The 7 Best Underwire Sports Bras

Looking for some extra hold for your breasts while running?

Working out with a bigger bust can be a struggle. Finding the perfect sports bra that offers maximum support and lifts to your girlies is the best way to eliminate the challenge. An underwired sports bra can keep your breasts from flailing up and down when you’re running or are in the middle of an intense workout.

But is it really that effective?

Here’s the truth:

Just simply having a sports bra with underwires cannot guarantee maximum support. Of course, the overall style, material, and most importantly, the size of the bra also determines how comfortable and supported you will feel. Simply having underwires in a sports bra may not be totally effective if your bra doesn’t check all the other important boxes that your larger bust size depends on.

So to help you make a smart choice, we’ve listed the best underwire sports bras in this article. Also, don’t forget to check out the FAQs to get all your answers before you go on a hunt for the best sports bra with underwires.  

Best Underwire Sports Bras – My Top Picks

1.

Panache Women’s Underwire Sports Bra

• Available in a variety of colors and styles
• Adjustable convertible straps
• Underwire style for maximum support with ventilating mesh panels
• Hook-and-eye closure for easy wear
• Flat seams with an outstanding shape

If you’re an avid runner or love your rigorous workout routine, this bra by Panache is definitely a must-have for you. Enjoy up to 80% of less bounce with this stylish yet seamless-style bra tested using the 3D motion and biomechanical technology. The underwire sports bra also features the encapsulation style, offering each breast individual support to reduce movement in all directions. Mesh panels at the bust and shoulders keep the bra well-ventilated and comfortable throughout.

2.

Berlei Sf3 High Impact Underwire Bra

• Maximum comfort and support
• Suitable for medium and high-impact exercise, including running
• Regulating mesh fabric on the sides and under the bust for breathability
• Soft cotton cup lining
• Cross-over shoulder straps for a stylish look

This sports bra by Berlei is as cute as it is functional. Available in a variety of attractive prints and colors, this one brings you maximum support and comfort as you indulge in an intense workout routine. By adding mesh fabric in just the right places, you can guarantee a great level of breathability. For added support, the sports bra also features soft cotton lining cups.

3.

Maidenform Women’s Sport Custom Lift Underwire Bra

• Excellent underwire model for the perfect lift
• Moisture-wicking fabric
• Motion-control cup technology little to no bounce
• Custom-lift technology for a customized lift according to the cup size
• Signature shape for excellent support.

Give your active lifestyle the perfect sports bra it deserves. This is a true performance bra that offers an excellent fit and features signature shaping support for maximum versatility. One of the best sports bra by Maidenform, this one features both custom-lift technology and motion-cup technology to keep the bounce to the minimum, without compromising on your personal style.  

4.

SYROKAN Women’s High Impact Underwire Sports Bra

• Wide adjustable straps to reduce shoulder pressure
• Smooth bottom band for minimal bounce and movement
• Power mesh for flawless fit and breathability comfort
• Stylish high-impact non-padded underwire bra
• Cooling keyhole with adjustable closure

 If you’re into a high-impact workout and sports activities, this power sports bra is for you. With an optional racerback style, the underwire sports bra is perfect for rigorous activities without causing any discomfort. The high-quality moisture-wicking fabric keeps you dry and cool while the padded straps ensure minimal pressure on the shoulders.  

5.

Glamorise Women’s Full Figure High Impact Wonderwire Sports Bra

• Reduces the bounce
• Perfectly defines your breast shape
• Great level of comfort
• Features a cushioned comfort band to prevent wire poke
•  Adjustable straps for the perfect fit

Plus size or regular, this sports bra will give you the perfect control over the bounce. Feel uplifting support with this highly functional sports bra with cushioned underwires. The double-layer cups don’t only look great but perfectly cover and secure your bust when you workout. This sports bra by Glamorise also features extra-padding and adjustable hook-and-eye closure with no-slip adjustable straps so you can move around with great comfort.

6.

