Women, Here’s A Guide That Will Help You Select The Perfect Sports Bra For Every Workout Session

Hitting the gym for the first time can be exciting and daunting at the same time. In this fitness journey, choosing the appropriate sports bra is a crucial step. A well-fitting sports bra provides essential support and comfort, allowing you to move freely and enjoy your workouts without discomfort.

From considering moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester to keep you dry and enhance breathability during workouts to choosing the bra according to the activity, here’s what to consider when selecting the perfect sports bra before planning to buy activewear and start your gym adventures.

1. Find Your Sports Bra SizeBra size changes several times over your lifetime due to body changes such as weight loss or gain, pregnancy, hormones and ageing. So, each time you purchase a new bra, don’t forget to calculate your bra size.
2. Measure your rib cage: Figure out your band and cup size by measuring around your rib cage just under your bust. Round down to the closest inch and get the measurement.
3. Figure out your cup size: Keep the tape straight across your back and measure around the fullest part of your bust. Round up to the nearest whole number to know your bust measurement. Now, subtract your rib cage measurement from your bust measurement. The difference in inches will be your cup size.
4. Know Your Activity: To find the proper level of bra support, first figure out the type of activity you’ll be practising. Depending on the impact level of the sport, these bras are usually designed to provide three levels of support: low, medium, and high.
5. Low Support: Low-support bras are sufficient for walking, yoga, stretching and strength training. These bras feature narrow straps and bands and a pullover style without band adjustment.
6. Medium Support: These bras suit medium-impact activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking. They feature wider bands and straps that restrict breast movement more than low-support bras. These are available in pullover or hook closure styles with compression or encapsulation for support.
7. High Support: Suited for activities like running, mountain biking, jumping jacks and intense workouts, these bras have wide sturdy bands and adjustable shoulder straps. They are available in band sizing with encapsulated cups, and hook-loop closures and provide a customised fit and secure closure mechanism.
8. Ensure a Sports Bra Fits Well The sports bra band should be snug but not suffocating. For the best fit, check that you can fit two fingers between your body and the band comfortably but not more.
9. Adjust the straps: Adjustable straps are a must for a customised fit. They shouldn’t dig into your shoulders and provide minimal stretch to reduce up-and-down movement.