Alright ladies, we’re getting semi personal today and talking sports bras. I’ve recently been running a bit more then usual and have had some really great experiences and some not so great experiences lately with sports bras. The not so great, is that when I get home from a long run I have experienced a think red cut/chafing right under my boob where the band cinches. (Super painful!) I’ve experienced this 3 times now with different sports bras and have been eager to find the right fit. I also find it important to protect from sagging and make sure they are secured nicely and ready to take on any activity. 🙂
OUTFIT DETAILS: Sports Bra // Leggings // Denim Jacket // Sneakers
After the good and bad experiences I’ve had with sports bras lately I went to the Nike store on Union Street (San Francisco) to get a bra fitting after having done extensive research since then to find the right bra for me. I should have researched this years ago, but better late then never! Wanted to share my learnings with you all in hopes that this can help find the perfect sports bra for you!
So the basics… To start, if a sports bra is too tight, it can result in chafing and prevent proper breathing. A sports bra that is too loose won’t provide the right amount of support. Unsupported, the average A cup moves about an inch and half and D bounces 2-3 inches with exercise. A sports bra can cut that movement in half (key to reduce sagging!!) Also, a proper-fitting sports bra helps to keep the Cooper’s ligament (connective tissue that supports the breasts) strong. Because women start to wear bras at such a young age, the ligament loses its strength and doesn’t have the ability to support the breasts as much as nature intended.
I asked the associate what the number 1 mistake people are making when choosing a sports bra. Her answer: wearing a smaller cup and larger band then you need. 80% of women wear the wrong size bra! This doesn’t surprise me, because I am a culprit of this as well.
SPORTS BRAS ABOVE (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): Nike Dri Fit Jersey // Carbon 38 High Neck Speed Elastic // Nike Pro Classic Medium Support
Here are a few things to take into consideration when choosing a sports bra:
Choose between a compression or encapsulation style sports bra
Compression bras minimize movement by pressing flat against your chest. Shelf bra styles (no cups just material) work for smaller cup sizes (A and B) or for lower impact workouts. Encapsulation style sports bras have individual cups (usually better for larger-breasted women).
Its important to note that your boobs should be fully covered and should not be pouring out of the top. The fabric should also be smooth with no wrinkles.
Pullover bras (or tank styles) typically cover the back more than clasps, but those with all over stretch lack adjustability, and support to anchor large chests. Clasps let you tighten the band, from which 70 percent of the bra’s support comes. This is especially important for larger breasts, which place more demand on the band.
Band: As the foundation of the bra, the band should fit flat against your ribcage and fit more snugly than a lingerie bra. I like to take a deep breath which helps me gauge if the bra fits comfortably. Look for a wide band with strong elastic to provide necessary support. If it rides up in the back, the band is either too loose or the straps need to be adjusted. The number one thing I look for right now considering my chaffing problem is a wide band.
Other things I look for while bra shopping:
- I always look for moisture-wicking material such as polyester that dries quickly. I love Nike dry fit everything as well!
- For cycling, yoga or any low impact activity I prefer to wear pullover soft wicking bras
- For running I prefer both compression and encapsulation. I definitely like to make sure I’m getting the support I need, and make sure the band is not too tight
- Usually after a year (depending on how many times I wear) I like to throw away and repurchase sports bras. The fabric wears out over time and with washes, so I typically throw away once the elastic or overall fit becomes loose.
After searching high and low for the perfect sports bra for every occasion I feel like I have finally found whats best for me. While on the hunt, I usually like to start with Nike due to great quality and variety of options. My favorite high/medium support bra is the Classic Pro which I wear running. I just picked up this Dri Fit Jersey Stretch bra a few weeks ago and think this is my favorite bra of all time (I know this is a big statement!) It is just SO comfortable, the fabric is so soft and the band is pretty wide which I always look for. I also love the Classic Pro Indy Bra for low impact as well. Then of course for style (talking pilates or yoga) I love this, this and this cute one. Here are some additional favorites:
A perfect-fitting sports bra makes all the difference. Comfort is key during my workouts and I will always go comfort over style. I hope this mini guide helps you girls find the perfect fit! xo
SHOP MY LOOK
