Choosing the right sports bra for your workout is something we all know is important, but many of us can’t quite get right. Why is getting the right sports bra so essential to our health? And how do we make the right decision for our bodies?
Why is a sports bra important?
Your breasts are put through a great deal of tension when you train. Unsupported, they move when you exercise, and can move between an inch and two inches in every direction – depending on your cup size. Breasts are made of soft tissue and, as a result, lose their elasticity when exposed to too much movement. Choosing the right sports bra can restrict this movement, and thus protects the breast from the impact of this movement.
How do you choose the right sports bra?
Style and support
The beauty of sports bras is that they don’t have underwiring – so that’s one less decision to have to make!
After this, you have two real options when it comes to choosing a sports bra.
The first is a low-impact sports bra, usually made from a thin material that gives gentle support that’s suitable for moderate activity.
High-impact sports bras, meanwhile, are made from a sturdier material, and are designed for more vigorous activities such as running or aerobics. These bras come in two types too: compression and encapsulation. Compression bras are self-style bras, while encapsulation bras have a cup for each breast, to offer a little more support.
Size
Most sports bras will be produced in the same size as your usual bra size, so that’s a good place to start. If you don’t think that’s quite working for you, you can adjust the cup size and back size until you find the right fit for you.
The bra should be snug to your body, so much so that you can only just get a finger into the cup or under the band. Make sure it’s level all the way around too – you don’t want the back creeping up.
If in doubt, ask
Try your sports bra on in a shop with trained lingerie fitters, such as House of Fraser, who will be comfortable and experienced in giving women advice about bra fitting. That way, you can get expert advice – and the most out of your training!