Sports Gear – The Minded Athlete

Sports bras have got to be the hardest thing to shop for. It's always a challenge to strike a balance between looking good and getting your desired comfort and support. In most cases, when you get a sports bra that makes you stand out, it doesn't offer the right support, and you might have to deal with spillage more often than not -- not a cute sight. But who says you can't have the best of both worlds? With the right approach, you should be able to find the best sports bras for your needs. However, narrowing down to one sports bra is an even bigger challenge due to the plethora of options available. But don't fret. We've got all the information you need to select a sports bra that's worth every penny you invest in it. Let's get straight to business. [amazon box="B078NRD8T2, B072R7CTVC, B016MXOY00, B072QN1DX4, B07L8ZCFC3, B07HH2QR8T, B008NLCPAG, B0030BC39W, B071W5T39D, B07LDDD9RM" template="table"] The Ultimate Sports Bra Buying Guide So, do you know what to look for when shopping for a sports bra? Are size and color the only things you should concern yourself with? Let's find out. Different types of sports bra construction Apart from size and color, one of the things you should have your eyes set on is bra construction. There are three types of bra construction; compression, encapsulation, and compression/encapsulation. The difference in these bra constructions lies in how they minimize the movement of your breasts. Compression bras typically have a pull-on design and don't have built-in caps. They restrict movement by compressing the breasts against the chest wall. Compression sports bras are the best sports bras for low to medium activities. On the other hand, encapsulation bras resemble the everyday bras you own in the sense that they have individual caps to support each breast separately. These types of bras don't offer the best support and are most suitable for low impact activities. Compression/encapsulation bras combine the features of compression and encapsulation bras and are the best for high impact activities. You should choose the bra construction that's best suited for the type of activity you engage in. Levels of support Another thing you should consider when shopping for the best sports bras is the level of support they offer. Sports bras offer one of three levels of support; low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact. The level of support you choose will depend on the type of activity you're doing. For instance, if you're a yogi, any level of support would work just fine for you because yoga doesn't include a lot of movement. However, if you engage in high-impact activities like running, mountain biking, and aerobics, the best sports bras for you are the ones that offer high-impact support. Fit is everything Even when you know your right size, it can be tricky to find a bra that fits just right. Luckily, there are several things you can do to ensure you get the perfect fit. First, make sure the bra has a snug fit but doesn't restrict breathing. To determine if it's the right fit, try fitting two fingers between your shoulders and the bra straps -- it should be an easy fit. Next, make sure the bra has no lines on it when you wear it. Wrinkles are a sign that the cup size is too big. You should also not be spilling out of the bra because this indicates the bra size is too small. You should also raise your hands to see if the straps ride up or not. If they do, the bra is too big especially if it doesn't have adjustable straps. In addition, it's a good idea to move around in the sports bra to get a feel of how much support it offers. Try jumping and making big movements (you should probably try this in the privacy of a changing room) and pay attention to how you feel. If there's pain or any form of discomfort, keep shopping for another bra. Sizing If you're feeling lazy and prefer not to go to the store and instead shop online from the comfort of your home, it's vital to know which size to look for. Start by measuring around your rib cage just below your breasts. Ensure the tape measure is snug but not too tight and then round down the figure to the nearest inch. After doing this, match the measurement to the correct band size using a band size chart. Next, measure your bust by placing the tape measure on the fullest part of your breast. Ensure it's snug but not too tight and then round down the measurement to the nearest inch. To get your cup size, subtract your bust measurement from your rib cage measurement. The difference indicates the cup size as shown below: 3 inches -- AA 4 inches -- A 5 inches -- B 6 inches -- C 7 inches -- D 8 inches -- DD 9 inches -- E Everything you need to know about sports bra straps The other thing you need to think about is the type of strap to go for. There are two types of sports bra straps: racerback and wide straps. Racerback straps are the type of straps that cinch in the back. These offer excellent support because they anchor the bra closer to the body. Wide straps, on the other hand, are thicker and broader. These are excellent for women with bigger busts as they distribute the weight evenly and are more likely to be adjustable and padded. Important