Hi there, it’s Amy from Sports Bras Direct. Today I would like to talk to you about crop top bras. And why they are the best option for comfort and style.
Many of us lead ever more active lifestyles. As such, we are turning to a crop top or sports bra to give us the comfort and support we need throughout the day.
This has led to a boom in the activewear space as women increasingly ditch their everyday bra for a sports crop top. But is this a good thing? Is this newfound obsession for comfort and support good for us?
Read on as I delve into the world of crop tops to answer what they are, why you would wear one and who should wear one (they are not suitable for everyone!)
Let us first answer the question of what a crop top bra is. Generally, bras for sport are divided into two types.
The first, crop top bras, also called crop tops, sports crops or crop top sports bras. The second structured sports bras or simply sports bras.
Structured sports bras are what would first come to mind when you mention the words ‘sports bra’. These are bras with structured cups. That is, cups made specifically for a breast size that cover a wide range of cup sizes. Sizes ranging from an A cup to a K cup and everything in between.
These bras can be underwired or wirefree, generally have adjustable shoulder straps and are most often done up at the back.
OK, back to crop top bras. Unlike structured sports bras these are most commonly wirefree, do not have adjusting straps and are put on over the head as they have a one-piece band.
They are the type of bra you would most commonly see women proudly displaying on their daily beach walk or gym session. They are generally lower impact and are designed foremost for comfort and style.
If support is your top priority when selecting a sports bra then I would steer clear of crop top bras. If you are more in the market for a comfy bra offering some support, then a crop top could be for you.
So why wear a crop top bra?
It is the name of the game – comfort. There is nothing worse than suffering though a long day with an uncomfortable bra. It seems we women place bra comfort above all else.
The super soft materials and seam-free designs make crop top designs the perfect comfort choice. Add to this wire-free cups and wide comfortable bands and shoulder straps and you have the perfect comfort partner. Perfect for all day wear.
Sports bras have a reputation as winning in the support stakes but losing in the style stakes. And it is easy to see why. They are designed for support first, comfort second and style last. It is hard to provide the support bouncing breasts need whilst maintaining the style factor. However, many modern designs are starting to close the gap.
Sports crops move the style factor up the priority list at the expense of support. Perfectly acceptable if style is more important than support. Once your put less emphasis on support sports crops can be designed with more freedom and thus style.
Modern designs are clean, beautifully fitted and come in a wide range of colours and strap designs. Remove clasps, underwire and strap adjustments and design freedom is increased even further.
We already know that sports crops sacrifice support for comfort and style. Most sports crops offer low to medium level support. Some brands promote high support, but I would be dubious of this. Especially if you have a bit more up top. Maybe for an A cup but not for a D cup.
If your day involves going for a walk with friends, a gym session or taking the kids to the park (no chasing the frisbee!) then a sports crop is perfect. If you plan to go for a run or hit the netball court, then steer clear of a sports crop in favour of a sports bra.
A sports crop is perfect for anyone looking to replace their everyday bra with something with a bit more support. Comfortable bras are what we are looking for and these styles offer both the comfort and support we need as we go about our day.
That said, a crop top bra should only be worn by women with smaller back and cup sizes. And brands know this. You would struggle to find a crop bigger than an 18 back size and designed for anything bigger than an E cup.
Why? Quite simply support. The bigger the breasts the bigger the bounce. And unfortunately crop tops aren’t designed to support this.
The multi-size cups suit a smaller bust but if you have a larger cup then it is important to support your breasts with the structured cups offered by a sports bra.
My hope is that this article has shed some light on the world of crop top bras. And if a sports crop top is a good option for you.
You now know what a crop top bra is. Why you would wear one and if one is suitable for you. We also know that in the sports bra space crop tops win in the comfort and style department. It is what they are designed for with support a final consideration.
If your newfound knowledge, has you interested in adding one to your wardrobe then check out our range of sports crop tops.
If a sports crop top is not for you fear not. We stock an awesome range of comfortable, supportive, and stylish sports bras to suit every woman. Head to our sports bras page to check them out.
Finding a bra has never been easier. Use our Sports Bra Finder to find your new sports crop or sports bra. It’s as easy as one, two, three. One, select your size. Two, select your support level. Three, select your features. And boom your new sports crop will be revealed.
Yours in support.
Amy x
"*" indicates required fields
