How to find the right sports bra?
Why are sports bra important?
Physical activity can make your breasts go up and down. Sustained and repetitive movements can cause pain and sag.
Sports bras are designed to reduce this movement. Breasts have no muscles, but without proper support, the skin and Cooper's ligaments (ligaments near the breasts that give them size and shape) can break down, causing them to sag. Once your Cooper's ligament stretches, there is no rebound. Therefore, every woman, no matter what size she is, should wear a proper top when running or exercising.
Types of Sports Bra:
Compression bras work just like they're pronounced, limiting movement by squeezing the breasts against the chest. Click here to see an example.
Encapsulated bras have individual cups. Each cup surrounds and supports each breast. Most regular bras are encapsulated and have no compression. Click here to see an example.
Combination compression/encapsulation bras combine compression with a single cup for maximum support. Click here to see an example.
Bra tank tops, are tank tops with built-in bras. These are fine for low-intensity activities, but not for running. Click here to see an example.
Finally, the straps are also different. Spaghetti straps provide less support than wide straps. Racing straps are more supportive than spaghetti and scoop backs.
Fitted sports bra. You want a sports bra that fits both the straps and the cups. Your sports bra should feel a little tighter than a regular bra, however, you should be able to breathe deeply and be comfortable.
The band should not move. Fit and comfortable. Raise your hands above your head. Did the rubber band move? If it crawls into your rib cage, try a smaller strap. If the bra has straps, try adjusting it. Your breasts should not be bulging, pay close attention to any bulge at the top or under the arms. Also, the cup should not have any wrinkles or gaps. If the cup cloth is wrinkled, try a smaller size. Also, make sure the straps are not digging into your shoulders.
Our Sports bras use high-tech fabrics, including moisture-wicking ones. This improves breathability and helps remove excess moisture from sweat, which can cause skin irritation. For the final step, jump up and down, jog in place, and do jumping jacks. If you feel supported, you found your sports bra!