The Ultimate Guide to Sports Bra Types & Style

Believe it or not, one of the first sports bra prototypes, known as the “jock bra” was created by sewing two jock straps together in 1977 by 29-year-old Lisa Lindahl, a graduate runner who needed more breast support (desperate times certainly called for desperate measures). This novel creation helped pave the way for the modern sports bras that we know today with versatile fits and designs. Read on for the complete guide on sports bra types, impact levels, sizing, and more.

What is a sports bra?

A sports bra is an undergarment specifically designed to provide breast support during physical activities. Unlike fashion bras, sports bras minimize breast movement and reduce discomfort during workouts like yoga and running. They’re made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics that enhance comfort and help regulate body temperature when working up a sweat.

Sports bras can feature a variety of designs such as full cups, wide straps, and elastic bands that ensure a secure fit depending on the support level you need. Emphasizing both functionality and style, sports bras come in a wide array of trendy colors and patterns. They are increasingly popular and, in this era, are often worn as a “regular” bra for everyday life. With innovations to their design and fit, sports bras offer versatility that allows them to be worn for workouts and even fashioned as a top on their own.

What does impact level mean?

The “impact level” of a sports bra refers to the degree of support it provides during various types of physical activities. The three levels are typically categorized as low, medium, and high impact. These levels are based on how much “bounce control” you need.

Low-impact sports bras are designed for activities that involve minimal bouncing or breast movement, such as Pilates, yoga, or walking. They offer lighter support with features like thinner straps and light padding. Low-impact bras provide more stretch allowing for a more flexible range of motion. These sports bras are also ideal for rest days and can be worn as athleisure wear.

Medium-impact sports bras provide more support than low-impact bras and are suitable for activities that involve moderate movement like Zumba, cycling or hiking. They strike a balance between comfort and support, so you can move as you need with ease. Medium impact sports bras can feature adjustable straps to help mold to your desired support level.

High-impact sports bras are equipped to handle rigorous activities like running, aerobics, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). They typically feature additional support structures such as more robust straps, reinforced cups, and a snugger fit to minimize bounce and provide security during intense physical exertion. High-impact sports bras are key if you have a larger bust and need extra support, in general, to stay in place when moving.

Understanding the impact level is crucial in choosing the right sports bra. Just because you’re jumping up and down or moving left to right, doesn’t mean you want everything to be moving with you. Impact levels ensure that you can feel confident and secure during your favorite workouts.

Types of Sports Bras

Sports bras can feature different design elements and functionalities that can be tailored based on how you move and the support your body needs. Different style attributes for sports bras can include:

Fabrics: Sports bras are made with different types of fabrics including polyester, nylon, spandex, and even cotton. Certain fabrics can help with moisture-wicking, stretch, and comfort.

Strap Types: Sports bra straps can vary with options for adjustable or non-adjustable straps. Straps can also be thin or thicker depending on the level of bounce control required. Straps can also feature cushioning to enhance comfort.

Closure Types: Sports bras have different closures. Some are made to have hook-and-eye closures like fashion bras. Sports bras commonly feature no clasp at all and have a solid band. Front zippers are increasingly popular and provide much needed support for bigger breasts.

Padding Level: Sports bras offer different amounts of padding and preference is based on the aesthetic you like the most. You can find sports bras with no padding, light padding, removable padding, or even molded cups that emulate padding.

In addition to these features, here are popular styles of sports bras:

Compression Sports Bra

Compression sports bras are designed with a tighter fit that “compress” breasts against the chest. This style helps to hold everything in place during intense workouts and provide “high impact” levels of support to reduce bouncing. Compression sports bras are ideal if your exercise routine will involve a lot of movement like jump roping or cardio circuit training.

Encapsulation Sports Bra

Encapsulation sports bras mimic fashion bras by “encapsulating” each breast into a separate cup for support. This style of sports bra is ideal for women that prefer the structured fit of a fashion bra without feeling restricted.

High Neck Sports Bra

High neck sports bras can look extremely similar to a workout crop top. The higher neck lining provides extra security when moving compared to the lower scoop of other sports bras. High neck sports bras typically have a halter top look and can easily be styled with leggings as a full outfit.

Racerback Sports Bra

Racerback sports bras are a classic style where the straps form an “X” shape in the back. The functional, crisscross design helps disperse weight across the back for a more comfortable fit. This alleviates shoulder pressure while also providing extra support. Racerback sports bras also prevent strap slippage and can be worn seamlessly under clothes.

Zip Front Sports Bra

Zip front sports bras have the unique design of a zipper closure in the front as opposed to a back clasp or standard pullover band. Wrangling yourself into a standard sports bra can be tedious, while zip front sports bras are easy to take on and off. This type of bra is especially helpful for those who may have limited upper mobility like breastfeeding moms.

How should a sports bra fit?

The fit of a sports bra can depend on your cup size and what support level you need. Sports bras should feel snug, but not constricting and uncomfortable. Here are some tips for understanding if your sports bra is the right fit and size:

Restricted breathing: While sports bras should be secure, it shouldn’t cause restricted breathing. This is a good sign that you need to size up or find another style that suits your workout intensity.

Tight bands: If your sports bra is leaving marks after digging into your shoulders or back, then you may not be wearing the ideal size.

Finger Space: A general rule of thumb for sports bras is that you should be able to fit two fingers between your body and the band. This ensures you have a comfortably secure fit.