In a world where we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to stylish activewear, we tend to gravitate towards our favourite cut or print when choosing a sports bra—and although aesthetics are important (everyone wants to look cute as their sweating it out!), this may lead to choosing a sports bra that isn’t supportive enough for your gal pals.
Luckily for us, activewear brands like Rockwear are making it super simple to buy into stylish activewear without having to sacrifice on comfort and support. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right sports bra:
Why is choosing the right sports bra so important?
Research shows that over 70% of women wear the wrong size sports bra due to reasons including not being fitted properly by an expert and change in body shape over time.
The wrong sports bra can lead to rubbing, excess bounce and pain in the back and shoulders. As Healthline explains, anatomically, the key support for breasts comes from the Cooper’s ligament which is the connective tissue running down the side of the breast. Cooper’s ligament helps maintain the structural integrity of the breast and, over time, it can lengthen or weaken—especially if you are undertaking high-impact activities.
When running for example, your breasts can move 8-10 cm in a figure 8 pattern, so choosing a properly fitted Sports Bra with appropriate support keeps your breasts in place during activity and helps to prevent sagging and stretching of tissue. Having the right supportive Sports Bra can also help improve posture, especially if you are a larger cup size, as it can relieve strain on the back and shoulders.
How to choose the right sports bra:
First and foremost, ensure you get properly fitted by an expert. Rockwear offers this service in all their stores, however if you’re purchasing online, you can access their handy size guide.
It’s also advised to have a different sports bra for each activity depending on impact, and if ever in doubt, choose a higher-impact bra for a lower-impact activity, not vice versa.
LOW-IMPACT
For activities including:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Barre
- Walking
- Weight training
- Studio or mat work
Our top pick: Rewind Logo Underband Sports Bra
This low-impact sports bra features:
- Soft and supportive underband elastic with logo design
- Scoop neck with coverage
- Open back
- Light support
- Removable pads
MEDIUM-IMPACT
For activities including:
- Gym
- Bootcamp
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Hiking
Our top pick: Rewind Zip Sports Bra
This medium-impact sports bra features:
- Scoop neck
- Reflective logo
- Zip front closure with zip guard and lock
- Soft and supportive adjustable logo straps for desired support
- Removable pads
HIGH-IMPACT
For activities including:
- Running
- HIIT
- Aerobics
- Kick-boxing
- Field sports
- Dance
Our top pick: Rewind Adjustable Sports Bra
This high-impact sports bra features:
- High support for maximum impact activities
- Great coverage
- Spacer straps and inner non-stretch sling for no bounce support
- Reflective Rockwear logo
- Adjustable straps and underband
- Removable pads
How to check the fit for yourself:
1. Start by putting the sports bra on correctly. Lean forward and over, so that your bust falls into the cups/ front and your nipples sit in the middle of the cup. Do this before fastening any clasps.
2. The sports bra should feel snug. You should feel supported, yet not constricted and you should be able to breathe comfortably.
3. The underbust should be firm as this provides the main support for your breasts. If the sports bra has a hook and eye closure, it should initially be fitted on the first hook to allow adjustment over time.
4. To check if it’s too tight or loose: run your fingers under the underband, especially at the side of the body. You should be able to run two fingers under the band without stretching it out or being too tight.
As a rule of thumb, your sports bra should never celebrate a birthday. Extended wear, sweat and washing breaks down the bras ability to perform long term. Just like your running shoes, be sure to keep rotating them to help them go the mile
Visit www.rockwear.com.au for more.
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