Sports Bras - PickThem.co.uk's Shopping Guide for Sports Bras

Did you know that two women runners created the first Sports Bra in 1977? The first sports bra was just two jock straps sewn together. Since then sports bras have come a long way.

Just imagine for a second how would you feel practising your favourite sport with a pair of painful high heel shoes!! You couldn’t possibly imagine it, could you? The same principle can be applied to bras, buying the right sports bra is as important as buying the right pair of shoes!!.

With this Guide you will find it easy to decide which one works best for you. Just have a read through, compare the best brands, decide and end with a bra that will provide you with the comfort and support that you are looking for!! If you follow these easy guidelines you will find your perfect sports bra in no time!

To help you find the ideal bra you must answer the following questions… without cheating!

A good fitting is important to avoid future problems such as sore neck and shoulders. Because we all have a different body structure it’s crucial that you know your cup size or bra size, the length of your torso and your rib cage measurement.

It’s fundamental that you get this question right but it’s not the only factor you should consider. One thing must be clear, you will be able find a sports bra with the right support and comfort no matter what size your is!

Do you need it for cycling, skiing, horse riding…? How much support do you need? Depending on the physical activity level required to perform your favourite sport, you will find that some sports bras are more suited than others. In general there are four impacts of activity: low, medium, high and very high and the level of support will depend on the level of impact – the higher the level of impact, the more support you would need.

You have to consider that you might require different bras depending on the amount of physical movement. Perhaps you need a high performance bra to run but you might find it not suitable for your yoga class. Just think about it!
The next table will help you to find the right level of impact of your favourite sport.

Now it’s time to consider your priorities. Are you looking for no-bounce support? Do you prefer a bra with underwires?, strap comfort?, moisture control? … With such a wide selection of bras on the market you can be more selective with your priorities.

Once you have answered the questions above and you are clear about your body structure, the impact level of activity and your priorities, you can proceed to choose the right type of sports bra. Don’t you worry… we wont let you on your own just now. We will give you more advice and guide you even more to reach your goal… find the right sports bra that provide support and comfort during physical activity!.

It will be an error to think that a sports bra is merely useful to practice sport, that’s a huge mistake. Some women find it great for everyday life and after breast surgery.

There are several factors to take into account to make a good purchase. Finding the right style will depend on your body structure, your chosen activities and your priorities. You can find an increasing number of styles to choose from in sports bras – a range of straps, fabrics, pullovers, different back styles, etc. To make it easier for you we have classified them as Innerwear and Outerwear bras. It is often said that innerwear bras offer you more support but nowadays an outerwear bra can also provide you with a great support and comfort as some come with a reinforced structure within the bra. Furthermore, an innerwear bra can provide you with extra coolness and freshness!. Therefore, you should be able to find a bra that suits you in either style.

With regards to the design, there are two types of sports bras available, the compression design and the encapsulation design. The best for you will depend upon your body structure, the type of activity and your priorities.

Compression or Pullover – This compresses the breasts flat against the chest and are designed to support the breasts and minimise bounce during exercise. If you are looking for a no-bounce support, the compression structure is more suitable for women with A and B cup sizes. However, if you are a C cup or larger and practice activities with a low level of impact, then the compression style could provide you with the necessary support. A good thing is that this bra can be also worn as outerwear for coolness!
Encapsulation or Harness – Looks like an ordinary bra as it’s constructed with two cups to isolate each breast in a distinct cup providing greater coverage with adjustable back clasps and shoulder straps. These can now also look like a compression bra on the outside whilst maintaining the necessary features of supportive bras within. Due to its extra enforcement, large breasted women will find good support in activities implying medium to high intensity levels of impact without giving up contour. Also, in our research we have found that women with C and larger cup sizes prefer this model as it offers more support and it’s easier to get on and off!

You can find two defined back designs, the Racer and the Encapsulation. The racer back model is usually found on outerwear bras and often has a keyhole area by the fastening for greater ventilation. The design looks good and allows for a good range of arm movement. This style is more suitable for A and B cup sizes. The encapsulation back model is found on inner and outer wear bras. The straps pull in the right direction to give more support for larger bust sizes, and the open back allows for good ventilation. This back style is more suitable for C and larger cup sizes.

When choosing a fabric you must consider your physical activity and how sensitive your breast skin is. High tech fabrics are usually used to give strong elasticity, allow for more freedom of movement and greater ventilation, manage moisture and then dry quickly so you can stay cooler and drier during workout.

Like any other bra you might have, the fabric eventually loses its functionality. On average, a machine-handled sports bra will last about six months. Therefore, it’s recommended that you hand wash and line dry your sports bra as it will last twice as long!

Fastenings come in a variety of types and positions. Side and front fastenings can be more comfortable when doing floor work in the gym or aerobics classes.

Sports bras have also been recommended by experts as the first training bra that a growing Teenager should have. Growing breast tissue is very delicate and should be protected during sports activity using the correct sports bra that offers the required support and comfort.

Most doctors and surgeons recommend sports bras for medical purposes including breast augmentation and reduction surgery. The Z-bra has been specially designed for this purpose but also serves as an attractive sports bra.

Finally, buying a sports bra can be quite challenging, so many different sizes, models, shapes, brands… Don’t panic! We have looked at the best sports bra’s brands on the market and compared them for you!

We know, there is a vast choice of sports bras on the market but we have browsed the Internet for you and finally found the best dedicated Sports Bra website on the market www.sweatbandelle.co.uk. Sweatband Elle are a leading retailer of sports bras where you will find the right bra for you. And they stock the best sports bra’s brands!!

Sports Bras Guide