A well-fitting sports bra is a non-negotiable to truly advance in your fitness journey and give you the confidence to push further.
When chafing and discomfort come part and parcel with exercising, motivation to work out is, understandably, at an all-time low. But when you have a fuller bust, it’s an all too common experience.
According to ASICS, our busts move in a figure of eight when running, which is why a well-fitting sports bra is vital. Whether you are embarking on the daunting 26.2 miles of a marathon or jogging in the park, the optimal design will provide enough support to minimise bounce and maximise support, removing the potential for long-term damage.
While size ranges can be broad, high-intensity workouts call for a personalised fit, so look out for adjustable straps, moulded cups and hook-and-eye fastenings. Features like sweat-wicking fabrics and ventilation through mesh or perforations are worth considering too so you stay cool, calm and most importantly, dry as you start building on your movement and smashing your PBs. Low-impact movements have more flexibility in the support space and call for less compression and less importance on cups.
How to measure for a sports bra?
According to Molly Smyth, sports bra expert at runderwear, “First, you need to establish your underbust measurement. Start by wearing a non-padded bra, or go bra-free, and have a soft tape measure to hand. In front of a mirror, or with a friend to help, take your measurements in inches. Wrap the tape around your underbust, fitting it flat against your skin, ensuring it doesn’t dip at the back. The tape should feel snug and secure.
“Now for your overbust – wrap the tape snug and secure around the fullest part of your bust, sitting flat with no dip at the back. As a general rule of thumb, underbust measurement plus 4 will be your band size. For your cup size, subtract underbust from overbust – the difference will be your cup size, eg a difference of 3 inches = C cup, 4” = D Cup. You can do this with ease using the runderwear Bra Calculator.”
How should a sports bra fit?
Smyth explains, “Finding the perfect fit for your bra is vital for performance and comfort, especially for active women. It’s important that the band fits snugly around your ribcage; it should be firm but not restrictive. You should be able to slip only one or two fingers underneath the band. The straps should be adjusted to stay in place so as not to dig into your shoulders. This will offer additional support but no discomfort”.
Why does my sports bra keep rolling up?
If you find this to be the case, Smyth reveals, “Support from a bra comes from the underband – this should feel snug. If it rides up your back, the underband is likely too big. Try it on the tightest hook or size down”.
Are there any features to look for bigger busts?
“For larger breasts or high-impact activities, we recommend a high neckline to reduce bounce and a fully opening back to make it easy to take on and off”, says the expert. “Shoulder straps should be wide and fully adjustable. A well-fitted bra can significantly enhance your day-to-day comfort, but importantly for exercise, be it running or a high-impact workout, by reducing bounce and preventing chafe”.
Shop the best sports bras for larger busts below