Getting the Perfect Sports Bra Fit

University courses Physical Sciences
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Some great advice for female athletes on getting the perfect sports bra fit!

Underband

Should sit along the ribs, only a 5 cm gap away from the body when stretched. It needs to stays level as you move around.

Cups

Breasts should be enclosed, no bulging or gaping, no cleavage.

Straps

Should not dig in, these are not meant to support breasts, just to hold the bra in place.

Compression

Only bras are suitable for smaller breast sizes, for larger breasts look for a sports bra with Encapsulation or combination bras (separates the breasts for individual support) to stop movement in all directions. Also think about your sport – higher impact sports need more support than lower impact sports. So running, gymnastics or tennis will need more support than rowing, yoga or cycling.

Comfort

Your bra should be comfortable, without rubbing, pinch or chafing anywhere, it also should not restrict your breathing. If you aren’t comfortable then you could be wearing the wrong size!

Common mistakes

  1. Thinking tight means supportive – it doesn’t!

  2. Wearing 2 bras for sport – if you need 2 bras, you haven’t found the right sports bra! A sports bra that is the right style for your breast size and the activity you are doing, and fits well, will support any breast well enough to work alone!

  3. Prioritising looks over function – a sports bra isn’t fashion apparel, it’s an important bit of kit that can impact your experience of, and performance in, sport and exercise. Just as we accept that shin guards, gum shields or bike helmets might not be our most fashionable look, we should also prioritise getting the right sports bra, rather than the prettiest one.

  4. It costs a lot to have good breast support. It’s true that sports bras can be very expensive, but the first rule of sports bras is to get as good a fit as you can in the right style for your breast size and type of exercise. So, if you are shopping on the high street for an £8 bra, or you are looking at a more expensive brand, you will benefit equally from getting that fit right.

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i have always struggled with this - thanks for the advice!

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i think i have sports bras in a few different sizes :clown_face: i will check which ones are actually my size lol

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PeBe and Booby Doo Bras are 2 amazing sports bra companies who have more info on sports bra fitting - worth having a look at their websites :slight_smile: