Women, Are You Excited About Your Sports Bras? You Should Be!

Many women prefer a sports bra instead of a regular bra when working out. The purpose of a sports bra is to keep bouncing to a minimum while the rest of your body is engaged in some type of physical activity. 

Whether you enjoy low impact activities like yoga or walking, or something more extreme like running, kickboxing, or HIIT, a sports bra can keep everything in place so you won’t be distracted by anything popping out or shifting.

And even better—there is a broader selection of sports bras than ever before, so regardless of your body type or the intensity of your workout, you’re sure to find a style you’ll love. 

Are sports bras good for heavy breasts?

Sports bras by design offer more support than a standard bra, which is very important for women with heavy breasts. There’s never been a better time to buy a full-figured sports bra. Every woman’s body is different, and there is a range of styles available to meet the needs of all body types. 

And we don’t mean there are just more styles available than ever before—there are more support options available, too. In case you’ve never bought a sports bra, it helps to know some of the descriptors you’ll likely find on a label or website. Most styles come with at least one of these features:

Moisture-wicking.  Let’s face it-you perspire while working out, even doing a low impact activity. A bra with moisture-wicking fabric will quickly draw, or “wick” the perspiration away from your skin to the outer layer of the fabric, and dry quickly so you’re not left with a clammy feeling.  

Ventilated panels. You want to break a sweat, but not break out in an itchy rash because of it. Many sports bra styles come with ventilated panels to let your skin breathe while you work out. 

Extra padding. If you are a C cup or higher, you may want a style with extra padding for some much-needed reinforcement. Some styles come with additional padding in the cups, shoulder straps, or bands, so you never have to worry about discomfort.  

 

While you’re browsing, even if you don’t know what you’re looking for besides a comfortable and supportive bra, that’s okay, too. We recommend a full coverage cup for maximum protection. 

Underwire sports bras are an excellent choice for a fuller bust because they provide incredible support. When you find a style that makes you look and feel great, buy a few, so you always have more than one in your rotation, and you can extend the lifespan of each one.

What’s a high impact sports bra?

This type of sports bra is meant to be worn for activities involving a lot of bouncing (such as jumping rope) but can provide the necessary support for a range of activities. 

This style works well for lower-impact activities like yoga or hiking, but if you engage in some high impact sports, this is definitely the bra for you. You can find this style with both underwires and wire-free, so you can choose what’s most comfortable.

How do I know what size sports bra to buy?

The good news is you buy the same size sports bra as a regular bra. The bad news is you may not know your correct bra size (and you’re not alone. Approximately 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size!).

You can easily measure yourself to find out your actual size. Get your band size first by wrapping a cloth measuring tape under your arms and at the top of your bust (if you place the tape beneath your bust and you have a high ribcage, you could get skewed measurements). 

Round down to the nearest inch and write that number down. Next, measure your cup size. The tape measure should be placed around the fullest part of your bust. Write that number down. Subtract the second number from the first, and this is your exact bra size. 

Bra sizes vary from one company to another, so if you wear one size in Brand A’s sports bra, you may need a different size in a style by Brand B. Refer to a bra sizing guide before buying. 

What is the best plus-size sports bra?

Ouigirl has a wide selection of plus-size sports bras with something for everyone. A few of our top picks are below:

No Limits High Support Underwire Bra

You love the challenge of a high-intensity workout, and this bra is definitely up to the challenge. This style comes with a cushioned underwire, double-layered cups, and an adjustable back strap, which allows you to focus on your performance and not what could be slipping out or bouncing.

The Elite Cami Medium-Support Sports Bra

Our best-selling style keeps everything in place while you do your best indoor or outdoor workout. Featuring an adjustable back hook-and-eye closure, non-stretch straps, and the all-important moisture-wicking fabric, expect to keep cool and dry even during the most intense session.

Total Control Custom Support Sports Bra

If you like to mix up your workouts between low-, medium- and high-intensity, this versatile bra will give you the support and comfort you need to move from Pilates class to HIIT class with no problem.

Now it’s up to you. Get out there and crush that workout!

What do you look for in a sports bra?