What should I look for in a sports bra?
- Compression. This is essentially what defines a sports bra. In non-scientific terms, compression is what squishes your boobs, holding them securely in place as you move around. Some bras are more compressive than others, so consider what you want from your bra. Styles that are described as “high-impact” are going to be more restrictive and will hold your breasts in tighter than bras that are dubbed “low-impact,” which are more akin to bralettes. Intuitively, high-impact bras are better for high-impact activities that include running or jumping. Compression bras tend to be wireless, too, and some people with large cup sizes find that pull-on compression bras are not compatible with big busts—although that’s mostly a matter of preference. Other sports bra styles rely less on compression and instead use molded cups to cradle and stabilize each breast separately. These styles are more likely to have clasp or zipper closures. You’ll also find some sports bras that combine these two styles.
- Adjustable Fit. A bra that has adjustable straps and/or an adjustable band is more customizable, and therefore more likely to be a successful purchase because you can tailor it to your needs. Adjustability also factors into longevity. If you want a bra that will last, it’s best to pick one that you can adjust as your body changes, or as the fabric stretches with wear (or shrinks in the wash).
- Fabric Type. All signs point to you sweating in this thing, right? So look for breathable fabrics that won’t suffocate your skin. Go for moisture-wicking materials that will do a better job of eliminating odors and minimizing sweat stains. Accumulated moisture and sweat can lead to bacteria growth. Yuck.
- Comfort. Of course, what matters most is that you feel comfortable and secure in your sports bra, whichever one that may be. A lot of these factors come down to what you like best. Whether you want padding or underwire, a pull-on style or a front closure, one-shoulder or spaghetti straps—it’s all about your personal preferences.
Can I wear a sports bra all the time?
The jury’s still out on this question. There’s plenty of debate about whether doing so can have harmful results on your lymphatic system, and until we know for sure, it’s better to be cautious and avoid wearing one for long periods of time. Wearing one for a couple of hours on a daily basis (like during your workouts) is perfectly fine, just try not to wear it all day, every day.
How does sizing work?
Your sports bra size should be the same as your regular bra size. Many styles, however, are made using the XS-XL scale, in which case you can use your go-to bathing suit top size for reference.
Can I rewear a dirty sports bra?
No, you better not. It’s best to wash a sports bra after each use because of moisture and bacteria. With that said, if you didn’t work up a sweat and feel like the bra is clean enough to wear twice in a row, go for it. I’d recommend capping that at two wears, though, to be safe.
