Many of us have been there before. You stretch into a Downward Dog pose and end up encountering a major wardrobe malfunction. For you, it’s the shame of seeing your yoga instructor crack a tiny smile. 

The mishap burns itself into your brain, never to be forgotten. The incident calls for taking drastic action. It’s time to purchase some new yoga attire and bras that will keep you ready for your sessions. 

Choosing the best bra support can be a daunting experience. Making the right choice hinges on practicality and comfort, all while exuding confidence.

During an intense yoga session, you need a breathable and supportive bra. Designs like Honey Cloudz bra inserts are invisible and non-slip. You can also find sports bras and layering that offer complete support and comfort.

Factors can vary based on breast size, personal comfort preferences, and the intensity of your yoga practice. In this article, we’ll dive into bra types that are best for yoga workouts.

Bra Inserts

Bra inserts have come a long way from flappy silicone pieces stuck inside a bra to look “fuller.” The main aim of inserts is to give your breasts a natural lift and make them appear shapely.

Thanks to the gains made in the fashion world, bra inserts are available in various sizes, fabrics and shapes, says fashion designer Oita Raluca. Their biggest advantage? They’re made for every type of woman. There are two kinds available: slip bra pad inserts and non-slip bra inserts. If undecided, read reviews to get an indication of price, coverage and everyday wear.

For smaller-breasted women, wearing an oval bra insert pad is a good option. If your size is larger than average, deep triangle bra slip inserts offer full coverage and overall support.

If choosing bra inserts for exercising and yoga, you’ll want to consider the breathable fabric instead of silicone, which tends to sweat as much as you do. The silicone could harbor nasty germs as a result of body sweat.

Sports Bras

Sports bras take the discomfort of underwire out of the equation. Many women feel constricted by the constant jabbing into their ribs. Straps digging into your shoulders can be just as infuriating.

Breast biomechanics experts have found that a well-fitting sports bra could boost athletic performance. Prof Joanna Wakefield-Scurr of the University of Portsmouth led a study suggesting sports bras have “performance benefits, comfort benefits and health benefits.”

Data collected from the England women’s football team following their 2022 Euro victory was astounding. It found that players’ prescription bras may have boosted their athletic performances.

The same applied to runners. Wearing an ill-fitting sports bra can shorten strides by 4cm, Prof Wakefield-Scurr discovered. Her biggest piece of advice? Shop for a sports bra that provides full support but never restricts your breathing.

Layering

Sometimes, taking a feminist stance on not wearing a bra is empowering. When the Free The Nipple movement was started in 2012, filmmaker Lina Esco ran topless through the streets of New York. 

Cultural and political objectives aside, some women just don’t like the look and feel of a bra altogether. They opt to layer their clothing to keep their breasts from showing up prominently.

The other options are wearing a crop top or camisole. Certain crop top designs have built-in bras, while bralettes give a sense of freedom but not as much support.

Thankfully, the popularity of yoga has spawned clothing lines dedicated to its fluidity and complex poses. 

High-neck bras are finding favor with yoga enthusiasts around the globe. The soft, stretchy fabric moves with your body without feeling restricted. The only downside is that it won’t give the much-needed support to fuller-breasted women.

How to Choose the Right Fit

A bra is not just for comfort. While exercising, a bra should protect your breast tissue. If your breasts are not supported during physical activity, it can result in sagging, says running coach Amie Dworecki.

Unlike a normal bra, sports bras have specific design elements to increase comfort and support. Dworecki recommends buying a bra that fits you just right and potentially going a size down from your normal bra.

Before measuring, consult a size chart. Use a soft tape measure and do so without a bra or any garment that could change the shape of your breasts.

Yoga is a low-impact workout. The best fabrics are lightweight like microfiber and cotton. Vents and mesh allow for the free flow of air between material and skin. 

For DD cups and above, experts suggest an encapsulation-compression style or an encapsulation-style sports bra.

Yoga is all about mindful breathing and exercise. A bad-fitting bra or bra insert can distract you from having a meaningful experience. And while searching for the perfect bra, just keep calm. Breathe in and breathe out.