of activity to help guide your purchase: Low-impact activities may call for less support and more breathable fabrics, while high-intensity sports require more support and give. Ideally, the materials include a sweat-wicking or sweat-resistant fabric, especially for activities like running or hot yoga.
Created just for women with larger busts, this running bra has padded straps and a soft underband to add necessary support without compromising comfort. Good to know: Lululemon makes some of the best leggings for women for workouts.
Fruit of the Loom leans on comfy cotton with a bit of spandex for support for these go-to sports bras. Ideal for low-intensity activities, like walking, the bra is also a solid choice for everyday use under T-shirts and sweatshirts, according to customers. And at about $5 per bra (or even lower if you catch a sale), the price can’t be beat.
A comfortable polyester blend and snug fit make this bra ideal for medium-impact sports, like cycling and kickboxing. The material is designed to wick moisture away from the body, and while the bra does fit securely, it doesn’t feel like a constricting piece of shapewear.
This full-coverage sports bra is great for women with small- to medium-sized busts who are active and do high-impact exercise, like running. Recycled materials, plus Nike’s signature Dri-FIT sweat-wicking technology make this bra comfortable, breathable, and more sustainable than other choices.
This comfortable bra, made with recyclable materials and spandex, helps support you while staying in place during yoga flow. Plus, the material protects you from sun exposure.
This award-winning bra, great for low-intensity activity post-pregnancy, is made with nursing clips, making feeding times easier.
We selected these best sports bras based on consumer ratings and reviews.
Choosing a sports bra depends on several factors, including your cup size, how tight the garment fits, style, price, and level of activity.
Some sports bras will fit more snuggly than others, which makes them best for high-intensity exercise or activity, like running. For lower-intensity activities, a lower-compression sports bra would suit.
Most sports bras can be washed in the washing machine. If you’re concerned with shrinking materials, hang them on a rack to dry versus using the dryer. Dryer heat degrades stretch and wicking fabrics over time. Use either a delicate or normal setting. If your sports bra has hooks or clasps, place it in a mesh lingerie bag before washing.
The right bra for you will depend on your cup size and the level of support you are searching for, which is determined by the level of activity you intend to do while wearing the bra. By measuring under your rib cage and over your bustline, then comparing it to the manufacturer’s size charts, you can find the right size sports bra.
Most sources say sports bras should be replaced every six to 12 months, but factors like how much you are wearing them, for which level of impact sports or activities they’re used, and how you care for them will determine how long they’ll last.
Sports bras provide necessary support for women during physical activity. They also preserve your everyday bras, which aren’t made to withstand the increased sweat, environment (like a hot yoga studio), or impact created by most exercises and physical activities.
Yes, while it’s perfectly fine to wear a sports bra for extended periods, keep in mind that the materials are usually intended to absorb or wick sweat, so once they’ve been worn for a sweat-producing activity, it’s time to wash them.
Depending on the activity impact level, sports bras for higher impact are more compressed and supportive than lower- impact sports bras.
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