Do you know that feeling of distraction when you're in Downward Dog, but instead of focusing on your breath, you're focused on how your bra is digging in, shifting, or simply not holding you the way it should? A properly fitted sports top is the foundation of a successful workout. It’s the one element that allows you to completely forget what you're wearing and turn your attention inward.
Many women unknowingly wear the wrong size or style, exposing their breasts—specifically the delicate Cooper's ligaments—to unnecessary strain. We will guide you through the process of measuring, choosing the right level of support for your type of movement (from gentle yin yoga to dynamic cardio), and explain why technical materials perform so much better than regular cotton.
Why is choosing a sports bra so important for your health?
It’s worth realizing one anatomical fact: the bust has no muscles. It consists mainly of fatty tissue, glandular tissue, and skin. Its entire weight rests on a delicate structure called Cooper's ligaments. These are responsible for the firmness and shape of the breasts.
During physical activity, the bust moves not only up and down but also side to side—creating "figure eights." Without proper support, this movement can permanently stretch the ligaments. Once this happens, the process is irreversible, and the bust loses its natural elasticity.
We often think this problem only applies to running or larger cup sizes. That is a myth. Even with a smaller bust and during static asanas, gravity does its work. That is why proper support is essential regardless of the size you wear or the intensity of your workout.
How to choose the size of a sports bra?
Forget about your everyday lace lingerie size for a moment. Sports tops follow their own rules. They are usually based on apparel sizing (XS, S, M, L or numerical 34-42), which combines cup and band measurements. To find the right model, you only need a moment and a measuring tape. Don't guess—measure yourself, because your body changes more often than you think.
How to measure your underbust and bust circumference?
Measurements are best taken in a soft bra (without padding) or on bare skin. Stand straight in front of a mirror to monitor the placement of the tape.
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Underbust circumference: This is the most important measurement. Wrap the tape measure directly under your breasts. Exhale and pull the tape quite tight—so that it sits against your body without causing pain. The bra band provides most of the support, so this result must be accurate.
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Bust circumference: Move the tape to the fullest part of your bust (usually at nipple level). Here, the tape should sit loosely—do not flatten your breasts. Make sure it is at the same height in the back and front.
Tip: The sizing at JOYINME (labeled 34, 36, 38, etc.) differs from typical lingerie sizing (e.g., 75B). In our charts, you will find the product dimensions measured flat. A good way to verify is to measure your favorite, well-fitting top at home and compare those values with our tables. Remember that sports knit fabric is elastic, so the top should be slightly smaller than your body to work effectively.
Example of Breeze sports top sizing
How to tell if a sports bra fits well?
Numbers are one thing, but the most important thing is how you feel in your sports bra during movement. Do the "three-point test" in the fitting room (or at home).
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Band: It should sit flat against your sternum and back. Take the test: insert two fingers under the elastic. If they fit with slight resistance—that's great. If there is a lot of slack, reach for a smaller size. Also, perform a simple movement: raise your hands high up (like in Tree Pose). If the band rides up onto your breasts, it is definitely too loose.
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Cups: The entire bust must be contained within the fabric. If your breasts are "spilling out" over the top or sides (creating the so-called "muffin top"), you need a larger size or a model with a higher neckline. On the other hand—the material should not wrinkle or gap.
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Straps: Their job is stabilization, not carrying the entire weight. They should not dig into your skin, leaving red marks, nor fall off your shoulders with every bend. In models with back-supporting constructions, such as Goddess (with a striking cutout) or Breeze (with thin, crisscrossing straps), the straps are designed not to restrict your shoulder blades while keeping the top securely in place.
Which sports bra to choose for your activity type?
Every activity needs tailored support. Your body works differently during meditation than it does during interval training. At JOYINME, we divide our tops into three support levels so you can easily find the right one.
Low Support – for yoga, Pilates, and relaxation
This is the choice for those with smaller to medium busts or for women looking for underwear for calm practices such as Hatha or Yin Yoga. Such a bra should be almost imperceptible—providing a gentle embrace without strong compression.
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Features: Extraordinary softness, elasticity, and a "second skin" feel.
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Our choice: Models from the Grace and Breeze collections, as well as other tops made from ease™ fabric. Their brushed finish makes them pleasant to the touch and allows for a full, deep diaphragmatic breath.
Medium Support – for dynamic yoga, barre, and strength training
As the pace picks up, you need more stabilization. This support level is ideal for Vinyasa, Power Yoga, or Pilates training. It is also a good option for larger busts during calmer exercises.
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Features: Stronger material compression, often wider straps, and a higher neckline.
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Our choice: Release Top. Its design gives you the assurance that everything will stay in place, even during sudden torso twists or bends.
High Support – for running and intense cardio
There is no room for compromise here. Running, cycling, or jumping generate shocks that require solid cushioning. The bra must hold the bust close to the chest, limiting its movement to a minimum.
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Features: Densely woven, high-GSM fabric, strong hold, and a covered front.
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Our choice: Goddess Bra made from bond fabric. This is a model for special tasks—it keeps everything in check even in the most dynamic moments, while the cutout on the back adds lightness.
The fabric of your exercise top matters – which one to choose?
We often focus on color, forgetting about what our skin feels. At JOYINME, we use two proprietary material technologies that differ in feel and intended use. It's worth knowing what to expect.
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ease™ fabric (e.g., in the Grace, Ultimate models): To the touch, it is buttery, soft, and has a delicate fuzz (brushed effect). If you have sensitive skin and are looking for a top that follows your every move, this will be a bullseye. It is quick-drying, but its priority is comfort.
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bond fabric (e.g., in the Goddess model): It is smooth, cool, and slick to the touch. It has a more compact structure, which makes it great for shaping the silhouette and providing more compression. Choose this if you want stronger support and a slimming effect.
Details in sports bras that make a difference – pads, backs, and cuts
Sometimes it’s the little things that determine whether a model becomes your favorite. What should you look for while browsing?
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Removable pads: In models like Grace, Breeze, or Release, this is standard. Pads help shape the bust nicely and provide discretion (concealing the nipples). However, if you prefer maximum breathability or a natural shape, you can remove them at any time.
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Open backs and straps: The eye-catching cutouts in Breeze or Goddess models are not just a stylistic choice. Less material on the back means better ventilation during hot sessions and full freedom of movement for your shoulder blades—nothing pulls or restricts your arm reach.
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Crop top vs classic bra: If you like exercising in high-waisted leggings, longer models (so-called longline), such as the Ultimate or Grace top, will be a great solution. They replace a t-shirt, creating a complete, stylish outfit without the need for extra layers.
A well-fitted sports crop top is an investment in your health and the pleasure of every movement. Remember that your body changes over time, so it's worth checking your measurements regularly. Regardless of whether you are looking for the softness for meditation or support for running, at JOYINME you will find a model for yourself.
Check out our collection of sports tops and bras and find your model for the mat and for every day.
