A sports bra that fits well, keeps ‘the girls’ in place during a workout, has good moisture management and lastly, looks great isn’t much to ask for. Do not lose hope because there’s a sports bra out there that’s perfect for you. All it takes is a little patience and a good eye to find the right fit for you.
The most important thing to note is that if you have even an inkling of doubt of how a sports bra fits or looks on your body, it’s best to say no and keep looking. Working out with a poorly fitted sports bra can cause problems such as back and neck pain that lingers after a workout, in addition to chafing and pinching you during a workout.
If you’re finding it a little difficult looking for a sports bra that fits, here’re some pointers for you to get fit without needing to worry about ‘the girls’.
Low, medium or high impact
Firstly, determine the level of impact your exercise of choice involves. Most sports bras are designed for different activities and provides support for different levels of impact which corresponds to how much you move.
Box:
- Low support bras are great for activities like yoga, walking and strength training.
- Medium support bras are more suitable for brisk walking, cycling and gym training.
- High support bras are for vigorous activities such as running, dancing and kickboxing.
Compression and/or encapsulation
Compression style sports bras do not have cups and compresses the breasts against the body to limit their movements. This style of bra is more suitable for women with smaller breast sizes and also for those who perform low to moderate impact workouts.
Encapsulation type sports bras look a lot like normal bras with fasteners either in the front or back. These bras have individual cups that envelop each breast, providing shape and maximum support. This kind of bra is great for ladies who have larger breasts and also those who engage in moderate to high impact sport.
Finally, there’re the encapsulation and compression sports bras which offers the best of both worlds where each breast is supported while being compressed against the chest. This type of sports bra is for women of any size and is great for any high impact activity, especially running.
Fit for fitness
Your sports bra should be slightly more snug than a regular bra but you must be able to comfortable take a deep breath.
Box:
- Make sure that the band fits snugly right below the breasts and is parallel to the ground even when you reach upwards.
- Ensure that the straps are secure and tight but not digging into your skin. For more support, look for sports bras with thicker straps. When trying on a sports bra, remember to move like how you usually move when doing the sports of your choice. Most important is that your sports bra doesn’t ride up when you raise your hands over your head and your breasts don’t spill out of the cups either.
Look for moisture wicking materials because it helps keep you dry which is very important especially if you have sensitive skin. Additionally, sports bras with covered or minimal seams are the most comfortable because the seams can rub against your skin while you workout and this can cause chafing and irritation.
All in all, there’s no one-size fits all sports bra for us girls. If you still feel lost, there is no harm in asking for help at the store of your choice. This ensures that you will be fitted for a sport bra that fits you like a glove and supports you throughout your workout. Good luck!
References: Shape
