How to Choose the Right Sports Bra for You

DO I NEED DIFFERENT SPORTS BRAS FOR DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES?

Depending on your body shape and the type of workouts you like to do, one sports bra might be fine for all your needs. However, the impact of exercise like running or jumping is greater than workouts like yoga, pilates, and cycling. 

You could wear your running sports bra to do yoga but it wouldn’t be too comfortable to wear your low-support yoga bra on a run. Women with breasts measuring D and above might also be more comfortable in high-impact sports bras for low-impact activities. However, this usually comes down to comfort and personal preference.

WHAT’S THE BEST SPORTS BRA FOR RUNNING?

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see that running leads to movement in your breasts. This repeated movement can affect the connective tissue in your breasts which, over time, can lead to damage and sagging. This happens regardless of the size of your breasts, so running in the right sports bra is essential.

When looking for a running sports bra, keep an eye out for the following factors:

• High impact / high support - Sports bras come in varying levels of support. For running, look for medium to high-support sports bras. Those with larger breasts will most likely feel more comfortable with high-support bras.

• Compression, encapsulation, or combination style - Compression-style bras press both breasts firmly against your body together. Meanwhile, encapsulation-style sports bras have a cup for each breast and often include an underwire for extra support. Some sports bras are a combination of the two styles. There’s no right or wrong answer here but, generally speaking, smaller breasts (up to size C) are more comfortable in compression-style bras whereas larger breasts are better suited to encapsulation-style sports bras. Combination-style sports bras can also be great for runners with larger breasts.

• Wide straps - Spaghetti straps might look cute, but they don’t provide the support you need when running. Look instead for sports bras with wide and sturdy straps.

• A wide band - Sports bras with a wide band underneath the breasts usually provide better support for running than ones with thin bands.

• Moisture-wicking fabric - Material that wicks away sweat is not only great for keeping you feeling dry and fresh, but it also helps to reduce chafing and discomfort - especially on longer runs. Available in Fiery Red, Moonlit Ocean Blue, and Forest River Black, the Women’s Core Sports Bra is a great example of a bra that seeks to keep you cool.

• Racerback straps - Sports bra straps come in a variety of styles including criss-cross and racerback. Criss-cross looks stylish but doesn’t generally provide the same level of support for high-impact sports. Racerback straps on the other hand provide sturdy support while allowing a full range of motion across the back and shoulders.

Back closure or overhead fit - Overhead sports bras are great for providing a sturdy and supportive fit. Meanwhile, bras with back closures can provide more flexibility. For example, you can start with a bra that feels comfortable and supportive on the loosest hook and bring this in as the bra gets more use. This provides a tailored fit while also increasing the lifespan of your sports bra. Ultimately, however, it comes down to personal preference.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SPORTS BRA

Physically wearing your sports bra is the only way to determine if it’s a good fit. It’s therefore a good idea to try a few different sports bras in-store to test them out. 

When trying on sports bras, pay attention to the following:

• Check the sizing chart - Different brands have different systems. While a 34D might be a size medium for one brand, it could be a size large for another. So, with this in mind, it’s always useful to check the retailer’s sizing chart before you select the styles and sizes you want to try on.

• Evaluate the band fit - The band under the breasts should fit snugly against your rib cage. It shouldn’t be digging in or uncomfortable - you should be able to fit two fingers between the band and your skin. The band should also be level around your body. If it’s riding up at the back, try a smaller size.

• Pay attention to the cups - Again, the cups should fit snugly. There shouldn’t be any overflow on the sides or above the bra. Likewise, there shouldn’t be any excess space or wrinkling material around the cup. If there is, you might need to try a lower cup size.

• Test the straps - Just like every other aspect of your sports bra, the straps should be snug but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between your straps and your skin, but no more. They should feel tight enough to reduce bouncing but not so tight that they dig into your skin or leave marks. Sports bras with adjustable straps can be excellent for assuring the best possible fit for your body.

Jump around! - You might feel a little silly jumping up and down in a store changing room but this is the best way to test the level of support your bra provides. A little bit of movement is inevitable but if you feel too much movement from your breasts, it’s not the right level of support for you.