The correct sports bra can make all the difference when it comes to your fitness routine. Whether you’re exercising, running, or walking in a studio, gym, or the outdoors, you’ll require a sports bra that’s easy to put on and take off, supportive, and comfortable. Plus, it should also be good-looking, durable, and hopefully check all the boxes above. Luckily, sports bras have come a long way since they were first invented in 1977 by fashioning two jockstraps together. Today’s best brands of sports bras range across big brands and smaller labels. Nevertheless, everyone has dedicated themselves to making better low/medium/high-impact sports bras a top priority. From technology to creative construction, today’s sports bras not only keep you comfy but also cut back on the bounce factor and don’t restrict movement either.
So, what are you waiting for? Read about the 5 best brands of sports bras in the market today.
Lululemon
Lululemon is one of the biggest best brands of sports bras. The brand offers both high-impact and low-impact bras, making it so popular. Lululemon forayed into the sports bra industry in 2017 with the signature Enlite Bra Weave. It has a sweetheart cut and weave-like straps but offers a second-skin feel and superb bounce protection. On the other hand, there’s also the Lululemon Flow Y Bra, perfect for low-impact exercises such as cycling or yoga. The minimal Y racerback and smooth, stretchy fabric with thin straps allow you to move comfortably. And even though there’s no wire, the cups are removable.
Both use Lululemon’s proprietary lightweight fabrics; the former uses Ultralu, while the latter uses Nulu. While the prices of both these bras might be steep, what matters to shoppers is that Lululemon delivers with both bras, redefining the sports bra for a new era. Clearly, the athletic apparel retailer that practically invented “athleisure” knows what it’s doing.
Under Armour
Under Armour is one of the most world-renowned sports bra best brands. The brand reinvented the sports bra in 2012. They not only tested hundreds of prototypes but also talked to everyday athletes to develop the revolutionary “Armour Bra.” It was designed by women for women, which resulted in a bra that was designed to fit athletes perfectly. Under Armour’s bras might cost you a little bit more, but they pull their weight in terms of support and comfort. What’s more, the brand’s style has wide straps with a criss-cross back, a firm band beneath, and in-built molded cups.
For instance, the Infinity High Sports Bra also lets your skin breathe, thanks to the wetness-wicking and quick-dry material. What’s more, there are adjustable straps in style and length and even mesh components for breathability to help keep you dry. So, whether you prefer field sports, HIIT, or CrossFit, then a high-support Under Armour sports bra is what’ll help keep up with your routine.
Athleta
Athleta is one of the best brands of sports bras, especially for women with smaller breasts. Not only are Athleta designs comfortable and supportive, but also these low-impact bras can be worn as crop tops or even beneath shirts. For instance, the Athleta Embrace is great for smaller breasts and has a V-neckline and a mono sizing up to XL. So, it’ll flatter a smaller chest, thanks to the J-hook closure and the wireless, encapsulated design. But, even if you have larger boobs, for the D or DD cups, too.
Proponents of the brand also love the Conscious Powervita Crop Top, which has extra stability and coverage around the torso. Moreover, the fabric is slightly compressive and smooth, with the racerback style making it functional for movement during exercise too. If that wasn’t enough, the bra also has removable pads, which means you can take them out for giving your chest a more natural shape.
Nike
Nike is, without a doubt, is one of the sports bra best brands. In July 1999, the bra shot to fame during the World Cup final between China and the United States. When Brandi Chastain took off her jersey to celebrate a historic goal, the black sports bra with the Nike logo became iconic. Besides the economic connotations, that image marked a historic change in the perception of the sports bra – when innerwear became outerwear. One of the best Nike sports bras today is the Alpha Dri-Fit Sports Bra, which is specially designed for super-sweaty workouts. Thanks to the central perforations and molded cups, this bra allows you to take on intensity with comfort and ease.
Another fabulous Nike sports bra is the basic, no-frills Pro Swish Sports Bra, as it offers medium-impact support for a wide range of workouts. Thanks to the compressive fit, the bra prevents bounce, while the racerback design and the many sizes offer a good range of motion.
Outdoor Voices
Outdoor Voices is one of the best brands of sports bras, especially for women with larger breasts. If you have larger breasts but a smaller ribcage, then it’s Outdoor Voices to the rescue. Finally, there’s a brand that makes a large-breasted bra that fits properly and doesn’t feel like a medieval torture device! One of their best offerings is the Powerhouse Bra, their most supportive style yet. The bra is designed in sweat-wicking SuperForm, complete with a breathable mesh back and a zip closure, thus allowing you to adjust as you need.
Thanks to longline silhouettes and higher necklines, bras from Outdoor Voices are better for more intense workout classes. Even Amanda Freeman, CEO and founder of Stretch*d and SLT, loves that the brand is available in sizes from XXS to XXXL. It’s “the best bra that doubles as a crop top.”
How do I choose a good sports bra?
The fitting should be snug and tighter than a regular bra, but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between your shoulders and the straps and shouldn’t restrict breathing.
Is sports bra good for daily use?
A sports bra is not just great for exercise today but is also wonderfully comfortable for wearing every day. What makes them amazing is that sports bras are designed from moisture-wicking, breathable fabric.
Are padded sports bras better?
Usually, non-padded bras are more supportive, as pads create barriers between the compression fabric and the breast. Pads are pre-formed, and until the breast fits perfectly, it’ll move around inside it.
Can sports bras flatten breasts?
Tight-fitting sports bras can flatten your chest very well. But, make sure that the bra doesn’t restrict your breathing and isn’t painful.
Do sports bras cause sagging?
No, sports bras provide superior support, and wearing them does nothing to prevent sagging.