The 7 Best Encapsulation Sports Bras of 2021

Which encapsulation bras made the list of the best high-impact sports bras this year?


Bras come in all shapes and sizes, and sports bars are no different. When you need a good sports bra that can support high-impact workouts, you have the choice of two styles, but even then, your options are wide open. We have encapsulation sports bras, compression sports bras, and even combination compression encapsulation sports bras.


But what exactly is the difference between all these sports bra options and what are the best encapsulation sports bras available?


Panache encapsulation bra

What is an Encapsulation Sports Bra?

Just as the name suggests, the encapsulation sports bra “encapsulates” and holds each breast separately. The support lifts the breast up and away to limit vertical breast motion and horizontal movement. A good encapsulation bra will feature underwires in each cup and the comfort will be similar to your everyday bra, thanks to the separation. Encapsulation bras are best suited for women with C and D breast sizes.


While those encapsulation bras that do not have a wire provide support for intense workouts, many women find that they don’t offer the separation needed and they feel more like a compression bra.


How to Tell a Compression Sports Bra from an Encapsulated Bra?

Conversely to encapsulation bras, which lift and separate, compression bras are designed to hold your breasts tightly against your body to limit breast movement. 


This sports bra style often has no underwire or even cups. Plus, they usually come in sizes indicating Small, Medium, and Large rather than cup sizes, which might be a let-down for women with larger busts.


What Are Combination Compression Encapsulation Sports Bras?

Combination sports bras encompass elements from both compression and encapsulation styles available, so they can differ from one manufacturer to the next. Due to these differences and the comfort preferences that vary among women, it’s important to try them out until you find one you like. You may be looking for something that gives you that flattering shape, or perhaps maximum comfort is more important. Maybe you prefer one that offers better support and is made with moisture-wicking fabric. 


When trying on these sports bras, move as though you were using them for your activity. This will allow you to see how well it might perform for you. Look for the adjustable straps to hold in place and the proper support to give you a full range of motion.

Which Sports Bras Work Best for Large Breasted Women?

It all comes down to comfort and performance, so if you’re a woman with heavy breasts, your options when looking for a comfortable sports bra might be more limited. Encapsulation sports bras will offer more support, better stability, and a higher degree of comfort than compression bras.


The reason for this difference is in the compression itself. It can be much more constricting to hold a large, heavy breast tightly against the body to help with support than the lift and separate style.

The Best Encapsulation Sports Bras on the Market

  1. The Panache Sports is an encapsulation-style sports bra that offers superior comfort and support in a practical design that’s perfect for a fitness routine or everyday wear. And thanks to the wide range of sizes, there are 70 of them, it’s easy for a woman to find the perfect fit. This encapsulated bra was featured in Oprah Magazine and is arguably one of the finest sports bras on the market, offering an 83% reduction in bounce, so go ahead and get active. This sports bra with adjustable wide straps will hold everything in place with comfort and style when running outdoors or during gym workouts. The panache sports bras are available in quite a few neutral colors including black, white, grey, grey marl, and latte

  2. The Champion bras are a high-impact option. These encapsulation sports bras have been part of the brand’s efforts to revolutionize women’s athletic gear since 1968. This sports bra offers incredible support while maintaining those flattering curves. And they are made with sustainability in mind with high-quality woven fabrics that offer exceptional comfort during a high-intensity workout. Plus, this is a sports bra with adjustable straps for a customizable fit and a ventilated mesh system to keep you both cool and comfortable no matter how hard you work.  Available in cup sizes ranging from 34/36 CD to 42/44 DD. Refer to the size chart to find your cup size.

  3. New Balance Power Sports Bra’s ability to hold and support you firmly in place even during high-impact activities is what makes this option one of the best sports bras in Canada. With a racerback design that features a hook-and-eye gel closure to prevent digging into the skin, this sports bra is made with spandex and polyester with molded encapsulation cups to provide extreme support and flexible comfort. And with sizes available from A to DD, finding the right fit is not a problem.

  4. Brooks Juno bra is known for its breast stabilizing support while exercising, with a back-eye closure that gives you the fit you want. The added features of a sweat-wicking material and a ventilated mesh only add to the long-lasting comfort of this bra. You can combine its compression and encapsulation abilities to give women the support they need through the adjustable straps. 

  5. One of the best sports bras for yoga sessions is the CRZ Yoga Light Support Cross Back. Its sexy and seamless design and wire-free support make it easy to move in and look amazing doing it whether you enjoy yoga or other low-impact activities. 

  6. This is one that every woman can feel great wearing. The Anita Sports Bra Extreme Control is a high-performance encapsulation-style sports bra that lifts and supports without a wire. The double-layer molded cups and soft terrycloth lining feature a moisture-wicking stretch poly blend for all-day dry comfort. And with the three-column, three-row adjustable hook and eye back closure, you can enjoy a great fit and a sexy look.

  7. For the woman who wants morning, noon, and nighttime comfort and ease, the Fruit of the Loom Front Closure Built-Up Sports Bra is the perfect solution. The bra features a hook-and-eye closure or zip-up on the front or the back, making it easy to put on or remove. The soft, breathable, and soft fabric allows for amazing comfort that can even be worn to bed. 


The right encapsulation sports bra is a personal choice that every woman s
hould make for herself. But these options are a great start on your search for the best fitting, most comfortable, and ultra-supportive encapsulation bras.


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