When shopping for a new sports bra, choosing one that will meet your needs is essential. The right fit and support can mean the difference between a workout you love and a drag.
Fortunately, several sports bras on the market strike the perfect balance between performance, support and sustainability. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites.
Cotton
If you want a super soft bra that feels like a dream, opt for a cotton sports bra made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. This fabric isn’t just more delicate and breathable and helps prevent skin irritations and allergies, thanks to the absence of toxic chemicals, pesticides, and dyes.
Another option is bamboo, a natural fiber that’s been cultivated without the use of herbicides or insecticides and grown using rainwater. It’s also an excellent choice for moisture-wicking, which helps your body regulate its temperature more effectively.
Try a bamboo and spandex blend in your next sustainable sports bra for more support. This material has four-way stretch capabilities, making finding your optimal range of movement easier when you need it most – running or stretching at the gym.
Regarding sustainability, choosing a brand committed to workers’ well-being in their supply chain is the most important thing. Look for brands with fair wages and safe working conditions in their production facilities. Pact is an excellent example of an ethical activewear brand that cares about the environment and its employees. Their Give Back program encourages people to send in their unwanted clothes to be recycled and distributed to nonprofits helping folks in need.
Polyester
Polyester is one of the most common fabrics used to make sports bras. It is a synthetic fiber made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers.
Polyesters can be found in various fabrics, including wicking and compression fabrics. The material you choose for your sports bra will affect the product’s fit, support and comfort.
Choosing the suitable fabric will allow you to sweat easily without any discomfort. It should also wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry.
A fabric that’s easy to wash will help extend the lifespan of your sports bra. Hand-washing is recommended, as it’s gentler on the material and will help retain elasticity.
If you’re looking for a sustainable option, look for a sports bra made from recycled polyester or nylon. These materials are made from post- and pre-industrial waste, such as rescued finishing nets and other plastic debris in oceans and landfills.
Spandex
Spandex, LYCRA or elastane is one of the most popular synthetic fabrics used for clothing. Its unique elasticity makes it an excellent fabric for sports bras, leggings, t-shirts and tights.
Its elasticity is due to the alternating flexible and rigid polymer strands that span the fabric. After repeated stretching, these strands stretch up to 500% and retain their original shape.
This fabric has several other properties that make it a versatile garment choice. It is abrasion-resistant, and it is also resistant to oil and sweat.
Another benefit of spandex is its ability to hold its shape. This means that spandex will not sag or lose its form over time.
Its elasticity is a big reason it is so prevalent in the apparel industry. It is used in hosiery, swimsuits, exercise wear, socks, surgical hose, undergarments, gloves, cycling shorts, and motion capture suits.
Nylon
Choosing a sports bra can be tricky. You don’t want a bra that provides too much support during a high-impact workout like running or HIIT, nor do you need one that offers too little support for yoga, pilates, or hiking.
It would help if you also looked for a sports bra made with breathable fabrics to help prevent overheating during your exercise. This will help keep your core cool and reduce the likelihood of chafing, which can be uncomfortable and painful.
When shopping for a sports bra, you should also pay attention to the style of the bra. For example, a pullover style is refined for smaller busts (like A or B cups), while a clasped bra is best for larger breasts.
Once you’ve determined your desired style, choose a sports bra that fits your body. Check the size guide for each brand you’re considering to ensure you get the right fit. And follow the care instructions to maximize the life of your new sports bra.
Synthetic
Finding sports bras that fit and feel good is critical for active people. Whether running, lifting weights or doing yoga, the right bra will help your workout feel comfortable and support your body.
Most sports bras are made from synthetic fiber that provides high levels of compression and elasticity. Often blended with other fabrics to provide additional support, Lycra is an excellent choice for your workout needs.
Some sports bras also have padded cups, offering even more support during high-impact activities. This is especially helpful for things like running, cycling and climbing (to name a few).
When choosing a sports bra, check the neckline and armholes for a custom fit so there are no rubbing or chafing issues and pick a flat seam that won’t irritate your skin. Plus, look for adjustable shoulder straps positioned to your preferred style.