Gym Bras 101: Stay Comfortable on Your Workouts

 

If you're into running or cycling, hitting the gym, or doing Yoga or Pilates, a sports bra is a must-have (along with other workout gear).

These bras are made to provide the right support while keeping you cool and comfy. Gym bras are specially made to keep your breasts supported, keeping you comfortable and mobile.

Why You Need to Wear a Sports Bra?

Breasts don't have any muscles – they're mainly made up of fat and tissue, held in place by ligaments and skin – and the problem is that neither of these components is particularly strong.

The connective tissue that anchors the breast to the chest consists of Cooper's ligaments, which naturally stretch as we age. However, if you exercise without the right support, they can stretch up to 2cm during intense workouts. Contrary to how it might seem like your breasts just bounce up and down when you run, do burpees, or push press, they move in a figure of eight.

Know Your Bra Size

Make sure you choose the right size gym bra that suits your needs. It's super important to have a sports bra that fits well, just like your everyday bra. The band should be snug but not overly tight, and the cups should support your breasts comfortably without any overflow or gaps. Good gym bras will come in various band and cup sizes, just like your regular bra. This ensures that your sports bra fits correctly and provides the support you need. Wearing a sports bra that’s the wrong size won’t give you the support you require.

It's a well-known fact that a sports bra should feel a bit tighter than your everyday bra. The band under your bust should fit snugly without limiting your movement or making it hard to breathe comfortably. Meanwhile, the cup should completely cover the breast and reduce any bouncing while you exercise. To find the right size for a sports bra, it's best to measure your body with a tape measure. Measure the circumference under your bust while you exhale and the circumference of your bust at nipple height.

Once you have your measurements, be sure to round them down. For example, if your underbust measurement is 73 cm, go for a sports bra with a circumference of 70.

How Should It Fit?

Sports bras generally fit a bit tighter than regular bras, even if they’re the same size. This is because they’re made to provide support during medium to high-impact activities, and they often use non-stretch materials. While your sports bra should fit snugly, you still need to be able to move comfortably without feeling restricted.

• There are two main types of sports bras: compression and encapsulation. Compression sports bras hold your breasts firmly against your chest, which helps stop them from moving side to side during medium-impact activities and reduces bounce.

• On the flip side, encapsulation sports bras divide your breasts into two separate cups. For women with larger breasts, encapsulation bras not only prevent the annoying uni-boob but also help avoid chafing. A quality sports bra will provide both compression and encapsulation, keeping your breasts secure against your chest while also keeping them apart.

Support

• High-support sports bras are ideal for high-impact activities such as running or CrossFit. They offer tailored support for each breast, featuring wide straps and a band beneath the bust. Perfect for women with larger breasts.

• Medium-support sports bras work well for activities like fitness, cycling, or gym sessions. They come with separate moulded cups to keep everything secure.

• Low-support sports bras are suited for low-intensity workouts like yoga or Pilates. They use compression to hold the breasts in place and are designed for smaller bust sizes.

Consider Your Sport Activity

Low-impact such as yoga, walking or strength training require a low support gym bra. These are great for A/B cups. They include thinner straps and bands and are lighter. You’ll recognize their pullover style without band adjustments. They will keep your breasts close to the chest wall.

Medium-impact activities such as  moderate hiking, skiing or road cycling require medium support. These bras have wider bands and straps. They’re available as pullover styles in S-L sizes or with hook closures in cup/band sizes. They can be either compression (which holds the breasts against the chest wall) or encapsulation styles that have separate cups to define breast shape.

Finally, high-impact activities like trial cycling, jogging or vigorous workout sessions, require bras with the most support. These are best for D cups and bigger. They have broad bands and adjustable straps and typically include encapsulation and compression designs with individual cups for maximum support

Fabrics

Sports bras, whether you're plus-size or regular size, are crafted from moisture-wicking materials that draw sweat away from your body, helping you stay cool and dry. This is a vital feature of a quality sports bra as it ensures your comfort during workouts and helps avoid skin irritation.

Sports bras are made with non-stretchy fabrics to deliver dependable support. The last thing you want is a flimsy sports bra that fails to provide the support you need while exercising.