How Do I Choose a Good Sports Bra?

If you’re working out a sports bra is essential. It can make all the difference to your workout. Believe us when we say that a good fitting, comfortable and supportive sports bra will not only make you feel confident, but it can also take your workout up a notch. But with so many sports bras out there from different brands, in a variety of styles, colours and all offering different levels of support, where do you begin? It can all feel overwhelming. Trust us, the last thing we want you to do is wear a sports bra that isn’t suited to your body or activity. That’s why our guide on choosing a good sports bra will help you find the exact fit and style of sports bra that meets all your workout needs.

Let’s start by saying that there is no such thing as a bad sports bra. It’s more about the fit. If you wear an ill-fitting sports bra it will not only impact your workout, but it can also affect your confidence. The last thing you want when you’re out for a run or lifting weights at the gym is to keep focusing on how uncomfortable your sports bra is. When finding the perfect sports bra for you it all comes down to finding the right fit for your body and the right support for your activity. If you want to learn more about the best sports bras for certain activities, check out our blog on the best sports bras for running, the gym, yoga and beyond.

Finding the perfect fitting sports bra can be difficult. Our bodies are all different so a sports bra that might fit perfectly on your bestie might not have the same effect on you. The perfect fitting sports bra should fit snug to the body whilst still allowing for flexible movement. Just like your everyday bra, the straps of your sports bra should have a snug fit but not dig into the shoulders. The cups should support the breast without bulging or compressing. The band of the sports bra should fit flat against the ribs without feeling restrictive. Take your time, test out as many sports bras as you can to find your perfect fit. As well as needing to feel supportive and comfortable, ultimately finding your perfectly fitting sports bra will be based on the activity you’ll be doing.

When buying a sports bra, always buy the same size as your everyday bra. Don’t be put off by how firm sports bras can feel, especially compared to your everyday bra, it’s designed to minimise bounce and provide you with all the support you need. Usually there’s no need to change sizes, however if it feels uncomfortable and restrictive try a sports bra in your sister size. If you’re unsure of what the sister sizing technique is and how to find out yours, check out our dedicated sister sizing guide.

Most sports bras offer three different levels of support: low, medium, and high impact. Mainly based on the type of exercise you do, the type of sports bra you need can also depend on your cup size. If you have bigger boobs, it might be best to opt for medium and high support sports bra, as your bust will naturally move more and therefore needs extra hold. Let’s get into the levels of support a bit more!

Take your workout up a level with high impact sports bras that offer maximum support and are designed for activities that involve a lot of movement. Keeping your boobs in place, high impact sports bras are great to wear when you’re planning of doing a lot of movement, such as playing tennis, a HIIT workout or pounding the pavement on a run. By supporting you and limiting the amount of movement, high support sports bras can not only increase your enjoyment of exercise and performance.

Medium support sports bras still provide you with a good level of support, however, is designed for lighter impact activities such as cycling, hiking and strength training. This type of sports bras is ideal for both smaller and larger boobs, so all our Pour Moi babes can wear this style. Designed for less rigorous workouts our medium support sports bras are perfect for your next yoga class or gym session.

Light support sports bras are ideal for gentler activities and are a great option for those with smaller breast sizes. Low-impact exercises like pilates, yoga or walking involves less movement and less direct force on the body. For this reason, a less supportive sports bra is suitable. Wear a light support sports bra to your next yoga class, dog walk or slip it under your clothing for everyday support.

After a sweaty workout, you might be tempted to throw your sports bra in the laundry basket and get on with your day. But before you move on with your all-important plans it's worth thinking about washing your sports bra. Why? Because leaving your sweaty sports bra lying in your laundry basket for days can result in unwanted bacteria sinking into your favourite sports bra. Washing your sports bra straight after a workout session will stop the spread of any bacteria. Now we know you might not have a chance to do this every time, so if you cannot wash straight away, we advise hanging your sports bra on a washing line or clothes dryer to let them air-dry, rather than scrunched up in a sweaty mess in your laundry basket. To find out more tips on how to care for your sports bra, check out our full guide on caring for your sportswear.

When it comes to choosing a sports bra, remember fit is key. Not only will it support you during all your workouts, but it will also help you feel confident and fabulous as you smash out your exercise. Choose from the fabulous sports bras below, suited to your style, size and level of support.