Collaborative post by another author. A new fitness routine requires you to push hard, know your limits, and stay dedicated even when the novelty wears off. It also requires a decent amount of investment in the form of workout gear. Whether you wear a sports bra every day or only rock one at yoga, a comfortable fit makes all the difference. Here are four features that separate the MVP sports bras from the benchwarmers.

Moisture-Wicking & Breathable Material

A great bra, like a great meal, begins with good ingredients. The right fabric can help you avoid sweat stains no matter your workout intensity. Look for materials that wick moisture away from the skin and help it evaporate, which cools you down. These materials include:

• Cotton
• Nylon
• Spandex
• Some types of polyester

A breathable fabric's fibers are farther apart than the fibers in non-breathable fabrics, allowing for more airflow over the skin. Absorbent fabrics are a plus, too. Dry-fit fabric, like the fabric used in kinetic leggings, expertly moves sweat off of your skin. Besides being uncomfortable, sweat and bacteria can pool on the skin after exercise and cause breakouts.

Versatility in Design

No two bodies are the same, so a good sports bra should be able to adjust to your shape when worn. Many sports bras are made of stretch fabric that can adapt to different breast and shoulder shapes. The downside of the typical stretchy sports bra is that it can compress large breasts uncomfortably into the chest. Cheaper stretch fabrics also wear out over time and lose their support.

One alternative option is a sports bra with thick adjustable straps. These straps can tighten to accommodate larger breast sizes without an all-over pinched feeling. Racerback styles are also popular choices for sports bras because they naturally hold breasts tighter to the body.

Wireless Support

The next thing to look for in a sports bra is plenty of wireless support. The last thing you want to worry about at the gym is an underwire digging into your rib cage. How can a wireless bra possibly provide adequate support? The answer lies in the band's construction.

The band is the part of the bra that wraps around the torso under the breasts. In an underwire bra, the band is not the primary source of support, but without an underwire, the band can step up to the job. A tight and broad band with nylon in its construction can function just like an underwire without being a stiff and uncomfortable piece of metal against a sensitive part of your body.

Minimal Seams

Seams are the places where two pieces of fabric meet. Usually, they contain a small overlap of fabric and thread. They can press against the skin if an item of clothing is tight, which is why you may see the outlines of seams remain on your legs after wearing a particularly tight pair of pants all day. Needless to say, you don't want a ton of seams on a sports bra.

A sports bra should be simple and comfortable to wear no matter your activity. Invest in wireless bras with solid construction, quality materials and thoughtful design features.