7 things you must keep in mind while choosing a sports bra for yourself

Do you know that wearing the wrong sports bra can lead to sagging and even soreness? Here’s how you can choose a right fit
sports bra
Picking the right sports bra is not an art, you just need to know a few tricks. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Nikita Bhardwaj Updated: 27 Apr 2020, 19:12 pm IST
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If you fall flat for flashy colours while picking out a sports bra, then chances are you’re not exactly buying the right one. When you’re working out, you don’t just have to move properly but you also have to wear the right gear. As since we are working against gravity, it becomes very important to choose the right sports bra. 

Do you know if your sports bra doesn’t fit you well and yet you keep exercising while wearing it, it can lead to musculoskeletal pain? We aren’t saying it, a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sports is. 

In fact, another study published by the journal Support Care in Cancer says that if you don’t wear the right sports bra while exercising then the discomfort you feel can lead to breast cancer in future.

That’s why we are here today to help you pick the right sports bra for yourself. And trust us, it’s no rocket science. 

hair ageing
Wearing a proper sports bra will always make you feel comfy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are the seven things that you need to look for in the perfect sports bra:

1. There are three kinds of sports bra so you need to pick one that suits you best
Surprise, surprise! Yes ladies there are three kinds of sports bras in the activewear section of your fave store. Compression, encapsulated, and combination.

  • Choose a compression sports bra, if you have small breasts
  • Choose an encapsulated sports bra if you have large breasts and/or you indulge in high-intensity workout sessions.
  • Choose a combination sports bra if you want 100% support and proper compression.

2. Look for adjustable straps
If you like wearing pullover bras, then you are taking a huge risk as the straps lose their elasticity after a few wears and there is no scope of adjusting the straps. That’s why you must look for an adjustable strap that can support your breasts properly.

3. Choose a bra for your cup size
We know that sports bras mostly come in sizes like small, medium, and large. But a bra that is meant to support your ta-tas as you jump up and down needs to be less generic, don’t you think? Therefore, always look for a brand that offers proper cup sizes to ensure that there is no spillage and you get proper support.

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Cup size matters the most while running. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Look for a bra with proper bands and panels
If you are intrigued by the multiple panels and bands that your sports bra has, then let us reveal their purpose to you today. The bottom band supports your breasts while the side and back panels ensure zero spillage. Plus they help you choose a good fit.

You should be able to pull the bottom band of your sports bra from the centre at least half an inch. If you’re able to manage this feat, then you’ve found your match. If not, look for the next size.

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5. Your sports bra should have a soaking wick
Of course you are going to sweat while exercising. And if you don’t look for a bra which has a proper breathable wick or soaking mechanism, then be ready for some chafing and rashes.

6. Invest in both low-impact and high-impact bras
No one bra does it all. So, if it is yoga or Pilates day, then you can very well wear a low-impact sports bra. If you are going for weight training and other high-intensity workout sessions then you must wear a high-impact sports bra to save your boobs from all the movement.

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Yes, even yoga needs a sports bra. Image courtesy: Facebook/Diva Yoga

7. Don’t forget to test out your bra in the trial room
Tried and tested should always be your funda when it comes to buying a sports bra. After wearing a bra, ensure that you do a few jumping jacks or push-ups to ensure that the bra is comfortable and there is minimum spillage and maximum support.

So that’s it folks! Hope with this guide you can buy the best sports bra for yourself. We understand how tedious the process must sound, but the good news is that sport bras have a lifespan of nine to 15 months, so you won’t have to go sports bra shopping very often. 

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About the Author

Six-pack abs are all that Nikita needs, along with her daily dose of green tea. At Health Shots, she produces videos, podcasts, stories, and other kick-ass content. ...Read More

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