11 Best Sports Bras for Summer Available in Canada
Updated: Aug. 10, 2020
Getting the right bra for hot-weather activities can mean the difference between comfort and chafing. Keep your cool with our trainers' top picks for the best sports bras for summer.
How to choose the best sports bras for hot weather
The hot weather can mean you’re moving your exercise routine from indoors to outside. And because of the warmer weather, it also means that your sports bra may sometimes also double as your shirt because it’s just too hot to wear multiple layers. And the hotter you feel, the sweatier you start to get, and the more likely you’ll experience chafing. (Here’s how to stay motivated to work out in the hot hot heat.)
A sports bra is one of the most important articles of workout gear for women as it sets the tone for how comfortable you feel during the rest of your workout. “With a sports bra, you want to be sure you find something that provides support without being overly restrictive,” says Ava Fagin, coach at Body Space Fitness in New York City. “And while it can look great, it shouldn’t sacrifice fashion for function.” Price point can play a role, too, depending on how much you plan to use it, and what you want to use it for.
Taking all of that into consideration, we rounded up some of the best sports bras for hot weather and asked trainers who live in these bras for their input. Here are some of their top picks, for everything from high to low impact workouts, small and larger chests, that are all fashionable but functional, too, to help you stay cool.
Knix Catalyst Sports Bra
The wireless, high-impact Catalyst Sports Bra by Canadian brand Knix has emerged as a crowd favourite in this category, especially for women with larger cup sizes. It took 3 years to develop (with no less than 42 prototypes), boasts a 76 percent reduction in “bounce rate,” is made from three levels of moisture-wicking fabric and has multiple built-in vents to promote breathability. It’s available in petite and extended sizes, and the clasp at the back means no more awkward over-head shimmying after a workout.
Catalyst Sports Bra $98, knix.ca
(Exercising indoors? Here are the best leggings to wear for your streaming workouts.)
Lululemon Energy Bra
This bra blends a soft hand with a compressed fit for a sports bra that performs when training. “It’s supportive without being overly abrasive,” says Lauren Kanski, trainer at Performix House. “It also provides good coverage and the back straps are cute, too. It can be super sporty or worn for casual leisure!”
Energy Bra, $64, lululemon.com
(Speaking of Canadian clothing brands, check out the Canadian swimwear brands we’re obsessed with.)
Nike Swoosh Bra
The classic design and fit of this sports bra make it versatile and popular for all kinds of workouts. “This is a staple in my fit rotation,” says Lauren Seib, personal trainer in Stamford, Connecticut. It hugs you in without squishing your chest and has a comfy yet stay-put band. I like that it provides a little more coverage, so I don’t feel exposed in front of clients.”
Nike Pro Classic Padded Women’s Bra, $32, sportchek.ca
(Looking for workout inspo? Here are a few of our favourite female fitness pros to follow now—and they’re all Canadian.)
Alo Lounge Bra
If you have a smaller chest, or need a bra just for low impact, light workouts, this one will do the trick. It’s plunging neckline and uber soft fabric make it comfortable and fashionable, while the four-way stretch, and moisture-wicking properties allow it to hold up in a workout. “It’s buttery soft and great for yoga, barre, or recovery days—or even just wear it as athleisure,” says Seib. “The little keyhole is a sweet touch and I love that it the straps change up my typical racerback routine.”
Alosoft Lounge Bra, $58 USD, aloyoga.com
Onzie Mudra Bra
This lightweight bra is great for a workout like hot yoga, thanks to its poly-stretch blend that dries quickly. “This bra is affordable, supportive, and extremely comfortable,” says Fagin. “It also has removable padding—another thing I often look for! Sometimes I don’t even feel the need to wear a shirt over it if I’m working out on my own or in a comfortable environment.”
Onzie Mudra Bra, $51, sportchek.ca
(Love yoga? Here are four Canadian yoga wear brands—that aren’t Lululemon—you need to know about.)
Brooks Maia Back-Adjustable Medium-Impact Sports Bra
If you have a larger chest and need good support in a sports bra to be able to exercise the way you want, look no further. This sports bra can fit up to an E size and comes a bit higher on the chest to minimize the bounce. “I like the look, structure, and price of this Brooks bra,” says Fagin. “Though I typically don’t choose sports bras with a clasp and adjustable straps, it’s a great price for a supportive bra, and still has the look of a generic U-shaped sports bra in the front.”
Maia Bra, $58 USD, brooksrunning.com
(Working out indoors? Here are the best yoga mats available on Amazon Canada.)
Puma AL Bra
This bra was built for activities like running, jumping, and even dancing. Thanks to mesh panels, it has ample ventilation, too. “I wear it for all my training runs because it holds me in, doesn’t chafe and it’s just comfortable,” says Lindsey Clayton, run coach, senior instructor at Barry’s in New York City. “I’ve run two marathons in it! ”
AL x Puma Always Ready Bra, $60, puma.com
Free People Movement On The Radar Bra
Sometimes a bra that can easily transition from workout to social setting is important to a buyer, and this option can do just that. The fabric is lightweight and breathable, which pairs perfectly with its next-to-skin tight fit. Adjust the sliding back for a personalized fit. While it isn’t the cheapest option, Fagin agrees that it can be worth it because low impact workouts will allow it to have a longer lifespan.
On the Radar Bra, $48, freepeople.com
(Need bottoms? Here’s what to look for when shopping for yoga pants.)
YEAR OF OURS Rib Gym Bra
Wear this longer bralette under a tee or tank to the gym, or sport it alone on an outdoor adventure. The thick chest band provides support and stays in place, no matter how much you’re moving. And whether you’re at a barre class, strength training in your living room, or hiking for the day, the moisture-wicking fabric pulls sweat away from your skin to help keep you feeling dry.
Gym Bra, $70 USD, yearofours.com
Cadenshae Maternity Activewear Bra, Fit2Feed Bra
Just because you’re nursing, doesn’t mean you can’t also be training hard—and you deserve to have a sports bra that allows you to do both. This bra from Cadenshae will support your chest on runs or at the gym, eliminating any distracting bounce. Then when it comes time to pump or feed baby, simply pop the clips at the top of either cup to drop the cups for nursing ease.
Maternity Activewear Bra – Fit2feed Bra, $70, cadenshae.ca
Lulus Hold a Pose Leopard Print Low Impact Sports Bra
Show off your personality while you’re stretching, practicing yoga, or doing any other low impact exercise (even walking!) in this lightweight, printed sports bra. The wide straps stay put on your shoulders no matter what pose you’re getting into. It’s also stretchy, which makes for an easy on and off, even if you’re sweaty.
Hold a Pose Mauve Leopard Print Low Impact Sports Bra, $28 USD, lulus.com
Next, check out how to amp up your workout wardrobe with Canadian activewear brands.
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