Buying guide for Best yoga bras
Yoga is a workout with plenty of benefits for both your physical and mental health. But as with any type of exercise, having the right gear is critical. A yoga bra provides just the right amount of support to keep you comfortable during your yoga class and plenty of other activities.
Yoga bras are similar to other sports bras because they’re designed to provide support as you work out. But because yoga involves less impact and requires more flexibility, a yoga bra generally isn’t as compressive as the type of sports bra worn for jogging or other intense cardio activities. Some people even wear yoga bras for running errands or lounging.
Key considerations
Impact level
Most sports bras are considered high-impact or medium-impact bras and are usually meant for more intense activities like running or cardio. But unlike those bras, yoga bras typically offer less compression and support.
High-impact bras are best for running, biking, and intense interval training. High-impact bras are rarely necessary for yoga.
Medium-impact bras can work for intense activities if you have a smaller bust size or for less intense activities like weightlifting if you have a larger bust. If you have a larger bust, you might feel more comfortable doing yoga in a medium-impact bra.
Low-impact bras provide adequate support for yoga while still allowing for the movement and stretching necessary for your workout.
Bra type
Like sports bras, yoga bras are available in a few different types: compression, encapsulation, and encapsulation-compression.
Compression yoga bras keep the breasts in place during workouts by pushing them flat against the body to prevent movement. These bras work well even for larger breasts. This is the most popular type of yoga bra.
Encapsulation yoga bras have individual cups for the breasts and typically have underwire to hold them in place. They offer significant support and are generally recommended for women with large busts.
Encapsulation-compression yoga bras have individual cups for the breasts but also press them against the body to prevent movement. These bras provide significant support and generally aren’t necessary for yoga unless you have extremely large breasts.
Wire-free vs. underwire
Wire-free: Most yoga bras are wire-free and use compression to keep the breasts from moving. Wire-free bras are generally considered more comfortable because you don’t have to worry about any wires poking you as you stretch. You can find both low-impact and medium-impact wire-free yoga bras.
Underwire: Some yoga bras have an underwire because they’re intended for individuals with large breasts. They provide the most support, though some women find that they’re not as comfortable as wire-free bras.
Did You Know?
If you prefer to buy sustainable products, you can find some eco-friendly yoga bras made of recycled materials
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Features
Style
Most yoga bras are designed to be more stylish and fashion-forward than other sports bras because they’re often worn on their own, without a shirt or other top. They’re available in several styles so you can choose the type that suits you best.
Tank top yoga bras have separate straps and resemble regular bras. They often have back closures and are generally low- or medium-impact bras.
Racerback yoga bras have shoulder straps that meet between the shoulder blades to form a Y-shape. They’re typically medium- or high-impact bras and can fit perfectly beneath a racerback tank top. However, some people don’t like the racerback yoga bra because it can put pressure on the neck.
Criss-cross yoga bras have straps that cross at the back. These are usually low-impact bras that don’t provide as much support as other styles, but they do offer plenty of stretch for easy movement.
Material
Yoga bras are made of a variety of materials depending on the type and style. Some are blends of cotton and polyester or cotton, polyester, and spandex, which offer softness and moisture-wicking qualities. Other bras use a blend of nylon and spandex that provides excellent support, maintains its shape well, and has a soft, smooth feel.
Most of these materials make very soft, comfortable yoga bras, but be sure that whatever fabric you choose can wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry while you exercise.
Adjustability
Straps: Some yoga bras have adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit for greater comfort and performance. These bras usually last longer, too, because you can adjust the fit as the material stretches over time, so the bra can continue to provide adequate support.
Back closure: Most yoga bras just pull on, but some have a back closure that allows for a more customized fit and makes it easier for some people to take off.
Color
While many yoga bras are available in neutral colors like black and gray, you can find styles in a wide array of shades. Many feature bright colors like red, pink, turquoise, and yellow, or even fun patterns, so you can choose a style that matches the rest of your yoga gear.
Seamless yoga bras are the best option if you have sensitive skin because there's less risk of chafing.
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Accessories
Yoga mat: Manduka Mat PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat
For comfortable, effective workouts, you need a yoga mat. We love this one from Manduka Mat because it offers a densely cushioned surface with a good grip to prevent slips and falls.
Yoga pants: 90 Degree by Reflex Women’s Power Flex Yoga Pants
You should also have a quality pair of yoga pants to go with your yoga bra. These from 90 Degree by Reflex are favorites because they’re affordable, made of a breathable material that keeps you cool, and comes in 30 colors.
Yoga socks: Toesox Women’s Bellarina Toe Socks
A good pair of yoga socks can keep you from slipping, especially when doing hot yoga. We really like these from Toesox because they come in an array of colors and patterns and feature a five-toe construction that allows for easy movement and won’t bunch up or twist.
Yoga bra prices
Yoga bras vary in price based on the type, impact level, and other features. Most yoga bras cost between $10 and $70.
Inexpensive: The most affordable yoga bras are usually low-impact compression styles. They generally are made of a cotton/polyester blend and don’t have adjustable straps or contain any underwire. You’ll typically pay between $10 and $28 for these yoga bras.
Mid-range: These yoga bras are usually medium-impact compression or encapsulation styles. They may have adjustable straps and underwire and feature a cotton/polyester/spandex blend. You’ll typically pay between $20 and $45 for these yoga bras.
Expensive: The most expensive yoga bras are usually high-impact compression, encapsulation, or encapsulation-compression styles. They often have adjustable straps, underwire, and feature a cotton/polyester/spandex blend. You’ll generally pay between $38 and $70 for these yoga bras.
Did You Know?
You can use any type of sports bra during yoga, but you may not be able to wear your yoga bra for cardio workouts. Intense exercise typically requires greater support than that offered by a yoga bra.
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Tips
- Find the right fit. To figure out your band size, exhale and measure around your ribs just below your breasts. Hold the tape level all the way around for an accurate measurement.
- Wash your bras carefully. As with other sports bras, it’s best to wash yoga bras by hand so they’ll last longer. Soak your bra in warm water and gentle detergent for an hour or so, massaging the fabric near the end of that time to loosen any dirt. Rinse the bra in cool water and let it air-dry. If you prefer washing your yoga bra in the machine, place it in a lingerie bag and use the gentle cycle. Let the bra air-dry; a dryer’s heat can take the stretch out of the fabric.
- Try the bra on before wearing it for a class. It’s a good idea to test a yoga bra before wearing it for an actual yoga class. Make sure it’s comfortable enough to get through all the usual poses without any issues.
FAQ
Q. How long does a yoga bra usually last?
A. In general, a yoga bra should last one to two years. After about 12 months, a bra starts to lose its elasticity, so it doesn’t offer as much support as it initially did. The wire in underwire styles may also start to poke through, and the fabric can start to fray. Replace your yoga bras every year or two, depending on how often you wear them.
Q. How can I tell if a yoga bra fits properly?
A. Make sure that the bra’s straps aren’t digging into your shoulders — that often means the band size is too large. Gapping is another sign that you’ve chosen a style that’s too large. Check that the straps aren’t slipping down — that likely means the bra is too loose. However, if your breasts spill from the top or sides of the bra, it’s probably too small.
Q. Do I need a yoga bra if I have small breasts?
A. You should invest in a yoga bra even if you have a smaller bust because your breasts can still move around during poses and cause discomfort. However, you can definitely get away with a low-impact yoga bra that provides less support.
