Sports Bra Buying Guide
Can you imagine exercising in your stilettos?
Not only would this be incredibly uncomfortable it would be extremely
harmful to your body. The same principle applies to bras. It is
just as essential to get a quality sports bra as it trainers.
A good fitting bra will protect your delicate
breast tissue and prevent future complaints such as a sore neck
and shoulders.
Bra size
The first thing is to establish is what your general
bra size is.
Use the table and instructions below, if you don’t already
know:
1. Measure yourself around your rib cage directly
under your bust; then read your bra size from the table below.
| Inches |
27-28 |
29-30 |
31-32 |
33-34 |
35-36 |
38-38 |
| Bra
Size |
32 |
34 |
36 |
38 |
40 |
42 |
2. Measure around the fullest part of your bust
whilst wearing your ordinary bra and use the difference between
this measurement and your bra size (not under bust measurement)
from the table above (i.e. 32,34,36 etc.) to read your cup size
from the table below.
| Inches |
-1 to 0 |
0 to 1 |
1 to 2 |
2 to 3 |
2 to 4 |
4 to 5 |
to 6 |
| Cup
Size |
A |
B |
C |
D |
DD |
E |
F |
You may find that a well-fitting sports bra is
more body hugging than an ordinary bra, but it should still allow
room for unrestricted breathing and movement.
The Sports Bra
The main thing to consider when choosing a sports bra is the level
of support you need. This depends on the level of physical activity
required to perform your favourite sport.
There are four impacts of activity: low, medium,
high and very high. The higher the level of impact, the more support
you need.
Here is a guide on the impact level of various
sports:
| Impact Level |
Low |
Medium |
High |
Very High |
| Sport/Activity |
Golf
Yoga
Walking
Cycling
Weights |
Dance
Martial Arts
Skiing
Gym
Rowing |
Football
Rugby
Aerobics
Squash
Tennis
Hockey
Basketball
Volleyball |
Running
Trampolining
Horse Riding |
If you participate in many different sports you
may need to purchase a few bras of different impacts to suit each
activity. For example a low impact bra for yoga and a high impact
bra for aerobics.
Bra Design
There are four different basic bra designs available on the market,
each better suited to one body structure than another.
- Compression Bras
These bras basically compress the breasts flat against the chest
and are designed to support the breasts and minimise bounce
during exercise.
The compression bra is more suitable for women with A and B
cup sizes.
However, if you are a C cup or larger and practice activities
with a low level of impact, then the compression style could
provide you with the necessary support.
- Encapsulation Bras
These bras have extra enforcement and provide ideal support
to large breasted women, particularly if you participate in
sports with medium to high levels of impact.
Also, these bras have the same design as ordinary bras. Often
women with C and larger cup sizes prefer this model as it offers
both greater support and it’s easier to get on and off!
- Back Design: Racer
This model is usually found on outerwear that incorporates bra
support into the clothing. It is a popular design that looks
good and provides excellent ventilation. This style is more
suitable for A and B cup sizes.
- Back Design: Encapsulation
This model is found on inner and outer wear bras. The straps
pull in the right direction to give more support for larger
bust sizes, and the open back allows for good ventilation. This
back style is more suitable for C and larger cup sizes.
Extras
Finally you need to consider matters like:
- Underwire
- Strap comfort
- Moisture control
- Fabric
- Side, front or back fastenings
In the end these factors will depend on your own
personal preferences.
Bra Care
Like any other bra you might have, the fabric
eventually loses its functionality. Therefore, it’s recommended
that you hand wash and line dry your sports bra, as it will last
a lot longer than a machine-handled sports bra. |