Fitness expert Namrata Purohit tells you how to choose the right sports bra for every kind of workout

Celebrity trainer Namrata Purohit shares tips in an Instagram post on picking the right sports bra for every workout. Comfort, support & style? Yes, please.

When it comes to workouts, most of us focus on leggings, sneakers, or that cute tank top but fitness expert Namrata Purohit wants you to focus on what really matters first: the sports bra.

Namrata Purohit’s ultimate guide: The right sports bra for every kind of workout (Pexels)

By Samarpita Yashaswini

Samarpita Yashaswini is a Content Producer for Fashion (HT Shop Now) at Hindustan Times Digital. She has five years of experience in lifestyle writing, specialising in fashion, beauty, and trend-led commerce content. She covers everything from seasonal must-haves and wardrobe essentials to brand reviews and styling edits that make everyday dressing easier and more exciting.

She began her writing journey in 2020, but her love for fashion started long before that. Over the years, she has interned with Times Internet and Desi Martini, and worked with Pinkvilla and Schbang, building a strong foundation in digital storytelling and audience-first content. At HT Digital, she writes and creates fashion affiliate content for both the website and social media, blending trend awareness with shopping practicality. Her work sits at the intersection of style and strategy combined with equal parts aesthetic and analytics.

A self-confessed fashion enthusiast, Samarpita has a sharp eye for colours, prints, silhouettes, and textures. She notices the fall of a fabric, the mood of a palette, and the difference a good cut can make. Her expertise lies in translating trends into wearable, relatable style and helping readers shop smarter, not louder.

She studied at Delhi Public School and graduated from Miranda House, University of Delhi in 2019, where she also wrote for the college magazine. She later completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Advertising and PR from MICA, Ahmedabad.

Samarpita believes fashion content doesn’t need to be complicated or overly eloquent. It should be simple, fun, and genuinely helpful, guiding readers through daily style decisions with confidence and joy.

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If you're holding a plank, dancing it out, or sprinting towards a personal best, the wrong bra can lead to discomfort, poor posture, or even injury. The right one, though? Game-changing. Here’s Namrata’s expert advice as shared by her on Instagram, on how to choose the perfect sports bra based on your workout intensity so you stay supported and stylish, every rep of the way.

Low-impact workouts (Pilates, yoga, barre):

Support level: Low
Style to choose: Lightly padded, seamless, and stretchable bras
Namrata says: “For low-intensity workouts, comfort comes first. Choose bras that move with your body and don’t restrict your breathing or stretch.”
Look for soft straps and breathable fabrics that feel like a second skin. A scoop neck or bralette style often works beautifully here.

Medium-impact workouts (Strength training, Zumba, power walks):

Support level: Medium
Style to choose: Compression bras with racerbacks or wide straps
Namrata says: “For workouts that involve bursts of movement or light jumps, you need a bit more control. Think balance between comfort and structure.”
Opt for bras with moulded cups or removable padding that offer shape and definition.

High-impact workouts (HIIT, running, crossfit, cardio):

Support level: High
Style to choose: Maximum compression, full-coverage cups, and strong underbands
Namrata says: “This is when you need no-bounce confidence. Look for bras with adjustable straps and thick bands that hold everything in place.”
Zipper-fronts, encapsulated cups, and moisture-wicking fabrics are your best friends here.

For all-day activewear (Workout + errands + coffee run):

Support level: Medium to High
Style to choose: Ribbed crop tops, strappy backs, trendy textures
Namrata says: “Some days, your bra needs to multitask—support during the workout, but still look stylish enough for post-gym plans.”
These hybrid styles offer support plus streetwear appeal.

Namrata Purohit, who has trained celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Panday, emphasises the importance of moisture-wicking, quick-dry materials especially in humid climates or sweat-heavy sessions. “Cotton may feel soft, but it traps moisture. Look for nylon, spandex, or polyester blends that dry quickly and reduce chafing.”

Bra Care 101:

• Always hand wash or use a lingerie bag for machine wash.
• Never use fabric softeners as they ruin the elastic fibres.
• Air-dry only—heat damages stretch.
  Proper care = longer life + better support.
  

A sports bra is a support system (literally and figuratively) for your body. Namrata Purohit believes that when you wear the right bra, you move better, feel stronger, and focus more. So next time you're shopping for workout gear, don’t just pick what looks good; pick what works for your body and your goals.

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