Just like you need a perfect pair of running shoes to improve running performance, the right sports bra is key to a comfortable workout. Regular exercise is critical to a healthy body and mind, but if you are not wearing a proper fitting sports bra, your breasts can take a real beating. Whether you are running a marathon, flexing your well-defined biceps, or flowing through yoga poses, the right athletic sports bra is the one piece of gear that you need for support and comfort.
Moreover, a good sports bra goes a long way towards keeping you motivated to reach your fitness goals. However, finding the perfect sports bra that fits you flawlessly and provides ample support can be a task! But we have you covered, and we are happy to help you make the right choice.
Here is Your Guide to Finding the Ideal Sports Bra!
Why Does It Matter?
Have you ever bought a sports bra that turns out to be too tight to let you move freely during HIIT workouts? Or you invested in an ill-fitted regular bra that gives you the dreaded "uni-boob"? With so many options out there, buying the best sports bra can be challenging.
We already know that wearing the right size sports bra helps to keep your assets in place during exercise. But you may not know that exercising without proper support puts stress on your breasts. This could lead to the stretching of the fragile ligaments (called Cooper's ligaments) in the breasts, resulting in sagging.
Thus, it is important to select supportive bras to prevent discomfort, breast pain, irritation, and chafing. In short, a well-fitted sports bra reduces breast movement and provides vital support to keep your breasts in good shape. Below are helpful considerations to help you find the right sports bra.
Based on Your Activity Level
The type of activity you do determines the level of support you need to minimize the bounce factor. There are three main types of sports bras that correspond to various exercise levels: low-impact, medium-impact, & high-impact.
Low-impact activities (including yoga, walking, Pilates, and Barre) do not subject your breasts to a lot of bouncing, making lightweight sports bras, usually without underwire and separated cups, perfect for these types of exercises. For medium-impact exercises (such as gym, martial arts, cycling, hiking, and boxing), sports bras with more coverage and adjustable straps are preferable.
In addition, sports bras for these types of activities should allow flexible movements. Form-fitting compression bras tend to work best for medium to high impact exercises and smaller cup sizes. They usually pull over your head, compressing the breasts against the chest wall to minimize movement and bouncing.
Lastly, high-impact activities (like running, aerobics, HIIT training, and field sports) push you into high-intensity heart rate zones. An athletic sports bra that provides maximum coverage across the bust and extra stability are ideal for high-impact exercise. Moreover, look for high-impact sports bras made from less-stretchy and moisture-wicking materials (to keep you cool and dry during sweaty workouts) with supportive seams and overlays. Designed with a high degree of compression and much more support in straps and bottom bands, you can do virtually any type of strenuous activity with a high-impact sports bra.
Consider the Fabric
When it comes to the fabric, choose sports bras made from breathable, ultra-performance materials with moisture-absorbent properties. These moisture-wicking fabrics pull moisture away from the skin, forcing it to the exterior of the fabric, making it easier for sweat to evaporate, keeping you cool and dry throughout your entire workout session (without becoming a sweaty mess!).
Apart from this premium quality fabric, your perfect sports bra should be composed of material that allows for a maximum range of motion for various activities. The fabric should also be lightweight, soft, flexible, and durable. Activewear made from 4-way stretch material (fabrics that stretch in both directions crosswise and lengthwise), such as spandex, is key to efficient workout sessions.
And, for all you eco-conscious ladies, choose sports bras made from recycled and sustainable fabrics. Today, more than ever, fitness wear brands are manufacturing eco-friendly activewear, such as Yoga Democracy, a premier quality brand that manufacturers all its apparel in the USA using post-consumer recycled plastics. They practice zero-waste production by repurposing all excess waste into stuffing for dog beds that they donate to local shelters. How cool is that?
Get the Right Fit
It is necessary to wear the correct size sports bra for maximum support and comfort. Wrong-sized sports bras neither fit well nor do they perform well. A common misconception is that the size of your everyday bra will also be perfect for a sports bra. However, this is often not the case, because your bra size may fluctuate for several reasons (such as age, hormonal changes, and weight changes).
Before hurrying to buy your perfect sports bra, make sure you size measurement to figure out your bra size. A sports bra should fit slightly tighter than a regular bra without restricting breathing. If you have a larger bust, shop for plus-size sports bras with a comfortable fit. Invest in the right sports bra that adapts to the contours of your body while perfectly holding your assets in place.
Style Matters!
Yes, comfortable fit and breathable fabrics are essential, but the style is equally important. You do not just want to feel good in your sports bra but also look good. A stylish sports bra and leggings set in your favorite color can boost your confidence and motivate you to stick to your regular exercise routine. In your hunt for the perfect sports bra, you will find an unlimited variety of styles, patterns, and prints to choose from. The above considerations will help you narrow down your choices to a manageable list.
Conclusion
A sports bra is an important activewear piece that determines how optimal you feel while doing workouts and post-workouts. The right sports bra will not just improve your performance but will keep you ultra-comfortable. We hope this guide helps you find the best-suited sports bra that provides the needed support while making you look and feel confident.
She Rebel provides a range of athletic performance and athleisure wear sports bras in assorted styles and sizes (from XS to 7XL). Find compression-fit sports bras made from high-quality fabric with moisture-wicking properties and suitable for all low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact activities.
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