Choosing the Right Sports Bra

Support for Women Runners

Sep 18, 2008 Anne Valente

Finding the right sports bra can be tough for female runners, but a few pointers can help them choose the best-fitting option for their bodies.

Though most female joggers regard their running shoes as their most essential purchase, a good sports bra is an equally important component of a comfortable, pain-free running routine. However, choosing the right sports bra can be daunting, and many women are often unsure how to determine the best fit for their bodies. Fortunately, several key bits of advice can help female runners select, buy and enjoy a sports bra that will keep them comfortable and well-supported throughout their workouts.

Assessing the Current Bra

Before going out to purchase a new sports bra, women runners should first evaluate their current bra for how well it fits and what needs to be improved. According to Lisa Sorrentino, founder of the sports bra outfitter X-Chrom.com, a woman should ask herself two main questions – do the straps dig in or ride up her back, and is there any bulging out of the cups? Sorrentino says that the former indicates a too-large band size, and the latter denotes a cup size that is too small. In addition, Sorrentino suggests discarding bras over six months old that have also been machine-washed.

Understanding New Choices

Once the decision has been made to purchase a new sports bra, female runners should be aware of the choices available at their local sporting goods store. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, runners can choose from two basic designs of sports bras – encapsulation and compression. Encapsulation means that the sports bra is divided into cups, while compression models press breasts uniformly against the chest. The Women’s Sports Foundation advises that, in general, women with larger cup sizes would do better to choose encapsulation models while those with smaller chests can comfortably wear compression styles. Some women, however, choose to wear both simultaneously for maximum support.

Overall, the Women’s Sports Foundation considers a supportive sports bra to include wide shoulder straps, breathable material, ample armholes, covered hooks or fasteners, smart seam placement that won’t chafe, and a supportive chest band beneath the breasts.

Making the Choice, Trying On a Sports Bra

A good plan of action for female runners is to pick out a few sports bras, based upon their individual preferences, and take them into a fitting room. When trying each one on, the Women’s Sports Foundation recommends jumping or simulating running action, to make sure that the bra feels secure. They also suggest making sure that cups completely contain the breast, that the bra is snug but not too tight, and that it does not cut into the skin at any point of contact. Such measures will prevent chafing in the future, and will ensure that the proper fit has been found.

Protecting an Investment- Sports Bra Care

Once female runners decide upon a new sports bra, they must properly take care of their purchase so that it remains in good condition and continues to support their running routine. Sorrentino recommends hand-washing and line-drying all sports bras, as washing machines can wear down fabrics and seams. In addition, she suggests watching for fabric deterioration and for changes in fit. If either occurs, the sports bra should be replaced.

Running With Comfort

Though sports bras can be expensive, female runner should think of them as an investment in their own health and fitness. Much like running shoes, the right sports bra is an essential part of a regular running routine. The right choice can keep women comfortable and pain-free through the entirety of their running career.

The copyright of the article Choosing the Right Sports Bra in Running & Marathons is owned by Anne Valente. Permission to republish Choosing the Right Sports Bra in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Right Sports Bra Can Make Runs Easier.