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by: Erica Redding, BestReviews Staff

by: Erica Redding, BestReviews Staff

When you’re exercising, not just any bra can provide you with the level of support you need to stay comfortable. A quality sports bra is an essential. And unlike the bra you wear every day, most sports bras also feature moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry.

Choosing the best one for you means first considering the intensity of the workout you have planned, the amount of support you need and your cup size. Here’s how to find the right one for your needs. 

There are three main types of sports bras.

Most quality sports bras will have adjustable straps, which are essential to ensure a good fit, but there is more to consider. 

Your strap thickness can make a difference in the comfort of your bra. Thicker straps are better for larger cup sizes because they cover more area and are sometimes padded for extra comfort. Thinner straps, however, can be more comfortable for smaller cup sizes. They can also be used for detailed strappy designs. 

Fitting the size of your cup is essential to ensure you have proper support. Cups A to C can typically use low or moderate support. However, if you’re bigger than a 34 C, it’s recommended to use a high-impact bra for the best support. Proper support saves you back pain down the line.

Not all sports bras work for every type of activity. They are designed for different levels of intensity and are often labeled accordingly. 

If you’re trying on sports bras, there are a few ways you can check to see if it will work for you. The bra’s main components are the bands that support your breasts underneath and the panels which hold them in on the sides. You can grip the cups or the straps from either side to stretch them to ensure proper support. 

Ultimately, when you try on your sports bra, there should be:

Under Armour Seamless Low-Impact Sports Bra

This adjustable cross-back design offers a comfortable fit for low-impact exercise. It fits best on smaller cup sizes and includes removable cups to improve shape and support.

Nike Women’s Victory Compression Sports Bra

This sports bra offers medium support with a racerback strap design. It has sweat-wicking technology that pulls the moisture away from the skin into the material. 

This bra has built-in cups for maximum support. It encapsulates the breasts to support them from all sides for high-impact movement. 

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Erica Redding writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money

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The lifetime and durability of your bra can vary by style and brand. However, a regularly worn sports bra can last from nine to 15 months.