Sports Bras:
​Why the right one is worth every dime

If you’ve ever chaffed around your sports bra band, you know it’s important to make sure your bra fits correctly. It is important that both the band and the cup fit appropriately. The band provides the needed support for the breast tissue and ligaments, while the correct cup size reduces the amount of bounce you feel during your exercise.

Along with chafing, you can also experience pain in your shoulders and back if your bra is not fitting correctly. To make sure your sports bra fits correctly, we recommend these 3 things.
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  1. Get measured and fit by a professional, don’t just purchase a random sports bra from online – you wouldn’t do that with shoes, right? Someone who is trained to do fittings will help you to understand the fine line between comfortable and supportive. A professional can also give you tips on what bra is right for you based on your size and activity choice.
  2. Buy a bra that changes with your body. Hormones, weight loss and gain, pregnancy and nursing, all of these things can change your size. Find a bra that has an adjustable band and straps, this is especially important for cup size C and greater.
  3. Replace your bras as often as you replace your shoes. Generally, shoes should be replaced after 500 miles (give or take). Many people have multiple sports bras, so we would recommend replacing your oldest bra every time you buy a pair of shoes.
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Chances are you will never go on a run without wearing a bra. This makes your bra just as important as your shoes.

Why is the right bra so essential?
The breast tissue is supported only by the cooper’s ligament. The thing about ligaments is that they stretch out over time and don’t pull back in like muscles. For that reason, the less you support that breast tissue, the faster that ligament will stretch out, resulting in breast sag. Having the right sports bra not only prevents the strain put on the cooper’s ligament, but also reduces the discomfort you feel when you exercise.

How can The Runners Forum help me get the right bra?
The Runners Forum staff are trained to get accurate rib cage and bust measurements. An associate will make recommendations based on size and activity type.