Sports Bras

Simply put, if you are active, you need sports bras. Sports bras are designed to maximize the support of the breast and minimize the bounce. Because the breast's skin and ligaments don't provide ample support during activity, repeated vigorous motion increases the chance of overstretching and permanently sagging breasts.

Even if you have small breasts, you can greatly benefit from properly fitting sports bras. Poorly supporting sports bras can lead to tension and strain in the upper back and neck. The excess weight at the front can mean the back muscles have to work harder to keep the shoulders in the correct position.

Popular sports bras are made by companies like Champion, Enell (the so called Oprah Sports Bra), Moving Comfort, Shock Absorber, Title Nine, and Hanes. Sports bras come in many styles (eg zip front) and amounts of support. To pick the best sports bra for you, read on and see what you think you need.

How much support do I need in my sports bra?
How much support you need depends on the activity you are engaged in. Take a look at this chart for help in choosing the best sports bras for you.

Low Impact

Walking
Yoga
Weight Training

Medium Impact

Cycling
Fast Walking
Inline Skating

High Impact

Running
Soccer
Basketball
Horseback Riding

Types of Sports Bras

To support your breasts, sports bras employ two basic techniques:

Compression:This style bra works by squeezing your breasts tightly against you. They are generally made from very elastic fabrics which stretch snugly against so that you don't bounce. Compression sports bras are better suited for women with small to medium sized breasts. Racerback versions will help add a bit more support if you need it

Encapsulation:This style bra separates each breast in its own cup to provide shape avoiding the "uni-boob" look. It usually provides underwire support and has hooks, snaps, or a zipper in the front or back. It's essentially a beefed up version of a regular bra. This style is a must for women with larger breasts.

Beyond choosing the type of support, you will also want to consider the various styles of sports bras. Some bras are intended to be worn as outerwear whereas others are intended to be worn more traditionally as underwear. This is a personal preference and you should choose accordingly. Designers make sure that those intended as outerwear offer more coverage.

The other important style concern is the method of closure. Compression bras tend to lack any closure system and are simply a very elastic band that you will pull down over your head. Large-breasted women sometimes find that a compression bra will not stretch enough to pull on. Sports bras with a traditional hook closure system are readily available and you will also sometimes find zippers in place of hooks. A zip front sports is a style that smaller breasted women find comfortable and easy to put on. Just make sure that any metal or plastic is properly cushioned and won't chafe you.

How to Choose a Sports Bras

There are three basic factors to keep in mind when choosing a sports bra:

Support:
To minimize the amount of bounce, you need to select a bra that accounts for both your level of activity and the size of your breasts. Naturally, larger breasts require a greater amount of support. To find your bra size, use our bra size calculator.

Different activities result in different levels of breast movement (look at the chart above). Choose a sports bra that properly matches how much your breasts will be moving. When you try on a sports bras, try to mimic the movements you will be making to see which bra feels best. Do jumping jacks, run in place, and swing your arms side to side to make sure you are comfortable and supported when moving.

Comfort of fit:
Do you feel comfortable? It's a simple question but don't accept anything less than a good fit. The bra should stay in place and not chafe you as you move. A wide elastic rib band which will help prevent your bra from riding up. Make sure that all fasteners, zippers, or underwires are properly cushioned so that they can't irritate you. Look for smooth seamless fabric so that the bra won't chafe you. Some sports bras put the seams on the outside to prevent chafing.

Breathability and Moisture Control:
An important feature of a good sports bra is its ability to wick moisture away from your skin and in the process keep you cool. Manufactures often mix cotton with breathable fabrics like CoolMax or other man-made fibers that are better at wicking sweat away from the body. While cotton is very comfortable, it tends to get soggy and doesn't allow for quick evaporation

My Favorite Sports Bras

Enell Sports Bra
(the Oprah Sports Bra)

My favorite sports bra is the Enell Sports Bra which I too first discovered on Oprah. It isnt for everbody, but for women with large breasts, the Enell sports bra provides a great amount of support that keeps me in place when I work out. I thank Oprah each time I work out. This sports bra is probably not the best pick for smaller breasted women because it would be overkill.

Any thoughts or suggestions: bra.and.bras@gmail.com