How To Choose a Sports Bra That REALLY Controls Bounce

I didn’t understand the importance of getting a quality sports bra until I started running.  Up till then I had been a couch potato (really), but I was becoming woefully out of shape, and needed to do SOMETHING that would get me moving again.

One of the first things I figured out when I started running was that I needed a better bra to run in.  This became evident to me right away…  particularly because I am fairly big breasted.  I just couldn’t control the bounce with the typical $10 bra from Target or Walmart and I needed something that actually worked!

So I started doing research, and what I found was that not all sport bras are created equal… Some work really well, and some… don’t.    Through all of this I came up with some guidelines to help me pick out the right sports bra.  These work every time.

By taking action on the following tips, you will

• Protect your figure during exercise (no prematurely sagging boobies for you!)
• Feel more comfortable and eliminate the painful bouncing.
  
• Get a sports bra that actually fits and does its job correctly!

Tip #1:  When It Comes To Sports Bras Construction Counts!

I cannot tell you how tiring it is to try on bra after bra at the major big box stores – do a jump test, and find out that NONE of them pass.  It is because of how they are constructed.

Most of the bras that you find at Target, Walmart, or K-mart should not be allowed to bear the sports bra label at all.  They are good for sleeping in, but not for doing any kind of high impact activity.

The reason?  Construction.

Most of these garments are what are called compression bras.  Compression is actually used in all sports bras, even the ones that work.  It simply means that they compress your breasts against your body in order to provide some control.

The problem is that if you are a B cup or bigger compression alone simply does not give you enough support to keep the delicate ligaments that hold your breasts up supported and protected.

So what kind of construction actually works?

The type of construction that actually works in a sports bra is what is called “encapsulation and compression” .   Basically what that means is that the garment is constructed to separate your breasts AND compress them.   Two good examples of this technology are found in the Enell and the Moving Comfort.

These bras are constructed to minimize the “figure 8″ movement that happens when you are working out.   When you are looking for a bra that is constructed this way look for separate cups within the construction.   Sometimes this construction is obvious like with the Enell (above, left), and sometimes it is hidden like in the Moving Comfort bra (right).

In the case of hidden encapsulation construction, you can turn the bra inside out and it should have cups in it.  If it doesn’t… it will probably not offer enough support.

Tip #2:  If It Is Not Comfortable You Won’t Wear It.

The whole point of wearing a sports bra is to protect your breasts and eliminate the pain and injury that bouncing can cause.  That is why it is so important that the sports bra you get feels comfortable.

Thankfully, manufacturers have really been paying attention to issues of comfort lately.  Here are a few of my favorite features that will really increase your level of comfort.

• Adjustable straps – we don’t all have the same body shapes so why should our straps all be the same.
• Front and/or back closures – much easier to get on and off then the pullover kind.
• Moisture wicking fabric – keeps chafing to a minimum
• Wide straps – no shoulder marks.

Personally, I like my sports bras to have all of these characteristics.   I just think these features make for a more comfortable bra.

How To Find a Comfortable Sports Bra.

There are two places to find a comfortable bra that works well.  You need to go to a specialty sporting goods store, or look online.

If you are going to a store be sure to try on the bras and then jump up and down a bit.  They should offer good support and NOT chafe.  If they don’t feel right, keep trying until you get one that does.

If you are shopping online, then you will want to look at the customer reviews.  One of my personal favorite places for this is at Amazon.com.  For instance you can read over 10o reviews on the Moving Comfort Fiona (which is Moving Comfort’s best selling style) at Amazon.

The customer reviews will give you far more information about the bras then the product description does.  It is always a good idea to check them out.

Tip #3:  Know Your Bra Size.

Most quality sports bras are now sized to standard bra sizes, and are no longer simply small, medium, and large (thank goodness), but that means to get the right fit, you need to know your true bra size.

How to Know If You Are Wearing The Right Bra Size.

You will know that you are wearing the correct size bra if your regular bra covers your breasts with no spill over at the top and no bagginess.  If you have spillover, back rolls, or bagginess you are probably not in the right size cup, or the right size band.  If this is the case then you need to find your true bra size before your order your sports bra.

Here is an excellent article at wikihow on how to get the right size for your bra.

Once you have the right size then you can order your sports bra with confidence that it will fit.

Getting the right sports bra is super important.  If you focus on quality construction, comfort, and fit then you will find that getting the right sports bra becomes easy, and working out becomes a lot more fun.

Enjoy your work outs!

Melissa.