Skip to content

Your Bag

Your bag is empty

Maaree Empower, Solidarity and Battle sports bras
Education

Sports Bra 101: Compression vs Encapsulation vs Hybrid

MAAREE Three sports bras

 

Ladies, let's talk about the girls. We all know that our breast are our best assets, and it's essential to keep them supported and protected during physical activity. But with so many different styles and types of sports bras on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. In this blog post, we're going to break down the three main types of sports bras – compression, encapsulation, and hybrid – to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase, so you can keep the girls happy and healthy while working out!

Compression Sports Bras  

MAAREE Empower Sports Bra

 

Empower Sports Bra

First up, let's talk about compression sports bras. These bras are designed to compress your breasts against your chest, providing support and minimizing bounce. They're best for women with small to medium-sized breasts and are perfect for low-impact activities such as yoga, walking, and weightlifting.

Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra
Sports Bra of the Year 2025The Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra from MAAREE, available in over 45 sizes.$140.00
Shop Now

 

Encapsulation Sports Bras 

MAAREE Battle Sports Bra

 

Take our sports bra quizWe'll match you to the MAAREE sports bra design that suits your body, your sport and the support you want.
Take the quiz

Battle Encapsulation Sports Bra

Next, we have encapsulation sports bras. These bras are designed to encase each breast individually, providing support and separation. They're best for women with larger breasts and are perfect for high-impact activities such as running, jumping, and dancing. Encapsulation sports bras are a great option for women looking for a little more shape and definition in their workout gear.

 

Hybrid Sports Bras

MAAREE Solidarity Sports Bra

Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra

Finally, we have hybrid sports bras. These bras are a combination of compression and encapsulation styles. They provide both compression and individual support for each breast, making them suitable for a wide range of activities and breast sizes.

So, which sports bra is right for you? Well, it depends on your activity level, breast size, and personal preferences. If you're someone who mostly does low-impact activities, a compression sports bra might be your best bet. If you're someone who does high-impact activities, an encapsulation sports bra is a great choice. And if you're someone who likes to switch it up and do a little bit of everything, a hybrid sports bra is a great option.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the right sports bra, it's all about finding the one that makes you feel comfortable and confident during your workouts. So, go out there and try on a few different styles and see which one feels the best for you. And remember, no matter which sports bra you choose, the most important thing is that you're taking care of your girls and keeping them supported.

M

Mari Thomas-Welland

Founder & sports engineer

Mari is a sports engineer who tested sports bras for a living before building her own. She designed Overband® Technology after she could not find a bra that actually held her in. Read her story.

Join the Girl Gang

Want more handy tips?

The sizing checklist Mari runs through in every fitting, plus first dibs on new colours. No spam. Just support that fits.

Want more handy tips?

Blog posts

Black lady wearing a Coral coloured Maaree sports bra and adjusting herself
Education

9 Clear Signs That Your Bra Doesn't Fit You

Wearing the wrong bra size can lead to discomfort and inadequate support. We're here to highlight key indicators such as underband issues, cup problems, and underwire discomfort to help you find a ...

Read more
MAAREE Sports Bra for Tennis
Empowerment

Women’s Night Match at the French Open: A 3-Year Wait

On the 1st of June, Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka walked out under the lights at Roland Garros. It was the first time in nearly three years that a women’s match had been given the night session o...

Read more
My Open Letter to January

My Open Letter to January

January, we don’t need you to fix us. “New year. New you.”Sorry, says who?Women do not need rebuilding.  We don’t need a “before”, and many of us aren’t striving for an after. Movement is continuou...

Read more

Recently viewed