Make sure your sports bra is up for the job
Despite seeming like a simple piece of clothing, sports bras can get pretty complicated.
There are styles that stretch around your breasts like a giant elastic, often labelled as a ‘uni-boob’, styles that are designed with breathable fabrics, styles with mesh, styles with straps that cross, styles with straps that unclasp… well, you get the idea. The options out there are endless but not all are created equally, and not all feel as comfortable as they should.
So, here’s a crash course on what your sports bra should feel like and should do to ensure optimal fit, support, and comfort.
Your Sports Bra Should Be Firm
There’s a big difference between your sports bra feeling firm and your sports bra being too tight. While there’s no denying that some tightness is required to keep your breasts snug and in place your sports bra should never feel like it is not allowing you to breath.
Your Sports Bra Should Decrease Movement
A good sports bra is designed to decrease movement by at least half. So, do some jumping jacks, run on the spot, or jump up and down. If it feels like your breasts only moved a little bit, then your sports bra is doing what it’s intended to do. Any more movement and it is time to find a new one.
Your Sports Bra Should Be Light
While you’ll always feel something when wearing a sports bra, it shouldn’t be to the point where it becomes distracting. Often, if you can feel your sports bra during your workout, perhaps it’s digging into your shoulders or chafing under your armpits, it’s time for a refit, new style and possibly a new size.
Your Sports Bra Should Be Comfortable
Like the prior tip, a well-designed and properly fitted sports bra will never provide you with discomfort. The key here is proper fit. While a bad sports bra or tired bra will almost always feel uncomfortable, even the best sports bras can feel uncomfortable if you’re wearing the wrong size. So, pay attention to the areas in which you’re feeling discomfort and keep that in mind when shopping for new styles.
Your Sports Bra Should Feel Good
A clear sign that it’s time to replenish your sports bra collection is if they no longer feel new. Over time, the fabric will begin to stretch out and droop, perhaps the underwire will pop out or maybe it simply feels worn. Either way, if your sports bra doesn’t feel new, chances are it isn’t and it’s time to go sports bra shopping.
How many sports bras should I own?
You should own one sports bra for every day you work out. If you work out twice a week, have two on rotation. If you work out four to five days a week, try to have at least four on rotation.
How should I wash my sports bras?
Because you sweat much more in a sports bra than in a regular bra, you should wash your bra after every wear, especially if you’re doing high-impact sports. Wash your sports bra by hand with Soak Lingerie Wash. But unlike your lace bras, don’t be afraid to put some elbow grease into cleaning your sports bras — they can withstand it!