Sports bra: how to choose the right model. How to choose a sports bra correctly - detailed recommendations for choosing a bra for sports Do you need a sports bra

Having started playing sports and having acquired the necessary equipment, take care of buying special underwear. A sports bra is an integral part of the wardrobe of women who lead an active lifestyle. Today on the “Lose Weight Without Problems” portal you will find out what is the advantage of such underwear and how to choose a bra to feel comfortable and comfortable during active physical exercises.

Why is it undesirable to play sports in ordinary underwear?

At first glance it seems that a regular bra is quite suitable for physical exercises. However, this is not at all true. Let's see why ordinary linen does not fit:

  • A bra with foam inserts and bones fixes the breast well only at rest. Most bras are completely unsuitable even to raise their hands without feeling discomfort. Not to mention sports such as running, martial arts or dancing;
  • Not entirely appropriate in the training room will be looming through a t-shirt lace or the type of fasteners with hooks crashing into the body;
  • The fabric of a regular bra cannot cope with excessive perspiration.  As a result, after a few minutes of classes, you will feel that your underwear is stuffy and unpleasant;
  • Add to everything else and cutting bones with rubbing straps.

What is the way out? Right! You need to choose and buy yourself special underwear for sports.

Sports bra: differences and advantages

To begin with, this type of linen is primarily different in cut. A sports bra instead of thin straps has two wide ones. In other words, this is a short topic that, without pulling, tightly presses the chest to the body.

Being engaged in active sports, such as volleyball or trampolining, the chest must be securely fixed. All due to the fact that this body consists of glandular and adipose tissue. During sharp and rhythmic movements, the mammary glands lose their tone, this can lead to their sagging.

Another plus is that the best material is used for sewing a sports bra, as for sewing any fitness clothing. This means that such underwear:

  • takes the form of a body, without restricting movements;
  • leaks moisture, protecting the skin from irritation;
  • allows sweat to gradually evaporate, without any discomfort;
  • protects against drafts.

The bra for sports is designed in such a way that it has different degrees of fixation of the mammary glands. For lovers of calm sports: yoga, active walking, Pilates - a bra with the least fixation is suitable. Indeed, during training in these sports of not too involved breasts, moderate support will be enough.

The best bra for practicing figure skating, dancing and - one that has medium chest fixation.

The sports bra created for running, aerobics, riding, various types of martial arts, has a strong fixation.

Making the right choice.

A correctly selected sports wardrobe item will make your workouts not only comfortable, but also bring maximum benefit. Here, the option of buying linen "by eye" is not suitable. If you want to choose the best bra, you need to consider many factors.

As you already understood, the degree of fixation of the breast plays an important role. This criterion is determined by the width of the straps. The wider they are, the stronger the degree of fixation of the bra.

Be sure to pay attention to the labeling of the fabric model. It happens like this:

  • Off-Set Seams– underwear made in a seamless way. Such clothes are ideal for women with sensitive skin;
  • Compression - a bra with a pulling effect. Ideal for ladies with curvaceous forms;
  • Molded Cups– strong fixation of the chest, well suited for those who like running or;
  • Moisture Wicking - the bra contains a material that absorbs moisture well. Suitable for intense sports;
  • Anti-Microbial - protection against unpleasant odors during intense perspiration due to the impregnation of tissue with a special antibacterial substance.

The portal site specifically for you reveals one little secret about how to choose a sports bra so as not to make a mistake with the size: it is undesirable to buy a sports bra during menstruation or a couple of days before they start. All due to the fact that these days, the breast tends to increase. Therefore, a perfectly selected bra after a while may be free.

The best choice is two different models: for training on menstruation days and for sports on ordinary days.

Of course, before buying a bra, you must definitely measure it. A beautiful thing in a shop window during fitting may look ridiculous on a person. Even knowing exactly your size, choosing a sports bra, you need to measure it to make sure of comfort and convenience.

The best, according to experts, sports bras not only make sports comfortable, but also take care of your breasts.

Before buying, it is advisable to read reviews about the main sports brands on the Internet. This knowledge will help you navigate and make your choice, taking into account all the requests and requirements for this product.

