Aimee van Deelen · June 3, 2026 · Reading time: 6 minutes
You choose a good sports bra based on three things: the impact level of your sport, your size and the material. Yet a large number of women exercise in an ordinary bra — and you can feel it: chafing straps, a band that rides up, and breasts that aren't properly supported. In this guide you'll find out exactly which sports bra suits your training, how to check the fit, and why seamless material makes a real difference during exercise.
In short
- Base your support on impact level: light (yoga, walking), medium (fitness, cycling) or high (running, HIIT).
- During exercise your breasts move in three directions; without proper support, the connective tissue can stretch permanently.
- A seamless sports bra without underwire prevents chafing — especially with repeated movement and sweat.
- The band under your breasts does most of the work, not the straps. So check that first.
Why do you need a separate sports bra?
During exercise your breasts don't just move up and down, but also sideways and forwards — in three directions at once. An ordinary bra isn't built for that. The connective tissue that supports your breasts (Cooper's ligaments) can stretch due to repeated, unsupported movement, and it doesn't recover on its own. In addition, friction from seams and underwires combined with sweat causes chafing. A good sports bra absorbs the movement, wicks away moisture, and distributes the pressure over a wide band instead of two thin straps.
Which support suits your sport?
The right support level depends on how much impact your training has. Use this table as a starting point:
| Support | Activity | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Yoga, pilates, walking | Soft compression, seamless, breathable fabric |
| Medium | Fitness, cycling, strength training | Sturdy band, racerback, moisture-wicking |
| High | Running, HIIT, padel | Maximum compression, wide adjustable straps, precise sizing |
If you do a mix of activities — for example strength training twice a week and yoga once — medium support is your best choice. It feels comfortable during gentler sessions while still offering enough support on more intense days. The LumaSport Bra is designed for exactly this: seamless, breathable and with a racerback for full freedom of movement in your shoulders.
Why seamless and underwire-free works so well for sport
Underwires and thick seams are the biggest source of irritation during exercise: with every movement, the same spot rubs again. A seamless sports bra is knitted in one piece, so there simply are no edges to chafe against. The light, elastic fabric wicks away sweat and dries quickly, which is welcome in a warm gym and outdoors, now that temperatures are rising. Prefer to train in a style that covers more? The VitaSculpt Tank Top Bra combines the fit of a tank top with the support of a sports bra, ideal for yoga and pilates, or if you'd rather not wear a separate top.
How to check the fit of your sports bra
A sports bra should fit more snugly than your everyday bra, without pinching. Go through these four points:
- The band — that does most of the work. It should sit horizontal and snug; one finger should fit underneath, no more.
- The cups — your breast should sit fully inside, without any tissue spilling over the top or sides.
- The straps — firm, but without digging into your shoulders. Jump on the spot a few times: if everything moves as one, the fit is right.
- The size — measure yourself again every six months; your size changes with weight, cycle and training. Use our 3-step measuring guide.
How to keep your sports bra in good shape for longer
Sweat and the washing machine are the biggest causes of wear. Rinse your sports bra briefly after an intense workout, wash it at 30 degrees in a wash bag and skip the dryer — heat breaks down elastane, causing the band to lose its stretch. Also rotate between at least two sports bras: elastane needs time to bounce back after being worn. This way, both bras keep their support for months.
Our sports essentials
Conclusion
First choose your support level based on your sport, then check the fit — start with the band — and go for seamless, breathable material. That way your sports bra fits well during your workout and for the rest of your day too.
Frequently asked questions about sports bras
Which sports bra is suitable for a larger cup size?
If you have a larger cup size, choose medium to high support with an extra sturdy, wide band and wide, adjustable straps. The band carries most of the weight, so getting the right band size matters more than the cup size. Measure yourself first with our 3-step measuring guide; Novyre's sports bras run from S to 3XL.
How tight should a sports bra fit?
Tighter than your everyday bra, but without pinching: you should be able to fit exactly one finger under the band. Try the jump test — jump on the spot a few times. If your chest barely moves and the band stays in place, the fit is right.
Can you wear a sports bra all day?
Yes. Seamless models with light or medium support, such as the LumaSport Bra or VitaSculpt Tank Top Bra, are comfortable enough to wear all day. Only high-impact compression models are really meant for use during the workout itself.
How often should you replace a sports bra?
As a guideline: after six to twelve months of intensive use, or as soon as the band loses its tension. Alternate between at least two sports bras and avoid the dryer — this way the elastane lasts considerably longer.
Ready for your next workout?
Discover the LumaSport Bra: seamless, breathable, and made to move with you. Try it first, pay later, with 14 days to decide.
View the LumaSport Bra →