Freya Women’s Active Underwire Molded Sports Bra

• High-performance sports bra with wide straps
• Comfortable and supportive fit
• Double-lined for added support
• Breathable fabric with mesh panels
• Padded straps and a hook-and-eye closure for extra support

This sports bra is one of the best-selling models by Freya for all the amazing features it has. Made from a high-quality, ultra-breathable fabric, the underwire sports bra has encapsulated cups to offer balanced support to your breasts for a comfortable workout. The bra is not only suitable for high-impact exercises but also features padded straps to minimize the pressure on the shoulders.  

7.

Wacoal Women’s Sport Zip Front Underwire Contour Bra

• Adjustable straps with low stretch to reduce bounce
• Elastic band for added comfort and snug fit
• Hidden underwire style for maximum support
• Thin padding to maintain shape
• Front-zipper style

One of the most stylish sports bras on the list, this one by Wacoal is impressively functional too. With mesh panels on the top and thinly padded cups, the sports bra doesn’t only retain the breast shape but also guarantees maximum comfort and breathability. The front-zip closure and hidden-wire style adds to the aesthetic appeal to the bra and also makes it easier to wear and take off. Available in a variety of colors to suit your requirements.

8.

SYROKAN Women’s Full Support Racerback Underwire Sports Bra

• Adjustable stretch straps in a racerback style
• High-performance fabric with moisture-wicking feature
• Encapsulated cups for individual support
• Minimal bounce due to classy underwire cups
• Suitable for high-impact exercises

If you’re looking for a sports bra that wouldn’t disappoint you in performance, this one by SYROKAN is an excellent choice. Featuring a classy racerback style with adjustable stretch straps, the bra would fit snugly and offer you the support you need for high-performance activities. The moisture-wicking fabric ensures maximum comfort and dryness throughout the workout and ensures your bra breaths regardless of the intensity.

9.

DELIMIRA Women’s High Impact Full Support Contour Underwire Sports Bra

• Front-adjustable straps for a great fit
• Mesh panels to keep you dry and cool
• Perfect for high-intensity workout such as training, boxing, and running
• Hook-and-eye closure
• Lightly padded with a seamless underwire design

The unique design of this underwire sports bra by DELIMIRA sports bra is ideal for an active woman. Everything about this underwire sports bra is meant to offer you support and maximize comfort by reducing the bounce. The mesh inserts add ventilation while the padded underwire cups ensure firm support and a flattering shape.

10.

Elomi Women’s Plus-Size Energise Underwire Sport Bra

• Adjustable J-hook to transform the style into racerback
• Microfiber moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry
• Unique underwire design and light padding for firm shape
• Compression design to support bust lift
• Hook and eye closure

Available in interesting combinations of colors, the underwire sports bra features three-section cups for perfect separation and lift between the busts to offer ultimate support. The unique J-hook can be fastened according to your style preference to convert the regular back into a racerback style. The perfect moisture-wicking fabric of this high-performance bra ensures that you stay comfortable throughout your workout routine.  

Best Underwire Sports Bra Buyer’s Guide

Underwire adds a lot of features to the bra – be it the regular one or a sports version. The additional support and lift it offers is imperative for many women. But when you’re getting your hands on the best underwire sports bra, it is important to ensure that it does not cause any sort of pain or discomfort.  

Choosing the wrong size or bad quality can be a painful decision. An underwire bra can be the most uncomfortable thing to wear if it doesn’t fit properly or if there’s not enough cushion between the wire and your skin. You don’t want the wires peeking through the fabric and piercing into your skin.

Therefore, it is important that you pay special attention to the detail so you can get the best underwire sports bra. Here are a few things you need to know before you’re ready for purchase.

The Power of an Underwire Sports Bra

To many of us, the concept of “underwired” sports bra is very vague. And even though most of us already have a few pairs of the underwire sports bra, not everyone understands the true purpose of wearing one. Additionally, it is equally important to ensure that you get the perfect size when you buy an underwire sports bra. A perfectly fitted underwired sports bra can bring you the maximum support, shape and lift – everything you need to minimize the bounce of your bust during exercise. It also adds more comfort to your routine, especially if you indulge in a high-intensity workout.