Armed with this knowledge, you can easily make the right choice and buy a thing that will serve you for a long time “faithfully.” The main thing is not to rush. Choose carefully, taking into account all the criteria, measure, trusting your feelings, and only then - buy.

string (10) "error stat" string (10) "error stat" string (10) "error stat" string (10) "error stat" string (10) "error stat" A sports bra or Sports bra is a special bra, which is used to maintain the female breast during sports. Owners of especially curvaceous forms try to purchase such an element of the wardrobe whenever possible, thereby protecting themselves from discomfort during training. In fact, during aerobics, fitness, and any sports, it is important to wear special underwear, regardless of the duration of the classes, chest volume, and the general body constitution.


A bit of history

  Glamorise Foundations in 1975 were the first to introduce a bra for sports (in that particular case, the development was intended for tennis players). Two years later, a new commercial product appeared on the market - Jogbra. His mission is to hold his chest well while jogging. In the 90s of the last century, Playtex bought a Jogbra bra. Now, the development and modeling of such products has been approached from a scientific point of view. Kristin Haykok - Associate Professor of the Department of Surgery for a long time studied the key aspects of how to choose a women's sports bra for each woman, so that the design is fully consistent with the physiological needs and anatomical features of the structure of the female body. Today, such products are created using special innovative technologies. Before the novelty becomes available to every woman, a sconce is examined for breast movement in various types of activity.

Product Classification

It is a mistake to assume that sports sconces can differ from each other only in color and size. As a matter of fact, because of the banal ignorance, most women either ignore this attribute of a sports women's wardrobe or don’t understand at all how to choose a sports bra.


Design features

  Women's sports top or bra should be chosen, taking into account the design features of the models. The following types of sconces:
  • Compression models push the chest to the chest and are designed for ladies with a small bust;
  • Encapsulated sconces support each breast individually through the use of special cups. Such products are intended for bust of large volumes. That is why a thicker fabric is used to create a sconce, and the cups are made of inextensible and sufficiently strong materials.
  Compression bras are recommended to be worn exclusively during sports activities. An improperly selected option can cause skin irritation and tissue distension.
Encapsulated models are more comfortable and secure, but only if the product is selected correctly. Especially popular options with the effect of "push-up".


Support level

  The level of support is exactly the main parameter that determines the degree of protection for mammary gland tissues. An important role is played by the size of the cup, as well as the occupation for which the product is purchased. The main types:
  • Light - easy format;
  • Medium - the middle option;
  • High - strong hold.
  Light is designed for sports that are not accompanied by intense loads. It can be yoga, stretching, Pilates, gymnastics. Average fixation is necessary for outdoor activities, aerobics, for jogging. High is ideal for kickboxing, riding and other active workouts where you need to jump. Ordinary linen in this case is definitely not suitable.

A little about comfort

  The fact that a modern sports sconce is created using such sophisticated technologies that it is difficult to imagine is already mentioned. It is impossible to evaluate all the advantages of a product if you do not navigate in the special labeling, which is certainly present on the tags of quality products:
  • Moisture Wicking (suitable for the most intense loads, made of good absorbent material);
  • Anti-Microbial (the fabric is saturated with a special antibacterial composition that prevents the occurrence of an unpleasant odor);
  • Compression (clothes with a strong tightening effect, which simultaneously provides fixation and support for curvaceous forms);
  • Off-Set Seams (a completely seamless bra designed specifically for sensitive skin).
  There is another view - Molded Cups. This sconce is suitable for everyday jogging, preventing the chest from swaying from side to side.


The main advantages of using a bra for sports

  Special sports shirts and bras protect the female breast during intense movements. In the mammary glands there are no muscle canvases, and the dermis itself is very delicate and delicate. Without appropriate protection and support, the chest (especially large sizes) will quickly lose its elasticity and beautiful shape. Many women choose the sconces incorrectly and, accordingly, wear products that are not of their size, which can be very tight, rubbing the skin heavily. Another option is that a large sconce, not in size, will not fulfill its original mission.
When creating sports sconces, manufacturers use fabrics that pass moisture well and allow the skin to breathe. It is unlikely that even the most beautiful and high-quality lace bras can be compared with sports underwear according to these parameters.

