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For us women, it is the be-all and end-all of sport and should not be missing from any activity: the sports bra. It gives you the support you need and allows you to concentrate fully on your sport. In fact, a recent study by the University of Memphis found that wearing a sports bra can improve running performance by up to 7% for cup size B and above. The reason: A well-supported sports bra provides more stability in the knee joint.
But with so many bras to choose from, shopping can be intimidating. To find the perfect one for you, you should invest some time in the selection process so that you can be sure that you have found the right bosom friend. This blog post is designed to make your choice a little easier. We will explain why a sports bra is essential, what features and functions make the different models different, and what to look for when buying a sports bra.
Sports bra: why you should wear one
Your breasts are exposed to a lot of stress during exercise. Even during supposedly relaxed activities, your breasts are in motion and can move up to 9 cm up and down. This is because breast tissue is not made up of muscle fibres, but of sensitive and soft fat and connective tissue. Under heavy strain, the skin stretches and there is an uncomfortable feeling that restricts movement – this applies to both small and large breasts. Without the right support, your breasts can lose their shape and firmness over time.
A sports bra gives you that extra bit of stability and security. It protects your breasts, prevents pain and relieves back strain. At the same time, it gives you complete freedom of movement. For this reason, you should never wear a regular everyday bra when you play sports, as they are not designed to provide this level of support and the integrated wires can often pinch. Especially if you have a large bust, it is advisable to wear a sports bra even during light activity.
The right level of support
Sports bras can be divided into three groups based on the level of support they provide: light, medium and high support. Which one is right for you depends on your breast size and the type of sport you do.
Sports bras with light support
A low support sports bra is the right choice for low-impact activities such as yoga, Pilates or Nordic walking. Even if your breasts are not under much strain, it can still feel more comfortable. You can be sure that nothing will slip out of place, and you will avoid involuntary nipple flashes when the dog looks down.
Brassieres in this category are made from lightweight fabric with a high stretch content. They’re cut like bustiers, so they’re easy to pull on. They also tend to have narrow straps and often a playful design. Women with cup size A or B will feel most comfortable in styles with light support. For larger cups, however, it is advisable to use a higher level of support, even for less intensive sports.
Sports bras with medium support
Medium support sports bras are ideal for higher intensity activities such as cycling and weight training. They offer more support than the lighter styles and are suitable for wearers up to a C cup. Medium support sports bras usually have a racer back, so the thicker straps provide optimal weight distribution and relief for the back. The material is also slightly firmer than those with less support.
Sports bras with high support
Sports bras with high levels of support are essential for intensive exercise. Regardless of your cup size, you should always choose a bra with the highest level of support for activities such as running or trail running, as your breasts are exposed to a lot of stress. Strong support is provided by wide, non-slip straps and lighter padding in the cups. Plus, supportive sports bras are cut a little higher to cover everything that needs to be covered. No matter how hard you try, these styles will keep everything in place – even if you have a very large bust.
The right fit and size
A bad fit can spoil the fun. A sports bra should feel like a second skin – it should fit snugly without pinching or rubbing. Because a sports bra should be comfortable to wear, especially when you are moving around, we recommend that you move around a bit when you try it on for the first time: swing your arms, roll your shoulders, turn your torso and see if you feel any pressure points or itching. The underbust band is particularly important for a stable fit and should sit just under the breast without slipping. If the bra falls out while you’re wearing it, it’s too big and you should try a smaller model. If, on the other hand, it feels too tight, you should go up a size.
To find the right size, check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. To be on the safe side, you should measure your bust and underbust as stretch fabrics and tighter cuts can mean that the perfect sports bra size may differ from normal bra sizes.
You can choose whether you prefer a slip-on racerback or one with a hook closure. If you do a lot of back exercises on the mat, you may want to test the clasps to see if they bother you when you are lying down. If you feel completely comfortable, you have found your sports bra!
Fabrics and care
Most sports bras are made of functional synthetic fiber. The functional material ensures that the bra is breathable and dries quickly. In addition, moisture is transported to the outside, so you have a dry feeling while exercising.
If you prefer natural fibers, a sports bra made of merino wool is recommended. Bras made of soft wool naturally neutralize odors and provide a comfortable climate. During activities in the cold, merino wool provides an extra dose of warmth, while the fabric is pleasantly cooling in warm temperatures.
Since a sports bra fits snugly against your skin, it needs to be well cared for. Before washing, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Mostly, sports bras are uncomplicated in the care and can be washed without problems in the washing machine. It should be noted that a special sports detergent is well suited for cleaning, and that you should dry the bra after washing in the air and not in the dryer. With proper care, your bra will remain a faithful companion for years.
Sports bras at Sport Conrad
At Sport Conrad, you will find a wide range of sports bras in a variety of colours and designs. We have sports bras from brands such as Adidas and Under Armour, as well as merino wool sports bras from Ortovox and Icebreaker. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service department or the specialist staff in our three stores!
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