The Best Sports Bras for Kids by Nike
Buying Guide
These youth sports bras—available in a variety of support levels and styles—are designed for seamless coverage and comfort.
Whether for sport or all-day support, there comes a time when some kids are ready to start wearing sports bras. For young athletes, it's especially important to find a well-fitting sports bra, so they feel confident, comfortable and empowered to move their body.
Nike offers kids' sports bras in a variety of support levels, colours, patterns and styles. Whether the adolescent in your life is looking for a sports bra to wear for athletics or for everyday wear at school, there's a Nike sports bra to suit their needs.
(Related: Shop These Nike Gift Ideas for Kids)
Youth bras at Nike come in sizes 6 to 20 Plus and are generally built for kids aged 7 to 15. However, if girls' bras feel like they aren't providing ample support, a women's sports bra may be a better fit.
Find the best Nike sports bras for young athletes with this guide.
The Best Nike Sports Bras for Kids
For Sport and Other Forms of Movement: Medium-support Sports Bras
For young athletes participating in sport or other movement-based activities, a medium-support sports bra can provide a body-hugging feel to add support and light compression during exercise.
The Nike Swoosh bra, for example, features thicker straps and a wider band than a light-support bra. With Nike Dri-FIT Technology embedded in the material, the Nike Swoosh bra disperses moisture across the surface of the fabric, helping keep young athletes cool and dry when they break a sweat. This sports bra (which also comes in women's sizing) is made in an array of colours and prints, including styles that are reversible.
For a spin on the classic Swoosh bra, the Nike Dri-FIT Swoosh Luxe Sports Bra features a longer length over the torso, openings at the back for added breathability and an ultra-soft fabric that's made from at least 75 percent recycled polyester fibres.
(Related: The Best Nike Running Shoes for Kids)
For Everyday, Casual Wear: Light-support Sports Bras
If the young person in your life needs a sports bra for casual play or everyday wear, consider going with a light-support sports bra that is often thin-strapped and lightweight.
Light-support sports bras for kids include the Nike Trophy bra, which features stretchy fabric and a high-chest design for added coverage, as well as the Nike Indy bra, which comes in a variety of necklines (V-neck, U-neck and longline) and unique designs.
For adults and kids alike, the Indy bra offers a soft, seamless sensation and a non-restrictive feel. You'll find sweat-wicking Nike Dri-FIT Technology in these light-support bras, too.
How To Measure
1. Measure Chest
Holding a soft tape measure horizontally, pull it all the way around the body at the fullest part of the chest.
2. No Tape Measure?
Grab a string (or even a shoelace), a pen and a ruler. Pull the string around the chest horizontally at the fullest part—similar to using a tape measure—and use the pen to mark where one end of the string meets the other side. Then, lay the string on a flat surface and use a ruler to determine the chest measurement.
3. To Find the Bra Size …
Use the chest measurement from steps 1 or 2 to find the bra size on the chart at the top of the screen. If the measurement falls between sizes on the chart, opt for the larger size—a slightly larger bra will be more comfortable than a bra that's too tight.
*Extended size (+) sports bras differ only in circumference, not length or style.
Three Tips for Finding the Right Fit
1. Start With Straps
Two fingers should fit between the strap and the body. If it's too loose, try a smaller size. If it feels or looks like it's digging into the shoulders, go up a size.
2. Check the Band
Make sure the band isn't too tight—two fingers should fit comfortably between the band and the body. Also, raise arms over the head to make sure the band doesn't ride up—it should fit straight across the ribs.
3. Jump Without Bounce
Go ahead … jump! There should be minimal bounce in the chest area when jumping and the chest should feel covered and secure. If it's feeling too bouncy to move around comfortably, try a women's size.
How To Measure Girls' Bra Sizes
1. Measure Chest
Holding a soft tape measure horizontally, pull it all the way around the body at the fullest part of the chest.
2. No Tape Measure?
Grab a string (or even a shoelace), a pen and a ruler. Pull the string around the chest horizontally at the fullest part—similar to using a tape measure—and use the pen to mark where one end of the string meets the other side. Then, lay the string on a flat surface and use a ruler to determine the chest measurement.
3. To Find the Bra Size …
Use the chest measurement from steps 1 or 2 to find the bra size on the chart at the top of the screen. If the measurement falls between sizes on the chart, opt for the larger size—a slightly larger bra will be more comfortable than a bra that's too tight.
*Extended size (+) sports bras differ only in circumference, not length or style.
Three Tips for Finding the Right Fit
1. Start With Straps
Two fingers should fit between the strap and the body. If it's too loose, try a smaller size. If it feels or looks like it's digging into the shoulders, go up a size.
2. Check the Band
Make sure the band isn't too tight—two fingers should fit comfortably between the band and the body. Also, raise arms over the head to make sure the band doesn't ride up—it should fit straight across the ribs.
3. Jump Without Bounce
Go ahead … jump! There should be minimal bounce in the chest area when jumping and the chest should feel covered and secure. If it's feeling too bouncy to move around comfortably, try a women's size.
Words by Julia Sullivan