How to choose the perfect sports bra

  Sports models made of “breathing” fabrics significantly outperform other models that use natural, but not durable materials. It is important to understand that sportswear is not designed for too long use, and the bra, even in the most luxurious quality, wears out the fastest. Synthetic fabrics with enhanced performance and adaptation to the needs of the human body are ideal. The main advantages are wear resistance and compliance with all hygiene requirements. The fabric is light and pleasant to the body. Products are convenient to wash, they dry quickly and do not need any additional processing. Here are a few rules to help you buy a truly suitable sports bra:
  • When choosing, always pay attention to the label where the type of product is written according to the load level;
  • Before purchasing a product you like, it is worth trying on;
  • Wearing a sconce, you need to make several active movements, simulating a workout, in order to understand how the breast shape repeats and protects the bust model in motion.
  The new sports sconce should be comfortable. This is perhaps the most important criterion.

Some more important nuances

The perfect sports bra should make any workout comfortable. It will protect the chest from the appearance of stretch marks and other defects. The maximum period of operation is 6 months. After this period, the sports accessory must be replaced with another bra. In principle, a sconce may become wearable earlier. For example, if a girl went to the gym with the aim of losing weight. After a couple of months of intensive training, the results will be noticeable not only visually, but old clothes will also seem too spacious. In addition, everyone knows that in the first place, the chest is losing weight, the volume of the back, arms and buttocks is changing. Last but not least, the stomach is losing weight. However, this measurement, as a rule, does not affect the parameters of a sports bra.

Women and sports for a very long period of time were considered incompatible concepts. Only in the 19th century did physical training lessons gradually appear in women's educational institutions.  For these classes, special gymnastic clothing in the “Turkish” style was introduced: loose trousers, gathered at the ankles and worn under a loose skirt, tightened at the waist. Fashion dictated to women modesty and severity at the expense of comfort, which is so important for athletes.

In the mid-1920s, dramatic changes took place in women's everyday clothes: skirts became shorter, the suit became more free and informal, and shorts appeared in the 1930s. Further, sportswear develops parallel to everyday. However, the most dramatic changes in it occurred, of course, after the invention of new elastic tissues. Sportswear is becoming more and more comfortable.

  And since we have already talked about comfort, it will be important to recall such a detail of a woman’s sports image as a sports bra!

Features of sports bras

And so, what is special about it and why do we need it?

Sports activities involve active movements, including jumping, running and other various exercises. The chest does not consist of muscles, but of adipose and connective tissue, so it is quite easy to deform during stress!At the same time, it is almost impossible to restore the previous breast shape. An ordinary bra will not be able to provide such support, as it is not designed for active physical activity and has a more decorative character. Moreover, the materials do not allow as much air as is needed for sports, and I can rub my bones and fasteners.

Positive properties of sports bras:

  • High supporting abilitydue to which the bra fixes the chest.
      Such underwear does not constrain movements, does not crush blood vessels, and does not interfere with breathing.
  • The materials that make up sports bras absorb moisture, allow the skin to breathe and do not cause allergies.
  • Most often they are seamless, and this means that they will not press and rub.
  • As with regular bras, straps are adjustablethat allows you to "customize" underwear.
  • High strengthnew, soft and supple.

Pay attention to the composition

The fabric of which the sports bra is made must be resilient, while absorbing moisture well, removing it to the outside and allowing the skin to breathe!

To achieve this result, developers and manufacturers combine different types of materials. Most often it is polyester, Elastane, Meryl, Tactel, Sapplex:

  • Polyester  in sports bras is responsible for good skin ventilation,
  • Elastane  - for elasticity and durability of linen.
  • Meryl and the Tactel  quickly evaporate moisture and do not stick to the body.
  • Sapplex  It is similar to cotton, but at the same time it is very strong and elastic, it perfectly passes moisture. With proper care, these materials are reasonably stable and durable.
  • Cotton- Not the most suitable fabric for sports bras, as it absorbs moisture and retains it in itself, preventing the skin from breathing. In addition, it does not provide the necessary elasticity. In addition, it wears out quickly. Pure cotton is only suitable if your physical activity is light and you do not sweat.

