While stressing the importance of wearing a sports bra we must also stress the importance of wearing a sports bra that fits properly! It is said that 65% of women in the US are wearing bras that do not fit properly.
A properly fitted sports bra should offer both support and comfort allowing you to enjoy your favourite activity.
Here are some pointers to help you purchase the right sports bra for you:
- Choose the right impact level for the activity you will be participating in.
- A properly fitted sports bra should be supportive but feel comfortable.
- When trying a sports bra on use the loosest hook. This will allow you to tighten it as the elastic gives over time.
- A good well fitted sports bra should be comfortable around the neck, back and shoulders.
- A sports bra should fit snug to your body. If you can pull it away from your body with very little effort it is too large or has lost it’s elasticity and support. Either way it needs hanging.
- The shoulder straps on a sports bra should not dig into your shoulders.
- On a well fitted sports bra the front should be at the same level as the back.
Sports Bra Impact Level
Sports bras are designed to support breasts for three impact levels:
- Low impact level
- Medium impact level
- High impact level
Your sports bra requirement will be determined by the sport you are taking part in and also by the size of your breasts.
The higher the potential impact the more support you will require from your sports bra. For example, you will require more support for activities such as horse riding and netball than you would for walking or yoga.
A woman with larger breasts will need more support from a sports bra than a woman with smaller breast who is doing the same activity. This is because larger breasts are more prone to vertical and lateral movement.
Sports Bras Impact Level Guide:
Low impact sports bras – can be used for walking, hiking, yoga, pilates.
Medium impact sports bras – good for low impact dancing, skiing and spinning classes.
High impact sports bras – useful for horse riding, volley ball, netball, hockey and hockey.
Extreme impact sports bras – as the name suggests these are for extremely high impact activities such as aerobics and martial arts.
Choosing the Right Sports Bra
- If you have a large chest you need increased support so look at sports bras with racer back straps or larger shoulder supports.
- To prevent discomfort from a sports bra look at seamless sports bras. Alternatively consider rolled edge seams or covered seams.
- Ensure that you have properly measured yourself. Use our sizing guide for sports bras to ensure you order the right size.
- Underwired sports bras can cause discomfort so ensure any wire is totally covered.
- As a rule of thumb (or two fingers) if you can slide 2 fingers under the straps it is well fitted.
- If you have a well fitted sports bra you are happy with order some more. You should alternate the wear of them to protect elasticity.
You should also replace a sports bra after about 72 washes
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