First up, it’s important to match your sports bra with the type of activity you are doing. Designed to provide three levels of support: low, medium and high support for use in low, medium and high impact sports, the type you need will depend on your cup size and the type of exercise you do.

Often cut like a crop-top and made
from thinner material.

Crop-top styling, wireless, sometimes with adjustable straps or molded cups with wide shoulders for extra support.

Made from less stretchy material and include supportive seams and overlays, sometimes are underwired.

Regardless of the strap type you choose, thin straps will generally provide less support than wider straps.

These straps crisscross in back and usually provide good support. The straps are often adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit. Depending on the style, crisscross straps can hide nicely underneath a sporty tank top or make their own fashion statement.

This strap style is most similar to an everyday bra. The straps are often adjustable so you can fine-tune the fit. Bras with tank top straps often have a back closure, which offers additional adjustment. Some tank top bras are designed to allow the straps to be crisscrossed for versatility.

Sports bras with a racerback have shoulder straps that come together between your shoulder blades to create a Y-shape. Racerback bras provide good support for medium- to high-impact activities, but they are typically not adjustable, so it’s important to size the bra correctly. Racerback straps hide well underneath a racerback tank top.