Know what to look for in a sports bra

Experts say that every woman, regardless of bust size, should use a sports bra for any type of exercise. This includes low-impact activities like walking or yoga. Sports bras provide more support than regular bras, and they can help prevent breast pain and premature sagging. Girls should start wearing a sports bra whenever their breasts develop and they begin wearing a regular bra.

  • Get a personalized fitting when shopping for sports bras, to ensure you get the right size. Most of the top-rated sports bras use regular bra sizing, but some come in small, medium and large sizes. In the latter case, check the size chart on the manufacturer's site (or on the tag) for more details about sizing and, when in doubt, try it on.
  • Read the tag to determine what sort of impact (high, medium, or low) the bra is designed for. Keep in mind that experts usually recommend compression-style bras for A and B cups and encapsulation bras for C cups and larger, although some bras meant for larger busts combine encapsulation and compression.
  • Look for materials that wick sweat and breathe. Nearly all sports bras are made with a blend of polyester, Spandex or nylon, and manufacturers add their own proprietary moisture-wicking treatment. This is designed to keep sweat away from your body and make vigorous exercise more comfortable. Avoid all-cotton bras, which become wet and heavy when they absorb sweat.

How to make sure a sports bra fits

Use this shopping strategy to find the best sports bra for your activity and bust size.

  • Bring three sizes of each bra with you. Sizing may differ slightly between brands, so bringing your usual bra size into the dressing room with you, plus the next smaller and larger cup sizes, can eliminate frustrating trips back and forth.
  • Put the bra on and scoop your breasts into the cups, then check your appearance in the mirror. If the cups wrinkle or pucker, they're too big. If flesh bulges out the top or sides of the cups, or if the seams pinch or cut into your skin, the bra is too small.
  • Fasten the bra band on the loosest hook and take a deep breath. A sports bra should fit a little more snugly than your regular bra, but not so tightly that it limits your breathing.
  • Make sure it lays flat against your chest beneath and between your breasts if the bra has underwire. The wire shouldn't pinch or poke at all.
  • Check that the bra band sits level around your torso, parallel to the ground. If it rides up in the back or when you lift your arms, you may need a smaller band size.
  • Slide two fingers beneath each shoulder strap. If you can't fit two fingers beneath the straps, they're too tight; if you can fit more than two fingers beneath the straps, they're too loose. Some sports bras have adjustable straps you can use to fine-tune this fit.
  • Simulate the type of exercise you plan to do. Jump up and down, jog in place or swing your arms. Make sure you're comfortable with how the bra both looks and feels as you move. Pay special attention to how much bounce it allows and whether it stays in place as you jump, twist and turn.
  • Watch for chafing as you move around. Pay special attention to the armholes, shoulder straps, closures and seams. If you sweat a lot or plan to use your sports bra for vigorous sports, experts recommend a seamless sports bra to prevent chafing.

Care and replacement of your sports bra

The bad news is that once you find the perfect sports bra, you won't be able to keep it forever. Experts say that most sports bras should last six to 12 months, depending on how often you wash them. Here's how to care for them:

  • Wash your sports bras in cold water and let them air dry whenever possible. Heat can break down the elastic in sports bras, so giving them the gentle treatment will help prolong their lifespan. If you must put your sports bras in the dryer, use low heat settings.

Here's when to replace them:

  • If you lose or gain weight. Breast size can change dramatically if you lose or gain weight, so purchase new sports bras if your body weight changes. Likewise, you may need to purchase a larger, more supportive sports bra if you're pregnant or nursing.
  • If your sports bra is stretched out or losing its shape, it's time for a replacement -- no matter how long or short a time you've had it.
  • If you have a mastectomy. Several manufacturers, including Amoena and Anita Medical, make sports bras specifically for mastectomy patients. These bras include pockets for prosthetics or padding to disguise breast irregularities.

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