Sports Bras 101: How to Choose the Right Sports Bra

Let’s get one thing straight. A sports bra is not just a tighter bra you throw on when you work out. Nor is it a bra that you simply pull over your head! It is a piece of equipment believe it or not!

And if you are holding your chest when you move or exercise, your sports bra is not doing its job. Period.

When it is wrong, you feel it immediately. Shoulder pain. Neck tension. Bounce that makes you stop mid-workout. Or a common problem: not trusting your bra to keep things in place when you are moving. 

And for those of us who have worn two bras to workout - been there, done that. But thanks to Forever Yours Lingerie, never again!

This guide breaks it all down so you can actually choose the right sports bra. No guessing. No suffering through workouts. No “I’ll just deal with it.”

Figure Out Your Activity Level

The first thing that you want to do is identify your activity & the level of activity that you will be doing. Not all workouts require the same sports bra! Walking your dog & sprinting drills are not the same sport, and your sports bra knows it.

Low-Impact Activities

Think yoga, pilates, stretching, casual walking, barre.

What you need:

  • Light support
  • Comfort & flexibility
  • Breathable fabrics
  • Minimal restriction

This is where you want to feel held, not locked down. Low-impact bras should move with you and feel almost invisible.


Medium-Impact Activities

Think strength training, cycling, hiking, dance workouts (although the way that I dance starts to veer towards a high-impact sports bra requirement!).

What you need:

  • Moderate support
  • Some structure
  • Light shaping without full lockdown

This is the sweet spot for a lot of people. Enough support to stay comfortable without feeling over-engineered.


High-Impact Activities

Think running, HIIT, field sports, jumping, sprinting.

What you need:

  • Maximum support
  • Firm structure
  • Secure band and straps
  • Minimal bounce

Choose the Right Level of Support
Support is not about cup size alone. It is about motion control.

Light Support
Best for smaller busts or very low-impact movement.
Feels soft, stretchy, and easy.

Medium Support
Ideal for everyday workouts.
Balances comfort and control.

High Support
Designed to limit movement as much as possible.
Essential for running and high-impact sports, especially for fuller busts.

Quick reality check:
If your sports bra leaves you sore after your workout, it is not supportive enough.
If you cannot breathe comfortably, it's not the right style or size for you.

Compression vs Encapsulation

This is where most people get confused.

Compression Sports Bras
These press the breasts close to the chest.
Best for:

  • Smaller to medium busts
  • Low to medium impact
  • Studio workouts

They are simple, sleek, and minimizing. Comfortable, but not always enough for bigger movement.

Encapsulation Sports Bras

These support each breast individually, more like a regular bra.
Best for:

  • Medium to fuller busts
  • High-impact activities
  • Anyone who hates the squished feeling

Encapsulation bras reduce bounce more effectively and tend to feel more supportive long-term.

Pro tip: For high-impact workouts, encapsulation usually wins. 

Get the Fit Right (This Matters More Than You Think)

Band
The band should do most of the work.
Snug, level, and secure without digging in.
If the band rides up, it is too loose. If it hurts, it is too tight or the wrong size.

Straps
Supportive but not carrying all the weight.
Wide straps help distribute pressure and protect your shoulders.

Cups
No spillage. No gaps. No flattening that feels aggressive.
Your breasts should feel contained and stable.

If you are constantly adjusting during your workout, something is off.

Fabric, Feel, and Lifestyle Stuff
Because real life matters.

  • Moisture-wicking fabric is non-negotiable
  • Seam placement matters more than you think
  • Breathability equals comfort
  • Easy on and off is underrated, especially post-workout

Also, you do not need one sports bra to rule them all. Most women need at least two types. One for chill days, one for sweat-heavy days.

Getting Your Money's Worth
We want you to get the most out of your investment once you find your perfect fit. You can extend the lifespan of your new bra by handwashing and rotating it in your wardrobe.

  • If you are working out daily, you will want a couple sports bras in your rotation. If you can give the bra 24-48 hours to rest, it will help the elastic maintain it's shape and support
  • Using a special formula like Forever New Sports wash can help restore fabric breathability, remove body oils and increase odor protection. 
  • Handwashing your bras is worth it! 

The Bottom Line
A good sports bra should:

  • Match your activity
  • Control movement without pain
  • Fit your body now
  • Make you feel confident enough to focus on your workout, not your chest

At Forever Yours Lingerie, sports bra fittings are about function first, comfort always, and zero pressure. Because the right sports bra changes how you move, how you feel, and how much you actually enjoy being active.

If your sports bra has been “fine” for a while, it might be time for better than fine.

Your body deserves support that actually supports you.

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