Sports bras are becoming a must have not only for gym lovers, but also for all those fashionistas who want to keep up with the latest trends. Bras and tops are, indeed, comfortable and versatile garments that can be worn in many different ways and that are suitable for various occasions. Don’t you believe it? Let’s learn more about them!

First of all, it is important to understand what we mean by “sports bra”. In its original sense, a sports bra is a bra that provides support to the breasts during physical exercise. More resistant than common bras, they minimize movement and alleviate discomfort.

Sports bras history:

The very first sport bra was invented in 1977, during the height of both the women’s liberation movement and the first jogging craze. The inventor was (of course!) a woman who complained about her bad experience exercising in ordinary bras. While looking for a comfortable and functional solution, it was suggested that what she needed was a jockstrap for women's breasts.That’s how jockbra (later renamed a jogbra) was born!

Over the years, more and more athletes began to wear sports bras for their training sessions and competitions. And by the end of the century, these items had become a must have for all sporty women.

In 1999, at the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Pasadena, after scoring the fifth kick in the penalty shootout to give the United States the win over China in the final game, Brandi Chastain celebrated by spontaneously taking off her T-Shirt, a celebration gesture that was men prerogative. It was the first time that an international woman footballer had removed her top, exposing her sports bra.

Fast-forward over a decade. In the 2010s gym bras made their way into the wardrobe of (almost) every woman. They were worn outside of the gym and without a top to cover them: in fact, many women began to use them to jog or for their outdoor exercises. It was just a matter of time before sports bras began to be worn as everyday casual garments, matched with leggings but also with denim, skirts, cardigans and even elegant blazers.

Not all bras are created equal:

Before talking about how to choose a sports bra or how to style it, let’s answer a simple question: what are the types of sports bras?

In fact, according to their effects, gym bras can be divided into two categories. They can either compress or encapsulate breasts. 

• Bras that compress are designed to restrict movement by holding the breasts firmly against the body. 
• Bras that encapsulate breasts have molded cups designed to fit around each breast.

Generally, encapsulation-type bras are more effective at reducing discomfort, while compression bras may be more effective for high-intensity activities.

Moreover, sports bras have different levels of control and support, since different physical activities require different levels of breast control.The levels of support are low, medium, and high impact, and the type you need depends on your cup size and the type of exercise you do.

• Low-medium impact sports bras typically feature a cup-less design and restrict movement by compressing the breasts tightly against the chest wall. 
• High impact bras are made with a defined cup structure to encapsulate and support each breast. Some high impact bras will use a combination of both encapsulation and compression methods to maximize support.

How to choose a sports bra:

We often say that the best item for you is the one you feel comfortable in. And that’s especially true when talking about gym clothes: you must feel free to move and at your ease, they must not squeeze your body or leave marks. They must fit like a glove.

So, be careful choosing your sports bra. Try as many items as possible to find the right one and and listen to your body

• Choose a compression sports bra, if you have small breasts; 
• Choose an encapsulated sports bra if you have large breasts and/or you indulge in high-intensity workout sessions;
• Choose a combination sports bra if you want 100% support and proper compression.

And now, some extra tips… 

Always remember that a sports bra should fit tighter than a regular bra but shouldn’t restrict breathing. Many suggest putting two fingers between the straps and your shoulders, to check the fit.

Also, pay attention to the cups! The fabric of the cup should be smooth and wrinkles in the fabric are usually an indication that the cup is too big. Conversely, if you’re spilling out of the cup, it’s probably too small.

Adjust the straps: raise your hands over the head to see if the bra rides up. You might want to try a different size or simply regulate the straps and the back closure.

Last step: move around! Before buying your bra, jump around and swing your arms. If you experience pain or discomfort, then try another sports bra.

Make it last:

A sports bra usually lasts around 30-40 washes, but the technical fabric will loosen with each cycle, making it less and less effective.

To make a sports bra last as long as possible, remember to carefully read and follow the care instructions on the label. In general, wash in cold water, avoid fabric softener and bleach, and do not tumble dry as heat will accelerate the elastic and fabrics deterioration.

Style tips for a flawless Athleisure outfit:

Athleisure style and sporty-chic outfits are now a real must-have. Activewear is no longer reserved for the gym and even the most sporty clothes are now worn in more casual or even formal occasions. It all began some years ago, when fashion-addicts began wearing sneakers at the office or for their nights out. But now this is a huge trend and almost everyone wears workout clothes outside the gym.

Sports bras make no exception! They are versatile and can be matched with different clothes in order to create various sporty-chic outfits. Here are some style suggestions that will help you create an iconic Athleisure total look.

• SPORTS BRA and WHITE SHIRT both with paired leggings and jeans: white shirts are a classic that we keep on reinventing. Born as a men's prerogative, they are now the BFF of many women all over the world. They can be worn in formal outfits or to create a more casual one: try to style a sports bra with your favorite jeans and a white shirt. Otherwise, you can also start from a gym set (top or bra + leggings) and wear an open white shirt. This kind of simple outfit will be your starting point to add some accessories, such as a purse or a shopper, sunglasses, jewels and of course your favorite pair of sneakers.
• SPORTS BRA and PANTS: if you are tired of classical gym sets, try to pair your bras with non-sporty trousers. You can choose classic denim or elegant trousers, wide.leg or skinny pants. Don’t forget to wear trousers you feel confident and comfortable with, and add your best accessories according to the occasion.
• SPORT BRA and DENIM (shorts, pants, skirt and jacket): let’s get straight to another evergreen, denim! You can match a sports bra with your favorite denim skirt or pants. Mini, midi and maxi skirts are always in style, and they can be matched with many different types of shoes, from high heels to runner shoes. If you prefer denim pants, pick the type you feel more comfortable in: flared, skinny, baggy, mom jeans, boyfriend, straight, wide… you have plenty of choice! And if you are a huge fan of denim total look, pair the bottom (skirt or pants) with a jacket! Just be sure that they both have the same color.
• SPORTS BRA and LONG SKIRTS: that’s a super cool outfit idea for your summer looks. You can wear an A-line skirt with a gym bra for a Pool Party or a walk at the seaside. Choose a tight mermaid skirt for a more elegant night out, but remember to pair with a simple and delicate bra, with no logos or patterns.  
• GYM SET and PULLOVER: this is a very simple outfit that you can easily create even when you’re in a rush. Just pick your favorite gym set and add a pullover or a cardigan. We suggest to balance the colors of your outfit: so, if you are wearing a super bright color set, match it with a neutral tones pullover; on the contrary, if you are wearing a white, black or beige gym set opt for a colored jumper. You may also replace the pullover/cardigan with a sweater or a hoodie: in this case, the final look will be more sporty.
• SPORTS BRA and BLAZER both with shorts and trousers: this is the outfit so many women are dying for. Whether you are wearing a gym set or a bra with trousers, add a blazer to create a super elegant and trendy look. You can choose any kind of blazer: cropped, longline, oversize, fitted, peplum…Just remember not to mix too many different colors and fabrics, and add accessories for the final touch. The best part of this outfit is that it is completely adjustable, according to the occasion. 

Do you have any other ideas to style sports bras? Take a look at your wardrobe and have fun mixing and matching your favorite pieces to create iconic and innovative outfits. It’s time to get noticed!