A quality sports bra is a must for a good workout, but how do you choose the right one? If you're on the less-than-curvy side, you have a variety of choices, but the most comfortable sports bra will offer support while flattering your figure, instead of making you feel flat and restricted. It does take some trial and error, but I've put together a list of some of the most popular sports bras for smaller chested women.
1. Moving Comfort Alexis Bra
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This is a consistent favorite amongst smaller-chested exercisers for a variety of reasons. First, it has slim straps, so it doesn't feel bulky and uncomfortable, and the straps are adjustable, which isn't always the case with many sports bras. It also has a padded band around the ribcage so it won't ride up, and padded cups that offer support without that annoying uni-boob look. A-C cups will find the Alexis a good choice for higher impact activities.
2. Champion Shape T-Back Sports Bra
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This Champion is a staple in my workout wardrobe and a practical choice for almost any workout. It does have a little padding, which offers support and a more flattering shape (rather than flattening you out), and the lining is breathable, wicking away sweat (although the outer fabric of the bra does get pretty sweaty itself). It has a padded band for comfort and offers support for high impact workouts. It can be a challenge getting it on and off, especially after sweating, but it's a great overall sports bra.
3. Moving Comfort Womens Grace Bra
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This bra is another favorite for small-chested women because it's comfortable, flattering, lightweight, and more importantly, has a zip-front closure, which makes it easy to get on and off. It has sweat-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry, and wide straps that won't dig into your shoulders. This is a favorite for fuller figures, but it's also a good choice for smaller women doing medium impact activities.
4. Under Armour Women's Seamless Sports Bra
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The Under Armour Seamless Essential Bra is another great choice, offering maximum support for A cups and medium control for B-C cups. This one has a slimmer profile than many sports bras, offering less bulk with its skinny, adjustable straps. It has a soft, seamless construction and an inner layer around the ribcage for extra support.
5. Shape Up Bra
The Shape Up Bra, by Title Nine Sports, offers a flattering fit for smaller-chested women. It has contoured cups, which offers support, and as the name suggests, more shape without going overboard. The fabric is of the sweat-wicking variety, keeping you dry, and A-B cups will find great support for high impact activities. What I like about the Shape Up is that it's a little longer than many sports bras, coming down lower on the ribcage and offering more coverage. This is a nice feature if you want to wear the bra on its own without feeling too exposed.6. Nike Indy Seamless Sports Top
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The good thing about being smaller chested is having more choices for exercise bras, such as a long top with a built-in bra. These are usually best for light-medium impact activities like yoga, Pilates or strength training. This seamless top offers soft, stretchy fabric that wicks sweat away from your body. It also has adjustable straps and a flattering fit. Long bras are harder to get on and off, especially after sweating, but the stretchy fabric of this bra makes it a little easier.
7. Moving Comfort Alexis Tank
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This sports bra is just like the Alexis bra I mentioned above, only longer. It offers some of the same features as the Alexis: padded cups that offer support for high impact activities, sweat-wicking fabric, and adjustable straps. It's also seamless, so you won't have a problem with chafing. What's nice about this one is that the fabric is so cute and the fit so comfortable, you can wear it almost anywhere -- throw a jacket over it and it looks like a cute top underneath. Even curvier women will find good support for almost any activity.
