Because your girls deserve better than “meh.”
Dear runner, walker, gym-goer, or accidental participant in a 5K because your friend bribed you with brunch —
Let’s talk sports bras.
They bounce. They chafe. They shift. They sometimes give you origami boobs after a wash. But when they work? Magic. Pure magic.
So we polled a group of active women—from seasoned runners to folks who only recently upgraded from “whatever was clean-ish”—to get the real scoop. Here’s what we learned (plus a few giggles and good advice along the way).
🧐 “What’s one thing you wish you’d known when you first started running?”
That not all sports bras are created equal. Some are tight in all the wrong places. Some have removable cups that get lost and come out of the dryer looking like crushed fortune cookies. And some of us (raises hand) didn’t wear one at all for a while—just a leotard. It was a different time.
Others wish they'd known how hard sizing could be for smaller-chested folks. Apparently, a “small” can still cut off your circulation, and sizing up means armpit gaping. Fun!
💃 “How does the right bra make you feel?”
In a word: invisible. As in, it just works. It’s not creeping into your armpits. It’s not threatening a wardrobe malfunction. It doesn’t make you wonder if one cup is higher than the other. It holds you in place so you can focus on, you know, running — or at least wondering why you signed up for a race during Texas summer.
🔄 “Do you switch bras for different workouts?”
Some do. Some don’t. If you’re blessed with a smaller bust, you might not need different bras for yoga vs. running. But if you’re bouncing like a popcorn kernel in a microwave, support matters.
Also, shout-out to one runner who had to get creative after getting a chemo port — she found a one-shoulder sports bra that was technically fashion-forward Gen Z nonsense… but also totally worked. Style + function for the win.
🏷️ “What brands do you love?”
- Champion — Classic. Supportive. No annoying removable cups.
- Brooks — Especially great if you’re tired of the dreaded “uni-boob.”
- Nike — Mixed reviews. Great if you get the fit right.
- Target — Affordable, easy, and surprisingly decent for daily runs.
- Gymshark — For those with style goals and training goals.
No matter the brand, everyone agrees: try before you buy. Jump. Twist. Breathe. If it pinches, shifts, or flattens you into a pancake, it’s a no.
🤦 “Any funny fails or must-know tips?”
- One runner forgot her sports bra and ran in a sticky bra. Spoiler: sweat and adhesive don’t mix. The bra peeled off mid-run. She had to toss it on the side of the road like a sweaty crime scene.
- Another tried a new bra on race day. Big mistake. It migrated to her armpits by mile 2, and she spent the rest of the run adjusting her life (and her bra).
- And then there are the removable cups. Seriously. Either they vanish into the laundry void or twist themselves into little padded tacos. Skip 'em.
🛍️ In summary: Your Sports Bra Checklist
✅ Snug, but breathable
✅ No digging, chafing, or shifting
✅ Cups stay where they’re supposed to
✅ Jump-tested
✅ Confidence-boosting, not compressing-you-into-a-sports-sausage
✅ Makes you feel good — physically and mentally
A good sports bra won’t make you run faster, but it will make the experience a whole lot more pleasant. So go ahead, toss those sad, stretched-out ones and invest in something that supports your goals — and your chest.
Ready to put your gear to the test? Sign up for your next race at AthleteGuild.com!
Happy running,
Your Sports-Bra-Wearing Friends at Athlete Guild
P.S. Got a favorite bra or a funny fail? Hit reply. We want to hear it!
