When working out, we women need to have proper support for our breasts so that we can feel confident and comfortable in our fitness challenges and the best compression sports bra will do just that.
A compression bra will compress breasts onto the chest, thus holding them in place to limit any unwanted movement.
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The bras we reviewed include:
- Under Armour HeatGear Crossback Sports Bra (top choice)
- QUEENNIEKE Sports Bra
- Deyllo High Impact. Full-Support Plus Size Sports Bra
- PLAY BOLD Racerback. Sports Compression Bra
- Core 10 Compression Racerback Sports Bra
Let’s have a look at some of the top models, remembering that we’re looking for the best compression sports bra and most suitable.
Table of Contents
1. Under Armour HeatGear Crossback Sports Bra
This popular bra from Under Armour is called a “mid-impact” sports bra. It is my favorite.
I found it a higher compression than expected but comfortable holding everything in place whilst running or doing high-impact sports.
It feels good under everyday clothes. It mimics the feeling of a perfect everyday bra but with added support to make the workouts easier.
It has an attractive criss-cross back which is always a favorite design feature for me. The cross-over straps also help in supporting the front.
The sports bra has light removable inserts that stay firmly in place but you may not need them.
Supportive, comfortable and with the 85% polyester and 16% elastane material it wicks away moisture better than most.
I can see myself wearing this for swimming as well as land activities.
Sizes are X-small to XX-large, recommended cups A to C. Over 30 colors.
Pros:
- Super soft band provides maximum comfort.
- Good compression for high impact sports
- Good wicking.
- Padding remains firmly in place.
- Easy to put on and remove.
Cons:
- Might need to size up.
2. QUEENNIEKE Sports Bra
Available in sizes from XS to XXL, this compression bra is suitable for most cup sizes.
The bra’s v-neck design better highlights the body’s natural shape, and the x-back design gives you more freedom to move comfortably.
This compression bra provides comfortable support when participating in high impact activities, and has a double band for added breast support and to reduce chafing.
You can choose extra concealment as it suits, with its removable pads.
The fabric is lightweight and boasts a butterfly-soft feel.
Pros:
- 1.6-inch wide shoulder straps.
- Great fit.
- Highly functional.
- Flattering neckline.
Cons:
- Only available in black.
- Straps a little confusing to put on.
3. Deyllo High Impact Full-Support Plus Size Sports Bra
This is a great bra for women who have larger cup sizes but still want a compression-style sports bra for intense workouts.
It doesn’t feature the usual racerback style, but instead has wide adjustable straps, which are vital for providing the best support for bigger breasts.
The lightweight, non-padded material almost feels like a second layer of skin. It’s wire-free and shows your natural shape perfectly.
The mesh area below the cups and in the neck area aid wicking and reduce chafing.
Your breasts will be fully covered and fully supported in this bra, with a wide band for added comfort.
Pros:
- Good high impact sports bras
- Available in four colors.
- Back clasp for added support.
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking material.
- Perfect for plus-size ladies with larger cup sizes.
Cons:
- Not ideal for small breasts.
- Check sizing.
4. PLAY BOLD Racerback Sports Compression Bra
This bra is made with a lightweight, comfortable material that’s stretchy and smooth. Its racerback design gives great support while providing less stress on the shoulders and more freedom of movement.
You’re bound to look the part in this bra, with its fashionable gradient color design, which is available in four different color styles.
The flatlock stitching is aimed at preventing chafing while the material absorbs moisture from the body for added comfort.
Pros:
- Quick-drying, keeping your skin free from irritation.
- Made with good quality fabric.
- Good fit.
- Simple design.
Cons:
- Only available in four sizes.
- Not suitable for larger breast sizes of D+.
5. Core 10 Compression Racerback Sports Bra
This Core 10 bra is suitable for every cup size, available in sizes XS to 3XL. It will provide you with medium support and is true to size. It’s available in three basic colors and is very affordable.
Although ideal for smaller cup sizes, this bra has been tried and tested by larger breasted women who all give it a thumbs up.
The compression bra is made from moisture-wicking fabric, with a hidden powermesh lining that provides extra supportive compression. The cups in this bra are not removable.
Pros:
- Recommended by women of all cup sizes.
- Fits comfortably and holds breasts firmly in place.
- Wide band provides good support for breasts.
- Moisture-wicking fabric.
Cons:
- Thick seams show through tops worn over the bra.
- A bit difficult getting on and take off.
The Science Behind the Sports Bra
Having a good sports bra is important not only for feeling comfortable but for preventing your breasts from drooping.
Our breasts are made out of soft tissue and not from muscle. Internal ligaments and surrounding skin hold them up, in the form of spring-like coils which are built to rebound until gravity catches up with them.
Regular stretching, whether it be from jumping, running or genetics, can cause a permanent droop in the tissue causing saggy breasts.
Having a high level of compression can cut movement in the breasts by more than half, which is key for preventing that unwanted bounce and that even more unwanted droop!
As we get older it becomes all the more important to protect those vulnerable areas and maintain the integrity of our breasts. Keeping them snug in a good compression bra whilst exercising will help keep them firm into midlife.
Differences in Sports Bras
Although regularly branded as the same thing and sometimes combined, you may come across different words when looking for a sports bra: compression and encapsulation.
Compression Sports Bra
Typically a shelf bra style, a compression bra works for those of you who have smaller cup sizes, A to B, and are best for participating in low to medium impact workouts. They don’t usually have built-in cups and will push the breasts against you to restrict movement and support.
Encapsulation Sports Bra
These are fitted with individual cups and tend to be better for those who have larger breasts. The individual cup technique provides greater support for each breast and will secure them when exercising.
Differences in Straps
Different straps may only seem like a visual preference, but there is a key difference in the support technique from racerback to wide strap sports bras.
Racerback Strap
This style of bra clinches in at the back, anchoring the bra and holding it closer to the body—thus providing more support. They’re much more supportive for smaller breasts simply because they weigh less.
Wide Shoulder Straps
Weight is distributed much more evenly with wide, tank top-style shoulder straps, which is crucial for the bigger cup sizes. Often you’ll find that wide strap sports bras will be padded and adjustable.
Differences in Style
Even the style isn’t just about ease or simplicity to putting your bra on or pulling it off! It also has a part to play in finding the best way to support those breasts.
Pullover Style
Also known as the tank style, these cover your back more than clasp bras do. They can lack adjustability and support more often for bigger breasts, due to the allover stretch material. Compression bras often come in this style.
Back Clasp Style
With a clasp, you have the flexibility to tighten and loosen the band. The band provides 70 percent of the support for breasts when in a bra. Therefore, the flexibility you get with the clasp style is of key importance, especially for the larger breasts where greater pressure is placed on the band.
Conclusion – The Best Compression Sports Bra
On the subject of bras, check out our pick of the most comfortable sports bras. Our best tank top with a built-in bra and bras for older women.
The Core 10 sports bra provides the best of both worlds, taking pros from both the compression and the encapsulation sports bra.
Made with quality materials and technology, it provides superb support and comfort, making it a good choice for large breasts and small ones like mine.
Due to its ability to provide comfort and support, great compression and moisture wicking, the Under Armour HeatGear Crossback Sports Bra is our best compression sports bra, especially for high impact sports.
