Ladies, isn’t it time for a new sports bra?
If we think of our workout as a performance, then we nominate our sports bras for the “best supporting” role.
Give your dresser drawer a good clean out and toss the sports bras that have lost their elasticity. The normal life of a sports bra is about six months to a year, but you can get longer use if you hand wash and hang dry them. (If you need to wash them in the machine, use a laundry bag and avoid tumble drying). Then, re-stock with sports bras that best fit your workout regimen. (Boom! You’re fulfilling your resolutions in both the organization and fitness categories).
Here are the best sports bras, broken down by your favorite fitness routines:
Spin class or biking
For the pedal pushers—whether indoors at that crack-of-dawn spin class or outdoors making a treacherous climb on the mountain—opt for a medium-impact bra. We like Under Armour’s Alpha HeatGear racerback sports bra, $24.99 at Nordstrom. The racerback allows for maximum movement and the moisture-wicking HeatGear fabric keeps you dry and comfy.
Yoga
Yogis know the importance of breathing freely (and without a constrictive sports bra band). Move graciously throughout a vinyasa flow class or strike a perfect pose in the physically demanding ashtanga class you’ve committed to finally taking. Stock up on organic bra tops at Gaiam, where they are on deep discount for just $7.99 each. Gathering at the center hem gives shape and a lightweight bottom band provides support.
Running
Whether you’re a trail, road or treadmill runner, you know the importance of a high-support sports bra. Sports such as basketball, volleyball and tennis also are high-impact and require the best of the best when it comes to support. We love the Extreme Control sports bra by Anita Active, $64 at Athleta. It provides high support for sizes B to DD, is wireless and has molded interior lift cups (read: no uniboob). Padded straps stay put on this sports bra, giving it a comfortable fit.
Dance
Maybe you’re doing a J.J. Watt-inspired Nae Nae dance in your hip-hop dance class or you’re reggaeton-stomping in Zumba. You’ll need a sports bra that is as fly as your dance moves, yes? Check out this color-blocked high impact sports bra, marked down to $9.99 at Forever 21.
Water sports
While you don’t need a sports bra per se for your water adventures, you’ll definitely love a supportive swim top when you’re catching waves on a surfboard or water skiing on the lake. The Tara halter bikini top, $56 from Athleta, is made with water sports in mind and features a built-in underwire and will keep you from getting burned with UPF 50+ protection.