by Clarissa Hartley

The hidden heroes of your workout ensemble, sports bras, are finally stepping out of the shadow as vital game-changers. Modern advancements in design, materials, and fashion statements are redefining sports bra aesthetics. Making them feel great, look better, and increasingly, becoming a bold statement during sports events, just like the unforgettable victory celebration of a renowned female footballer during the Euro 2022 final!

However, beyond the stylish exterior, the primary role of sports bras remains vital — offering protection and comfort for your ‘assets’ during physical activities, be it leisurely walks, strenuous HIIT, spinning classes, or maintaining a Pilates pose.

Finding the Perfect Sports Bras

Not sure how to choose the appropriate sports bra? Discover our specially curated list and understand why wearing the perfect sports bra can enhance your workout sessions and overall sports experience. Moreover, if you’re an avid runner, look out for our dedicated guide to the best running bras.

The Essentiality of Wearing a Sports Bra

As much as we wish, nature didn’t bless us with inbuilt breast support while indulging in swift movements. The Cooper’s ligaments tasked with maintaining the structure of our breasts indeed have a challenging job during a HIIT class. Recent research from a renowned UK-based University states that our breasts move approximately 10cm in various directions during high-impact activities. Hence a supporting sports bras is key to keeping your breasts healthy and reducing discomfort.

Sports Bras: Not Limited to High-intensity Workouts

You might think a sports bras is necessary only while sprinting or doing cardio. According to a leading Professor of Biomechanics, even power walking, jogging, or activities involving vertical movements can lead to more breast movement than running at high speed. So, it’s wise to be ready with proper support unless you plan to partake in low-impact exercises such as yoga or Pilates.

You may want to consider encapsulation bras, which separate the breasts into distinct cups for activities causing substantial breast movement. These bras provide more support than compression types and are easier to wear.

Finding a Perfect Fit

Never assume your bra size remains constant. Learn about the cross-grade system. If a bra suits you in terms of cup size but the underband is too large, opt for a smaller band size while increasing the cup size. This will ensure a constant amount of material for the cup despite a smaller band size.

It’s no secret, 97 percent of women tend to have one breast larger than the other. In such a case, adjust the strap more on the smaller side if the size difference is less than one cup size. For larger differences, seek brands offering adjustable cup sizes.

What Counts in a Sports Bra?

Consider these key features:

• Underband: This contributes 80 percent of the bra’s support. It should fit securely but not restrict your breathing.
• Shoulder Straps: These should be supportive without being so tight that they dig into your skin.
• Underwire: With encapsulation bras, the underwire shouldn’t press into the soft tissue of your breasts. The bra’s central portion should rest on your sternum, and if it doesn’t; consider a larger cup size.

Once you feel comfortable about the fits of cups, underband, and straps, test the bra by performing star jumps in front of a mirror.

Best Workout Sports Bras of 2023

Here are our top six picks of the year:

1. Supreme Support InfinitY Action Bra: Offers stellar support, front zip, breathability, and is suitable for high-impact activities.
2. Eternal Bloom Tranquil Bra: Offers amazing breathability, fantastic comfort, ideal for low-impact activities.
3. Urban Essence Power Impact Sports Bra: Affordable, stylish, has Cool Comfort technology, and is suitable for high-impact workouts.
4. Noble Grace Aerocool Bra: Ideal for large-busted women, has an optional racer back, and prevents sweat accumulation.
5. Delicate Dignity Non-Wired Sports Bra: Super comfortable, provides great shaping, and has wide cushioned straps.
6. Victory Valor Asymmetric Bra: Offers superior support, wicks sweat, and is ideal for weight training and lower-intensity exercises.

Seize the day, ladies! Choose the best sports bras to maximise your performance and style on the go!

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