Hiking is my favorite way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But when I’m not wearing the right hiking bra, it can be uncomfortable and even painful.
One of the most essential pieces of outdoor gear for women is a sports bra. A well-fitting sports bra will provide support and comfort, so you can focus on enjoying your hike instead of worrying about any discomfort.
In this post, I’m going to share how to choose a sports bra for hiking that will keep you feeling supported and comfortable on your next hike.
AndreaKuuipoAbroad.com is a member of the adidas Blogger Community. This article features gifted products. Read more about my Affiliate Disclosure.
Should I Wear a Sports Bra to Hike?
When looking for a hiking bra, it’s best to choose a hiking sports bra. With each step you take on a hiking trail, your boobs are naturally moving up and down. This can cause them to become sore, especially if you have large breasts.
Wearing a sports bra when you hike will help to prevent breast pain by reducing the amount of movement and the possibility of chafing. Sports bras will also help to keep you cool and dry by wicking away sweat and keeping your breasts dry and comfortable.
3 Types of Sports Bras
There are three main types of women’s sports bras, which are designed to be worn during different activities.
Low-Impact Sports Bras
Sports bras for low-impact activities are designed for activities like hiking, weight-lifting, yoga, barre, and pilates. They provide light support and are typically made of breathable fabrics.
Medium-Impact Sports Bras
Sports bras for medium-impact activities are designed for activities like circuit training, cycling, and volleyball. They provide moderate support and are typically made of more supportive fabrics.
High-Impact Sports Bras
Sports bras for high-impact activities are designed for activities like running, boxing, basketball, and skiing. They provide maximum support and are typically made of very supportive fabrics.
5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Hiking Bra
Even though low-impact sports bras are designed for hiking, there are a few other things you need to consider when choosing the best sports bra for hiking.
1. What type of breast support do you need?
- Light support. Best for flat hiking trails with little breast-bouncing or for smaller breasts.
- Medium support. Best for moderate hikes with medium breast-bouncing or for all cup sizes.
- High support. Best for sweaty hikes or any trail running with a lot of breast-bouncing or for larger breasts.
2. What type of bra straps do you prefer?
- Racerback. Racerback design gives your shoulders more freedom of movement while hiking.
- Adjustable. Adjustable straps allow you to get a perfect fit and extra support in your hiking bra.
- Padded: Padding in the straps provides extra comfort where you need it.
3. What type of closure are you looking for in a sports bra?
- Pullover. Super easy to put it on and you’re ready to get on the trail.
- Zipper. Uses a zipper puller to easily get it on and take it off.
- Hook and eye. Allows you to adjust the bra band for the perfect fit.
4. What type of padding do you prefer?
- Non-padded. These hiking sports bras have no pads, but provide great support, comfort, and style.
- Removable padding. You can add or remove pads to adjust the coverage to your preference.
- Non-removable padding. Hiking sports bras with built-in pads support a natural shape and extra coverage.
5. What bra size are you looking for?
Most sports bra sizes are either standard size: 2XS to 2XL; or plus size: 1X to 4X.
What To Look For In a Sports Bra For Hiking
I always wear a sports bra when hiking. Here are some of the different features I look for in a hiking sports bra.
Support
The best sports bras for hiking offer the perfect amount of support you need for your hike. You want a bra that will keep your breasts from bouncing around.
These days I usually look for a light-support or medium-support sports bra to wear on my hikes because I don’t do much trail running and I love a bra that makes me feel like I’m going braless.
If you have a larger chest, a high-support bra will offer more support. These types of sports bras can also feel too compressing, so you may not want to wear them on a long day hike or overnight backpacking trip.
Breathable Material
Hiking can be super sweaty, so it’s important to choose a sports bra that is made of breathable fabrics, which helps to keep you cool and comfortable.
I like to look for synthetic fabrics like spandex, polyester, merino wool, and nylon. These moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics are great for multi-day hikes so you can wear the same bra every day, especially since they help to keep the stench away.
Comfortable
A sports bra should be comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. I like to look for a bra that is made of soft fabrics and feels lightweight.
You also want to think about if you’ll be wearing certain clothing or gear on top or over your sports bra. If you are wearing a backpack, will your bra straps feel like they’re digging in?
The Perfect Fit
It’s important to choose a sports bra that fits well. If the bra is too tight, it will be uncomfortable and could even cause pain. If the bra is too loose, it won’t provide enough support. A well-fitting sports bra will provide the best support.
Every sports bra is different, so make sure to look at every feature, including the cup size, waistband, and type of shoulder straps. If you have larger breasts, criss-cross straps provide a lot of shoulder support.
Style
There are many different styles of sports bras available with different colors and straps to consider, so find one that suits your personal preferences (but still keeps your boobs in place).
One thing to think about is how a sports bra will look underneath your hiking clothes. If it’s a hot day and you don’t plan on wearing a shirt over your hiking bra then consider getting a bra with additional coverage with a higher neckline and lower waistline.
Tips For Choosing a Sports Bra
Here are a few extra tips for choosing a sports bra:
- Check sizing charts. Every bra is different, so this will help you get the right bra for your cup size.
- Try on different bras before you buy one. This is the best way to make sure you get a bra that fits well and is comfortable to wear.
- Consider your breast size and activity level when choosing a sports bra. If you have larger breasts or plan on doing high-impact activities, you’ll need a bra with more support.
- Don’t be afraid to spend a little more money on a quality sports bra. A good sports bra will last longer and provide you with better support.
adidas offers a wide variety of women’s sports bras, ranging from low-impact to high-impact support. Here are a few styles to check out:
- adidas Purebare Light-Support Sports Bra is a low-impact sports bra that provides light support and feels like going braless! It’s made of a soft-touch fabric with moisture-absorbing AEROREADY, and has adjustable straps for a perfect fit. Definitely size up on this one.
- adidas Running Medium-Support Seamless Merino Wool Sports Bra is a medium-impact sports bra that offers moderate support and comfort. It’s made of a soft and cozy fabric to keep you warm while hiking when the temperatures drop.
- adidas Coreflow Medium-Support Sports Bra is a medium-impact sports bra that provides medium support and is available in plus-sizes. It’s made of AEROREADY to keep you dry, with mesh details bringing cool relief to high-sweat zones, and the clean finishes reduce chafing.
How to Care For Your Sports Bra
The best way to care for your sports bra is to wash it using a mild detergent on a gentle or delicate cycle and then let it air dry.
When I’m on an overnight hike, I either hang up my hiking bra in the tent or let it dry out in the sun (usually on a rock). I wash all of my hiking clothes once I get home.
No matter what your activity level or breast size, there’s a sports bra that’s right for you. If you follow the tips above, you can find a bra that will keep you supported and comfortable on your next hike.
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Do you have any questions about how to choose a sports bra for hiking? Share them in the comments!
