How to Find the Right Style of Sports Bra

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It’s no secret bras come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. In particular, sports bras offer a plethora of options depending on the intensity of your workouts. 


From design, material, and strap styles, to closures, cups, and compression, the best sports bras promote confidence and physical activity as a lifestyle. 

girls working out

Are you on the lookout for the right styles of sports bras? Look no further—we created this guided list so you know what to look out for when Choosing amongst various types of bra styles.

Bra Styles for Sporty Women

Compression Bras 

The compression bra compresses the breasts against the body, leaving little to no room for movement during high-impact workouts. They often come in two common styles: scoop-back and racer-back. Women with smaller breasts (with an A or B cup size) find that this type of support is the best-fitting for their body type. Take a look at some of the best compression bras to consider for your workout.


Encapsulation Bras 

Known to support larger busts, the encapsulation bra is built with individual cups to surround and support each breast separately. These bras are void of the typical compression element as seen in the traditional, everyday bra. The encapsulation bra is more versatile, with thick adjustable straps built in to adequately support the bust. Encapsulation bras are best for women with larger cup sizes. 


Hybrid Bras 

The hybrid sports bra is quickly growing in popularity in the sports bra industry–mainly for its unique style. It offers a healthy medium between the compression and encapsulation bra using compression to restrict movement and encapsulation to lift and support the bust. For breast sizes larger than a D cup, we recommend the ENELL Sport featuring shoulder comfort, movement control, and moisture-wicking fabric technology to keep you cool during high-activity workouts.


Sports Bras Back Styles

Convertible 

Convertible-styled bras are extremely versatile and fun to wear. The straps on this style of bra can be readjusted and reattached to offer a completely different look while in action. Criss-cross, racerback, halter, or low-back–the choice is yours.


Racer-Back 

The racerback style is similar to your common tank top or summer dress, with a design that intersects between your shoulders. It offers optimal and comfortable support for the larger-breasted woman.


Scoop-Back/Low-Back

The scoop-back bra plunges deep and halfway down the back. It is often constructed as a pull-over and hides well under cut-out activewear. 


Halter

The halter sports bra is the perfect undergarment if you like to work out in halter-style activewear. Believe it or not, this type of bra offers enough support for a stylish workout, but it’s not the best option as your everyday bra. Women with an A or B cup size are likely to choose this type of sports bra. 


Cross-Back 

The cross-back sport is similar to the convertible bra, except it has two thick comfortable straps that are stationed in one consistent criss-cross style, offering a maximum hold for the larger-breasted active woman.


Types of Sports Bras Closures

Front-Open Closure

This bra closure is constructed with a seamless hook fastening in the front of the bra, allowing for an easy mount on and off. This closure type works for any cup size.


Front-Zip Closure 

Much like the front-open closure, the front-zip closure is a good choice for the woman looking to put on and take off their sports bra in milliseconds. It’ll save you time, offer you great support, and provide full coverage. 


Classic Back Closure 

The classic back closure bra fastens like your classic bra. It often has a two or three-level hook fastener, and its style is versatile enough to compliment any activewear. 


No Closure (Pull-On)

Just as it sounds, the no-closure bra is among the most popular in the market. It’s a pullover style, it’s built with extremely stretchy material, and it offers full coverage for any cup size.


Finding the Right Sports Bra Style for You

You will want to choose your sports bra depending on your activity, needs, and preferences. Think about the kind of support you’re looking for:


  • Low Support - This is ideal for a woman with an A or B cup who is performing low-impact activities, like walking or yoga. This bra type will feature light-weight straps and there are pullover styles available so you don’t need to make any band adjustments. These are most often compression bras.
  • Medium Support - As this model offers firmer support than the style above, it is perfect for higher impact activities like cycling, hiking, or skiing. Breast movement is more restricted and these bras feature wider straps. You can find pullover models, as well as hook closures for the level of comfort you need, and they are available in encapsulation or compression styles.
  • High Support - For high-impact activities, including running, mountain biking, or rock climbing, you need additional support, especially with D-cup sizes or larger. The adjustable wide straps and bands in encapsulation or compression styles will provide that extra support.


Then there is sizing. Your bra will not provide the comfort or support you want if it doesn’t fit properly. Take these steps to identify your sports bra size:


  • Determine your rib cage measurement. Measure just under the breasts around your ribs and round down to the nearest inch.
  • Find your band size. The band size you’re looking for will be two to four inches greater than the rib cage measurement you found in the previous step.
  • Figure out your cup size. Measure your bust at the widest point and take the measuring tape all the way around, straight across your back to get your bust measurement. Subtract your rib cage measurement from this bust measurement to find your cup size in inches: 
3 inches-AA 7 inches-D
4 inches-A 8 inches-DD
5 inches-B 9 inches-E
6 inches-C 10 inches-F

Round up if you are between sizes. Learn more about the bra fitting process by reading our complete guide


Putting It All Together With Sportsbras.ca

Many women underestimate the power of a good-fitting bra—much less a sports bra. Finding the perfect sports bra has proven to improve the physical and mental state of the daily active woman. 


That’s why we’re so passionate about finding you the best-fitting and comfortable sports bra that matches your personal needs and lifestyle.


Need assistance finding the right sports bra style and size? Check out our online store or book a bra fitting today!

eBra Fitting Quiz

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By Brigitte Lessard • February 13, 2025
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By Brigitte Lessard • January 20, 2025
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