Why do sports bras feel tight?

Sports bras feel tight because they are engineered with purposeful compression and supportive design elements that control breast movement during physical activity. The underband provides the majority of support through firm, targeted pressure, while design features like cross-back straps, higher-stiffness fabrics, and encapsulation construction create the controlled compression needed to reduce motion.

This intentional tightness differs significantly from everyday bras, as sports bras prioritize performance and movement control over the looser comfort of loungewear styles.