Lululemon Energy Bra vs. Free to Be Bra: Which one is better?
The Lululemon Energy Bra is a versatile, medium-support workhorse designed for training and yoga, while the Free to Be Bra collection prioritizes comfort with light support, making it perfect for lounging and low-impact activities like yoga. The main differentiators are support level and fabric feel: the Energy Bra uses slick, supportive Luxtreme fabric for a secure fit, whereas the Free to Be bras often use the buttery-soft Nulu fabric for a "barely there" sensation.
Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Lululemon sports bra for your needs.
Lululemon Energy Bra
The Energy Bra is one of Lululemon's most popular and versatile styles, designed as an all-around performer for the gym, studio, and medium-impact workouts. Its classic silhouette features a strappy-back design that provides both aesthetic appeal and functional support, holding everything in place without feeling overly restrictive.
- What it is: A medium-support sports bra intended for B to D cups, ideal for training, spinning, and flow yoga.
- Key features: Sweat-wicking and cool-to-the-touch Luxtreme fabric, four-way stretch, and a comfortable underbust band that stays put. It also includes pockets for optional, removable cups.
- Price: Around $58 - a standard price point for Lululemon's core performance bras.
- Materials/Construction: Made from low-friction Luxtreme fabric blended with Lycra fibre for stretch and shape retention, ensuring it holds up wash after wash.
- Sizing/Fit: Offers a snug, compressive fit that feels secure. It runs true to size and is specifically engineered to provide comfortable support for B-D cup sizes during activity.
- Pros: Highly versatile for multiple types of workouts. Delivers reliable medium support. Durable Luxtreme fabric is slick and cool. Available in a huge range of colors.
- Cons: The compressive fit might feel too snug for those with a wider back or lats. Some with larger chests may find it lacks enough support for high-impact activities like running.
This is the ideal choice for anyone seeking a single, reliable bra that can handle gym sessions, cycling classes, and power yoga without issue.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/women-sports-bras/Energy-Bra-32925/
Lululemon Free to Be Bra
The Free to Be bra isn't just one bra but a collection of light-support styles, with the most popular being the "Free to Be Wild" (for A/B cups) and "Free to Be Serene" (for C/D cups). This family of bras is defined by its minimal, barely-there feel, pretty and intricate back straps, and emphasis on comfort and freedom of movement, making it a favorite for yoga, Pilates, and everyday wear.
- What it is: A light-support sports bra collection designed for low-impact activities and all-day comfort.
- Key features: Buttery-soft Nulu fabric, minimal compression, open strappy-back design for unrestricted movement. Also comes with pockets for optional, removable cups.
- Price: Ranges from $48 to $58, making it a slightly more accessible option.
- Materials/Construction: Often made with Lululemon's famously soft Nulu fabric, the same material used in the Align leggings. It feels weightless, soft, and comfortable against the skin.
- Sizing/Fit: Designed with a non-compressive fit that molds to your body. Sizing is more specific, with the "Wild" version tailored for A/B cups and the "Serene" for C/D cups to ensure proper light support.
- Pros: Exceptionally comfortable for lounging and all-day wear. Beautiful, intricate strap details look great under open-back tops. The Nulu fabric feels incredible. Multiple styles are available for different cup sizes.
- Cons: Offers light support only, not suitable for running, HIIT, or medium-impact workouts. Thin straps may not feel substantial enough for some, even within the recommended cup size.
This collection is perfect for those who prioritize comfort for low-impact studio classes or want a stylish, comfortable bra for everyday life.
Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/women-sports-bras/Free-To-Be-Serene-Bra/
Energy Bra vs. Free to Be Bra Comparison
Support & Activity Level
This is the most significant difference. The Energy Bra provides reliable medium support, making it a multi-purpose option for activities like weight training, cycling, and boxing. Its compressive fit and wider straps offer a secure feel, minimizing bounce during more dynamic movements.