features to consider Every sports bra is unique and will come with different features depending on the brand. But there are certain features you should always look out for in a sports bra. These include moisture-wicking fabrics, underwires that lay flat on your rib cage, adjustable straps for encapsulation sports bras, secure shoulder straps, and a snug band. Pricing of the Best Sports Bras on the Market So, what should you expect to pay for the best sports bras? The best thing about sports bras is that they come in a wide range of prices. You can get a sports bra for as little as $8, but some go for up to $200. The main reason for the price difference is the brand. Designer brands tend to be more expensive. How We Reviewed To help you on your mission to find the best sports bras, we scoured the internet to identify the top contenders. We relied on expert and customer reviews to narrow down to sports bras with reliable performance. What's more, we analyzed their features to ensure they provide the support and comfort you need in a sports bra. No matter what your budget is, we assure you there's a sports bra that suits your needs on this list. Top 10 Sports Bras Worth Investing In And now for the moment you've been waiting for -- the best sports bras on the market. We have sports bras for plus size women, slender women, minimalists, and women who want to stand out. Let's fire away! 1. icyzone Sports Bra [amazon box ="B078NRD8T2"] If you want to stand out at the gym or in your yoga class, the icyzone Sports Bra is the way to go. This sports bra not only comes in numerous attractive colors but also features unique back straps that will without a doubt make you stand out while training. With this sports bra, you'll also don't have to worry about the uncomfortable stickiness that happens when you get all sweaty. It features a moisture-wicking fabric that ensures you stay dry and fresh. What's more, the fact that it doesn't have an underwire makes it possible for you to wear it under a tank top without screaming you're wearing a bra. Furthermore, it features removable padding that makes it possible for you to customize your comfort and fit. Whether you're a runner, a gym enthusiast, or yogi, this sports bra will fit right into your routine. To get it, you'll have to part with $13 to $18. Amazon buyers rated it 4.3 out of 5 stars. 2. Glamorise Elite Performance Camisole Sport Bra [amazon box ="B072R7CTVC"] If you're after a sports bra for plus size women, the Glamorise Elite Performance Camisole Sport Bra could be right up your alley. This sports bra gives you the comfort you need without compromising on style. It features wide, adjustable padded straps that relieve back pain and shoulder pressure without digging into your skin. Thanks to the mesh on the upper part of the bra that keeps everything in place, you can confidently bend over and make unrestricted movements without worrying about spillage -- now that's worth paying for! And there's more: This bra also features a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool and dry even during an intense workout. Besides, it features a hook and eye closure that allows you to customize your fit to your liking. We also like that this bra is wire free and does justice to a curvy woman's body. Whichever activity you choose, you can rely on this sports bra for maximum support. It retails for $15 to $75. Amazon buyers are very pleased with this sports bra. They gave it a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. 3. Fittin Seamless Racerback Sports Bra [amazon box ="B016MXOY00"] Due to its low neck and racerback design, the Fittin Seamless Racerback Sports Bra is perfect for low impact activities like yoga and pilates. One of the things we love about this bra is its simple pull-on design. We also love the racer back design that allows for easy and flexible movements. The sports bra also has subtle padding that does a great job in enhancing your silhouette, but the pads are removable if you prefer a fuss-free approach. With the moisture-wicking and cooling feature, you'll also not have to worry about discomfort from too much sweat. This bra keeps you cool and dry in the areas most prone to sweating like the back and chest. Selling for $11 to $30, this sports bra is a worthy investment. Buyers gave it a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. 4. Fruit of the Loom Sports Bra [amazon box ="B072QN1DX4"] Although it looks quite ordinary at first glance, the Fruit of the Loom Sports Bra is one of the best sports bras on the market. This sports bra is perfect for wearing under everyday clothing or athletic wear. Among the reasons why this sports bra stands out is the fact that it offers full coverage. To add to this, it features breathable material that keeps you comfortable throughout your activity. We also love that it comes in single colors -- a perfect choice for the minimalists. It's one of the best sports bras for low-impact activity retailing for $10 to $30. Amazon customers love it as much as we do. They rated it 4.3 out of 5 stars. 