Back to School Sports Bra Guide
Why wear a sports bra?
Even if you're an A cup, not wearing a sports bra can lead to pain, discomfort and sagging breasts in the future. This is because while you're body is moving, your breasts are moving too, up to 14 cm without proper support! During this process, your Cooper's ligament (the tissue that makes your breasts look 'uplifted') is being stretched and damaged. The damage caused is irreversible, but you can prevent this and any pain and discomfort during exercising by simply wearing a sports bra.
A sports bra, unlike your regular bra, is made to absorb impact. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking materials, it allows for your chest to breath and is also made with a wider band and thicker straps to ensure your shoulders and back are supported too.
Our Back to School Recommendations:
These Shock Absorber styles are medium to high impact and wire-free. One of the most popular sports bra brands in the UK, they have hundreds of reviews and a 5 star rating from our community. Whatever the activity, you'll feel supported in one of these!
These ultimate sports bras are high impact and feature moulded cups with light padding, as well as padded straps and a hook to convert the straps to racerback. We have both underwired and wireless styles to choose from, however, they both deliver the same amount of support and coverage!
Enell Sports Bra (wire-free)
This sports bra is designed to keep your breasts strapped in! The unique jacket-like design features an easy-on front opening and the overall form works to evenly distribute weight and reduce shoulder fatigue. If you're a DD+, you'll love this sports bra for any workout or activity.
Sizes Available: 00-8 (27-53 Rib, 32-60 Bust - Please see size guide for help)
More Non Wired Options
Finding your size
It's important to wear the right size, because wearing the wrong size means you aren't getting the most out of your sports bra. Key things to look for are, what hook you're using on your band, if your cups are snug to your chest and how your straps feel.
If your sports bra has a hook & eye clasp, make sure you're on the most outer one - and your bra should fit snug on it! If you're needing to go to any other clasp to make your band fit tighter, then you are wearing the wrong size band. Another trick is to take two fingers and run them along the inside of the band. If you can comfortably get the fingers around your rib cage, it's a proper fit.
Cups should fit snug to each breast, no gaping. Your breasts should also not be falling out - make sure it gives coverage at the top and sides. This is especially important when wearing underwired bras. Your breasts should fill the cups with no spilling or gaping.
Straps should not be digging into your shoulders, nor should they be loose. If your straps feel like they're digging into you it may be because your band is too big and therefore pulling down on your straps.
For more tips, go to our Fitting Guide.
Things to avoid
During developmental stages, it's advised to avoid underwired bras and sports bras as it can cause tissue harm and soreness. Don't worry though, non-wired sports bras are just as effective!
As the sports bra becomes worn out, it's important to replace it as the elasticity will loosen and it will no longer give a proper fit. The cups may also begin to cause chaffing as the material will begin to give and not sit tightly around the bust. We recommend changing your sports bra every 6 months if you're using it on a regular basis.
There's no need to wear two sports bras! If you find a proper fitting sports bra, you will have the support you need without adding an extra sports bra on top. It will also be a lot more comfortable!
What type best suits me?
If you're an A-C cup, you'll probably find the slip-over-the-head style fits most comfortable. Though, there are hook & eye styles like Shock Absorber that will also give ample support.
If you're an D-F, you'll want something that has more of a moulded shape to it. An example of this is Panache, the moulded cups ensure that each breast is properly supported. Racerback is also something to look for as it will give a bit extra support for your shoulders and back.
For those FF+, you'll also want a moulded cup. Styles like Enell are also great as they offer an easy, front fastening design and its jacket-style takes any strain off your back and shoulders. Make sure the sport bra you choose has a wide band and padded shoulder straps.
What level of support do I need?
If you're doing anything that involves running, jumping or skipping, you'll want a high impact sports bra.
Yoga lover? You'll want something that is a bit more giving, so low to medium support will do you just fine. This allows for easier movement, but still gives you coverage and the support you'll need during each move.
If you're looking for something to wear around the house, take the dog for a walk or use on those family hikes, medium support is great for you.
Extra Help?
If you're not sure about which is right for you or if none of these styles work for you, feel free to give us a call at 01335 348015 or send us a message by email or chat! Our sports bra specialists will be able to answer all of your questions and help find the right sports bra for you.