When it comes to movement – whether you’re stretching into your favorite morning flow or sprinting towards a new PR – the right sports bra can make all the difference. OFFLINE by Aerie® is all about celebrating bodies in motion and making sure you feel supported, confident and totally you. But with so many options – longline sports bras, running bras, yoga bras and everything in between – how do you know which style gives you the comfort, support and freedom you need? Let’s break it down and help you find your new fav because no matter how you move, you deserve a comfortable sports bra that moves with you.
Understanding Support Levels
A great sports bra starts with one key detail: support level. Your ideal support depends on your activity, your comfort preferences and how much compression or lift feels best for you. Below we’ll walk you through the major categories – light-to-medium support, medium-to-high support and high-impact sports bra.
Light-to-Medium Support: For Low-Impact, High Comfort Days
Not every day calls for intense training and not every sports bra should feel like one. Light-to-medium support sports bras are perfect for activities that let you move with ease while keeping everything feeling comfortable and unrestricted.
Best for:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Barre
- Walking
- Stretching & mobility
- Chilling, lounging or running errands
When you think of “light-to-medium” support, think yoga bras or longline sports bra styles that give you gentle compression, soft fabrics and room to breathe. These bras help you flow from pose to pose and keep you grounded and comfy throughout your day. You’ll love the buttery-soft feel, balanced flexibility and supportive fit, allowing free, unrestricted movement. Whether you’re layering, styling or wearing it solo, these sports bras are as versatile as they are cozy.
Medium-to-High Support: For More Movement & More Confidence
When your workout ramps up, your sports bra should too. Medium-to-high support sports bras are designed for activities where you need stability, structure and that extra sense of “I’ve got this.”
Best for:
- Strength training
- Cycling
- HIIT
- Dance workouts
- Jogging
Supportive sports bras in this range offer a blend of compression and lift. They help minimize movement without restricting your natural motion, important for making quick movements, hopping circuit to circuit and transitioning between high and low intensity. What sets them apart is the thoughtful design that blends comfort with support. The wider straps help evenly distribute weight, so your shoulders are free from strain. With supportive bands and moisture-wicking capabilities, these bras keep you cool and comfortable, no matter how much you’re moving. Plus, you can choose from a variety of styles to match your vibe.
Running & High-Impact Training: Time for Maximum Support
If you’re a runner, a cardio lover or just someone who prefers feeling super secure, look for bras specifically designed as running bras or high impact sports bras. Running adds more vertical movement and impact than most workouts, so you want something that gives major stability while being comfy.
High-impact support keeps you:
- Protected from discomfort and shifting
- Supported through long distances and high-intensity workouts
- Confident to move freely and powerfully
Even if running isn’t your main thing, many people prefer high-impact styles for everyday comfort – because who doesn’t love feeling extra-supported?
How to Choose the Right Sports Bra for You
Still not sure which sports bra to pick?
- Match your support level to your activity: If you are doing low-impact workouts, a light or medium support bra will work best. However, once you move up to strength training or moderate cardio, you should look for medium-to-high support. Finally, for running and other high-impact movements, it is essential to wear high support or a bra specifically designed for running.
- Know your preferred feel: Some people love compression; others prefer something softer. Longline styles offer extra coverage and often feel more secure without extra tightness.
- Check the straps & band: Look for supportive straps that don’t dig and a band that stays in place as you move.
- Choose a style that makes you feel amazing: Sports bras should feel good and boost your confidence. Whether that’s a cute strappy silhouette or an open-back look, it’s all about what makes you excited to move.
Find Your Perfect Match
Choosing the right sports bra is about feeling empowered, comfortable and ready to move in whatever way feels GOOD to you. Whether you’re slipping into a light-support yoga bra, leveling up with a medium-to-high support sports bra like our OFFLINE By Aerie Goals Gloss High Neck Sports Bra or embracing everyday softness with the Real Me® Low Key Sports Bra, your new fav fit is out there. Ready to find yours?