How to Choose the Perfect Sports Bra

No matter what sports you are into, training in the wrong sports bra makes you suffer. It makes you feel the sort of discomfort, soreness and sagging you never want. Here, nothing helps but a perfect bra type and fit. In this handy guide, you will be learning how to find the right sports bra for you.

With each running stride and body move, breasts move not only up and down but also side to side, simulating a butterfly pattern. If not supported, lifted, and held tight to the degree needed for a particular sport, breasts move excessively and cause a lot of inconveniences. Even worse, permanent stretching can cause breasts to drop. The best bra fit can maximize your lift and comfort.

How to find the best sports bra?
Here is a surprising fact! Most women wear a smaller cup and a larger band than needed. Only 15 to 20% of women wear the best bras for their shapes. If you cannot go to a fitter for breast measurements every time you need a sports bra, check out the following details to determine which option works for you best.

Compression or encapsulation
– Compression: Shelf bra styles are ideal for smaller cup sizes (A and B) or low to moderate-impact workouts.
– Encapsulation: Scurr’s research suggests that women with large breasts than compression-style ones should opt for individual cups sports bras.

Racerback or wide straps
– Racerback: They have a cinch in the back, so the straps anchor the bra closer to the body and provide more support.
– Wide straps: Compared to T-backs, shoulder straps distribute weight better and are more adjustable and padded.

Pullover or back clasp
– Pullover: Tank styles give the back more covering than clasps do. Those with all-over stretch, on the contrary, lack the rigid front straps, adjustability, and support to anchor large chests.
– Back clasp: Clasps allow you to tighten the band, from which 70 percent of the bra’s support comes. They are ideal fits for larger breasts, which place more demand on the band.

DIY test for a perfect sports bra fit

Including the side panels, the cups, the band, and the straps are three points from which the support comes in sports bras.
Straps
Hold together the top of one strap and the centre of the corresponding cup in both hands, then pull. The less stretch gives the more motion control.
Cups
Tug the top and bottom of each cup for a stretch test. Again, the lesser gives more motion control. Then put on the bra. In both cases, whether compression or encapsulation style, the cup should hold the whole breast with no slippage.
Band & side panels
Slide your finger beneath the band between your breasts. It is a good fit if you should not able to pull the finger more than an inch from your chest. Set the clasp on the first eyelet for an adjustable band; if you have to use the last eyelet to get a snug fit, you had better go with a smaller band. Furthermore, stretch your arms overhead. If the band creeps up, it’s bigger than needed. Go for a smaller size in both cases.

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