An underwire sports bra covers the maximum area around the chest and starts from underneath your armpit and rounds up to your cleavage, giving firm support to your breasts. If you pick the right size, a sports bra with an underwire shouldn’t make you feel breathless or poke you in your skin. The right bra wouldn’t even force your breasts downwards or brush against them causing any sort of discomfort or pain.

The right sports bra is also made from comfortable and breathable fabric to ensure you stay cool and dry throughout your workout session. All in all, this is the kind of bra you definitely need in your collection for days when you need more support and coverage.

Understanding the Purpose of an Underwire Sports Bra

Here comes the most important question:

What’s the actual point of wearing an underwired sports bra? A good underwired sports bra contours the natural shape of your breasts. They’re designed in such a way so as to bring their weight in front while lifting them up marginally. They let your bosoms stay in their natural position while providing them the support they need for a vigorous workout.

All in all, the most suitable underwire bra for you will be the one that offers you the best kind of support with maximum comfort. And your level of comfort solely depends on your own personal preferences. Keep those factors in mind before buying the best underwire sports bra for yourself.

Underwire Sports Bras and the Different Levels of Support

This is the question you’ve been waiting for:

How should you go about buying your underwired sports bra? To your joy, it’s really simple!

There are things you’ve got to observe while opting for you underwired sports bra:

1. The fabric  
2. The craftsmanship.

Remember your breasts are made up of very sensitive tissues. The wrong kind of bra can cause your breasts to lose their shape. Since it’s almost impossible to restore the shape of your breasts, taking time to buy your sports bra with an underwire is highly recommended.

You should more essentially look for the quality of the fabric, the stitching, the band that wraps around your under-bust, the straps, and most importantly, the underwire. All of these factors go hand in hand in giving you optimal support and control over your breasts. However, it’s also very important to check your fitting because if the bra does not fit properly, it will not serve its purpose.  

You should be particularly careful with the selection of fabric because some styles have stretchier fabric, which may not offer you enough grip to minimize movement. Similarly, you should also pay attention to the right style as some shapes – like a demi-cup – may not offer full coverage to your breasts.

So Is Underwired Sports Bra Really Better?

It really is, if you pay attention to the key factors. It doesn’t matter which popular brand you buy if it doesn’t match your comfort and provide you adequate support.

It is one of the best types of sports bras you can own in addition to the other ones you already have in your collection You can even try a different variety of non-underwired sports bras. Most of these are also designed and double-stitched with an extra elastic band under your bosom for a great level of support.

Now at this point, you may wonder about the difference between an underwired sports bra and a non-underwired sports bra?

The answer is: while both provide good support, underwired sports bras also maintain the desired shape of your breasts, which the other style does not.

This factor alone earns the extra brownie points to the underwired style sports bra for the added benefit.

Differences to Consider

The most distinctive feature of a sports bra with an underwire is that it has a separate cup for each breast. This feature is great for women with a larger cup size as this separation avoids chafing between breasts during longer periods of workout. Coincidentally, some wire-free sports bras also achieve this with the help of special fabrics and molding techniques. There are many wire-free sports bras that are a combination of encapsulation and compression sports bras that provide sufficient support. But if an underwire sports bra is your preference, you can definitely gain a lot of benefits of owning one.

Another key feature is that an underwire sports bra perfectly contours the breasts, retaining the original shape and ensuring they’re fully supported (with minimum bounce) regardless of the workout intensity.

For people with concerns about the comfort level, underwire sports bras have evolved too. Just like all other advancements, the wire used in bras has also advanced over the years. making them more flexible and adjustable for higher comfort levels. The adjustability also makes them more flexible according to the body movements, so it does not restrict any kind of posture during the workout. Sports bras with an underwire are also stitched in a way that the movement of breasts doesn’t cause the wire to peak through the fabric or poke into the soft tissue of the breasts.

The Most Important Part is: Fit

The most vital aspect of a functional underwire sports bra is the “fit”. Now that doesn’t only mean that the cups should offer you great coverage and a snug fit for a minimal bounce, but it also means it should sit properly on your ribcage. It shouldn’t dig into your torso nor should it rest on top of your boobs.

