Sports Bra Fitting Guide
Finding the right sports bra
What to expect from a Sports Bra
A good sports bra will minimise the bounce, however you can't expect it to completely stop the bounce. To do this, your sports bra would need to be so tight it completely compresses your bust against your chest wall, which would result in restricted breathing. However you should feel comfortable and supported.
As with many products you get what you pay for; however if you are participating in low-impact activities, you can achieve a good result for lower cost as the bra does not need to be as structured. If you are a D cup or above and participate in high impact activities, then you will benefit from wearing a high quality, well-structured sports bra.
Now for the Nitty Gritty.....Breast sag
While sports bras do give breasts support, they do not ultimately prevent breasts from sagging. Gravity will eventually take its effect, we change because of the proportion of fat and tissue in our breasts, and no bra changes that. Sports bras provide support for the breasts while we are wearing them and can prevent further sagging (yay!)
It helps when women accept how normal it is to change shape because when we get so brainwashed by the media images of young perky breasts, we no longer know what is normal. In reality it is perfectly NORMAL for adult breasts to be hanging in a lower, relaxed position.
How to get the right fit?
Our sports bra fitting guide and video is on its way but in the meantime the below tips from Moving Comfort will help you to find your correct sports bra size as if we were there with you.
Which Sports Bra Style is best for me?
We have chosen not to offer a low-impact sports bra simply because if you have a larger bust, you need all the support you can get. Brava offers a great collection of sports bras for all high impact sports.
Encapsulation - This sports bra design is usually a full coverage bra and separates your bust. It's usually more comfortable as each breast is encapsulated inside it's own cup rather than being compressed. Studies have shown that an encapsulation sports bra is more suited to larger-breasted women because they are more comfortable and are better at reducing breast movement.
Compression - This sports bra style keeps breast motion to a minimum by pressing the breasts firmly to the chest. Many women prefer the compression sports bra as it minimizes their projection.
Brava's top tips
The bounce test
With each sports bra you try do the bounce test by jumping up and down, swing your arms and move around. If a bra pokes, constricts your breathing, or bulges, it’s not right for you.
Adjustability
It should fit on the first hook; as it loses elasticity over time, you'll need room to tighten it.
Add a crop
Although a sports bra alone should provide enough support, research shows that a crop top over the top can add another 15% more support.
Go for a full cup
The most supportive sports bras are usually full in the cup and not pretty, but in the long term they will reduce breast sag. With a sports bra choose support, not the look.
No need for discomfort
Don't buy it if it's uncomfortable, because the comfort level will remain the same when you get home.
FAQ
Why do I need to wear a sports bra?
Wearing a sports bra is beneficial, regardless of what age you are. As women age, their breast shape, as well as their breast size change. Posture can sometimes become an issue, too. Therefore, it is crucial to be re-fitted when you are going to purchase a sports bra.
Sports bras can be extremely helpful in reducing breast bouncing while running or doing other types of active sports. Bouncing during jogging, for example, can actually damage the ligaments inside the breasts. Slight movement of breasts is helpful, because it aids the lymph flow. There is no muscle in the breast and if your breasts are not supported with a good sports bra during exercise they will bounce, stretching the tendons, causing breast sag. This is irreversible.
Even for a low-impact activity such as walking or yoga, it is important that you are supported, and also comfortable to give you the ability to move freely.
It’s important to find the most suitable sports bra for your body shape. There is an assortment of wired, wirefree, encapsulation and compression sports bras, often with enticing features such as crossbacks and ipod holders, however nothing is more important than the actual comfort and support.
Can the right sports bra prevent pain?
We all know the sheer relief of taking off a bra that is too tight, or whose straps are digging into shoulders, but the biggest pain relief can come from changing poor posture. A woman who is overly conscious of her bust size or shape will often hunch to make the bust less obvious, this can result in shoulder tendonitis, aching neck and headache. Get the breasts up where they belong, roll your shoulders back and down, hold your head high and you'll have less pain.
Wearing the right sports bra can also prevent chafing and indents.
When to Buy a New Sports Bra?
If you wear your sports bra 3-4 times per week you will need to replace it within 6-12 months. Your sports bra needs to be washed after each wear as sweat, body heat and body oils break down the elasticity. You need to replace your sports bra when you notice that your breasts start having a wider range of motion or it has a noticeable looser fit.