Classification of sports bras

1. By tailoring features

  • Bra top by the principle of squeezing.  To provide protection against shaking, squeezing and leveling the chest are used here. It is usually pulled over the head. The straps on the back look as if they were sewn together. Suitable for women with cup sizes AA, A, B. Women with a large breast size such a bra can crush.
  • Encapsulation Bra  (with integrated cups). Suitable for women with cup sizes C and above. Usually have adjustable shoulder straps.

2. By the degree of support - it depends on the chosen sport

Low degree of support (light category low impact) . Designed for training with a small load: yoga, Pilates, stretching, dancing, walking, training on simulators, rollerblading, ice skating, cycling. Medium support (middle category Medium) . Running, shaping, fitness, aerobics, tennis. Increased support (heavy category, high impact) . Designed for intense physical exertion such as weightlifting, tai-bo, martial arts, horseback riding, and also suitable for jogging.

3. By labeling or functionality

  • Molded cups  - The reinforced inner surface of the bra allows you to hold your chest while jumping and running.
  • Moisture wicking  - Consists of materials that absorb moisture and prevent it from lingering on the skin, but allow it to breathe. Do not cause skin irritation.
  • Off-set seams  - The bra is made without seams for people with sensitive skin.
  • Compression  - Especially for women with voluminous breasts, such bras provide enhanced support for the bust.
  • Anti-microbial  - There is a layer of tissue with antibacterial treatment, which will protect against the spread of microbes, and therefore unpleasant odors, redness and small rashes.

How to choose the size of a sports bra?

First of all, you need to determine your size. The size of the bra is marked with numbers and a Latin letter. The numbers indicate - the circumference under the chest, and the size of the cup - in letters.

Women's Bra Size Chart

Bra sizes

Chest circumference (cm)

Chest circumference (cm)

International size

UK size UK

The difference between the chest girth and the girth under the chest will correspond to the completeness of the cups. We look at the table:

Difference cm

Cup fullness

12-14 cm size A
14-16 cm size B
16-18 cm size C
18-20 cm size D
20-22 cm size E
22-24 cm size F

Trying on a bra, jump and make some movements typical for sports. So you feel the bra “in action”. The straps should be wide and not slip off the shoulders. The seams should be covered with a lining, and there should be no seams on the nipple line at all. For girls with a bust of size C and more, it is also very important that the tape passing under the breast is wide enough, elastic and soft.

Running and fitness bras

These are usually medium to high support bras.. It depends on the intensity of your exercises and the size of your chest. Girls with larger breasts for jumping and running are better off choosing a bra with a high degree of support. However, no descriptions will say what is best for you, other than your own feelings. After all, the main criterion for a sports bra is comfort.


Each company prefers its materials and technologies for sewing running and fitness bras:

The number of technologies used can boast and Adidas . ClimaCool  - “climate control” technology maintains optimal body temperature and air ventilation during training, and ClimaLite material absorbs moisture perfectly. Technology Techfitprovides optimal compression and load distribution over the entire bust.

Many believe that you can train in at least one T-shirt. But this is a fallacy. We will tell you how a sconce helps in different types of training, as well as help you choose the right option.

What do we need from a sports bra? It is correct that he fixes the chest, restricting its movement, thereby protecting the Cooper ligaments from stretching. In order to do this in a qualitative manner, it is necessary to close the chest as much as possible - because an insufficient coverage area, as in conventional bras, will not give the degree of fixation that is needed for physical activity. Therefore, there’s advice number one right away: the more voluminous your chest and the more intense your physical activity, the more you need to choose a closed bra.

SO WHAT ARE THE PROS OF USE?

The sconce is a special sports bra. The fact is that in the upper zone of the chest there are no muscles that would effectively hold it. And if in ordinary life it does not cause much discomfort, then in the gym can bring a lot of inconvenience. Sports sconces provide the necessary tightening and keep the ligaments from stretching.

WHAT ARE BRAC MODELS AT ALL?

They can be divided into three types, the main feature of which is the degree of support:

  • Minimum
  • Medium
  • Maximum

When choosing one of the three types, the intensity and type of sports, as well as the size of the chest, are taken into account.

Minimum level of support  best suited for yoga or Pilates classes, where maximum freedom of movement is required.

Medium and maximum levels  - for active sports (running, jumping, cardio).

