Types of Sports Bras: Find Your Best Fit & Support
Sports Bra Glossary: Title Nine Edition
1. Impact Levels
Low-Impact Bra
A low-impact bra is designed for activities with minimal bounce—think yoga, walking, or strength training. It
offers light support with soft, flexible materials that move with you instead of against you. Comfortable enough
for all-day wear. Shop low impact bras at Title Nine.
Medium-Impact Bra
A medium-impact bra delivers balanced support for workouts that fall between low and high intensity—like
cycling, hiking, or dance. It offers a mix of structure and stretch to keep you secure without feeling
restricted. Shop medium impact bras at Title Nine.
High-Impact Bra
A high-impact bra is built for maximum support during intense, high-movement workouts like running, HIIT, or
team sports. With features like compression, encapsulation, and wide, stay-put straps, it minimizes bounce and
keeps everything locked in. Shop high impact bras at Title Nine.
2. Support Styles
Compression Sports Bras
Designed to press the breasts close to the body, a compression sports bra reduces bounce, minimizes distraction,
and prevents soreness—ideal for high-impact workouts like running and HIIT. See also uniboob.
Encapsulation Bra
Encapsulation bras separate and support each breast individually to provide maximum support for high-impact
workouts.
Combination Bra (Compression + Encapsulation)
A combination bra blends compression and encapsulation support for the best of both worlds. Each breast is
individually supported (encapsulation) while the whole bra provides gentle compression. The result: maximum
stability, minimal bounce, and a fit that moves with you through even your toughest workouts.
Separation
The horizontal distance between the breasts at the center of the chest. Bras that offer separation use
encapsulation.
Masher Bra
A compression-style bra that presses the breasts firmly against the rib cage.
Uniboob
The shape of the breasts that can occur when wearing a compression-only style bra. Some like it, some don’t;
those who don’t prefer separation.
3. Construction & Cup Types
Underwire Bra
Bras with either metal or plastic sewn into the inside of the bra cup, right below the breasts. Provides
additional support, shape, and lift. Shop underwire bras at Title Nine.
Wireless / Softcup Bras
Bras without an underwire, for a softer, more flexible fit. Shop wireless bras at Title Nine.
Molded-Cup Bra
A molded cup is one that has been given a predetermined shape. Often confused with contour cups, which include
shaped spacer fabric to deliver shape and modesty.
Padded Bra
A padded sports bra includes built-in or removable padding to enhance shape, coverage, and comfort.
Demi Bra
A bra with a short cup height, covering just above the nipple. Provides moderate coverage.
Full Coverage Bra
These bras give full breast coverage and provide the greatest amount of support; also known as full-cup bras.
Cup Size
Bra cup size is referred to in alphabetical letters (A, B, C, D, E, F, etc.) and is a measurement of breast
volume. We define the cup size equivalences for every style. Shop A and B cup bras, C cup bras, D and DD cup bras, and DDD+ cup bras.
4. Strap & Back Styles
Racerback Bra
Straps become a singular strap centered in the back, curving between the shoulder blades. Ideal for tank tops
and sleeveless styles.
Criss Cross Bra
Features straps that cross in the back—or sometimes the front—for added support and a secure, stay-put fit.
T-Back Bra
A style of racerback bra with straps meeting at the top of the shoulder blades.
Strappy Bra
A style of sports or everyday bra featuring multiple thin straps, often crisscrossed or layered across the back
or shoulders.
Convertible Bra
Detachable straps allow the bra to be worn in various styles, such as strapless, X-back, or racerback. Can also
provide varying levels of support.
Front-Close Bra
Bras that fasten in the front, between the cups, with a clasp or hook. Makes taking off a bra much easier.
Zip-Close Bra
Bras with a zipper instead of a clasp, usually located in the front. Also called zip-front bras.
J-Hook
A clasp on the back that allows you to turn your bra into a racerback-style bra.
5. Fit Features & Adjustability
Adjustable Bra
Features customizable straps, bands, or closures—hook-and-eye, slider straps, or convertible back options—for a
perfect fit and better lift.
Chafe-Free Bra
Designed to minimize chafing with smooth fabrics, seamless construction, and careful seam placement.
Bonded-Seam Bra
Uses “gluing” technology to eliminate chafing from needle-and-thread seams. Smooth, sleek, and lightweight.
Seamless Bra
Construction minimizes seams for friction-free comfort.
Side Support
Provides side coverage with sewn-in stays or boning to support the sides of the breasts.
High Neck Bra
Offers more coverage across the chest and neckline, preventing spillage and adding extra protection.
Shelf Bra
Built into a dress, tank, or swimsuit. Provides support for low-impact activities.
6. Everyday & Specialty Bras
Bralette
Lightweight, unstructured bra, often made with lace. Great for sleep or casual wear.
Nursing Bra
Allows easy nursing access without removing the bra.
Pullover Bra
No connectors or clasp—simply pull over the head to wear.
Wicking Bra
Sports bras that pull moisture away from the body to keep you dry.
7. Anatomy & Fit Science
Cooper’s Ligaments
Connective tissue that maintains breast shape and prevents sagging. Can be stretched permanently without proper
support.
Modesty
Refers to nipple coverage. Contoured or layered fabrics reduce show-through.
Bravangelist
Title Nine bra experts trained to fit any body for any sport. Check out our guides on how to choose
a sports bra and bra fit calculator.