Sports bras are indispensable for women when going to the gym or jogging. Working out in your regular bra is not advisable as it does not provide sufficient support due to its construction style. These factors affect breast health and give rise to heavy breasts, soreness, and even lasting damage. Women who work out or indulge in any high impact sports activity should have proper support around their breasts.
Sports bras are the defence against breast juggling during your exercise. From major sports brands such as Nike and Puma to companies’ native to India such as Amante and Enamor, a range of sports bras are available in the market. We list the 10 best sports bras in India chosen based on their functionality, comfort, and customer reviews.
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Table of Contents
Breasts are made up of fatty tissues and Cooper’s ligament, which is the only internal support they have. However, Cooper’s ligament isn’t very strong and too much movement can weaken and stretch them. Wearing a supportive sports bra is crucial in protecting breasts and ensuring you have a comfortable workout.
To help you decide which fit and style will best suit your needs, here’s a comprehensive buying guide.
During exercise, our breasts are subjected to a wide range of movements, and it is important to limit those movements to prevent damage, like sagging and soreness that are caused over time. So, let’s dive into the world of sports bras to understand which type works for you.
The movement of breasts is actually very detailed as they move in three dimensions – up and down, side to side, and in and out. Compression sports bras limit the projection movement, i.e., the in and out movement of breasts. These bras compress the breast tissue by firmly holding it closer to the chest. Compression bras are for women with small breasts, essentially those with cup sizes A and B.
They can also work for those with full busts, engaging in low-impact workouts, like Yoga and Pilates. However, those with full busts can experience sweating and chafing (skin problem, like a mild, red rash caused by breasts rubbing against each other) because compression sports bras do not have separate individual cups which creates a lack of separation.
During high-impact workouts, like running, dancing, jump squats, or jumping jacks, our breasts bounce a lot. Encapsulation sports bras reduce a greater range of overall movement, protecting Cooper’s ligaments and preventing sagging and breast pain. These bras are designed with individual cups, unlike compression bras to support each breast individually.
Since each breast is individually supported, encapsulation bras provide a more natural breast shape, especially to larger-breasted women. These sports bras suit all cup sizes. Some of them even come with an underwire for enhanced support, so you can choose the one that makes you more comfortable.
If you’re confused between compression and encapsulation bra, it is best to get a combination sports bra as it offers the best of both worlds. It has cups to support each breast separately, and at the same time lends maximum support by holding the breasts closer to the body.
A combination sports bra is fit for high impact activities and is especially popular among runners. It not only reduces breast movement in all directions but also helps prevent chafing and discomfort caused because of sweating.
Sports bras mostly come in small, medium, and large sizes, with cup sizing from A to C and D. However, there are more to sports bra sizing than these generic numbers. Nowadays, brands are aware of a large range of cup sizes to even accommodate women with heavier busts. And if you have larger busts, it becomes more important to get a perfectly sized sports bra to avoid chaffing and pain.
The right cup size provides support to each of your breasts, by lifting them up and keeping them centred. Therefore, always look for brands that offer bras from the smallest cup size to the largest one. Before investing in a bra, you must determine the correct and most recent size by measuring your cup, bust, and band.
These days, brands also offer sports bras with padding and removable cups for aesthetic purposes. Padding and removable cups are an additional layer of material that ensures that nothing shows out of its place, and you workout comfortably. Those with a larger chest can benefit from padding as it restricts unwanted breast movement.
Sweating while working out isn’t uncommon. But you can avoid the discomfort caused by sweaty breasts by investing in sports bras in breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. While breathable fabrics, like cotton and linen, let air and moisture flow through to keep you cool, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon helps lift sweat off your skin.
Moisture-wicking sports bras are made up of non-absorbent fabrics that prevent sweat from staying around in the fabric. They transfer the sweat from your skin to the surface of the garment and evaporates into the air. This will not only keep your breasts dry and fresh but prevent skin problems such as rashes.
