7 rules when buying sports bras

People often underestimate the importance of choosing a sports bra. What you don’t know is that wearing the wrong sports bra can cause soreness and even sag in some cases. Musculoskeletal pain is another common side effect of wearing ill-fitting sports bras.

An article published by the journal Support Care in Cancer even goes so far as to claim that wearing improperly fitted sports bras may even lead to breast cancer sometime in the future. Hence, it is vital to choose the right fit for yourself.

It is easy to opt for pretty and flashy bras when shopping for a sports bra while ignoring the right fit. During workouts, our entire body, including breasts are moving against gravity, hence it is essential to choose the correct sports bra to ensure you get the most out of your workout and suffer the least amount of consequences due to improper fitting of any sort.

Here are a few factors you need to remember before your next shopping:

1) Type of sports bra

The first and foremost thing to remember is that there isn’t just one type of sports bra that can be found in a variety of sizes, there are 3 different types. We have compression, encapsulated, and combination sports bras.

For those of you ladies sporting small breasts, compression bras are the way to go.

On the other hand, for large breasts, encapsulated bras are ideal. These encapsulated bras are also ideal for high-intensity workouts.

Last but not least, for full support and compression, combination bras are the way to go.

2) Cup size

The next most important step is to choose a suitable bra according to your cup size. Phew! Who would have thought shopping for a sports bra would be so complicated; it is not as simple as choosing large, medium, or small. Choosing the right cup size will ensure the best fit, the most comfort, and the best possible support.

3) Adjustable straps

3) Adjustable straps

Another commonly overlooked detail is that of adjustable straps. You should ideally be looking for bras with adjustable straps. Pullover bras normally do not give you the option to adjust your straps and tend to lose elasticity over time, hence for proper breast support, adjustable straps are the key.

4) Panels and bands

Another overlooked component when shopping for sports bras is bras with proper panels and bands. Each band on a bra has its own distinct function. It goes without saying that the function of the bottom panel is supporting your breasts. The back and side bands on the other hand play a role in preventing any spillage. The key to finding the right bra is having the ability to pull the bottom band from the center-half an inch or more. If the bra can do this, it is the right fit.

5) Soaking wick

Have you ever heard of the term “soaking wick”? Well if you are a female who works out regularly and runs through a variety of sports bras, this should be common knowledge to you as it is one of the most important components in choosing a sports bra. The soaking wick is important in soaking the sweat hence preventing rashes and cuts when working out.

6) Own both a high impact and low impact bras

Any veteran is aware of the fact that one sports bra will just not cut it if you work out regularly, it is vital to have both high-impact and low-impact bras in your circulation. High impact bras as implied by the name are ideal for high-intensity workouts such as intense weight-training or explosive work-outs; this will help ensure your breasts are safely tucked and prevent them from damage. Low impact bras on the other hand are ideal for lighter workouts such as yoga.

7) Try out your bra before buying!

Last but certainly not least, one of the most important rules when shopping for sports bras is trying them out in the changing rooms. This isn’t just any regular day-to-day bra you wear to school or work; these bras must be tested properly by performing a few pushups, burpees, jumping jacks, or whatever other forms of movement your changing room can accommodate for you. When testing, the most important things to check for are comfort and spillage.

Well, that about wraps it up, whoever thought you would need an entire guide just to buy a sports bra, but if you did get through this entire article, congratulations as you are guaranteed to find the right sports bra in your first go and be well off for the next 1-1.5 year as is the lifespan of an average sports bra. Thank you and good luck shopping!