If your sports activity is divided into both calm and intense training, then an excellent solution would be to purchase a model with universal support. Thanks to a special material, which in most cases is represented by a hybrid of polymer and foam, any classes will be held comfortably. With strong pressure on the inner surface, the material becomes denser, and in ordinary time stretches.

WHAT SHOULD BE A GOOD BRA FOR SPORTS?

Firstly, it must be made of dense multilayer fabric, which is poorly stretched.It will give the necessary support and will absorb sweat, removing it from contact with the skin - so that you are comfortable during exercise. Hygroscopicity and speed of drying are the key characteristics of a fabric for a sports bra.

Secondly, a good sports bra will definitely have wide inelastic straps  - such distribute the weight more evenly.

Thirdly, in order to provide maximum support, a good sports bra will have wide belt and several rows of hooks- This is the "base" for breast support. In any bra, the chest weight should be 90% worn by a belt, and only 10% should have a strap.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE SIZE?

Do not be lazy before buying, be sure to wear the purchased model. Try to move around, understand whether it is convenient for you in this bra, whether your chest is well fixed. If the sconce also rises when raising the hand, then you need to take a size smaller, if it fetters movement, try on a larger size. Also note that the cup (if any) is comfortable.

As you can see, there’s nothing complicated in choosing a sconce! The main thing is to select a model with an understanding of its further application and not be fooled by the fashion. Be fit!

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A sports bra (also called a top or sconce) is a necessary attribute of the wardrobe of a girl or woman who is actively involved in sports. He should not impede movement when performing physical exertion, and at the same time he must keep his chest motionless.

Features

A sports bust is a wardrobe item that is a must for a modern woman with an active lifestyle. A sports bra while wearing allows you to feel comfortable, and also protects the female breast from sagging and the appearance of stretch marks.

This type of underwear can be used not only during periods of intense training. With the intention of protecting your breasts from unwanted influences, you need to wear similar underwear when doing dance, gymnastics, yoga, while running or walking.

A sports bra looks like a tight-chest-top top with wide straps crossed at the back. Most often, a brand of one or another sports brand is present on it. If you are confused by the appearance of the bodice, you can safely put it on under a sports top or T-shirt. A sports sconce can be replaced with an ordinary bra or silicone cups, but for the sake of comfort during sports, this should not be done.

Material

In the process of manufacturing a sports bra, materials are used that allow air to pass through and remove moisture. Such materials are also used to create other sportswear: t-shirts, tops, leggings.

Good sports jersey consists of two layers:

  1. The first (closely adjacent to the body) is a hygroscopic material that rapidly passes moisture and does not allow it to collect and irritate the skin.
  2. The outer layer (usually denser) allows the sweat to gradually evaporate without causing inconvenience.

In order to protect your body from allergic reactions, a special hypoallergenic material is used when sewing. On the shelves of store windows, you can often see sports bras made of cotton.

Cotton fabric has several disadvantages:

  • Quick wetting (and on this basis - an unpleasant odor);
  • The fabric becomes heavy;
  • Cotton will not provide the necessary support for the chest during intensive exercise;
  • Cotton products are rapidly losing shape.

Mainly, the fabric of which the sports bra is made should be practically weightless and immediately remove excess fluid.

Models

The main task of sportswear is to create conditions for maximum maintenance of the breast at rest due to the compression effect (compression - pressure, compression).

There are several varieties:

  • Weak support (bicycle, gymnastics, Pilates);

  • Medium support (skating, rollerblading, skiing, dancing);

  • Strong support (running, aerobics, fitness, horseback riding, zumba, tai-bo).

Be sure to try on the product before buying. In the process of trying, you do not need to stand still, instead wave your hands, jump, bend your back. Stop your choice on a model that will not rub or crush the skin, and in addition will hold your chest tightly.

Also, when buying, carefully read the product label. It contains information on the degree of comfort of linen.

