Why is having a good sports bra important for running?

The unique movement of running makes your breasts move in a figure eight, sometimes up and down as much as eight inches. This puts your Cooper's ligaments-the thin collection of connective tissue that helps support your breasts-under tremendous pressure. Without the right support, you are likely to feel sore and may cause lasting damage.

Sports scientists at the University of Portsmouth have studied how the breast tissues of ordinary bras and various sports bras are damaged when running. They found that low-to-medium impact sports bras can reduce bouncing, but they cannot effectively limit the left and right movements that occur during running.

In fact, their research shows that women change their running styles based on the type of bra they wear. Therefore, a good sports bra can not only provide you with important support, but also help you set up a new PB.

What level of support do I need?

Sports bras provide three different levels of support: low, medium and high impact. The type you need depends on your cup size and the type of exercise you are doing.

Low-intensity sports bra

Low-impact activities: walking, yoga, strength training.

Medium-impact activities: dancing, skiing, cycling.

Structure: Mid-to-low impact sports bras usually use a cupless design, which restricts movement by pressing the breasts close to the chest wall.

High-intensity sports bra

High-intensity activities: running, aerobics, mountain biking.

Structure: High-impact bras are made with a clear cup structure—similar to ordinary bras—to wrap and support each breast.

Some high-impact bras will combine packaging and compression methods to maximize support.

Sports bra fitting guide

Step 1: Rib measurement: Measure around your ribs, just below your breasts. The tape measure should fit snugly, but loose enough to put two fingers underneath. Round down to the nearest full inch.

Step 2: According to your bust size, use the table below to find the corresponding strap size.

Step 3: Bust measurement: Measure the fullest part of the breast. Likewise, the tape measure should fit snugly, but not too tight to restrict breathing.

Step 4: Subtract your bust size from your bust size. The difference is your cup size. If your size is between the two, please round up.

Tips for getting a perfect fit

Even if you have your own size, finding the right sports bra can be tricky and usually requires you to try several different sizes and brands. Here are some tips for getting a perfect fit...

Slim but not too tight: a sports bra should fit better than a regular bra, but it should not restrict breathing; you should be able to place two fingers between the shoulder strap and shoulder.

Wrinkles are not good: the fabric of the cup should be smooth. Wrinkles in the fabric usually indicate that the cup is too large. On the contrary, if you overflow from the cup, it is too small.

Pay attention to the gaps: any underwire should lay flat on the ribs below the thoracic tissue and should not be pinched or dug in.

Adjust the shoulder straps: raise your hands above your head. If the strap rises, it usually indicates that it is too large, although the shoulder strap or back seal may need to be adjusted.

Walk around: Before buying a bra, jump around and swing your arms—(It's best to do this in the locker room or where no one can see you). If you feel pain or discomfort, try other sports bras.

How long can I wear a sports bra?

The sports bra will last about 30-40 washes, but the technical fabric will loosen with each cycle, reducing its effectiveness.

In order to make your bra longer in cold water, please avoid using fabric softeners and bleaching agents, and do not dry, because heat will accelerate the deterioration of elasticity. Instead, let it dry, and if your sports bra starts to rub or scratch, buy a new one.