The best CrossFit bras

Training without a good sports bra can ruin your workout. Whether you're doing jumping jacks, running or weight lifting, excessive chest movement is not only uncomfortable, it can also cause damage to the breast ligaments over time.

In this article I explain how to choose the ideal bra for high-intensity workouts like CrossFit, which models stand out for their fit and durability, and what mistakes to avoid.

Why is it important to wear a good training bra?

During impact activities, the breast can move in all directions. If you don't wear a proper bra, that movement generates:

A specific training bra reduces bounce, distributes pressure and improves your overall feeling during the WOD.

If you are a girl who does not have large breastsyou are lucky in this respect because in the market there are plenty of beautifully designed and modern bras to choose from..

Practically any bra will do for your purpose.

If otherwise you are a girl with more chest you may already know that it gets a little more complicated. That's why I will give you my recommendations to find your ideal top.

Features that a good sports bra should have

Here are the key criteria:

1. Fastening and support

Look for a bra that minimizes breast movement even in explosive movements. There are two main types:

• CompressionPresses the chest against the thorax. Ideal for small cups.
• EncapsulationSeparates and holds each breast separately. Best for medium or large cups.

Ideally a combination of both if you do CrossFit or high impact workouts.

2. Correct fit and size

• Measure your underbust girth and your full girth to choose the right size.
• Make sure it does not ride up when you move or over-tighten.
• The straps should not dig in or come loose.

Material and breathability

• Prioritizes technical fabrics (such as breathable polyester, elastane and mesh)
• Avoid cotton (retains moisture)
• Look for flat or heat-sealed seams.

4. Straps, back and closure

• The adjustable shoulder straps allow you to adjust according to your body type
• The design racerback (cross back) is more stable for dynamic training
• Some models have hook-and-loop fasteneruseful if you find it hard to take it off when sweaty

5. Functional extras

• Removable cups for customized fit
• Bras with inside pockets
• Front-opening versions for ease of use (especially useful if you are breastfeeding)

How to find out if you need more support

Take this quick test:

1. Put on your bra.
2. Jump 10 times in a row.
3. Evaluate: does the breast feel "bouncy", does the rubbing bother you, does the bra move?

If the answer is yes to any of them, you need to change model.

How often should you renew your sports bra?

If you train 3 or more times per week, change your bra every 6 to 12 months.

Signs that it's time to replace it:

• Loss of elasticity
• Frayed seams
• Reduced fastening
• Persistent bad odor

Which bra do you need depending on the type of training?

💡 Quick TipIf you do WODs or exercises with impact, prioritize bras that indicate "high impact" on their label.

Recommended models: tested and used by real athletes

These bras are designed for women who do CrossFit, HIIT workouts or running. They do not have excessive padding and prioritize performance.

Nike Indy

This is one of Nike's "all-round" models. It offers a medium-high support with adjustable shoulder straps and good ventilation.

Its design makes it comfortable for daily workouts, strength sessions or intermediate activities.

It is not the most extreme for super intense jumps, but it does very well for most athletes who do not require ultra rigid support.

Nike Swoosh Medium Support

Designed for those who need a middle groundMore support than a light bra, but less bulk than a high-impact bra.

It has firmer compression, medium cushioning and a design intended to maintain a good fit without over-tightening.

Nike Alate

More stylized model, modern design that mixes aesthetics with functionality.

It has structural elements that allow good support without losing design.

It is usually intended for those who want versatility, even with finer fit options or aesthetic details that stand out.

Nike Indy Light Support

This model lowers the level of support to offer comfort in gentle workouts, yoga, mobility, or active rest days. Still, it maintains Nike's standards in technical materials and lightweight fit, with adjustable straps for adjustability.

If any of the models are discontinued, I recommend you check the main bra section:

Under Armour HeatGear Mid

Within Under Armour's HeatGear line, this bra offers moderate support for workouts where there is not so much extreme impact. It is ideal for gym classes, strength sessions without too much jumping. HeatGear technology helps wick away sweat.

Under Armour SmartForm Evolution

Here UA puts more structure: internal materials that provide targeted support, design designed for demanding movements. It is a more "premium" model in the Under Armour range, ideal for those who want extra support without reaching maximum impact.

Under Armour Crossback Mid

A medium support model with a crossback design that better distributes the load. It is versatile and comfortable, suitable for mixed workouts: not so soft and not so stiff, useful for those who alternate between strength, cardio and moderate WODs.

Under Armour Infinity High 2.0

This one is aimed more at high impact: it mixes compression and structure to maintain firmness during jumps, running or intense sessions. It is suitable for those who need sturdy bras that can withstand multidirectional movements with less bounce.

More economical alternative

In Decathlon there are quite a few models in the high impact section at a more affordable price, sacrificing some of the quality of materials and designs.

• Affordable price
• Approved for jumps, sprints and circuits
• Sizes up to XL

A great option if you are looking for good value for money.

And on amazon

Common mistakes when choosing a training bra

It is important that a good bra fulfills its main function: to support. It must also be comfortable and fit well.

You should pay more attention to choose a good sports bra when we talk about doing high impact training. It is necessary that you have a bra to match the intensity of your training to ensure that it does not limit you.. A top that is not supportive enough will feel like your breasts are bouncing excessively or not even staying in the top.

• Wearing cotton brasaccumulate sweat and give a cold sensation
• Choosing aesthetics over functionality
• Not testing real movements when trying it on (it is not enough to see yourself in the mirror)
• Always buy the same size without checking your current circumference.
• Wearing daily use bras for trainingare not designed to absorb impact

How to care for your sports bra to make it last longer

• Hand wash or wash in cold water in a gentle program
• Do not use fabric softener (it damages the technical fabric).
• Do not tumble dry
• Lay it outdoors, without direct sunlight.
• Store flat or hung; avoid twisting

My personal experience

My favorite type of bra is one that is shaped to the shape of the breast and therefore does not simply support by compression. They have wide adjustable straps and a special fabric for increased breathability. The coverage is wide and the chest feels tucked in. In the past, these types of bras with the most support were the least "pretty", but that is now history.

Undoubtedly, if you are a girl with a large chest you should choose one of these models, unless you plan to do a yoga type class and you can wear some of the bras below.

There are other types of tops with a classic design that still offer medium support. Unlike the previous ones the support is mainly by compression of the chestbut they do not have the shape of the cup.

If you spend your days in sportswear like I do, you'll have noticed that wearing a high support bra for so many hours is not comfortable at all. It increases the pressure on the trapezius and it bothers you to be so tight. That's why I always carry an extra bra in my backpack and switch from high support to medium/low when I need it.

In all, one more lump in the huge backpack that crossfitters carry with them you can no longer feel it 😉 and it's worth it. When you've been wearing a high-support bra for a while and you switch to one with light hold you feel a great sense of relief. Low support bras do not fit as tight and have thinner straps. The designs are more open, daring and eye-catching.

I hope I have been able to help you in choosing a good bra so that you have nothing to stop you in your workouts.

FAQ

Conclusion: your bra is part of your training equipment.

A good bra is not just another piece of clothing: it is a tool that protects, improves your comfort and allows you to train at the highest level. If you do CrossFit or demanding workouts, you need a bra that accompanies you and doesn't limit you.

Choose one that suits you, not the other way around.