How to Choose the Perfect Sports Bra

Learn how to pick the right bra for your needs and learn why it's important to wear the correct bra for your activity
Updated: April 11,

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We all know that running is a high-impact activity, but no one is more aware of that fact than a woman who's running in a poorly fitted sports bra. Despite the discomfort, many women continue wearing sports bras that don't fit them because they don't see any other way to continue their passion for running. Here at Running Warehouse, we believe that doesn't need to be the case. We want to help make running comfortable again for those who thought that bra chafing, uncontrollable bouncing, doubling up bras, and digging straps were the only options.

There are so many choices in sports bras that it can be hard to know where to start. We hope this article can help women find the perfect sports bra for their needs.

How to Find the Best Bra

Top 5 questions to address to help you find the best bra for your needs.

1. Does the Bra Fit?

Bra sizing is the most important element in finding the perfect sports bra for your body. We have an article devoted to measuring your bra size, but there are a few telltale signs that will help you know if your sports bra fits correctly.

The Red Flags of Bra Sizing

Red Flag What It Means "Spillage" over the top or sides of the bra The cups may be too small. Size up or try a less shallow bra shape. Straps digging in This often means the band is too loose and not supporting the weight of the breasts. You may need a smaller size. Band rolling up The bra is likely too small. Cups wrinkling or puckering The cup size is probably too large.

Signs of a Correct Fit

Sign Description Supportive band The bottom band should be supporting most of the weight. It should be snug, but you should be able to take a deep breath when the bra is fastened on the middle hook. Smooth cups The cups should be smooth, not wrinkled or puckered. Secure Straps The straps should be taut and secure, but not digging into or falling off of your shoulders.

2. Does the Bra Provide the Right Level of Support?

Supporting your ladies is a crucial part of staying active and doing the sports you love. When running and performing high-impact activities, your breasts move every which way &#; not only up and down, but side to side as well. Since breasts are made up of mostly fatty tissues, with Cooper's ligaments being the only internal support system they have, too much movement can weaken and stretch these ligaments (translation: pain while exercising and the development of saggy boobs). This is why it is essential to wear a well-fitting bra that works for you in minimizing the amount of breast movement for proper support and comfort during exercise.

The level of support you need in a bra is dependent on the type of activity you're doing and your cup size. Different activities require different bras. Just like you wouldn't wear that lacy little number on a backpacking trip, you might not want to wear your yoga bra while going for a run. Also, the more breast tissue you have (i.e. larger bust), the more support you may need for even lower-intensity workouts. Smaller chested runners will likely find that a low- to medium-impact sports bra offers adequate support for running, whereas those with larger bust sizes need more structured support from high-impact sports bras. The following are the three impact levels of sports bras:

&#; Low-Impact Sports Bras provide minimal, gentle compression and support. They are generally lightweight and feature narrower/thinner shoulder straps, removable cups, or no padding at all. Low-impact bras are ideal for smaller bust sizes, those seeking a comfortable option, or for loungewear. Low-impact bras can also provide support for lower intensity workouts with less bounce (such as yoga, pilates, and weightlifting).

&#; Medium-Impact Sports Bras offer a moderate level of support and coverage. They feature a wider under band for support and removable or built-in cups for modesty. Medium-impact sports bras are suitable for most runners who don't want a highly compressive fit. Smaller chested runners usually find that medium-impact bras provide sufficient support for running due to the compressive design that presses the breasts against the chest to minimize movement. Medium-impact sports bras can also be worn for other activities such as hiking and cross-training.

&#; High-Impact sports Bras provide maximum compressive support for high-impact activities that cause more bouncing and multi-directional breast movement. They may feature padding and built-in cups that keep each breast separate, wider adjustable straps for a dialed-in fit, a thicker band, and a rear clasp for a secure hold. Women with larger cup sizes find that high-impact sports bras offer optimal bounce-free support during running, interval training, and other high-intensity workouts such as mountain biking.

When shopping with Running Warehouse, you can be confident that we have already organized the sports bras on our website according to their impact level. Use our Bra Filter to shop for sports bras based on various levels of support and design features.

3. Does the Bra Have the Right Style?

Sports bras come in a variety of styles, which dictate the support, fit, and versatility they have to offer. Depending on the shape and size of your breasts, different styles of bras may work better for your body.

Racerback bras create a "Y" shape in the back and allow for more mobility and freedom of movement. This style is usually not adjustable and is pulled over the head, which is why women with smaller busts find these bras comfortable and easier to wear and remove after running. Racerbacks typically come in sizes XS to XL, and their design helps keep the straps from sliding off during high-intensity movement.

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Crossback bras come together in the back to form a criss-cross shape that allows for an increased range of motion. This style typically has some adjustment features to aid in a secure fit and (depending on the thickness of the straps) can help prevent the straps from slipping.

A scoopback design is most similar to a traditional, everyday bra. Women with larger bust sizes generally find this style easier to put on and remove.

Different padding options will also determine the level of support and modesty of a bra.

Removable cups provide the option of added protection, modesty, and support when needed. As the name suggests, they can be removed easily for versatile use. Removable cups are sometimes referred to as "cookies." The cups can either be a one-piece pad or individual inserts. During that time of the month, many women find that their breasts increase in volume, and removing the cups enables more room for comfort. Conversely, when the weather starts to get colder, having added padding ensures modest coverage of your girls.

Built-in cups are designed to complement the natural shape of the breast. These cups separate and divide each breast, providing a traditional, contoured silhouette and targeted support. As you might expect, the inserts are built-in, which makes it easier to wash because you don't have to worry about losing cups or removing/adding them before and after laundering.

Non-padded cups are featured in classic compression bras that press the breasts against the chest and do not offer any padding. These are best suited for smaller breasts (A/B), lower- to medium-impact activities, and athleisure wear.

4. Does the Bra Have the Right Features?

The type of bra straps and back closures play an essential role in the proper fit and comfort of a sports bra.

Bras with convertible straps enable the wearer to change the back style from a scoopback to a crossback design, depending on individual needs and preferences. This is helpful if you're looking for something with flexibility in style, or if you prefer to have your straps hidden under your tank top.

Hook-and-eye closures are clasps on the back of the bra. Most standard bras feature three hooks to choose from for a customized fit. Women with larger cup sizes find bras with rear clasps provide a secure hold when running.

Front zipper closures allow for easy on/off wear. Many women who have larger breasts prefer this type of closure because they still get a full, supportive fit without having to pull the bra on over their head.

Some bras also feature pockets for storing your in a center-back envelope pocket or tucked away in a pad pocket on the front. These pocket bras offer the convenience of going hands-free on your run.

5. Does the Bra Make You Look and Feel Good?

Ultimately, we believe you should look and feel good in your sports bra. The right bra for you is the one that blends the right fit, style, color, and performance features to have you feeling your best. Find that extra dose of confidence on your next run by using our Bra Filter to discover the perfect bra for you.

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