Sports bra, racer back or everyday bra: which one, when

Most of us own one kind of bra and wear it for everything. It works, more or less, until the day a strap keeps sliding off under a sleeveless top, or a morning walk ends with red marks along the band.

Here is how the three main types differ, and when each one earns its place.

The everyday bra

This is the bra for a normal day: under a kurti, a shirt, a saree blouse. Padded or non-padded, its job is shape and a smooth line rather than holding you still while you move. If you are choosing one for a particular outfit, our guide to what to wear under kurtis and sarees goes into detail.

The non-padded sports bra

Ours is soft, stretchy cotton lycra with wide shoulder straps and a clean V-neckline. With no padding it feels light and natural, and the stretch moves with you instead of digging in.

That makes it a good choice for:

• Morning walks and yoga
• Stretching, home workouts and housework
• Long days when you simply want something that does not dig
• Wearing around the house

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The racer back bra

A racer back's straps come together between your shoulder blades. The point is practical: the straps cannot slide off your shoulders, and they stay hidden under vests, tees and sleeveless tops cut away at the shoulder.

Ours has lightly padded cups for gentle shaping and cover, breathable cotton lycra, and a wide underband for support without digging. It is sized from S to XXL.

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Matching support to the activity

Support should scale with impact.

To be clear about ours: they are made for comfort and everyday movement. For running and other high-impact exercise, look for a high-impact sports bra with a firm, wide band and separately shaped cups.

How a sports bra should fit

• Snug band, level all the way round. As with any bra, the band does most of the supporting.
• Straps lie flat and do not cut in when you raise your arms.
• Do the movement test: raise your arms, twist, bend forward. Nothing should ride up or spill out.
• Not so tight it marks your skin after an hour. That means it is a size too small.

If you are not sure of your size, our size guide walks you through it.

Wash them more often

Sports bras take more sweat than anything else you own. Rinse or wash after each workout, in cool water, and dry in the shade — heat and sun are what wear out the stretch.

Shop this guide

• Non-Padded Cotton Lycra Sports Bra — wide straps, soft stretch, in four colours
• Racer Back Padded Bra — cross-back straps that stay put
• Ankle Length Cotton Lycra Leggings — to wear with it for yoga and walks

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a sports bra every day?

Yes. A soft, non-padded cotton lycra sports bra is comfortable for everyday wear, as long as it does not feel tight or leave marks.

Is it okay to sleep in a bra?

It is a personal choice. If you prefer to, choose something soft, stretchy and wire-free, like a non-padded sports bra, and never anything tight.

What is the difference between a racer back and a regular bra?

A racer back's straps meet between the shoulder blades, so they cannot slide off your shoulders and stay hidden under sleeveless tops and vests.

How tight should a sports bra be?

Snug enough to stay level all the way round, with room to slide two fingers under the band. If it leaves deep marks after an hour, go up a size.

Which sports bra is best for running?

For running, skipping and HIIT, choose a dedicated high-impact sports bra with a firm, wide band. Our sports bras are designed for walking, yoga and everyday comfort.