How to choose a good sports bra
Support? Straps? Style? Whatever you need a sports bra for, we’re here to help you figure out which one is best for you.
Finding the right sports bra is essential for comfort and support during exercise. Whether you're into walking, running, yoga, or high-intensity workouts, we'll help you understand what to look for. Why is it so important to find the right fitting sports bra? Without the right support, the delicate breast ligaments can stretch as you’re exercising, causing discomfort and amplifying any natural sagging. A good-fitting sports bra helps to minimise breast movement that causes pain and discomfort, to let you focus on the activity you are pursuing.
Shop our range of sports bras in store or online via our Click & Collect service at selected UK stores.
Sports bra size chart explained
Before choosing a sports bra, accurate measurements are crucial.
How to measure band size
Measure around your ribcage, just under your bust.
If the measurement is even, add 4 inches.
If it's odd, add 5 inches.
This gives you your band size.
How to measure cup size
Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
Subtract your band size from this measurement.
Each inch difference represents a cup size (1"=A, 2"=B, etc).
PSA: When buying a sports bra, stick to the size you are in your day-to-day bra, it’s normal for it to feel tighter as it’s minimising bounce!
Visit our bra fit guide for detailed instructions.
Support levels explained
Low support
Made for low-impact activities like yoga, stretching, or walking. These styles offer light compression and comfortable movement.
Features:
These styles offer light compression and comfortable movement.
Soft cups.
Comfortable straps and lightweight fabrics.
Medium support
Suitable for activities like cycling or strength training. These provide balanced compression and freedom of movement.
Features:
Moderate compression and shaping.
Wider straps for added support.
Breathable materials for comfort.
High support
Essential for high-impact activities like running or HIIT (high intensity interval training). These minimize movement and offer maximum support.
Features:
Strong compression and encapsulation (separate cups for each breast).
Adjustable straps and wider bands.
Durable, moisture-wicking fabrics.
Maximum support and reduced bounce for high-movement activities.
Different types of sports bras
Once you’ve decided which level of support you’re shopping for, it’s time to decide on a type of sports bra.
Compression: A compression sports bra presses breast tissue against the chest wall to minimise movement. They offer similar coverage to a traditional racerback sports bra, without the individual cups.
Encapsulation: An encapsulation bra supports each breast individually rather than compressing them together. Using separate cups or moulded section to hold each breast in place, these offer more structure and support than traditional compression bras.
Combination: A combination sports bra is a hybrid style that combines encapsulation and compression features to offer the benefits of both types of sports bras. It is designed to support each breast individually (encapsulation) while also providing compression to reduce overall breast movement. This dual approach makes it ideal for women with larger busts or those participating in high-impact activities where both support and minimised movement are essential.
Different strap types
Crisscross: Straps cross each other at the back, forming an "X" shape. This style often provides extra support and stability, particularly for larger busts.
Racerback: Racerback straps come together at the back, forming a "T" or "Y" shape. This design helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the shoulders and back.
Tank top: These are the most common strap style, like those found on everyday bras. They are usually adjustable and offer a basic fit that works for low to moderate-impact activities.
Pullover: A pullover sports bra is designed to be worn by slipping it over your head rather than fastening it with hooks, zippers, or clasps. The lack of closure mechanisms makes it simpler to wear.
Back clasps: A back clasp sports bra has a closure (often a hook-and-eye or clasp system) located at the back, like the kind of closure found in many regular bras. This contrasts with sports bras that are designed to be pulled on over the head or that have a front closure.
Front zip: This style features a zipper closure on the front (usually in the middle of the chest) instead of the more traditional back or side closure. This design allows for easier and more convenient wear, especially when it comes to getting the bra on and off.
Sports bra features
Moisture management: The moisture-wicking technology is designed to keep you dry, prevent chafing and maintain comfort during workouts by wicking sweat away.
Underwire options: Like a standard bra, underwire provides extra support and shaping — ideal for large busts or high-impact sports.
Minimal seams: These reduce friction and chafing, offering a smooth, comfortable fit, especially for low-impact activities.
Padding options: Padding adds support, shaping and coverage, and can be removable for customisable fit and comfort.
Wide straps and bands: Offers better support and comfort by distributing weight evenly and reducing shoulder and ribcage strain.
How to prevent sports bra chafing
Choose the correct size: This will minimise any chance of friction and skin irritation if the size is too small.
Look for flat seams: Having to reposition clasps, straps or seams that are uncomfortable and bulky is the last thing you want to be doing when you’re exercising. Instead opt for sports bras with flat seams that sit flat against the body and feel like a second skin.
Make sure the band fits snugly: Ensure the band of the sports bra sits flat and comfortably against your skin and doesn’t move around or need to be repositioned constantly as you move.
Consider anti-chafe balm: While you shouldn’t need to reach for anti-chafe balm if your sports bra fits you correctly, there may be some instances where short-term relief can be gained from using it. It creates a slippery surface for the material of the sports bra to rub against, rather than your skin.
Replace sports bras regularly: Like regular bras, replacing your sports bras as required is essential. If the band, cups or straps are broken or starting to deteriorate, they are likely not providing the support that you need anymore.
How long do sports bras last?
A sports bra will last around 30 - 40 washes, but the technical fabric will loosen with each cycle, making it less effective.
To give your bra a longer lifespan wash in cold water, avoid fabric softener and bleach, and do not tumble dry as heat will accelerate the elastic degradation. Instead, dry it flat and if your sports bra starts to rub or chafe, invest in a new one.