A sports bra is a bra that offers all the support you’re looking for when you’re exercising. Different sports bras are great for different activities with different levels of support, from low impact sports like yoga to higher impact exercise like running.
How Should Your Sports Bra Fit?
Many girls find that their sports bras can sometimes fit a bit differently to their regular bra.
Sports bras are designed to hold your boobs closer to your chest so that there’s minimal movement when you’re exercising. This means the under-band can sometimes feel a little tighter than a regular bra – but your sports bra should still feel comfortable enough to wear all day should you choose to.
Sports bras often have a wider back band, thicker straps and more coverage than a regular bra. This helps to keep it feeling comfortable and so that there’s extra support and comfort while you’re exercising.
The fabric used for sports bras has minimal stretch to reduce jiggle, and some sports bras have quick-drying fabric so that it wicks any moisture away from your skin.
Another advantage of a well-fitting sports bra is that if you are wearing breast inserts you have the confidence to know that your inserts won’t jiggle out of place. Some sports bras even have pockets that you can put the inserts into before you put your bra on.
If you’re trying on a sports bra and want to ensure it fits well do the Jump Test. Have a jump around and a bit of a wiggle. Make sure that your bra can beat the bounce. This works equally well whether you’re at home, or in one of our fitting rooms. You might inspire some other shoppers to do jump tests as well especially if the shop is playing some thumping tunes.
How to choose a sports bra?
The most important factor when choosing the right sports bra for you will be what you plan to be doing when you wear it.
There are options for high impact and low impact sports. As with all bras, what fits well and feels comfortable for me may be different to what you need. So, how do you choose a sports bra? There are a few things you can look out for when choosing the right sports bra for you.
What activities will you be doing?
Think about the activities that you will be doing. A high impact sports bra is a good choice for running as your boobs or inserts will be held firmly to your chest to minimize jiggle.
If you’ll be doing yoga, you could try a sports bra that offers lighter support, so that you feel comfortable and free to breathe as you stretch.
Types Of Sports Bra
Different sports bras suit different people, as well as different activities. There are lots of different types of sports bras, so you can choose a style that feels comfortable and secure as well as supportive – no activity is off-limits.
Some sports bras are even designed to look like exercise crop tops so that allows you to wear your bra as your top when you go out for a run or bike ride. Just remember that you will likely pick up a set of girly tan lines if you do that – especially in summer.
1. Compression Sports Bras
These bras come typically in pull-over styles without any inbuilt cups. Compression sports bras are custom made & best suited for low to medium impact activities.
2. Encapsulation Sports Bras
These are high-intensity workout bras equipped with specially designed inbuilt cups. The cups are generally lightly or heavily padded. They might have underwires as well.
If you plan to wear breast inserts often, take a closer look at encapsulation sports bras. Some of them have removable cups. This means that you have access to the pocket where each of the cups goes. If the opening to that pocket is big enough, you can put your breast forms into the pockets with or without the cups and never worry about your breast forms moving or jiggling out of place.
3. Criss-Cross Back
The straps come in criss-cross style at the back. They provide a firmer support. These look great when worn with deep back neck tanks. They look smart & make a great fashion statement.
4. Racerback
This is the most popular style in sports bras. The shoulder straps join together between shoulder blades to create a Y-shape. Racerback bras provide good support for high-intensity workouts. As the name suggests, they go well with racerback tank tops and running tops.
Many racerback sports bras are sold as running tops. I have one with a long pocket at the back where I can slide my phone in to record my run for STRAVA and listen to tunes while I run.
5. Pullover
Pullover sports bras are popular with teens. These sports bras are basically tank tops with elasticized bottom-lining ending below the breasts. These are ideal for low impact activity such as yoga or stretching. They are really comfortable for small-breasted girls.
Pullover sports bras are also referred to as tank-style sports bras.
6. Back Clasp
This style resembles your normal everyday bra. The straps are adjustable and it has the standard hook closure at the back. These also come in padded and underwired options just like regular bras, except that their fabric is usually more suited to sweaty physical activity.
Why You Need To Get The Right Sports Bra Fit
It is very important that the sports bra you buy fits your bust well. Be sure to do a new bra measurement before each new bra you buy. That way you will know your perfect size before hitting the shops for your new sports bra.
Do’s & Dont’s Of Buying A Sports Bra
- Sports bras are designed to fit slightly tighter than your regular bra. So it is better to choose a style that allows for comfort & breathability.
- Have a 0% tolerance to chafing! Make sure there is no chafing around the armholes, shoulder straps or back hooks or snaps.
- The straps should be wide and comfortable. Tight and narrow straps tend to dig in causing pain and discomfort. Looser straps fail to provide optimum support and will constantly be falling off your shoulders. For better back support you should opt for a racer-back style.
- The band provides maximum support in any bra. So, choose a bra with firm grip as it will be best for you. While testing for perfect fit, move your arms up and down. If the bra tends to move around, then opt for a smaller size.
- The cup fabric should be strong and supportive. Lightly padded cups will work best for support as well as protection as well as holding your breast inserts in place.
- If you are planning to lose weight or are losing weight, measure yourself after every few months as any weight change will likely change your bra size.
How To Take Care Of Your Sports Bra
A good sports bra generally has a lifespan of 12 to15 months.
The following hacks will help extend the life of your sports bras:
- Wash the bra in cold water. Use mild detergent. Hot water can break the spandex fibers. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach for the same reason.
- Always flat dry or hang to air dry out of direct sunlight. Never tumble dry.
- Replace your bra immediately if too much pilling is visible. This can be caused by broken ends of the spandex fibers. Generally, you start feeling the need for a new bra when your breasts experience any discomfort during one of your regular workouts.