The fabric designation may be as follows:

  1. Moisture Wicking - The bra is made of moisture-absorbing material. It is recommended to wear it during exercise of any intensity;
  2. Anti-Microbial - such a bra is sewn from a cloth, which is saturated with a special antibacterial substance. For those who sweat a lot, such a bra will prevent the formation of a bad smell. This underwear is worn when performing exercises of a high degree of intensity;
  3. Compression is a bodice with a strong holding effect. It holds breasts better than others and is great for women with a large bust. For convenience, models of bras of this type are often equipped with a front closure. Representatives of a breast size less than a third do not need to purchase a bra of this kind;
  4. Off-Set Seams is a seam-free underwear. It is recommended to be worn by people with thin and sensitive skin, since this type of bustier leaves no residue and does not injure the skin;
  5. Molded Cups - sports underwear with shaped cups. Such a bra is most often used during aerobics or jogging. He holds the chest well and does not allow her to oscillate during movement. Often bras of this kind have a push-up effect. Basically, an insert that creates a push-up effect can be removed.

A tank top with an internal bra is another option for sports underwear. In most cases, this underwear is worn when they plan to play sports. In turn, such a thing will be very convenient for ladies in position, as well as for breastfeeding mothers. A shirt with a bra inserted into it is a practical and useful thing.

The structure of the sports undershirt-bra is created taking into account the structural features of the female body, and moreover, it takes into account the diverse position of the body during physical exertion. The cut of this type of clothing should not impede the execution of swings and lifts with your hands, body turns and other physical exercises.

A sports bra often has the appearance of a top with two tabs for additional breast support and minor modeling. As a result, the small bust will be tightly fixed and slightly enlarged.

Mens bras for pregnant girls and nursing mothers help them adjust to changing body shapes. This type of underwear provides free access to the mother’s breast. T-shirts with built-in bras are many times more convenient than regular t-shirts, because they combine a T-shirt and a bra. Before breastfeeding, the mother can quickly and effortlessly unfasten the cup thanks to special fasteners.

Popular brands

At that moment, when you have to make a choice of sportswear, it is recommended to focus on the products of famous sports brands and labels that produce only sportswear. These companies conduct research in the field of sports, so their prototypes are made of the latest materials using the latest technology.

  • Nike and Adidas (Nike and Adidas) are favorites among sports brands. They offer a variety of models for sports.

  • Shock Absorber - If you plan to actively engage in jogging, then choose a bra of this brand. Brassieres of this brand hold the necessary temperature inside, thereby not overheating the chest.

  • Reebok (Reebok) is a brand that produces very high-quality, but also relatively expensive sportswear.

  • Sports bras with built-in panache cups (Panash) are designed mainly for owners of a large bust. They will provide good support even to the 4th and 5th sizes of the breasts, and the unique translucent insert between the cups will give sharpness.

When choosing a sports bra, it is also recommended to pay attention to such well-known brands as: decathlon, enel, anita, freya, his, tuulik org, calvin klein, triumph, puma, anita, triaction hybrid lite p.

Color schemes

Among the variety of models of sportswear there are various color schemes, ranging from beige to bright acid colors.

If you have fair skin - pay attention to linen in pastel shades (pale pink, pale blue, ash pink.) If you are a representative of dark skin, then you can safely prefer bright, rich shades (red, purple, lime) .

How to choose?

Depending on which sport you prefer, the choice of a particular model of sports bra depends on:

  • The degree of breast fixation depends on the frequency of sports. (See p. Models) In high-quality products, the manufacturer indicates on the label the purpose of the product and the level of support for the breast. During the trial, you will notice the difference between the models.
  • Stylists advise choosing models with a wide chest line to keep her in good shape.
  • The straps should not be very stretched, otherwise they will quickly become unusable. Their width should be at least 2.5 cm.
  • Carefully study the cup structure. For maximum comfort, while the body is moving, the cups should move simultaneously with the chest. Sometimes additional inserts are added to them, which provide even greater fixation of the chest.
  • The material from which the sports bra is made must be light, removing excess fluid.

If you want linen to serve you for a long time, you need proper care for it. In most cases, sports bras are machine washable, so try to stick to the right temperature and pick the right powder.

Sportswear dries quickly enough, so there is no need to dry it with hot air. If you are actively involved in sports, then you need to change the old bra to a new one approximately every six months.

Many people ask: is it possible to wear a sports bra every day? The answer is affirmative if it does not pull the chest out of proportion, and does not cause discomfort with prolonged wear. Doctors do not recommend wearing a bra for longer than 12 hours a day.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a sports bra, you should determine your size in advance. Bra size is indicated by numbers and a Latin letter. The girth under the chest is indicated by numbers, and the cup size by letters.