Sports bras use very different fabric and stitching methods as compared to normal bras. They’re designed for support and lift and therefore depend on other factors for maximum functionality and not just the wire. There’s no way you can use your regular underwire bra for any sports activities or workout. Since they’re not suitable to contain the bounce and movement, it may cause you breast pain and damage to the tissues.

Women with a larger bust definitely find underwire sports bra more suitable for a snug fit. However, it doesn’t mean that this style isn’t suitable for women with a smaller chest. When it comes to the purpose – of lifting, supporting, and maintaining the right shape- the underwire sports bra offers equal benefits to all.  

FAQs

Should I opt for a sports bra with an underwire?

Of course, you should! If you’re looking for benefits like a snug fit, minimum bounce, and great support, an underwire sports bra is for you. The only way to ensure this functional bra serves the purpose is to get the right shape that fits your breasts correctly. The underwire should comfortably adjust on to the rib cage without piercing through the breasts. And since every woman has a different requirement when it comes to the right sports bra, factors like personal comfort and preferences always count.

Does an underwire sports bra has more benefits?

If you have a larger size or if you’re into rigorous exercises or sports activities, an underwire sports bra can definitely offer you more benefits. The underwire cut and style offers better support and shape to your breasts, especially if you have a larger bust size. Here are some benefits to remember:

• Offers a great level of support during running and other exercises
• Reduces the bounce to keep the movement in control
• Perfectly defines your breast shape
• Great level of comfort if it fits perfectly

Can I wear an underwired sports bra on a daily basis?

An underwire sports bra isn’t only a great workout gear but can also be worn as an everyday bra if you’re comfortable. The key is to make the best choice in size, impact level, and style to make sure it comfortable enough to be used on a daily basis. Choose a sports bra with wider straps for added comfort.

Does wearing a sports bra cause breast sagging?

No, it’s actually the other way around. Not wearing a bra – especially a sports bra while working out or running – can cause the breasts to sag. If you wear a bra that perfectly fits you and offers adequate support to your breasts during a workout can reduce the chances of breast sagging.  

What’s the purpose of an underwired sports bra?

Different from your regular sports bras, an underwired sports bra caters to each breast individually and offers extra support during exercise. The material and make is often sturdier than the regular sports bras to reduce bounce and breast movement. This feature helps alleviate the risk of potential damage to the breast tissues and does not cause discomfort.

How do I choose the right underwired sports bra?

The key is to choose a band size that perfectly snugs around the rib cage, without causing any discomfort. The wires shouldn’t poke into your skin or be too loose that it allows bounce. You can also prefer a sports bra with wider bands as they tend to be more supportive than their counterparts. Choose a sports bra that settles around your breast shape and offers maximum support and lift, without causing spillage.

Which fabric is best for an underwired sports bra?

The best type of sports bras is often made from a variety of different blends when it comes to fabric. This is to ensure you get the perfect amount of fit, lift, and stretch – all at the same time. These fabrics – including nylon, polyester, and spandex – usually have the moisture-wicking feature to keep you cool, dry, and comfortable if you sweat during a workout.  

How long does an underwired sports bra last?

If not taken care of properly, the underwired bras tend to become useless earlier than any other bra. This is because the wires could lose shape or pierce through the fabric if worn or washed without care. All in all, a sports bra should be replaced every six to twelve months depending on how much and how rough you use them. The best way to determine that it’s time to go bra shopping is to observe if there’s a significant decline in the functionality.

Conclusion

Your sports bra is your choice. It starts with your comfort level and it ends on your being comfortable with it. Our effort is to help you get that best underwire sports bra that wouldn’t leave you with regrets.

If it’s the first time you’re buying an underwire sports bra, the information shared in this article is surely going to help you. Pick the best bra from the options we’ve narrowed down and enjoy your workout without being chafed, bruised or hurting your breasts. Use the information in this article in your best interest and get your hands on the best underwire sports bra that perfectly suits your needs.

What are your preferences regarding an underwired sports bra? Do let us know in the comments below.

How to Select the best bra for workouts?

Angela Parker from Body Inspired Fitness shows how to choose the best sports bra for exercise:

Related Posts: 

• A Guide to the Best Cheap Sports bras