I recently was interviewed by writer Jody Braverman about the importance of finding a perfect fitting sports bra. A poor fitting bra can hurt in so many ways; chafing, poking, and bouncing so it’s worth investing a little time and money to avoid pain and long term ligament damage. Think dropping boobs L
I realize sports bra shopping isn’t as high up on the list as finding amazing running capris that just lift and slim your legs, but it is! Creating a visually slim torso can be accomplished with a great fitting sports bra.
Before you go shopping:
1" = A Cup
2" = B Cup
3" = C Cup
4" = D Cup
5" = DD cup
For example, let's say:
I realize sports bra shopping isn’t as high up on the list as finding amazing running capris that just lift and slim your legs, but it is! Creating a visually slim torso can be accomplished with a great fitting sports bra.
Before you go shopping:
- Ask yourself what kinds of activities you do. Running and yoga will require different levels of support. A run bra will be fine in a yoga class, but a bra for yoga will not work on your run or other high bounce factor activities.
- Check you drawers for old bras and get rid of them. A sports bra should never have a birthday. Rotate your bras like you do your shoes. If your wear the same shoes every day they will wear out much faster. I work out 5 days a week. I have 5 sports bras I rotate though. And I also want lots of color options to feel like I am being fashionable!
- Measure yourself.
- Step 1: Band size. With only a non padded lingerie bra, measure at or just below the band of bra you are wearing. The tape measure should horizontal to the floor and be snug. Record this number. If your rib cage is 33” or more and add 3" and round up to the nearest even number. For rib cage measurements 32" or less, add 5" and round up to the nearest even number. This is your band size.
- Step 2: Bust size. Measure loosely around your bust at the fullest part. Keep the tape horizontal to the floor. Round up to the nearest whole number.
- Step 3: Cup size. Subtract your band size (step 1) from your bust measurement (step 2). Use the resulting number to determine your cup size as follows and follow the logic up or down the chart.
1" = A Cup
2" = B Cup
3" = C Cup
4" = D Cup
5" = DD cup
For example, let's say:
- Your rib cage measurement is 28". Add 5" and round up to the next whole number. Your band size is 34".
- Your bust measurement is 35.5". Round up to the nearest whole number: 36".
- Subtract 34 from 36. The 2" difference means you should wear a B cup.
- High activity sports means you want encapsulated cups (not the compression uniboob bra.) Look for
- Adjustable straps
- Wide shoulder straps
- Material like mesh between your breasts and on the back if it’s a racer back
- Adjustable band in the rib cage. Some will have hook and eye in the back so make sure there is padding around that hardware. You don’t want to feel that when you lie on you back.
- Some have front closing zippers so make sure it’s a locking zipper
- Low impact activities like yoga you can look for anything you like as long as during a downward dog the ladies don’t spill out!
- TEST! Jump around. If it’s a store that sells running shoes and they have a treadmill, go for a run. How much bounce happens? Is the bounce up/down? Side to Side? In and out? Side to side means you need more support from the side of the bra. Consider an underwire (yes a well fitting underwire is great and won’t hurt) It shouldn’t touch the soft tissue breast.) Do a down do yoga pose. Does anything spill out from the top? If so the bra is cut too low. Swing your arms. Is there chafing under the arm? Looking for a band that hits you in a different area under the bra.
- And just as important can you add color to your life? Black, beige and white are fine but color adds fun!