How To Find The Perfect Sports Bra?

August 31, 2023 sanjana bhatia

The ultimate guide to finding the perfect sports bra

Did you know that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra which could also be a real barrier to exercising?

A well-designed sports bra provides support, comfort, and stability during physical activity. Sports bras reduce breast movement, minimize pain and discomfort, and support the chest muscles. When your breasts are not properly supported, they can cause back pain, neck pain, and even damage to the ligaments that support the breasts. Whether you're into yoga, running, weightlifting, or any other sport, wearing the right sports bra can make all the difference in your workout experience.

As supportive as your best friend. As uplifting as your morning coffee. So, how do you choose the right sports bra for your workout?

Firstly, Why is it important to have a good sports bra?

Sports bras are not the same as everyday bras and we can't put up our best performance if we're distracted by the wrong bra! A sports bra is specifically designed to deliver proper support and comfort during our workout, from high-intensity activities like running and biking, to lower-impact workouts like yoga and hiking. Made of performance fabrics, they're seat-wicking, which prevents chafing during workouts. It's important to invest in a quality sports bra so that we can have a bounce-free workout and avoid breast pain.

We all need the right amount of support, and our boobs are no different. Other than the overall discomfort and sometimes pain you might feel in the moment, not wearing the right bra size or style for your chosen activity can cause long-term damage to your breast tissue.

3 benefits of wearing the correct sports bra size:

Improved sports performance

By wearing the correct sports bra size that offers the optimal level of support for the activity you're doing, you're helping to reduce breast bounce, allowing you to focus fully on your training and performance.

Helps prevent breast tissue damage

Contrary to common misconceptions, breast tissue contains no muscle. Our skin is the major support structure of the breast, as well as the Coopers Ligaments, which form a thin structure within the breast tissue. Without proper support, activities like running can strain your skin and coopers ligaments, leading to irreversible damage. However, both of these support systems can be easily damaged, and once damaged cannot be repaired. This is why we need a well-fitted sports bra, it's like a hug for your chest.

Helps alleviate discomfort

Discomfort doesn’t just mean sore breasts when it comes to working out. It could be tight straps digging into your shoulders, an underband pinching your back, or chafing due to a loose underband. Finding a sports bra size and style that keeps your chest secure and reduces bounce can help alleviate all these discomforts effectively.

How to Choose the Perfect Sports Bra

Identify what type of activity you'll be doing.
Find a style that works best for your breast size and shape.

First, see how the band fits.

Roughly 80% of support should come from the underband, which should sit snugly around your ribs. (not your breast tissue).

Your band is your bra's backbone. Your band should fit snugly but not tightly, and sit level around your body. If it digs into your back, it's too tight, and if it rides up your back, it's too loose. The band is responsible for most of the support from your sports bra, so it's essential to get the right fit. For the best fit, you should be able to fit two fingers between your body and the band but not more.

Tip: Wider bands = more support than narrow ones. Hook-and-loop closures allow greater support and a customized fit.

Next, check your straps.

20% of the support should come from the straps on your sports bra

Your straps should sit comfortably on your shoulder without slipping or digging in. The straps should hold the bra cups in place and close to your body. To check the fit, you should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your shoulder. For great support, your breasts should be completely covered.

Then, check how your cups fit.

The cups should fit perfectly around your breasts without overflowing or gaping. Overflow at the top or sides means the cup size is too small. If there is extra room inside the cups, the cup size is too large.

What’s the difference between light, medium, and high-support sports bras?

Sports bras are essentially designed to provide three levels of support—low, medium, and high. The support level reflects the intensity of the activity, and therefore the amount of bounce that occurs. The higher the intensity, the more power behind your movements and the more support you'll need.

When to wear a light support sports bra?

All-day comfort is a trend here to stay. If you have smaller breasts, light-support sports bras are a perfect choice for studio activities like yoga, Pilates, and stretching. The compression in these bras is lighter, making them feel more comfortable, so you can move freely through every stretch and pose. Offering either removable padding or none at all, and soft, stretchy fabric, it’s a barely-there feel you won’t want to live without. They are designed for 24/7 comfort, making them ideal for the gym or lounging activities.

Suitable for: Cup sizes A-C, everyday wear, and low-impact sports like yoga, Pilates, and barre.

When to wear a medium support sports bra?

For a broader range of activities, medium-support sports bras are an excellent choice. They offer a good amount of compression, making them ideal for larger cup sizes to minimize uncomfortable breast movement and bounce. These bras are versatile and work for a wide range of body sizes and sports, offering a great balance of support and comfort. Featuring sleek, high-performance compression fabric combined with sheer mesh panels for ventilation, you’ll always stay cool, no matter how sweaty the workout gets.

Suitable for: Cup sizes A-C and medium-impact sports like cycling, hiking, and weight training.

When to wear a high-support sports bra?

High-support bras are specifically designed with high-intensity, high-bounce activities in mind. And you need a sports bra that works as hard as you do. Our ultra-running bra combines strategic mesh paneling, molded cups, and padded shoulder straps for ultimate comfort and support. They’re incredible for large-chested women, as they offer full support and comfort without compromising on style.

Suitable for: Cup sizes A-F and high-impact sports like running HIIT workouts, and circuit training.

Knowing When to Replace Your Sports Bra

Your sports bra, like any gear, has a shelf life. It's important to recognize when it's time to say goodbye and welcome a new one into your fitness wardrobe. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Reduced support and comfort compared to its initial use.
Rough bands or straps cause chafing.
Persistent odor even after washing.
The underwire is poking
The band in the back is
The hooks are broken.
You’ve had a significant weight
Obvious signs of fraying.

In conclusion, a well-fitting sports bra is more than an accessory – it's a workout essential. It ensures comfort, support, and stability, reducing breast movement and minimizing discomfort. From light to high support, there's a sports bra tailored to your activity level. By prioritizing the right fit, style, and support level, you'll elevate your workout experience and set yourself up for success. So, go ahead and find the one that aligns perfectly with your fitness journey!