Lululemon Energy Bra vs. Longline: Which one should you buy?

The Lululemon Energy Bra and its Longline counterpart both stem from the same popular design, but they are built for different purposes. The classic Energy Bra offers medium-to-high support with a standard underband, making it a workhorse for intense workouts, while the Energy Bra Longline provides more coverage with an extended band that doubles as a crop top, best suited for medium-impact activities and athleisure styling. Both are made from Lululemon's signature sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Energy Bra for your workouts and lifestyle.

Lululemon Energy Bra

The original Lululemon Energy Bra is a fan-favorite for a reason, designed as a versatile, medium-support option for B-D cups. It's a go-to for training sessions, cycling, and other demanding workouts where you need reliable support without feeling overly restricted. Its sleek, compressive Luxtreme fabric keeps you cool and dry, while the classic criss-cross strappy back offers excellent airflow and a stylish touch.

• What it is: A medium-support sports bra with a standard underband, intended for training and gym workouts.
• Key features: Sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric, four-way stretch, strappy open back for ventilation, and optional, removable cups.
• Price: $68
• Materials/Construction: Composed of slick, low-friction Luxtreme fabric which is known for its durability and supportive feel.
• Sizing/Fit: Provides a snug, compressive fit that holds everything in place during movement. Generally true to size for a sports bra, but it's meant to feel secure.
• Pros: Excellent support for a variety of workouts, moisture-wicking fabric performs well under sweat, durable construction, and flattering strappy back design.
• Cons: Compressive fit might feel tight for some, the standard band offers less coverage than the longline, and better suited for smaller to medium cup sizes.

This is the ideal choice for anyone engaging in high-intensity activities who prioritizes performance and locked-in support over extra coverage.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/sports-bras/Energy-Bra

Lululemon Energy Bra Longline

The Energy Bra Longline takes the beloved design of the original and adds a few extra inches to the underband. This modern silhouette provides more torso coverage, giving it the look and feel of a sleek crop top. While it offers the same reliable medium support, the style focus shifts slightly towards versatility, making it perfect for pairing with high-waisted leggings for a studio-to-street look.

• What it is: A medium-support sports bra featuring an extended longline silhouette below the bust for additional coverage.
• Key features: Same Luxtreme fabric and strappy back as the original, but with a wide, longline underband for a crop-top feel. Also includes removable cups.
• Price: $58–$68
• Materials/Construction: Built with the same smooth Luxtreme material, providing a cool-to-the-touch sensation and sweat management.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a comfortable yet secure feel. The longer band smooths and provides coverage, but those with shorter torsos may find it too long.
• Pros: Trendy, versatile style that can be worn as a top, increased coverage and smoothing around the rib cage, comfortable for all-day wear, still provides reliable medium support.
• Cons: Not ideal for the most intense, high-impact workouts, the extended band can sometimes roll up during certain movements, and the fit can be awkward on shorter torsos.

This bra suits those who want a fashionable and functional piece for yoga, strength training, or cycling that easily transitions out of the gym.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/p/sports-bras/Longline-Bra

Lululemon Energy Bra vs. Longline Comparison

Support & Activity Level

The clear distinction between these two bras lies in their intended activity level. The original Energy Bra, with its secure and compressive fit, excels in medium-to-high-impact situations. Think HIIT classes, an intense spin session, or a challenging run where bounce control is a top priority.

The Energy Bra Longline is designed for medium-impact activities. While it provides solid support for weight training, yoga, or pilates, the longer band doesn't add bounce control. It's more about coverage and comfort, making it a less suitable choice for high-impact sports like running where the original is a better choice.

Coverage & Design

Aesthetically, this is where the two bras diverge most. The original Energy Bra has a classic sports bra silhouette that sits right under the bust. It’s designed for function and is typically worn layered under a tank or tee, though it can certainly be worn alone.

The Longline version, however, is a statement piece. The extended underband offers several inches of extra coverage down the rib cage, resembling a crop top. This design pairs beautifully with high-waisted leggings, creating a polished, outfit-ready look that needs no extra layers. It's the more fashion-forward choice of the two.

Fit & Comfort

Both bras are crafted from the same Luxtreme fabric, so they share a similar cool, smooth, and low-friction feel against the skin. Comfort is subjective here. Some people love the locked-in, secure feeling of the original Energy Bra during a workout. Others may find its compressive nature too intense for prolonged wear.

The Longline version feels slightly less restrictive around the band due to its wider surface area distributing pressure more evenly. This makes it a great choice for all-day wear or lower-intensity activities where intense compression isn't necessary. However, body shape plays a role, a person with a shorter torso might find the extra fabric of the Longline uncomfortable.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bras are excellent, high-quality options, but they serve different needs.

Choose the Energy Bra if:

• Your primary activities are running, cycling, or high-intensity interval training.
• You prioritize maximum support and bounce control over fashion and coverage.
• You prefer a classic, snug sports bra fit and plan to layer it under other tops.
• You have a smaller-to-medium bust (B-D cup) and need dependable support.

Choose the Energy Bra Longline if:

• You focus on medium-impact workouts like yoga, Pilates, strength training, or walking.
• You want a versatile bra that can easily function as a crop top with high-waisted bottoms.
• You value extra coverage and a smoothing effect around your ribcage.
• Your top priority is a balance of style, comfort, and moderate support for the gym and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Lululemon Energy Bra and the Longline version?

The primary difference is the length of the band. The classic Energy Bra has a standard underband for medium-to-high support activities. The Longline model extends several inches down the torso, offering more coverage and a crop-top style ideal for medium-impact workouts and athleisure wear.

Is the Longline bra supportive enough for running?

Generally, no. The Longline is rated for medium support, making it better for activities like weightlifting or cycling. For the high-impact motion of running, the original Energy Bra's more compressive fit is a much better choice.

Which one is better for a large chest?

Both bras are designed for B-D cups. For those needing higher support, the classic Energy Bra is the superior option due to its secure fit. Lululemon also offers a High-Support Energy Bra version designed specifically for C-G cups, which would be an even better choice.

Are both bras true to size?

Yes, both typically run true to size. However, the fit is different by design. The original Energy Bra feels more compressive and snug, which is intended for support. The Longline feels slightly less intense, but you must consider your torso length.

Do they come with removable pads?

Yes, both the standard and Longline Energy Bra models come with optional, removable pads so you can customize your level of coverage and shaping.

Can I wear the Longline bra as a top?

Absolutely. That’s one of its main advantages. Its extended length makes it perfect for pairing with high-waisted shorts, joggers, or leggings for a complete and stylish outfit.

What's the price difference between the Lululemon Energy Bra and Longline Bra?

The prices are very similar, often identical depending on the color and specific style. The Longline Bra can sometimes be slightly more expensive, but they generally fall within the same $58 - $68 price range.

Is the Luxtreme fabric durable?

Yes, Luxtreme is one of Lululemon's most durable and performance-oriented fabrics. It's known for its sweat-wicking properties, shape retention, and resistance to pilling, as long as it's cared for properly.