Guide To Choosing Your Perfect Sports Bra

Posted On March 26, 2021

While many of the accessories we buy when we do sports are pure posture, there are others in which we should not skimp: the shoes in the runners or sports bras are good examples of this.

Knowing how to choose which sports bra to wear on each occasion (because it will not be the same if we practice running or yoga, for example) and renew it when necessary is not only a matter of aesthetics: it will also protect the health of your bust. Here is a quick guide to choosing your ideal sports bra.

The type of bra we have to choose always depends on the sport we are going to practice: it is not the same to practice a discipline in which we will have a high impact, such as running or CrossFit, then another in which support is not as important as comfort, as in the case of Pilates or Yoga.

In practicing a high-impact sport, we will need a bra that will hold the chest well and prioritize the function of support over comfort and aesthetics. The bras with straps across the back are usually the most suitable for this type of activity, as they hold the bust better.

In medium or low-impact sports, we can opt for a bra that does not compress the bust so much since the movements will be more controlled and less aggressive. In this case, the most comfortable bras with more breathable fabrics are usually suitable for these activities.

What you need to consider when choosing a sports bra

Your bust and bra size may seem obvious, but getting the right bra size is not always easy. If your body is going through changes – whether you’ve lost weight and contour or gained weight and shape – it’s essential to invest in a new bra in your size to make sure it’s going to protect your bust correctly.

The best way to find a good sports bra is to try it on: check that the size is correct by sticking two fingers between the elastic under the bust and your skin. This is a simple way to check that the size is right.

The bra cup: we talked about the size, which corresponds to the contour of the back, but we must not forget the cup of our bra. If your cup size is small (cup A or B), you will need a compression sports bra; while if your cup is more significant (from C onwards), the bra you should buy is a padded or encapsulation bra, which holds the breast but does not compress it as it has integrated cups.

Besides giving a more excellent shape to the breast, the padding of sports bras makes the nipple area not transparent. Many do not like them because if you sweat a lot, they end up getting soaked. You can find bras with removable padding in the middle ground with which you can decide whether to wear it or not (be careful with these because it is possible that the padding moves from its place).

Always flat seams and plastic underwires: one of the main reasons for not wearing a traditional bra at the gym, besides the lack of support and the fact that they are not designed for it, is that conventional bras have regular seams, which can cause chafing and even skin wounds. The other main reason is that the underwires of everyday bras are usually made of metal and can hurt us when we exercise. Your sports bra should always have flat seams and plastic underwires.

Also, make sure that the bra’s fabric is technical (most are already made with sweat-wicking technology) or at least breathable and that, if needed, the straps can be adjusted.

The lifespan of a sports bra is not eternal: if you see that the straps give out, that the fabric starts to wear out and does not hold well or that it starts to tear, change it for another one. Remember that this is a long-term investment for the health of your breasts.