The unique motion of running causes your breasts to move in a figure of eight motion, sometimes up and down as much as eight inches. This puts your Cooper's ligaments - the thin collections of connective tissues that help support your breasts - under huge strain. Without the correct support, you're likely to experience soreness, which could cause you lasting damage.
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Sports scientists from the University of Portsmouth studied how breast tissue is damaged when running in regular and sports bras. They found low to medium-impact sports bras reduce bounce but aren't as effective in restricting side-to-side movement when running.
Their research also showed that women change how they run depending on the type of bra worn. So not only will a good sports bra provide you with vital support, but it might just help you set a new PB too!
You need to have the right amount of support. You don't want to run a marathon in a stringy crop top!
Different bras offer different levels of support. The type you need will depend on your cup size and the type of exercise you do.
Typically, women will feel best wearing a lower-impact bra for low-impact activity (such as yoga), and a higher-impact bra for medium-to-high-impact activity (such as jogging, running, cycling, playing tennis, etc). If you are active 3 or more times per week, it makes life much easier having 2 or more bras on the go that best suit the activities you are doing.
As a rule, the bigger the cup the more support you need. A 12B can bounce up to 8cm, even during low impact exercise. A 16DD bust can move up to 19cm. And what about all you 14KK's out there! So err on the side of caution, go the higher impact level to up the support. Your boobs will thank you.
Let's take a look at the different sports bra impact levels'..
Low impact sports bras typically feature a cup-less design and restrict movement by compressing the breasts tightly against the chest wall. They provide light support for activities that create minimal breast bounce.
Features may include:
Suitable activities:
Medium impact sports bras are a mix between low and high. These can sometimes be used for running but are often not suited to larger-breasted women. They provide support for activities that create moderate breast bounce
Features may include:
Suitable Activities:
High impact bras are often made with a defined cup structure ' akin to regular bras ' to encapsulate and support each breast. Some high impact bras will use a combination of both encapsulation and compression methods to maximise support. They generally use less stretchy material, include supportive seams and overlays. They provide support for activities that create a high amount of breast bounce.
Features may include:
Suitable Activities:
Let's throw an extra one in here; Extreme Impact. Some brands have begun using this impact rating for their very highest support styles. They provide the ultimate support for activities that create the highest amount of breast bounce.
They often contain similar features to their high impact counterparts. Just ratcheting the support up to 11. If you want the ultimate in support, then look for an extreme impact style.
OK so we have a lot of everything's but trust me this is the final one; comfort. No point finding the perfect fit if you cannot couple that with comfort.
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The two words you most often hear in the sports bra world is 'support' (we covered that above) and 'comfort'. You've got to have the right amount of support and your bra must be comfortable!!!
Fit and comfort often (but not always) go hand in hand. You will often find if it fits well it will be comfortable.
So what should we look out for in our quest for comfort. Read on'
So, you've found a sports bra in your size with the right amount of support (2/3's of the way there!) Next try your sports bra on and test the fit and comfort. It should fit slightly tighter than a regular bra, but you should be able to breathe deeply and comfortably.
Chafing: Make sure there is no chafing around the armholes, shoulder straps or seams. If the bra has hooks or snaps, make sure those don't chafe, either.
Straps: You should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders. It's vital that the straps are secure and comfortable. If they're too tight, they will dig in. If they're too loose, they will not provide the correct amount of support and will move around or slip off your shoulders.
Band: Raise your hands over your head. If the band rides up, it may be too big. Try adjusting the straps or back closure. If that doesn't work, try a smaller band size.
Cup: Your breasts should be centered and fully contained in the cups. Scoop them in and center them. Wrinkles or puckers in the fabric indicate the cup is too big. If breast tissue is pressed outside of the bra, that means the cup is too small, or that the style of bra is the wrong cut for your breast type.
Support: Test the bra's support by jumping or running in place. Your breasts should feel secure and supported. If there's too much movement up and down or side to side, keep looking for a better-fitting bra.
Pure and simple your bra should not cause any pain or discomfort. I will delve a whole lot deeper into the art of ensuring the perfect fit in a future article.
Women can be MASTERS at denial. So, the next time you reach for the 12C when you're probably a D cup or above, think of what it feels like to wear the wrong size shoe. It helps to give some perspective on just how silly (and painful) it is to wear the wrong size. So, first, once you pop a bra on, scoop your breast into the cup with your hand and make sure your nipple is centred. Popping over the top? Too small. Floating around with room to move? Too big. Simple. Adjust accordingly. However, if things still aren't measuring up, consider this: cup sizes operate on a sliding scale which means they're not the same for all sizes.
Give or take a few millimetres a:
12B fits the same as a 10C ' the only difference is that it fits more snuggly and securely around your back so if you hover between sizes (and always need the elusive size '11' or '13' or '15') try your size equivalent. Need more examples?
A 12DD fits similarly to a 10E. It does NOT mean you've suddenly put on weight or have been deluded for years, it's simply a sliding scale.
Fit a 14C but not convinced? Try a 12D for a firmer fit or a 16B to loosen the fit.
16DD but not happy? Play around with a 16E or shift the band size too ' try a 14E (the exact equivalent) and a 14F.
Specialist bra brands put a lot of effort into research and development, often extensively testing their bra designs before releasing them to market.
Berlei work with the Australian Institute of Sport testing and applying the AIS endorsed 'support factor rating'.
Shock Absorber have a similar relationship with the University of Portsmouth in the UK. Here they test their bras against 'no bra conditions' to ascertain the percentage bounce reduction their bras achieve.
Quite simply; if you want the best in sports bra design and construction go for a technical sports bra from a brand that specialises in Sports Bra design and construction ' such as Shock Absorber, Anita Active, Berlei, Freya Active, Glamorise Sport or Triumph.
This isn't to say other brands aren't as good just this is your better chance of sports bra success!
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Sports Bra Manufacturer. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.