The Best Tips for Finding the Right Sports Bra, According to the Experts

The Struggle to Find the Right Sports Bra

Finding a properly fitted, comfortable sports bra that offers enough support during physical activity can be a difficult journey for many women. The right sports bra is essential for reducing breast motion and discomfort, but with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Focus on These Key Factors

When shopping for a sports bra, our panel of experts emphasized focusing on these key elements:

Get properly fitted to find your true bra size
Look for wide straps and secure back closure for support
Choose sweat-wicking performance fabrics
Opt for compression over encapsulation if you plan high-impact workouts

Read on for more tips from fitness apparel specialists, trainers and physiotherapists on finding your perfect match.

Get Professionally Fitted

Many women may be wearing the wrong bra size, especially for athletic activities. Getting properly fitted by an expert will ensure you find a supportive, comfortable sports bra tailored to your body and breast size. Most quality sports bra brands offer fit services if you are unsure about finding your correct size.

Consider Your Planned Activities

The amount of support you need largely depends on the type of exercise or sports you regularly participate in. Low support bras work well for light activities like walking or yoga, while maximum support, encapsulation styles are better for running or high intensity interval training where a lot of bounce occurs. Think about your normal workouts and look for bras labeled with corresponding support levels.

Carefully Evaluate Straps and Band

Thicker straps that don’t dig into your shoulders are ideal for distributing weight and enhancing comfort. Look for wide bottom bands constructed of powernet or elastic materials that stretch well and keep everything securely in place during movement. The band should fit snugly under bust without pinching or uncomfortable squeezing to prevent ride up.

Choose the Right Fabrics

High performance fabrics like spandex/elastane blends provide necessary stretch and recovery, while sweat-wicking polyester or nylon helps keep you cool and dry. Seamless styles eliminate abrasion and chafing if you have sensitive skin. Consider removable padding if you prefer lighter support on certain days.

FAQs

What is the most supportive sports bra style?

Encapsulation sports bras that have molded, individual cups provide the most motion control for larger busts. Compression styles also offer excellent support by pressing breasts flat against your chest wall to limit bounce.

Should straps be tight or loose on a sports bra?

Straps should fit snugly without cutting into shoulders or restricting arm movement. Two finger width straps typically provide a comfortable fit with enough stretch for various arm positions used in training.

Can you wear a regular bra for working out?

Everyday bras usually lack necessary support features and robust fabrics needed to restrain breast movement during physical activity. Over time, high impact motion in a regular bra can also damage supportive Cooper’s ligaments. Investing in quality sports bras protects your breast health.

What’s better – pullover or back closure sports bras?

Experts recommend back closure over pullover styles for enhanced lift and support. Closure mechanisms like hooks or toggles allow you to properly align and adjust fit, while pullovers depend more on stretch fabrics for security.

Should sports bra band ride up or stay in place?

Properly fitted sports bras won’t ride up in the back or front when correctly worn. If you regularly have to re-adjust position after movement, the band size may be too loose to provide enough support. Get professionally fitted to find optimal tightness.