A sturdy women's sports bra keeps you relaxed and protected during your workout, but different types of athletes need different kinds of support. A yogi does not need the same thing as a Zumba coach. But seriously speaking, a decent women's sports bra is one of the most critical aspects of your gym wardrobe if you're going to work out. While you may not need one of the amazing quality if you're only planning to have a lounge in it if you're one for running, yoga, at-home workouts, or a gym, you're one for running.
Sports Bra for women: Everything You Should Know About
The majority of women wear the wrong size of women's sports bra, but it doesn't have to be that way. From support, fitting, and design – here's what you need to know to find the right women's sports bra for you.
How do I choose a women's sports bra?
- Snug, but not too tight: A women's sports bra should fit better than a normal bra, but should not limit your breathing; you should be able to fit two fingers between your shoulders and your straps.
- Wrinkles are bad: The fabric of the cup is expected to be smooth. The wrinkles in the cloth are generally a sign that the cup is too high. Conversely, if you spill out of the cup, it's too little.
- Watch out for gaps: Any underwire should lie flat against the rib, below the breast tissue, and should not pinch or dig in.
- Adjust the straps: Raise your hands above your head. If the band rides up, it's typically a sign the women's sports bra is too big, although it's possible that the straps or the back closure will need to be changed.
- Move around: Before you buy your women's sports bra, jump around and wave your arms – (it's probably better to do it in the dressing rooms or anywhere else other people can't see you). If you feel pain or discomfort, try another women's sports bra.
Why is it important to have a good women's sports bra for running?
The unusual motion of running causes your boobs to move in a figure of eight motion, often up and down as much as eight inches. This puts your Cooper ligaments – thin sets of connective tissues that help protect your breasts – under tremendous pressure. Without proper care, you are likely to feel the pain which may cause permanent harm.
Low to medium impact women's sports bra minimize bounce, but are not efficient for reducing side-to-side movements that occur while running. In reality, their research shows that women adjust the way they exercise, depending on the type of women's sports bra they wear. But not only can a good women's sports bra provide you with essential support, it may also help you set up a new PB.
How long does a women's sports bra last?
A women's sports bra can last around 30-40 washes, but the technical fabric will loosen with each cycle, making it less effective. To give your women's sports bra a longer lifetime wash it in cold water, avoid softening and bleaching agents, and do not dry as heat accelerates elastic degradation. Instead, dry it flat, and if your women's sports bra starts to chafe you're going to need to invest in a new one.
Summary
The right women's sports bra will make a difference in your workout. If you're walking, biking, or training in a gym or a studio, you're going to need a women's sports bra that's comfortable, supportive, and quick to get on and off. Not to mention, it's expected to be sturdy and good-looking if you're hoping to check all the boxes.
Though it's tempting to go bra-less, we've become aware of all the reasons why we should be wearing a bra—some kind of bra—at home. And because women's sports bras are not only helpful but still really comfortable, there's no way we'd be wearing anything else at home.
Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash