The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Sports Bra for Your Shape and Exercise Type
Sales of sports bras are on the rise, with the global market projected to reach a staggering £11.8 billion by 2025. Women are increasingly recognizing the importance of well-fitting underwear, backed by extensive research. Not only does a properly fitting sports bra minimize discomfort and tissue damage, but it also reduces the risk of injuries and enhances performance during exercise. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Memphis revealed that good breast support can improve an athlete’s running performance by as much as 7%.
While sports bras are often associated with elite athletes, every woman can benefit from wearing the right one. To help you navigate through the options, we consulted with the esteemed ‘bra professor’ Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, who has shared her expert advice on what to look for in a sports bra.
1. Perfect Fit: Ensure that the sports bra fits snugly around your rib cage, fully enclosing your breasts within the cups or fabric. There should be no bulging or gaping at the top or sides. Approximately 80% of the support comes from the back band, which acts as a supportive shelf. The fabric should only be stretchable up to a maximum of 5 cm away from your body. If the underband feels slightly tight, even at its loosest setting, then it’s most likely the right size. The front of the bra should sit flat against your body, with no gaps or openings. The shoulder straps should feel comfortable and not dig into your shoulders.
2. Suitable for Your Activity: It is crucial to ensure that the sports bra is suitable for the specific exercise or sport you intend to use it for. Test the bra by simulating the movements involved, such as jumping and shadowing the motions required. This will help determine if the bra offers adequate support and prevents excessive bouncing.
Now, let’s move on to specific recommendations for different bust sizes and exercise intensities:
Small Bust: Low Impact
For those with a smaller bust, including those up to a ‘C’ cup, a compression-style crop-top bra is usually sufficient for activities involving gentle movements, like yoga. Adidas Yoga Studio light-support bra has emerged as a favorite among this group.
Top Recommendations:
– Nike Indy (£32.95, available in sizes XS to 2XL, nike.com)
– Adidas Yoga Studio light-support bra (£35, XS to XL, adidas.co.uk)
Small Bust: High Impact
Even for small busts, more support is necessary for high-impact activities such as running, HIIT, tennis, and team sports. The Maaree Empower sports bra has been identified as a popular choice for this category.
Top Recommendations:
– Nike Swoosh High Support (£49.95, XS to 4X, nike.com)
– Maaree Empower sports bra (£49, XS to XXL, maaree.com)
Full Bust: High Impact
For those with a larger bust, it is highly recommended to visit a specialist bra shop for proper fitting or utilize online fitting services. Sports outlets typically lack staff trained in bra sizing. Alternatively, you can visit thebraprofessor.com for more information. The Maaree Solidarity high-impact sports bra has been hailed as the go-to option for full-busted individuals engaged in high-impact exercises.
Top Recommendations:
– Maaree Solidarity high-impact sports bra (pictured left, £68, available up to H cup, maaree.com)
– Bravissimo Inspire high-impact crop sports bra (£37.50, up to 40L cup, bravissimo.com)
Full Bust: Low Impact
For low-impact exercises, some level of support is still necessary. Look for a bra that offers encapsulation or a hybrid of compression and encapsulation. The Bravissimo Swift non-wired sports bra is a favorite among those with a fuller bust engaged in low-impact activities.
Top Recommendations:
– Bravissimo Swift non-wired sports bra (£42, available up to 38J cup, bravissimo.com)
– Bravissimo Motion crop top (£40, up to 38J, bravissimo.com)
In conclusion, finding the perfect sports bra requires careful consideration of fit, activity type, and bust size. By choosing the right sports bra, you can enhance your comfort, prevent injuries, and optimize your performance during exercise. So, invest in a sports bra that supports your unique needs and make the most out of your workouts.
Article by Louise Atkinson.
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