Why wear a sports bra?
Well, for the very good reason that breasts move far more than ordinary bras can cope with and this can lead to discomfort, not to mention embarrassment. And yes, even A cups aren't exempt!
Did you know that not only can your breasts move as much as 9cms when you are running, but they move up and down, in and out and side to side, in fact, they travel in a figure of 8.
Your breasts are supported by the Coopers Ligament, connective tissue at the front of the breast and by skin. These can stretch, particularly if your breast isn't properly supported, leading to poor posture/tension and strain in your upper back and neck (particularly if you are well endowed). There is also risk of pain, joggers nipple and trauma. All this bounce, sway and jiggle can also lead to sagging breasts. I rest my case.
Which bra should you choose?
Essentially there are two types of sports bra:
It was previously thought that compression bras were more suited to small breasted ladies, however recent research shows that encapsulation bras are better at reducing in breast movement in women of all cup sizes.
How do you choose a bra that is right for you?
Apart from "is it sexy", which you'll soon learn doesn't even enter into the equation, other considerations are:
Racer back versus normal straps.
The former gives plenty of arm movement but possibly not such good ventilation. Look for one with a keyhole feature as this may help.
The latter may provide more support as the straps pull your breasts in the right direction but make sure they are wide enough to sit comfortable on the shoulders and rigid enough to provide support.
Fabric and construction
These days most bras tend to be made from technical fabrics which wick away sweat, but bear in mind that sports bras have a lot of fabric in order to provide the best support needed, so you may want to consider a bra with mesh panels for added ventilation.
Tips for buying.
It goes without saying that you need to buy the right size, so no overhang ladies!
As a starting point try on a bras in the same size of bra you would normally wear. Make sure the bra is smooth against your skin and that the seams are not going to cause chaffing. The under band should be firm around your body and at the same level, or it will ride up. If this happens, the bra is too big. If you are trying an encapsulation bra, the centre piece should be flat against your chest.
Make sure its not on the last hook as it will stretch slightly after a few wears and then be too big.
Lastly the time honoured test - jump up and down!
Did you know that not only can your breasts move as much as 9cms when you are running, but they move up and down, in and out and side to side, in fact, they travel in a figure of 8.
Your breasts are supported by the Coopers Ligament, connective tissue at the front of the breast and by skin. These can stretch, particularly if your breast isn't properly supported, leading to poor posture/tension and strain in your upper back and neck (particularly if you are well endowed). There is also risk of pain, joggers nipple and trauma. All this bounce, sway and jiggle can also lead to sagging breasts. I rest my case.
Which bra should you choose?
Essentially there are two types of sports bra:
- Compression, which flattens the breast against the rib cage
- Encapsulation, where each breast is supported in a separate cup, like a traditional bra
It was previously thought that compression bras were more suited to small breasted ladies, however recent research shows that encapsulation bras are better at reducing in breast movement in women of all cup sizes.
How do you choose a bra that is right for you?
Apart from "is it sexy", which you'll soon learn doesn't even enter into the equation, other considerations are:
Racer back versus normal straps.
The former gives plenty of arm movement but possibly not such good ventilation. Look for one with a keyhole feature as this may help.
The latter may provide more support as the straps pull your breasts in the right direction but make sure they are wide enough to sit comfortable on the shoulders and rigid enough to provide support.
Fabric and construction
These days most bras tend to be made from technical fabrics which wick away sweat, but bear in mind that sports bras have a lot of fabric in order to provide the best support needed, so you may want to consider a bra with mesh panels for added ventilation.
Tips for buying.
It goes without saying that you need to buy the right size, so no overhang ladies!
As a starting point try on a bras in the same size of bra you would normally wear. Make sure the bra is smooth against your skin and that the seams are not going to cause chaffing. The under band should be firm around your body and at the same level, or it will ride up. If this happens, the bra is too big. If you are trying an encapsulation bra, the centre piece should be flat against your chest.
Make sure its not on the last hook as it will stretch slightly after a few wears and then be too big.
Lastly the time honoured test - jump up and down!