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Two girls in Pera Sport bikinis playing beach volleyball

The Sport ReportGuide

Sports bra bikinis (and why your gym bra isn't one)

A sports bra bikini is a bikini top with the shape of a sports bra, made to stay put while you swim, surf and play. We know the temptation to just wear your gym bra to the beach. Here's why it's not the move, and when a sports bra bikini is.

Can you swim in a gym sports bra?

Technically, yes. Should you? Probably not. Gym sports bras are made for sweat, not the sea. A lot of them soak up water, sag once they're wet and fall apart in chlorine. A sports bra bikini gives you the same sporty shape in fabric that's actually made for swimming.

Girl in a red Pera Sport bikini standing on the beach by the surf

When you actually need one

When you're doing more than lying on your towel: swimming laps, catching waves, playing beach volleyball, paddling out. If you mostly float around in calm water, a halter might be all you need, and that's fine too.

Girl in a red Pera Sport bikini standing on the beach by the surf
Girl in a red Pera Sport top and pink bottoms crouching on beach stone steps
Girl in a baby-blue Pera Sport top and green bottoms sitting on coastal stone steps

The at-home fit test

When your top arrives, do a little bedroom workout. Arms over your head, a twist, a few jumps on the spot. It should stay exactly where it is, with the band flat under your bust and straps that don't dig in. Between sizes? Size down for more support. Still unsure? The size guide has inches and centimetres, or send us a message.

Girl in a red Pera Sport bikini standing on the beach by the surf

Meet the Racer

The Racer is our sportiest top: crossback straps, an under-band and double lining, with medium support and no padding. It's made for swimming, surfing and beach days - although I've definitely worn mine to Pilates and a strength session or two. 

Girl in a red Pera Sport bikini standing on the beach by the surf

Who to pair it with

For the most coverage in the surf, team the Racer with the Scungies, our low-rise swim shorts with a thick fold-over waistband. Want less fabric? The Brazilian is reversible, with a V-front and a cheeky rear.

Girl in a red Pera Sport bikini standing on the beach by the surf

Shop the pieces

Everything's on presale right now, which is our way of keeping waste out of it — we only cut what's actually been ordered, so nothing ends up sitting in a warehouse or marked down into landfill. Estimated to ship early December. We'll email you if anything changes.