How to buy the right sports bra

March 22 2019

How to buy the right sports bra

Buying bras is always a bit of a puzzle, and that goes double for sports bras. Over the past few years we’ve seen a real jump in demand for them here at Just Lovely, and it makes sense. More women are training, running, playing sport and just generally moving more, and a regular everyday bra simply isn’t built for that.

Why a sports bra actually matters

A sports bra is designed with structured cups to keep breast tissue supported during movement, unlike an everyday bra which just isn’t built to handle impact. Good support improves posture and reduces strain, and it can make a real difference to whether exercise feels comfortable or something to avoid altogether. Too much movement without the right support can cause genuine discomfort, and that discomfort is often enough to put women off exercising in the first place.

There’s also a practical reason to keep exercise separate from your everyday bras. Perspiration breaks down the fabrics and elastics in regular bras over time, since they’re simply not designed to cope with that kind of moisture. Wearing an everyday bra to exercise regularly means you’ll likely be replacing it far sooner than you should have to.

Encapsulated or compression?

Sports bras generally fall into two styles. Encapsulated bras have two separate cups, often underwired, and tend to suit fuller busts best since they support each breast individually. Compression bras work differently, pressing the breasts against the chest wall, and usually suit smaller busts. Compression styles can also double as a binder or chest minimiser if that’s what you’re after.

So, what should you buy?

Honestly, it comes down to you and what you’re doing. The type of activity matters just as much as your size. First step is always to get properly fitted, sports bras are made differently to everyday bras and won’t necessarily be the same size as what you’re currently wearing. Second, be upfront with your fitter about what exercise you do or plan to do. Running, netball, yoga and weight training all put different demands on a bra, and that helps us point you toward the right option.

Pop into Just Lovely in Colac, get fitted properly, and get moving with the right support behind you.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Why can’t I just wear my regular bra for exercise?

A: Everyday bras aren’t built to handle the movement involved in exercise. They can also wear out faster, since perspiration breaks down fabrics and elastics not designed for that kind of moisture.

Q: What’s the difference between encapsulated and compression sports bras?

A: Encapsulated bras have separate, often underwired cups and suit fuller busts. Compression bras press the breasts to the chest and generally suit smaller busts better.

Q: Do I need a different size for a sports bra?

A: Often, yes. Sports bras use different materials and construction to everyday bras, so your usual size might not translate directly. A proper fitting is the best way to know for sure.

Q: Can a sports bra work as a chest binder?

A: Compression style sports bras can act as a gentle binder or chest minimiser for some women. Chat to your fitter about what you’re after and they can guide you.

Q: What should I tell my fitter when buying a sports bra?

A: Be honest about what activities you do or plan to do. Running, netball, and yoga all place different demands on a bra, and that helps your fitter find the right fit.