5. YIANNA Yoga Sports Bra [amazon box ="B07L8ZCFC3"] Coming in a range of vibrant colors and incredible designs, the YIANNA Yoga Sports Bra may not be the easiest to put on, but it delivers on comfort and support once it's on. This sports bra is excellent if you're looking for a sports bra you can wear on its own. The main thing that caught out attention is the bold back straps that would make any back stand out. But this sports bra is more than just good looks: It features moisture management technology that keeps you dry and comfortable throughout your workout. What's more, it has paddings that give you a natural look and can be removed to customize fit and comfort. Selling for $15 to $20, we believe this is a worthy investment. The sports bra has a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon. 6. Nine Bull Sports Bra [amazon box ="B07HH2QR8T"] Another excellent option for the woman who wants to stand out at the gym or the trail. The Nine Bull Sports Bra stands out because of it's bold criss-cross back straps -- it's definitely not for the gym wallflower. Apart from its stunning design, this sports bra also has other incredible features that guarantee your comfort and support. For starters, it has removable padding material that allows you to customize your comfort and fit to your liking. What's more, the bra features a moisture-wicking fabric that ensures you stay dry and fresh throughout your workout. As if not enough, the bra offers full coverage at the front making it perfect for different workouts. You can get yours for $10 to $25. The bra was rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. 7. NIKE Swoosh Sports Bra [amazon box ="B008NLCPAG"] Can you really say you workout if you don't have some Nike in your closet? Nike offers you the support and comfort you need in your routine with their Nike Swoosh Sports Bra. There's so much to love about this sports bra. To begin with, it features a compression fit that offers snug support for medium impact activities like running and gym workouts. What's more, it has moisture wicking technology that helps keep sweat at bay. We also love that it has a minimal design that stands out without being too much. Therefore, if you need a reason to start working out, get this sports bra for $25 to $200 and just do it. Amazon customers can't stop raving about this sports bra. They rated it 4.3 out of 5 stars. 8. Glamorise No-Bounce Cami Sport Bra [amazon box ="B0030BC39W"] If you're a curvy or plus-size woman, you know how difficult it can be to find a bra that offers you style and excellent support while preventing the dreaded painful bounce. You don't have to compromise on any of these with the Glamorise No-Bounce Cami Sport Bra. This sports bra offers you full coverage and the support you need for a medium impact workout. You'll also appreciate the mesh on the upper part of the bust which guarantees nothing slips out when you're working out. The bra also features non-stretch wide straps with adjustments to provide the support you need without digging into your skin. You can also rest assured of a flattering fit thanks to the reinforced wire-free cups. You can purchase this sports bra for $23 to $70. Amazon buyers gave it a rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. 9. Champion Curvy Strappy Sports Bra [amazon box ="B071W5T39D"] If you enjoy yoga, pilates, and other low impact activities, the Champion Curvy Strappy Sports Bra is one of the best sports bras you can get. It features a low v-cut that will undoubtedly make you the center of attention in your class. It also features an eye and hook closure which makes it one of the most effortless bras to put on on this list. Furthermore, it features mesh inserts for ventilation. We also love that it has wide straps which makes it perfect for women with bigger busts. The sports bra also comes in a variety of colors and sizes which makes it an excellent choice for women of different sizes. For the price of $8 to $85, you can add this sports bra to our closet. Amazon buyers love it; they rated it 4.3 out of 5 stars. 10. Newlashua Sports Bra [amazon box ="B07LDDD9RM"] Last on our list of the best sports bras is the Newlashua Sports Bra. If you're the kind of person that changes up your work out from time to time, this is the sports bra you need to get. One of the reasons it's among the best sports bras on the market is the fact that it's suitable for low, medium, and high impact activities. The bra offers full coverage and has a sexy racerback design that allows you to wear it on its own. This design also makes it possible for you to make unrestricted movements as you workout. We also love the mesh linings that guarantee ventilation even on the hottest day. Any woman of any size would enjoy working out in this sports bra. You can get it for $9 to $20. The sports bra has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Invest in the Best Sports Bras Today As you can see, the market is full of fabulous sports bras that will undoubtedly change your workout experience. So let go of those ill-fitting sports bras and purchase the sports bras recommended on this list. Based on what customers have to say about them, we have no doubt they will impress you too. Have you tried any of the sports bras we mentioned here? Which one do you think you'll get and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.