Did you know that sports bras lose their support after 25 washes? So that favorite, five-year-old sports bra–yeah, it’s useless. It’s been useless for a long time. Thank it for its service; place it delicately in the trash and start shopping! I’m not one to toss mine after 25 washes either – these bras are expensive! – but like year-old running shoes, it has more than served its time. Let it go!
The hunt for a new sports bra may require some insider knowledge because not all sports bras are equal. This article will add to your knowledge and help you find the right support for your athletic endeavors.
Research says 75-85% of women wear the wrong bra size [1]. It’s likely an even greater number wear both the wrong size and the wrong type of sports bra. Poorly supported and inaccurately fitted sports bras correlate with musculoskeletal pain, especially breast and upper back pain [1, 2]. Moreover, bouncing breast tissue damages the fine, hair-like suspensory ligaments that provide the breast shape and lift. No amount of weightlifting can reverse damage or help shape and lift the breasts because breasts contain no muscle for support.
Your sports bra is the support; it’s important to make sure it’s a good one!
There are three types of sports bras to consider, in order of least to most supportive.
- CompressionA compression bra is likely the first image that comes to mind when you think sports. It flattens the breast tissue to the chest and creates the colloquial “uniboob.”
- Encapsulation
Encapsulation bras look like regular underwire or wireless bras but are made with sturdier materials that control movement within each cup. The design philosophy is that two smaller masses are easier to control than one large mass [3]. Encapsulation bras come in underwire or wireless types. - Hybrid
The hybrid sports bra combines encapsulation and compression for maximum support. These also come in underwire or wireless.
To understand which type is the best one for you, begin with the type of activity you have in mind. If you’re a C cup doing yoga, go for a compression bra. For modest to high intensity activity like running or bicycling, try an encapsulation type. For aerobic or very high-intensity exercises look for a hybrid.
Also if you have had chest and back pain while exercising in the past, use a more supportive bra type than what you have worn in the past. For cup size D and larger, a hybrid sports bra will be your new best friend regardless of your exercise routine. If you are an A or B cup, the world is your oyster because all the cute styles come in your size; compression works for any activity.