FAQs about our Sports Bras
What to look for in a sports bra
There are a few key things to look for in a sports bra. Most important is the level of support and structure it offers. High-impact sports bras are built for intense training (running, football, HIIT classes), medium-impact sports bras are a good option for lifting or light cardio (cross trainer, rowing), while low-impact sports bras are ideal for things like yoga, Pilates and hiking. Sports bras should also have an encased elastic band below the bust.
You want to think about the materials your sports bras are made from too. This is gear you get hot in. It needs to be breathable, sweat wicking and fast drying to prevent chafing. We make our sports bras better with high performance fabrics like UA HeatGear® which keeps you cool. Our Infinity sports bras sync with your breasts’ natural movement when you’re training, giving you unparalleled support and comfort.
Easy adjust hooks are also super useful - meaning you can customise the fit. Straps on Under Armour bras can be worn straight or cross back, letting you get the exact support you want.
Which type of sports bra is best for running?
Running is a high-impact sport, so you need a high-impact sports bra. When you run, your breasts will naturally move in a figure of eight pattern. This can cause serious discomfort, and might even lead to ligament damage. High-impact sports bras significantly reduce this movement, so you can run longer, faster and more comfortable.
Our high-impact sports bras are precision engineered to help you smash your goals. We use high compression designs, encapsulation (one cup for each breast), and adjustable straps to give you robust, reliable support, all the way to the finish line.
How should a sports bra fit?
A sports bra should provide compression so they limit your breasts’ movement when you’re training, but without feeling too tight. You should be able to breathe deeply while wearing a sports bra, and the straps shouldn’t ‘cut’ in. Choose sports bras like the UA Infinity 2.0 which have front-adjustable, convertible straps that can be worn straight or cross back - letting you adjust them and find the perfect fit.
How do you measure for a sports bra?
To find the right size sports bra, you first need to find your band size. Stand in front of a mirror in a non-padded bra. Wrap a measuring tape across your back at band level, under your arms and around the front, just above the bust. Next, you want to measure the bust itself. Measure across the fullest part of each breast, from the middle of your chest to where the breast tissue ends. Next, use our size guide to find the right size bra based on these measurements.
Can I use a sports bra for swimming?
No, sports bras aren’t suitable for swimming in. They’re made from technical fabrics that are designed for training in and use advanced, injection-moulded pads. Submerging them in water (particularly chlorinated swimming pools or salty seawater) can damage these materials and features, shorten the bra’s life span, and mean they won’t be able to offer the support you need.
How do I choose the right sports bra for me?
This is gear you grind in, so it has to fit well, be supportive and help you train harder. The easiest way to choose an Under Armour bra is with our sports bra finder tool - answer some quick questions, and it will suggest suitable performancewear for you.
There are a few key things to think about when choosing a sports bra. Most important is your activity level. High-impact sports bras are built for things like running, skipping and HIIT. Mid impact sports bras are designed for things like cycling, aerobics or boxing. Low impact sports bras are made for yoga, weight training and floor work.
You also want to think about padding - some women prefer padded bras, others prefer no padding, or you might choose removable cups. Strap design is also important - do you want something easy-on, something ultra supportive, or something adjustable? Material and tech are also key considerations - do you want something that wicks sweat like a champ, that’s focused on ventilation, or which is designed for hot weather?
Last of all, you need to check if it fits. Our sports bra size chart will help you find the right size if you're unsure.
What level of support in a sports bra should you choose?
Choosing a sports bra with the right level of support is critical - especially if you’re looking to push your limits. There are three levels of support for sports bras (low, mid and high impact), which are essentially based on how your body and your breasts move in different kinds of exercise.
For high impact sports (things like running, skipping, football or HIIT classes), you’re looking for very supportive designs that limit your breasts’ movement - but without digging in or making it hard to breathe. Mid-impact sports bras are ideal for things like aerobics, cycling or boxing. They have similar designs to high-impact bras, but don’t need to be quite as firm. If you’re into yoga, floor work or weightlifting, a low impact sports bra is the best choice - they’ll keep your breasts in place, but are also flexible enough for you to move with ease.
Are padded and removable pad sports bras available?
Yes, we offer both padded and removable pad sports bras, meaning you can find performancewear that matches your personal preferences. For example, the UA Crossback low impact sports bra features removable cups for enhanced shape and coverage, while the UA Infinity 2.0 low impact sports bra has a single injection molded pad. You can use our bra finder to help narrow your search for padded or removable cup sports bras.
What support do UA Infinity sports bras offer?
UA Infinity bras are available in all support levels - high, mid and low impact. The key feature of Infinity is the strategic ‘figure of 8’ pattern in our injection-molded pads, which mirrors your breasts’ natural movement when you’re being active. This design is suitable for all support levels.
What type of sports bra should I wear with my UA top?
You can wear any sports bra with an Under Armour top. But, we’d recommend pairing it up with an Under Armour bra. Why? Because we use many of the same materials in our sports bras as we use in our tops, which means they combine together even better.
For example, if you’re wearing a UA HeatGear® top for warm weather training, matching this with a UA HeatGear® sports bra will mean you maximise the benefits of this uniquely breathable, sweat-wicking fabric. On the other hand, if you wore a HeatGear® top with a generic sports bra, your top would wick sweat, but you wouldn’t get the same benefits with the bra. The same applies to UA Armour® or UA Vanish bras and tops.
What type of sports bra should I wear for comfort and everyday?
A sports bra is an ideal choice for everyday wear. Unlike traditional bras, sports bras are seriously breathable, flexible and adjustable, which means they’re far more comfortable. If you’re looking for gear to wear at work, at home, when driving or for light activity (such as walking or commuting), a low-impact sports bra will offer the right combination of support and flexibility.
Our UA Vanish Seamless Low bra uses soft-knit fabric, has removable cups for enhanced shape, and an adjustable cross back and keyhole design. The UA Crossback Low bra uses our HeatGear® fabric, which keeps you cool on even the hottest days. For ultimate comfort, our UA Meridian Rib bra is designed with a super-soft fabric and a smooth interior encased elastic bottom band.