Whether you have a low-impact workout routine or a medium to high-level routine, you should be able to adjust your sports bra’s straps as per your comfort. Choosing a sports bra with adjustable straps make for a relaxing, pain-free workout where nothing is digging in or the strap slipping down every few minutes.
Now, most of the bras have a back clasp with adjustments, so go for those with two or more rows of hooks, especially if you’ve heavier busts. This will let you tighten or loosen the bra as per your activity schedule. Having adjustable shoulder straps also work well to give your breasts more support, when needed. This is useful if you utilise sports bras as your everyday bras.
Good design can lift your spirits! Just because you are choosing a sports bra, it does not mean you have to compromise on your taste. There are so many designs, colours and strap styles available to choose from nowadays. For instance, crossover and multiple strap bras are trendy options to consider if you’re looking for something stylish and confidence-boosting.
Crossover and multiple strap bras are more styles focused but if properly adjusted, they can offer the desired support. Racerback is the most popular design when it comes to sports bras. They offer more back coverage and support and keep the bra close to your body to prevent slipping around.
Traditional shoulder straps are great for those with larger busts as it evenly distributes the weight. This style of sports bra can also be worn under everyday clothing as a regular bra. It is best to get a shoulder strap sports bra with a clip/hook mechanism so, that it is easier to wear and adjust.
₹1,536.00
The straps are fairly wide for support but the fabric itself is stretchy enough for you to enjoy exercise without any discomfort. Along with being comfortable, this sports bra is also very stylish! It comes in varied sizes from XS to XL, allowing women with lighter and heavier busts to choose the size as per their comfort. Reviewers have mentioned that the sports bra stays true to fit.
₹1,999.00
Thermo-R+ is also helpful in regulating body temperature so that you can continue with your activity to the very end. The sports bra also keeps the natural contour of your breasts while supporting them firmly. It can be used in a daily setting as well. Customer reviews are high for the support and the look.
₹1,799.00
You can even wear this bra while carrying out low-intensity workouts, or under your tops as comfortable everyday lingerie. The sports bra has a moisture-absorbing AEROREADY technology that keeps the sweat at bay. It also has a back hook, giving you the comfort of adjusting straps to wear it tight or loose.
₹999.00
₹1,264.00
The sports bra is made up of fast-drying speed-wick fabric that keeps you cool and dry while exercising. The X-back and thin shoulder straps are stylish and comfortable to hold on to, but they might take up some time while wearing and removing the bra. The sports bra is available in a range of sizes, from XS to XL.
₹2,274.00
The Infinity Mid Self-Design Lightly Padded Sports Bra can support your breasts during medium-impact exercises like cycling, boxing, and weight training. Though being a tight fit bra, its fabric can "breathe" with its mesh-lining. So you won’t feel your sweat rolling on your skin. When doing sweat running exercise like boxing, this could keep your body comfortable so that you can keep going.
₹1,109.00
This sports bra comes in sizes ranging from XS to XL. Therefore, allowing you a varied size range to choose from. It is preferred by women who are into running because of the individual support the cups give to your breasts. You can also pair this bra with a tank top for a dance class. Reviewers have all the nice things to say about the fit, the fabric, and the support.
₹945.00
₹349.00
The key-hole back ensures easy to wear, so if you are someone who remains on go then this sports bra is for you. It also has double layered cups to minimise the visibility of nipples. Reviewers say that the fit of this bra is good but it doesn't have a good hold on the bust so, you have to be a bit cautious while working out.
₹999.00
Finding the perfect fit for your sports bra is a hassle, but this video can help you measure your bust, cup, and band size at home.
Considering the current scenario of the pandemic, it's become difficult for people to step out of the house and carry on with their workout routine. But you can always start at home. All you need is the right set of equipment and lots of motivation. So, here are a few of our articles that can help you start your fitness regime right at your house.
Whether you have a low-impact or a high-impact fitness routine, we have covered sports bras to go with any and all your fitness needs. We have focused on sports bras that are both high functioning and stylish. So, hope you enjoyed reading the article.
Author: Srishti Sikka
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