HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SPORTS AND RUNNING BRA?
If you're used to working out in your city bra, stop it right there! To protect your chest, it is important to choose your sports or running bra, taking into account the intensity of your physical activity to combine support and comfort.
Why a specific sports bra?
Playing any sport puts a strain on the chest. Shocks, tensions, jumps, vibrations and friction require suitable protection and support, which is why you must choose a sports bra specially designed for your activity. Unlike classic lingerie, a sports bra is made of a material that wicks away perspiration thanks to it's breathability. This will provide you with the necessary comfort for your physical activity and will limit the risk of skin overheating.
To adapt to all sports, sports bras are available in different models. From the material to the location of the seams, including the positioning of the reinforcements and straps on your running bra: you have a multitude of combinations. To choose your sports bra, the two criteria to be taken into consideration will be flawless support and unconditional comfort...
GOOD TO KNOW: SPORTS BRA, AN ESSENTIAL EFFICIENCY
Thanks to the reinforcements located on the top and sides of the chest, but also to the support band at the bottom, a sports bra can reduce breast movements by up to 70% and thus limit the negative effects of impacts.
How to choose your running bra?
© Photo Thuasne
Running success does not seem to be waning, and if you immediately think about taking precautions to find the right running sneakers, women need to choose their running bra carefully. Here are the 3 steps to follow to find the right underwear for running:
Running bra or classic bra?
Both designs provide good support and optimal comfort. However, a classic bra is easier to put on. The running bra allows a more precise adjustment. Beyond the D cup, it is preferable to go for a sports bra which will allow, thanks to it's specific reinforcements, a more adapted support.
What type of straps?
To choose your running bra, it is advisable to favor bras with cross-shaped straps in the back or "racer-back" type. Unlike the straps of classic underwear, this arrangement allows better freedom of movement and secure positioning of the straps that you will prefer wide for better comfort.
Find the right size
This is certainly the most delicate point when choosing a running bra. Indeed, sports bras will not necessarily be the size that you are used to taking. A proper fitting is therefore essential for choosing your running bra. It should not make any folds on your body and perfectly fit your breasts. You should feel tighter on it than in a city bra without it interfering with your breathing. To avoid injury, it is better to choose a bra without underwire. In any case, it is best to go through the fitting room before making your choice.
Choose your sports bra according to your activity
© Photo Salomon
Depending on the activity you will be practicing, you will need to choose a sports bra adapted to your practice:
The right sports bra for a gentle activity
Yes, yoga or pilates also require you to opt for a specific sports bra. You won't need a model with reinforcements, but rather a bra or a second skin bra that will follow your movements. For intensive practice, the bra becomes the preferred design. Head for soft materials with flat seams. Also prefer a bra with light support so as not to crush the chest, a sensation that can become very unpleasant in postures that involve a strong work of breathing.
The right bra for an activity of intermediate intensity:
For fitness classes that cause only moderate impacts such as Zumba, CrossFit or weight machines, reinforced support is preferred. You will choose a sports bra made from technical materials to perfectly wick away perspiration. If you do a lot of back-to-floor exercises, a bra with a front closure is essential to avoid the discomfort caused by the straps positioned at the back.
The right sports bra for intense activity:
It should combine perfect support, good breathability and comfort to protect your chest from the significant impacts of the step or the treadmill. It is best to choose a running bra with a racerback so that your shoulder straps stays in place. If you have sensitive skin, pay special attention to the seams you want as inconspicuous as possible and limit the number of metal parts in contact with the skin to reduce the risk of injury from overheating.
Find the right settings
For your sports bra or running bra to be effective, you will need to adjust the settings. This will allow you to adapt your underwear a little more to your body type.
You will find on a sports bra, the same types of 3-setting fasteners for the back circumference. You can also choose a running bra with the same closure system for more precision and support. Unlike the bra, choosing a running bra will also allow you to adjust the straps. The tighter they are, the more your breasts will be held upwards. Some models of racerback sports bras are additionally equipped with a central rear adjustment to adjust the support.
When choosing your running bra or sports bra, it is important to take your time to find the support and comfort suited to the intensity of your sporting activity. This is the best way to ensure pleasant sessions and to preserve the beauty of your breasts.
THE THREE KEY POINTS FOR CHOOSING YOUR SPORTS/RUNNING BRA:
- To choose your sports bra, it is important to find a model with support adapted to the intensity of your physical activity
- Small breasts can choose a running bra but, beyond the D cup size, it is advisable to turn to a running bra shaped as a usual one that will provide reinforced support
- To combine comfort and support, the more intense your activity, the more you will have to choose a sports bra made of technical materials that perfectly wick away perspiration