The KYDRA Club

Is it Safe to Wear Your Sports Bra Everyday?

We’re sure that you’ve asked yourself this question at least once in your adult life: Can I wear my sports bra every day?

After all, with the popularity of athleisure and atflow wear for everyday use, why not just pick out your favourite sports bra in the morning and be done with it? If you can wear yoga leggings to the supermarket, then why not a sports bra for a girls’ lunch out?

The makings of a sports bra

What exactly constitutes a sports bra anyway? By definition, this is a bra that was originally meant to be worn for sports activities. It should offer support without excess restriction. It should be supportive but also comfortable.

This brings us back to – if it gives you support but is also comfortable, then surely you can just wear one the whole day! It would certainly save you the time and trouble of having to sort through the myriad of bras you’ve amassed in your drawers.

The answer is yes and no. 

Pro: They offer great support

Featured: Thalia Bra in White

There are tissue structures in our breasts called Cooper’s Ligaments that largely decide the shape of our breasts.

Anything that causes stress to these structures can also directly alter the shape or “perkiness” of our breasts. One of the main causes for the change in shape is “free-boobing” or going braless for long periods of time where their own weight, without support, creates tension in the Cooper’s ligaments.

Another cause is wearing a bra without the right support. Sports bras tend to offer the best form of support since they are designed to hold our breasts in place during vigorous activities that involve a lot of physical motion.

Pro: They are made to stay in place

Featured: Luna Bra in Turquoise

Is there anything more irritating than a bra where the underwire digs every time you bend over? Or what about the ones where the straps slip over your shoulders no matter how many times you adjust them? And the worst ones of all: the bras whose cups somehow magically move on their own as you go about your business and create a strange shape on your chest?

A well-made sports bra won’t do that. You slip it on, and it stays on. Period.

Pro: They are the most versatile form of undergarment

Featured: Lexi Longline Bra in Ash Mauve

Sports bras have come a long way since their first iteration decades ago. You can choose from a range of fits depending on the activity you plan to do, as well as on the size of your breasts.

We’re aware that no two bodies are the same and everyone will have different needs. And that’s why there are different types of sports bras that aim to fulfil those needs. And the right one can take you from your first meeting over Zoom straight to your HIIT class in the evening.

Pro & con: They absorb sweat

Featured: Sierra Kyro Midline Bra in Dark Navy

The same material that makes sports bras so comfortable is the same reason it will trap and absorb more sweat than your standard underwire number. And this is probably the biggest argument against wearing one all day.

As perspiration accumulates and dries, particularly around the band, it could cause skin breakouts, encourage bacterial growth, and collect mineral salts against your skin.

On top of that, there’s a potential odour issue to consider. None of these is a good thing. The good thing is that there’s a quick fix – just change bras after exercising or excessive sweating during a particularly humid Singaporean day.

Possible con: They can cause chafing and redness

Featured: Thea Kyro Rib Bra in Ash Navy

The round-the-clock wearing of a sports bra can cause skin chafing around the underarms, under the breastbone, and across the tops of shoulders, especially if you move around a lot throughout the day.

But here’s the thing – chafing is also an indication of an ill-fitting undergarment! Choose a sports bra made with good quality, moisture-wicking fabric that lends support without digging into your skin.

Possible con: They can be too restrictive for long-term use

Featured: Skylar Bra in Rose Taupe

High-impact sports bras are meant to hold your breasts in place while also keeping movement to a minimum. This translates to a lot of constriction, not only of your ladies, but also your blood circulation.

The overall thinking is that this can also lead to strain on your shoulders and possibly affect your posture. The easiest solution is unless you’re going to be engaging in a high-impact sport, opt for low to medium sports bras for a slightly less snug fit that won’t compromise on support.  

What's The Verdict?

You can totally wear a sports bra all day, as long as:

1It fits you well in that it is not too tight or too loose, as both situations can lead to issues highlighted above. Look for a sports bra with straps that do not slide down your shoulders, cups that don’t flip or move around, and with a band that is supportive without being restrictive.

2You change out of it after excessive sweating to avoid skin irritation and bacteria.

3You keep these two keywords in mind: comfort and support. Both can coexist in the right design for your needs and body type!

We suggest these Kydra bras if you’re looking for sports bras that you intend to make part of your everyday wardrobe: Skylar Bra, Ava Bra, Vania Bra, Sierra Kyro Midline Bra, and Lexi Longline Bra.

From brunch with your besties to easy office wear as your work from home, we’ve got the right kind of sports bra for your body type.

General Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KYDRA. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual and more.