In contrast, the entire Free to Be line is built for light support. It's meant to provide just enough coverage and hold for activities like yoga, Pilates, barre, or simply walking and relaxing. Wearing it for anything more intense will likely result in inadequate support and excessive movement.
Fabric & Feel
The fabrics create two completely different experiences. The Energy Bra's Luxtreme fabric is slick, cool to the touch, and engineered for performance. It wicks sweat efficiently and has low friction, meaning tops glide over it easily, and it feels supportive against the skin.
The Free to Be bras typically use Nulu fabric, which is beloved for its buttery-soft, weightless feel. Modeled after the "Naked Sensation" of the Align Pant, this fabric prioritizes comfort above all else. It's less compressive and has a cozy, soft texture that makes it perfect for lounging.
Design & Cup Size Suitability
While both feature strappy backs, their design philosophies differ. The Energy Bra is a "one-style-fits-most" approach for B-D cups, offering a classic, functional, and slightly more substantial strap configuration for broad support.
The Free to Be collection takes a more tailored route. The "Free to Be Wild" is specifically designed with a more open, strappy design for A/B cups, while the "Free to Be Serene" offers slightly more coverage and a more anchored strap design for C/D cups. This specialization ensures that a light-support fit is still a proper fit.
Price & Value
The Energy Bra generally costs about $10 more than the Free to Be bras. Its value comes from its versatility, it's a dependable bra for almost any workout you can throw at it. If you need one bra to do many things, the Energy Bra offers excellent value.
The Free to Be bra's value lies in its exceptional comfort and style. For those who live in their activewear or have a dedicated yoga practice, it's a worthwhile investment in comfort. It pulls double duty as a bralette under casual clothes, adding to its cost-per-wear value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both bras are excellent, but they are built for entirely different purposes.
Choose the Energy Bra if:
- You need a versatile bra for gym workouts, cycling, and training sessions.
- You wear a B, C, or D cup and want reliable medium support.
- You prefer a slick, compressive fabric that feels secure and wicks sweat quickly.
- You want one go-to sports bra that can handle a variety of activities.
Choose the Free to Be Bra if:
- You're looking for ultimate comfort for yoga, lounging, or everyday wear.
- You wear an A/B cup (try the Free to Be Wild) or C/D cup (try the Free to Be Serene).
- You love the buttery-soft feel of Lululemon's Nulu fabric.
- You want a bra with beautiful back details that you can wear under open-back shirts and sweaters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Lululemon Energy Bra and Free to Be Bra?
The primary difference is support and intended use. The Energy Bra offers medium support for training and workouts, while the Free to Be collection provides light support designed for comfort during low-impact activities like yoga and lounging.
Which bra is better for running?
The Energy Bra is the better choice for running, but only for those who need medium support (typically B/C cups). For D cups or anyone doing high-impact running, Lululemon's dedicated high-support bras like the Enlite Bra would be a more suitable option.
Which bra is more comfortable for everyday wear?
The Free to Be bra is significantly more comfortable for all-day, everyday wear due to its buttery-soft Nulu fabric and minimal compression. Many people wear it as a daily bralette.
What cup sizes does the Energy Bra fit?
The Lululemon Energy Bra is designed to provide medium support for B, C, and D cups.
What's the difference between the 'Free to Be Wild' and 'Free to Be Serene' bras?
They are two styles within the same collection tailored for different cup sizes. The Free to Be Wild is designed for A/B cups with a more open back and thinner straps. The Free to Be Serene is for C/D cups, offering slightly more coverage and a different strap configuration for better light support.
Are both bras true to size?
Yes, both generally run true to size. Choose your normal Lululemon bra size, keeping in mind the Energy Bra will feel much more compressive and snug, while the Free to Be will feel noticeably more relaxed.
Do these bras have padding?
Yes, both the Energy Bra and the Free to Be models come with pockets for removable cups. The bras are shipped with lightweight pads included.
How do you wash Lululemon sports bras?
To extend their life, it's best to wash Lululemon bras in cold water with similar fabrics and lay them flat to dry. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can inhibit the wicking performance of the fabric.