When it comes to exercise, support and comfort are key. We like to make sure we have the right equipment for our sporting activities and it’s equally important that when we exercise we are wearing a supportive bra that helps reduce the impact on our breasts.
With so many of us exercising now from running to aerobics, spin classes to tennis, football to netball, do you need to check your sports bra?
The list of questions go on with....are you even wearing a sports bra? When did you last change your sports bra? Are you still wearing the same sports wear you've had for years?
Regularly Check Your Sports Bra
So when do we need to check our sports bras?
- If you are exercising regularly then you need to routinely check your sports bras
- When taking up a new sport
- If you are starting exercise/ sport again after a break then check your old sports bra
It may be that you need to have a fitting and acquire a set of sportswear aimed at the sport you are taking up.
Signs That Your Sports Bra May Need Changing
Signs that your sports bras may need changing include:
- Too tight -The fit of the sports bra has changed and the sports bra has become too tight.
- Too loose- The fit of the sports bra has changed and the sports bra has become too loose.
- Bra band loose - If the bra band at the bottom is looser than it used to be.
- Fabric thinning or fraying - Look for signs of wear and tear -The fabric of the sports bra has become thin in places or is fraying around the band.
- Fabric resistance gone - The fabric resistance has gone. Do you have a bit more bounce as you are exercising? Perform a stretch test to check this by gently tugging the elastic straps and band. If you don't feel any resistance, then it may be time to get a new bra.
- Straps fall down or frayed - The straps fall down as they may have stretched out with washing a wear or have they started to fray from over wear and over washing.
- Colour changes - Has the fabric colour changed on your sports bra, has if faded or dulled.
- Stretching -The sports bra stretches vertically. You can do this by comparing your old bra with a new sports bra. Place a new sports bra on top of a similarly styled old one. If the old sports bra has a wider band and longer straps, then it's time to replace the bra with the new sports bra.
- Straps dig in - The straps dig into your shoulders, you may need a different size or different support from your sports bra.
- Type of sports bra - Are you wearing the right style of sports bra for the type of exercise - compression sports bras for low impact sports such as yoga and pilates or a medium or high impact sports bra for running or aerobics.
Washing & Drying Sports Bras
Some thing else that may also affect the wear and tear on the sports bra is how you wash and dry your sportswear. The more you wash your bra the quicker it can wear out. Handwashing your sports bra is helpful. Drying them in a machine can also damage the elastic and supportive nature of the fabric over time. Air drying sports bras can help prolong their life. Have a read of our blogpost with tips for washing and drying bras.
What Is A Sports Bra
A sports bra is a bra that gives support to help control the breasts so that they do not move about too much during sport. Most provide motion control as well as the ability to wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry.
It is particularly important to get the right support and fit from your bra when you are exercising. During your sporting activity the bra stretches and contracts as it absorbs the impact of the exercise.
Over time the fibres in the fabric and the elastic weaken. Then it is time for you to change your sports bra. It is important to check your sports bras regularly so that the bra can do an effective job of controlling and supporting the breasts during exercise.
So if you've not checked your sports bra in a while then put it on your to do list. Have a read of our ultimate guide to buying a sports bra with tips and sports bra recommendations.
Recommended Underwired Sports Bra
One of our favourite underwired sports bra is the Elomi Energise Sports Bra.
A super soft sports bra that’s not only kind to your skin, but the full cup bra features an underwire that gives you optimum support. Designed specifically for high impact activities, this bra is one of our best sellers and features a revolutionary underwire construction which finishes below the neck edge of the bra, allowing extra supportive bust separation. The cup itself is made up of four different sections and includes extra side support and sweat wicking materials. As an added bonus, this bra also features a jay hook which allows the wearer to choose between straight straps or racer back designs. In navy, black, nude, vintage denim and white in cup sizes D to K.
Louise said, "The band is wide & comfortable with 4 hooks. The J hook on the straps provides extra support and stability. The cups are snug, well made and give good coverage over the chest."
This is such a popular sports bra that we have also added to the collection the Energise Print Underwired Sports Bra.
Recommended Non Wired Sports Bra
One of our favourite non wired sports bras is the KATE SOFT CUP SPORTS BRA - PRODUCT CODE 6028
A super supportive non wired sports bra available in black or white in cup sizes D to N. A best seller.
KEY FEATURES OF THE KATE NON WIRED SPORTS BRA
- Non wired soft cup bra for comfort
- Side support panels for added shaping and control
- Upper cups are layered with tulle which moulds to your body extra for comfort
- Made from breathable moisture control fabric
- Wide padded straps for extra comfort and to reduce shoulder pain
- Adjustable straps to aid fit and comfort
- Full cup to help encase the bust to give a good fit, support and shape
WHY WE LOVE THE KATE WIREFREE SPORTS BRA
- It's a super supportive sports bra
- Comfortable for everyday wear as well as comfortable when exercising
- Made from breathable moisture control fabric, so ideal when exercising
- Wide comfort straps to stop strap slippage and padding for extra comfort
- In a wide range of sizes up to N cup
- Ulla Kate is our best selling sports collection for the fuller bust
- Up to an N cup
- Up to back size 56
- Washes well
- Non wired and underwired versions. Ulla Dessous also have a wired version the Kate Underwired Sports bra which is available in black or white sizes 32 - 56, cups D-L.
This is a very popular sports bra and comes in cup sizes D to N in black or white. This Kate soft cup sports bra is a firm favourite and an excellent bra for support and comfort.
If you would like any help finding well fitting and comfortable active wear and sports bra then please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we will be happy to help.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
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Written by AmpleBosom 14/09/2019 and edited 04/06/2024.