Support level is the most useful thing on a sports bra listing and the least explained. It is not about cup size. It is about how much the bra limits movement, which should match how much movement the session creates.
Light support
Walking, yoga, pilates, mobility, stretching. Usually a single layer of fabric with no padding or a removable pad, and thin straps. Comfortable for hours, which is why people wear them under a tee on rest days.
In this guide
Sculpt Bra
Onyx£52Choose your size
Medium support
Weight training, cycling, spin, hiking, most gym classes. A double layer or a padded front, a wider band under the bust, and straps that sit flat. This is the one most people should own first, because it covers the most sessions.
High support
Running, HIIT, skipping, anything with repeated impact. A structured cup or a compression front, a wide adjustable band, and often a racerback to stop the straps moving. Not comfortable for a day at a desk, and not meant to be.
How to read a listing
Look for three words: padded, band and back. Padded or lined means at least medium. A wide underband means the support comes from below, which is where it should come from. A racerback or crossed back means it is built for impact.
Fit check
The band should be snug enough that you can fit two fingers under it and no more. If the straps are doing the work, the band is too loose. Most people are wearing a band that is too big.
Ours
The Sculpt Bra is our medium support piece, padded, with a wide band and a straight back. The Ease Bra is the light one for everything else.
