Fighting gravity is already tough as it is, let alone when you are flowing and hopping during a dynamic workout. To deliver the best possible performance and allow yourself to be comfortable in your skin during sweat sessions, it is crucial to be wearing a sports bra that fits you like a glove.

If you are quite skeptical about how to pick a bra that gives you just the right amount of support without restricting your freedom of movement, here are a few tips that will help you out.

Find the right fit

This goes out without saying: your sports bra should be as comfortable as possible. When shopping for one, get the same size as your normal bra – not bigger or smaller. It should be able to support you without feeling restrictive or movement-limiting.

It is important to point out that a sports bra will almost always feel quite a bit tighter than a normal bra as it is designed to offer extra support and cut the breasts’ movement and bounce in half, making it easier for you to jump, jog and move freely. You should also keep an eye out for any wrinkles in the cup fabric as they usually indicate that the size is too big.

To make sure you picked the best fit for you, try placing two fingers between the strap and your shoulder.

Need a little help in your decision making? Try our Fit Finder to discover size and style that suits your practice the best.

Choose the fabric carefully

When shopping for a sports bra, remember that you will be wearing it while breaking a sweat. The fabric plays a major role in making you stay cool and comfortable during a workout. Feel the fabric before trying your bra on. It should be soft and lightweight to the touch. When you try it on, the material should feel breathable and light.
Check the label description to make sure that the fabric is seamless and sweat-absorbing as it will help draw sweat away from the body, which enables it to evaporate quickly.

Keep your workout in mind

Different bras offer different levels of support. It all depends on the type of physical activity you are partaking in. 

For low to moderate-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates, a compression bra is a perfect choice as it provides just the right level of support by slightly compressing the breasts against the chest. Make sure your bra has minimal fastenings to keep it comfortable while you flow from one pose to the other.

For high-impact workouts like running and mountain biking, you will need all the support you can get. Pick a bra that has a well-defined cup structure – similar to your regular bra. These bras are engineered to encapsulate each breast alone which maximises support. 

Care tips

 Your sports bra should last you between 40 to 50 washes on average. To make the life of that bra you picked so carefully as long as possible, here are a few tips that will help you preserve your bra. 

• Wash your sports bra in cold water and mild detergent after every use. Avoid fabric softener or bleach. 
• Dry it flat or use the cold tumble cycle in the dryer. Remember that heat will damage the fabric.