How to find the right sports bra - A Guide

How to find the right sports bra

From rather bizarre beginnings the sports bra is now essential gear for any female runner. Find out below how to choose the bra that’s right for you.

We bet you didn’t know this; the sports bra is 30 years old. We also bet you didn’t know that it was invented by two female runners from Vermont who sewed two jock straps together to make the very first one! Yes, the humble sports bra has certainly come a long way since those days. Why then is it that many women still find it impossible to find the right one for them?

Wearing the wrong bra whilst running is not fun. For many women the breast bounce they experience can be both painful and embarrassing, especially during such a high impact exercise. As a result many women don’t take up running, or those that do often stop, finding it too uncomfortable to continue.

In fact it’s estimated that as many as 80% of women don’t have enough support for their boobs whilst exercising, and 60% experience breast pain. Recent research has also highlighted the importance of wearing a sports bra no matter what your size. Surprisingly, if you’re an ‘A’ cup can then you can experience just as much discomfort as someone with an ‘F’ cup.

Like finding the right pair of shoes, finding a suitable sports bra can be just as important and just as bewildering. Some bras don’t provide enough support and then those that do may cause discomfort through fastenings or stitching that rub and chaff.

So what things are worth considering when looking for a bra to go running in?

Sizing and Fitting

When was the last time you got measured? Many women continue to wear the same size bra when often their bra size may have changed. Getting the correct size shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee of a good fit, but it will give you an idea of where to start. It is fairly easy to measure yourself or get a friend to measure you, just check the web for measuring guides.

Style and Type

Generally sports bras work either as ‘compression’ or ‘encapsulation’ bras, though some actually do both.
A compression bra will literally compress your boobs to your chest, whilst an encapsulation bra will cup each breast and separate them in order to prevent rubbing.
Generally compression bras are best for smaller cup sizes, whilst for larger cup sizes the bra ideally should encapsulate and compress.
It’s also worth looking out for some of the crop-top style bras, which have a lining that works as an encapsulation bra.
We’ve found a good example of one to be the Sportjock Super Sports Bra (pictured).  Although there are other brands on the market like Shock Absorber

Support

Sports Bras are designed to minimise breast movement, but don’t worry a small amount of movement is perfectly normal. However, this movement should not be painful and you shouldn’t even be aware of it whilst exercising. If you feel that the movement is greater than you are happy with, then the bra is probably not right for you.

Fabrics Chaffing is often caused by a build-up of perspiration. To try and avoid this look for sports bras which have been made from technical fabrics such as Coolmax or Supplex. These fabrics will take the perspiration away from your skin, which is, for those of you who like to such things, a process called “wicking”.

Comfort

Most importantly a running bra must be comfortable. Make sure that any straps or fastenings do not dig into your skin and that stitching, seams and any under-bust support bands or wires are soft and unlikely to cause rubbing and painful friction marks. Remember, if you’re running distances it’s essential that your sports bra remains comfortable throughout your run.

So you see, alongside your shoes and socks a sports bra should be viewed as an essential piece of running kit and one that should make your running as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.