How To Choose the Right Sports Bra for Running

Selecting the right sports bra for running and other rigorous outdoor activities might sound like a simple task. If you do other sports, you surely own a sports bra (or a few) already, and you may think you can wear one of them for running and hiking. Can you? Sure. Should you? That depends.

Sports bras meant for running differ from those intended for other sports. Also, while a sports bra that “sort of” fits can be fine while doing other sports, it’s imperative that a sports bra worn for running fits properly because of the dynamic motion involved—one that combines stress on weight-bearing joints with repetitive arm-swing. This guide will cover how to find the right fit, while breaking down the different ways that sports bras offer support. Knowing other key features to consider will help you find the one sports bra that’s right for you and your specific needs.

DESIGN 

First off, running is a high-impact activity. If a sports bra you own was designed for low-impact activities, like yoga or cycling, then it’s likely not ideal for running or hiking. Sports bras built for low- or medium-impact activities aren’t constructed to be as supportive as those meant for high-impact movements, like running. Bras will be labeled and/or advertised as such: “Best for A/B cup, High-impact; C cup medium- to low-impact.” (Small cup sizes can get away with less support, but still need enough hold for comfort while running.)

SUPPORT TYPES

Sports bras achieve support by offering compression, encapsulation, or a combination of the two.

Compression

Sports bras that utilize compression make use of stretchy materials, like Lycra and spandex blended with other sweat-wicking fabrics, to compress the breasts against the chest wall in order to minimize movement. The majority of sports bras on the market use compression as their form of support. These bras are generally sized XS-XL and are pulled over the head rather than secured via hook-and-loop closure.

Encapsulation

Sports bras that utilize encapsulation do so by encapsulating each individual breast by way of a molded cup. These types of sports bras are often sized by band-and-cup (e.g., 36B) instead of XS-XL, and they’re fastened by a hook-and-loop or, more rarely, a front-zip method instead of being pulled overhead. The reason is because a precise fit is needed in order for the encapsulation to work, and hook-and-loop closures usually allow adjustability. If you can find a properly fitting bra that utilizes encapsulation—meaning, there is no gaping material in the molded cup, or overflowing of breast tissue outside of the cups—it should offer a more shapely look than compression-style sports bras. This is because each breast is individually compartmentalized rather than being compressed together (an unflattering effect often referred to as “uniboob”).

Encapsulation/Compression

Some sports bras utilize a combination of encapsulation and compression for support.

MATERIALS

All sports bras made for running and other sports are constructed out of sweat-wicking materials, but they are not made equally. Some wick moisture better, dry more quickly, and therefore feel more dry (versus wet and soggy) against the skin than others. Soft-knit, seamless sports bras tend to hold moisture more than other synthetics, and bras made out of wool blended with synthetics may feel more wet than a purely synthetic bra.

Bras with removable (or unremovable) padding will also retain sweat more than a bra without padding. 

STYLES

Sports bras come in a variety of styles, the variation mostly coming from the straps. The most common style is racerback, typically found on compression-style bras. Other styles include T-back, crisscross straps, and tank-style. In general, bras with thicker straps tend to be more supportive than bras with thin straps.

FEATURES

Make sure to look for and consider a few variable features.

Mesh/ventilation panels.

If you’re a heavy sweater, or live somewhere particularly hot and muggy, seek out sports bras with mesh or perforated ventilation panels that will aid airflow.

Padding.

Many women prefer sports bras with some padding, which gives shape and also offers modesty. Some padded sports bras allow the padding to be removed, if desired. 

Lining.

Some sports bras offer modesty without actual padding. Those with a separate lining, or thicker material overall, will offer more modesty than thin sports bras.

Adjustable straps.

An essential for aiding a custom fit, adjustable straps are most often found on bras for larger cup sizes and are often paired with bras with hook-and-loop closures.

Stash Pockets.

Select sports bras have pockets either in the front or on the backside, intended to hold either fuel, like an energy gel (pocket on the front), or a phone (pocket on the back).

Reflectivity.

If you run in just a sports bra, and run in low-light or at dawn, dusk or in the dark, shop for a sports bra with reflective details. The more you can be visible to oncoming traffic, the better.

FIND THE RIGHT FIT

Sports bras are sold in sizes XS-XXL, or by band-and-cup sizes, like regular bras. Shopping in-person allows you to make your best guess on your sizing, talk with a salesperson to help home in on what sizes to take into the dressing room with you, and try on a range of options. As you’re trying on options, keep the following in mind.

Pay close attention to any gaping fabric, any overspilling of breast tissue, and any points of discomfort. (You don’t want any of these things.) All bands and materials should lay flat against your skin without creating an indented feeling or look. Shoulder straps should not dig into your skin and the band around your rib cage should fit comfortably without taking your breath away.

Swing your arms back and forth to mimic your running arm-swing. If you notice any chafing, like underarm seams rubbing against the interior of your arms, eliminate that bra from your “maybe” pile.

Jump up and down and/or run in place while looking in the mirror. If your breasts bounce uncomfortably, or appear to move excessively, you need a different fit. Try on a more supportive bra, or a different-sized bra.

Final fit tip: If you’re shopping online, do all the above fitting steps before removing product tags. If the bra fails any of the tests—from chafing to allowing excessive bounce—don’t compromise. Ship it back and start your search again. Finding the right fit for you will make a huge difference in comfort.

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.