Whether yours are more akin to watermelon or naartjies, breasts need proper support during any kind of exercise. But the type of bra you need varies according to your breast size and exercise intensity. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite offerings on the market right now.
Asics Women’s Accelerate Bra Running
Constructed with mesh panelling to improve airflow and breathability. This top also features straps in the back that make it easy to adjust the fit.
2XU Women’s Light Speed High Impact Bra
Moulded cups, internal underwire and stabilisers for support. Available in 15(!) sizes.
adidas By Stella McCartney Medium Support Sports Bra
Made for yoga yet ideal for all medium-intensity workouts, the sports-luxe, pull-over silhouette is easy to slip on before class, while the removable pads allow you to adjust the coverage to match your mood.
Salomon Cross Run Bra
Made predominantly from recycled materials, it features hidden seams and is designed to keep you cool.
Nike Yoga Alate Curve
This high-neck, full-coverage bra. Made to expand and contract with your inhales and exhales during practice. The flexible, sweat-wicking fabric moves with you while the no-pinch bottom band stays in place. This product is made from at least 50% recycled polyester fibres.
Under Armour Rush High Support Sports Bra
Moulded cups and a broad underband provide great support, while mineral-infused fabric absorbs reflects energy, giving you more endurance. Mesh panels provide ventilation. Both the straps and the underband are adjustable for customising your fit and – yes please! – the bra comes apart when unclasped for easy removal.
Puma Fit Mid Impact Bra
Featuring at least 20% recycled materials, its EVERSCULPT shape-enhancing tech provides contouring and dryCELL tech wicks away sweat.
Under Armour Project Rock Crossback Sports Bra
It’s the branding for us – all Project Rock gear was personally signed off by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Badass!
Body Kind Everyday Sports Crop
This Everyday Sports Crop Top-Style Sports Bra. Has a thick, comfortable chest band, removable breast padding cups, back support strap and side straps. Plus it’s stretchy and breathable.
READ MORE: How To ‘Spring Clean’ Your Fitness Gear For Better Workouts
adidas Tailored Impact Luxe Training High-Support Bra (Plus Size)
Sleek fabric and underwire provide support, while HEAT. RDY keeps you dry. Available in adidas’s plus-size range.
Skelcore Women’s Recycled One-Shoulder Crop Top
Made using 30% recycled plastic bottles, it’s quick-drying, breathable and, need we mention, gorgeous!
Women’s TS Black Ribbed Seamless Bralette
This bralette is strictly for stretching. The high-rise waist ups your coverage so you can bend and stretch with ease.
adidas Tailored Impact Training High-Support Bra
Made using at least 70% recycled content, it’s slick, breathable and cool to the touch.
Puma Run High Impact Ultraform Bra
ULTRAFORM compressive fabric provides support and DRYCELL tech wicks away moisture. Also features reflective details.
adidas Yoga Studio Luxe Light-Support Bra
Soft, comfortable and designed to move with your body. Thin straps and cut-outs promote airflow.
Under Armour Smartform Evolution Mid
One of the softest bits of gear you’ll ever wear, it feels luxurious against the skin.
adidas Medium-Support Running Pocket Bra
It has pockets! Stash keys and cards for hands-free running. It’s also lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking and can stash a jacket. Genius.
Under Armour Heatgear Armour Mid Padless Bra
Unpadded with a double lining for coverage, it has a compression, second-skin fit that keeps it in place.
adidas Coreflow Medium Support Bra
The fabric is not what you’d expect from a sports bra – the inside is lined, but the outside is slightly fuzzy to the touch, almost like a sweater. It feels so comfy on, though: Soft against the skin, moves with your body and there are no clasps to dig in. And that elegant, strappy back is absolutely gorgeous!
Wanita Nicol
Wanita Nicol is a freelance writer and storyteller. She’s also a certified personal trainer and has been a fitness editor for more than 10 years. When she’s not trying a new workout or testing new fitness gear, she’s living her best nerd life on Instagram @TheFitNerdSA.