The Best Nike High-Support Sports Bras To Try
Buying Guide
High-support sports bras offer a snug, secure and comfortable feel to keep up with all kinds of movement in a wide range of cup sizes. Here's how to find the best fit for you.
A good-quality, well-fitting sports bra does more than keep you secure as you crush your workout. It can make a difference in whether or not people feel empowered to move or be active at all.
According to research published in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, more than half of the participants in the studies reviewed reported cyclic breast pain, also known as mastalgia, which can be exacerbated during physical activity. And a 2015 study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that breast-related discomfort or self-consciousness was an obstacle to working out for 17 percent of those surveyed. Experiencing distracting bounce, breast discomfort or chafing can create obstacles, particularly for those who prefer high-impact workouts, such as running, or for people with a larger cup size.
Nike high-support sports bras offer the most support due to thicker straps, higher necklines, moulded cups and adjustable underbands. Check out the key features to look for in a high-support sports bra and how to decide which level of support is right for you.
How Much Sports Bra Support Do You Need?
As with so much in fitness, it's key to listen to your body to figure out what the best solution may be. As a first step, consider what type of workout you have planned and any past discomfort that could be remedied by trying a different type of sports bra.
1. Low-impact Activities
When it comes to general guidelines for bra support, low-impact activities (like yoga or rowing) don't typically require a high-support sports bra. In many cases, a low-support or medium-support bra will provide enough support. However, people with cup sizes B to G may benefit from wearing a high-impact sports bra even during gentler movements.
2. Medium-impact Activities
For medium-impact activities (like cycling and hiking) a low- or medium-support sports bra might feel sufficient for folks with smaller cup sizes, while others might prefer the feel of a high-support sports bra to keep secure and contained.
3. High-impact Activities
A high-support sports bra can be beneficial for people of all breast sizes when doing high-impact activities, such as running, CrossFit or high-intensity interval training.
How To Find the Right High-Support Bra for You
1.Know Your Bra Size
To find your sports bra size, start by measuring your band and cup size. Band size is the circumference of the rib cage underneath the bust. To determine cup size, measure around the fullest part of your bust, and then do some maths: Subtract band size from bust size. Next, reference the Nike size chart to find the right fit. When you try on your Nike sports bra, you'll want to make sure the band stays put, the straps don't dig in and the support feels sufficient when you move.
2.Decide on a Cup Type
Nike offers non-padded and encapsulation sports bras—all with high support. Encapsulation bras surround and support each breast individually, providing a natural shape while also providing compression to reduce bounce. While some people prefer the shaping that padding provides, others may opt for the feel of a non-padded compression bra.
3.Select a Closure Type
Nike makes back-closure and front-closure bras, which are adjustable and help offer a more customised fit than pullover styles do. However, if you prefer the classic feel of a pullover sports bra, Nike makes those with high support, too.
4.Choose a Style and Colour
Nike high-support sports bras come in lots of colours and with details—like cut-outs and zips—that are made to be seen. Choose the style that makes you feel most confident or that pairs well with the rest of your workout outfit.
The Best Nike High-Support Sports Bras
1.Nike Alpha
Nike Alpha sports bras are encapsulation-compression bras designed to minimise bounce during high-intensity movements, provide a customised fit with adjustable straps and a back closure, and keep the body cool with extra breathable, sweat-wicking fabrics.
2.Nike Swoosh
Nike Swoosh high-support sports bras feature a tight, compressive feel with wide straps and flat seams that allow the body to move freely. Nike Dri-FIT Technology wicks moisture away to keep the skin dry during intense workouts, and the bra's structured support with an adjustable band helps hold the breasts in place.
3.Nike Plus Size
Nike plus-size bras come in a range of sizes and feature an adjustable fit with wide, supportive straps. Underwire and padded styles are also available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nike Sports Bras Good for Big Busts?
How Should a Sports Bra Fit?
A sports bra should fit snugly, but not so tight that the straps or band dig into the skin. In a properly fitting sports bra, you should be able to comfortably slip two fingers between the strap and your shoulder. The band should not restrict your breathing, but it should stay put when you lift your arms above your head. If your breasts spill out the top or there is a gap between your breasts and the cup, you're probably wearing the wrong cup size. It's best to measure bra size every six months to ensure you continue to wear the right size.
How Often Should You Replace Your Sports Bras?
Over time, a well-loved and often-used sports bra will become less supportive. If you notice that the band is not offering the same support it once did, it's probably time to replace the sports bra. Most sports bras last six to 12 months, depending on how often you train, but you can maximise the life of your sports bra with proper care.
Words by: Lindsay Frankel