When it comes to staying healthy and active, your fitness regime certainly matters. There are many ways to fit the recommended amount of exercise into your routine, and whether that involves going to the gym, working out at home, or indulging in an active hobby, what you wear can influence your comfort and activity levels. 

Thanks to the huge range of activewear brands currently out there, the choice of workout clothes is limitless. But unbeknown to most, it is what you wear underneath that really makes the difference. A sports bra should be an essential part of every woman’s workout wardrobe, but what benefits can wearing a sports bra unlock? And how do you even begin to choose the right design when shopping for sports bras near me?

Why we recommend wearing a sports bra during exercise

A great fitting bra is a vital aspect of everyday life, and this extends to the time you spend exercising. During exercise, a normal bra design just won’t cut it. Instead you should opt for a sports bra to ensure the correct level of support during sportier activities.

Sports bras – whether you intend to opt for a budget or designer sports bra – differ drastically when compared with regular bras. Unlike regular bras, sports bras focus on support rather than shape and incorporate material that offers a higher level of moisture-wicking and breathability to leave you feeling fresh as you push for the burn. 

Sports bras also provide better flexibility than designs meant for every day, regular wear to ensure ample support for your breasts during physical exercise. In terms of their design, sports bras use wider straps and a more supportive band to strike the perfect balance between support and comfort. They also tend to deliver more coverage than everyday designs, meaning they can keep your breasts under wraps even when you partake in more vigorous exercise. If you’re busily searching for ‘sports bras near me’, you may be surprised by the sheer amount of choice available. There are bras for every bust size and budget, including designer sports bras.

The benefits of wearing a sports bra during a workout

The importance of wearing a sports bra shouldn’t be underestimated. Research found that 44% of women don’t wear a sports bra during exercise. Failing to wear a sports bra however can have disastrous consequences. Failing to wear sports bras during exercise has been linked to back pain, breast sagging, and even long-term tissue and ligament damage. The use of sports bras becomes even more vital as we age and the skin loses its elasticity. Gravity accelerates the skin stretching process, with high intensity exercise like running, only increasing this gravitational pull.

By wearing a designer sports bra, you can give your breasts the support they need during periods of intense movement with premium quality and actively prevent the issues mentioned above. This will help you preserve the shape of your breasts and prevent avoidable sagging.

During exercise, the use of a sports bra helps you stay as comfortable as you can be, a fact that is making budget and designer sports bras popular alternatives to regular bras. Many women use sports bras outside of their workouts, with the latest trends making sports bras must-have accessories thanks to their recent appearances on runways and red carpets.

Thanks to their softer yet supportive designs, sports bras don’t leave marks on the skin, which can be a real selling point for women who have spent years suffering from discomfort and irritation due to regular bra use.

The use of moisture-wicking, breathable materials increases those comfort levels further. Sports bras are able to regulate your temperature, soak up sweat, and minimise body odour to leave you feeling fresher and more confident than ever.

How do you know which sports bra to buy?

With the sheer range of sports bras available, choosing the right designer sports bra isn’t easy. Despite the many designs accessible however, there are just two types of sports bra – compression and encapsulation.

Compression sports bras  

Compression sports bras press in your breasts to reduce their movement using stretchy fabrics thus minimising the impact of high intensity activities. Compression designs usually have cross straps at the back, and tend to be better suited to women with smaller breasts. Encapsulation sports bras on the other hand are made using firmer fibres like polyester and nylon. This material is arranged in cups and supported by narrower straps to provide support for each individual breast. Encapsulation sports bras are therefore a great fit for women with larger breasts and/or those partaking in low to moderate impact exercise.

Encapsulation sports bras

Encapsulation sports bras on the other hand are made using firmer fibres like polyester and nylon. This material is arranged in cups and supported by narrower straps to provide support for each individual breast. Encapsulation sports bras are therefore a great fit for women with larger breasts and/or those partaking in low to moderate impact exercise.

When shopping for sports bras near you, it is important to consider your cup size. Wearing the wrong sized sports bra can have a lasting impact on your body. Your chosen cup size should hug your breasts, not squash them, to limit movement and prevent discomfort. Selecting a designer sports bra that is suitable for your chosen activity is another must. Low impact activities like pilates and yoga will require less support for instance.

Digging deeper into the features of your chosen design will also help you decipher whether it is right for you and your body shape. Moisture wicking fabric is a non-negotiable, whilst padding and adjustable straps can provide the extra cushioning you need to protect your breasts from impact. Opting for a sports bra with a wider band is also recommended for plus-size or fuller breasted women. Straps with flat seams can minimise chafing to help you hit those fitness goals in complete comfort. 

Our top 3 luxury sports bra recommendations 

Anita Sports Bra Active Air Control

If it’s maximum support you need, our Active Air Control Sports Bra from Anita excels in functionality and style.  Made for active women, this designer sports bra is the perfect fit for high-impact activities. Its Delta Pad feature actively minimises bust movement, whilst the design’s use of specialist sweat management technology and ultra-lightweight mesh fabric ensures optimum freshness throughout your workout. This sports bra really is a second skin. It’s also available in bold Pink and Anthracite or ultra-feminine Rose.

Empreinte Sports Bra

For those with a fuller bust, the Empreinte Sports Bra is the go-to. Supporting busts up to a H cup, this super lightweight design is surprisingly supportive across a wide range of activities meaning you can move with confidence. With the Empreinte Sports Bra, you don’t lose your feminine form, with shape and support both guaranteed with this design. The Empreinte Sports Bra also uses breathable, quick drying fabric to keep you cool and comfortable, as well as multi-positional straps that can be adjusted to your exact comfort requirements. 

Marie Jo Sports Bra

The brainchild of former athlete and engineer Mari, Marie Jo Sports Bra  is a designer sports bra with a difference. Unlike many other sports bra designs, the Maaree Sports Bra aims to counter upward motion as well as downward movement. The Maaree Sports Bra incorporates as an overband as a result to provide complete support for the breasts from every angle.

Check out our range of supportive sports bras

Here at Mystique Lingerie, we stock a hand-picked selection of  luxury lingerie, nightwear,  beachwear and swimwear from the world’s leading brands. With an ethos for putting comfort and quality first, our sports bras should be your very first choice when shopping online.Check out our range of supportive sports bras today and discover the perfect partner for your active lifestyle. 

When shopping for sports bras near you, don’t skip the fitting. Having your sports bra professionally fitted is just as important as getting fitted for a regular bra. Our independently owned, specialist lingerie shop has more than 15 years of experience fitting bras, so pop in store for your own personalised fitting.