Comfort is key to a great workout—and sports bras play a big role in that. A good sports bra will help you feel supported and ready to take on that run, yoga session, spin class or hike.
From mesh panels to racerback designs to padded inserts, there are many features and styles out there to consider. But it’s important to choose a sports bra that’s designed for the intensity of your physical activity. Keep reading to learn more about low-, medium- and high-impact sports bras and ensure you’re wearing the best style for your workout.
A woman runs in a sports bra and leggings. An assortment of black sports bras.
High-Impact Workouts
Any fitness activity that involves lots of movement qualifies as a high-impact workout. Examples include jumping, aerobic exercises, running, kicking and even mountain biking. A highly supportive sports bra is best for these types of rigorous workouts.
What Is a High-Impact Sports Bra?
This style minimizes bouncing and keeps your breasts secure and contained. High-impact sports bras often feature compression bra technology or what’s known as encapsulation bra technology—the former forgoes individual cups and instead compresses both breasts directly against your body, while the latter supports each breast individually and offers more definition. A combination bra offers a mix of both designs. Many high-impact sports bras are padded, which helps with containment.
What to Look for in High-Impact Sports Bras
There are a few key features to keep in mind when shopping for a high-impact sports bra. Most importantly, you’ll want to ensure a snug fit to reduce any sort of movement, including bouncing, during your workout.
If you have a good fit, the compression and/or encapsulation technology will provide plenty of support. However, some people prefer the additional reinforcement of underwire sports bras; the thin wires that run underneath each cup can create more individual separation and support, which is particularly helpful for larger busts.
Adjustable bras can also come in handy, since they allow you to adjust both the band and straps to create a more customized, secure fit.
Sports Bras for Running
A compression or encapsulation high-impact sports bra will help support your breasts while running. Whatever type of sports bra you choose for this activity, make sure that your breast movement and bounce are minimized.
Sports Bras for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Again, you’ll want to choose a compression or encapsulation sports bra for this type of high-impact workout. A racerback sports bra—which features a T-like shape in the back—can be especially helpful too; it allows for greater range of motion, and you’re less likely to deal with slipping straps when moving your arms.
Sports Bras for Team Sports
We also recommend wearing a high-impact sports bra with compression and/or encapsulation technology when playing team sports like soccer, basketball or softball. Depending on the sport, you may want to wear a racerback bra to allow for easier arm movement.
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.
A woman rides an exercise bike in a sports bra and leggings. An assortment of black sports bras.
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-support 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.
A woman lifts weights in a sports bra and leggings. An assortment of black sports bras.
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
A 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.
