When it comes to gym and lounge wear, many of us are a little bit lost. If you are new to the gym, then deciding what to wear is a difficult task.
Should you change into a sports bra for the gym or will your regular bra be suitable?
You can wear a regular bra to the gym and sports bras are not necessary. However, it may be more comfortable for you to wear a sports bra, or a regular bra designed for gym use. Some regular bras are comfortable in all situations – even the gym!
During the time of exercise, are the regular bras comfortable to wear?
When you work out, you can still wear a normal bra. Because they tend to be underwired, they can rub or chafe underneath the breast area. This leads to an uncomfortable feeling and might even cause swelling or a rash.
When you are exercising, opt for either a sports bra or the type of regular bra that has been designed for gym use. These have thicker straps and different construction aimed at better breast control during exercise, thereby reducing the chafing and pain.
Related Read: Can You Wear Regular Leggings to Gym
Is there any downside?
Regular bras worn during exercise will need to be washed more frequently. They may pinch in places if they are not exclusively designed for comfortable wear. They may also be less able to deal with movement, so you may feel constricted while exercising.
The downside to wearing regular bras to exercise includes a reduced range of motion. While a sports bra is designed to cling to you without impeding your movement, a regular bra doesn’t. As a result, it may interrupt your exercises by giving you pain or needing readjustment.
Here are the 5 Best Regular Bras for Gym
- Best for Wireless Comfort: Bali Revolution EasyLite Seamless Bra
- Best for Prettiness: Delmira Lace Plus Size Comfort Bra
- Best for Designer Branding: Calvin Klein Women’s Comfort Bralette
- Best for Arm Mobility: Playtex Back Support Full Coverage Bra
- Best with Underwiring: Wacoal Women’s Underwire Bra
Best for Wireless Comfort: Bali Revolution EasyLite Seamless Bra
There is no better regular bra for exercise than a truly seamless one. The lack of sectioning in the material leads to a comfortable, touchable and smooth finish. The Bali Revolution bra is 61% nylon and 39% spandex, so it is stretchable but will cling to your shape.
This bra looks invisible if worn under clothing. It’s so comfortable that other reviewers say they wear it every day, and not just when heading for a workout. It operates by pull on closure so if you have mobility issues and can’t get both arms into the air, you may need another bra.
This flexible-yet-form-fitting bra allows you to look great while you exercise. On top of this, it gives a seamless finish that looks almost invisible under a shirt – provided you buy in the right size.
Why I Like It:
- It’s ideal for everyday use
- It’s got a great stretch
- The freedom of movement is perfect for the gym
Best for Prettiness: Delmira Lace Plus Size Comfort Bra
We love everything that comes in bigger sizes because not all of us are blessed with a size 8 body. This cotton bra answers the plus size calling but does it in a way that embraces those curves instead of hiding them.
The cotton make of this bra is accentuated by the lovely lace embroidery on the straps and tops. It’s a delicate looking bra that is ideal for those who know their partner will be looking at them when they finish exercising.
You wouldn’t have to change from the gym if you were expecting romance with this bra. It accentuates your shape well and looks so pretty with delicate lace. IF you want a sports-capable regular bra that has a little sex appeal, make it the Delmira.
Why I Like It:
- It’s pretty in an innocent way
- It comes in a range of colors
- It’s got bigger sizes too
Best for Designer Branding: Calvin Klein Women’s Comfort Bralette
This is an adorable piece that features the tailored CK minimalist tomboy style. It is a triangle front shape, with light lining to ensure you are strapped in but not too tightly. Made from a blend of elastane and nylon, this is pull on closure with designer branding that is suitable for machine washing.
This is a slip-on bralette but again, mobility issues would see you struggle. It comes with clean-cut edges and that smooth, suave CK style. It has an elastic waistband, is highly flexible, and can’t be seen under a shirt.
Calvin Klein has a stellar reputation in the fashion industry, with years of experience composing fashion-forward clothing that is beloved by fans worldwide. They have a reputation for making long wearing clothing. This bra should last for a long time.
Why I Like It:
- I love the Calvin Klein style
- It’s sleek, suave, and soft.
- The seamless soft feeling is ideal for the gym
Best for Arm Mobility: Playtex Back Support Full Coverage Bra
This regular bra suitable for the gym offers an alternative for all those who struggle to raise their arms above their head. If you are going to work out to help rebuild strength after arm and shoulder injuries, this can be a real pain.
Get around that pain with the Playtex front closure bra. It comes with posture support and full coverage, as well as being adjustable to size. Unfortunately, it isn’t machine wash compatible, but it does have a PowerSupport backing which improves posture.
The posture-improving design is particularly good for those that are trying to build upper body strength. When added to the front closure this is a great bra for the female weightlifter or bodybuilder.
Why I Like It:
- I like everything about it
- It lifts and supports even on the back
- 18-hour wear is long enough for almost everyday use
Best With Underwiring: Wacoal Women’s Underwire Bra
This bra is a blend of spandex and nylon so you know it is stretchable, moisture-wicking, and will flex with your movements. It is the only product reviewed today that comes with an underwire. Sports style regular bras are all well and good until they come face-to-face with a set of double DDs mid-workout.
The Wacoal women’s underwire bra has more support than the others, making it perfect for high impact exercises. There is an inner sling for sizes G and H, the back and straps are adjustable, and it comes with two ply cups for more control.
The moisture wicking leaves your skin dry but does come with a hand wash only warning. The material allows for ease of washing, however, and it drips dry much faster than other bras might.
Why I Like It:
- It’s the best bra for HIIT exercise
- The underwire is great for bigger girls
- The moisture wicking and two-ply fabric cups are so comfortable
Final Verdict
Between these five alternatively designed regular bras, you should find one that is perfect for you. We have tried to identify bras that make for great everyday use, as well as for wearing during exercise.
Remember that a sports bra is always going to be the more secure option for gym use, should you want to wear it without anything on top of it. If you can wear a regular bra to the gym and need that underwire, however, we have accounted for this, too.
Don’t forget that you can team your new bra with a captivating fragrance or get inspiration on romantic lingerie all through Female Finest: your best online resource for women’s fashion, health, and lifestyle articles.
