7 keys to choose your favorite sports bra
You should not only take into account the sport you are going to do but also your size, type of chest and even the vital moment in which you are.
Have you always used the typical sports top or need a new one but are you a little lost with so much offer? Quiet, we help you become an expert in sports bras and, above all, to feel really comfortable and safe during your training.
Aesthetics is surely the last aspect that you should look at when choosing a good sports bra. And it is not the same if you want to run, to do yoga or hiking. Luckily, there are currently sports bras for each breast and type of woman, even if you are breastfeeding, have prostheses or have had breast cancer. And pretty!
"There are two basic categories of sports bras: those that encapsulate the bust (in the glass) and those that offer compression," says Xavier Bustos, sports coach at Deporvillage. "The former are more comfortable, although many women prefer those that provide compression because they are firmer." As this expert says, to choose the right garment we must take into account the level of impact of the activities we do, our level of sensitivity and even factors such as age.
"There is no standard categorization of the level of firmness, this criterion depends a lot on the scope of the brand," says Bustos. But you will find specific clothes for each type of sport, such as running or fitness.
The 7 must to hit
Pilar de Gonzalo, marketing director of Selmark and teacher of yoga (@thenaturalyogui) gives us seven keys to hit the sports bra:
1. Size comes first. As De Gonzalo explains, the size of a sports bra is made up of two measures: the back contour, which is measured in centimeters and usually ranges from 80 to 105; and the chest cup, which is marked with letters (B, C, D and E) and corresponds to the size of the breast. “S, M and L size bras are too standard and do not guarantee perfect support. The size and cup (for example 90 C) ensure the optimal fit of the chest and reduce the movement guaranteeing safety against impact, ”he explains.
2. Do not wear a hoop. "The impact of the chest against the hoop can cause internal cardinals and breast discomfort." Underlines Pilar.
3. Choose it based on impact or sport. For low impact sports such as pilates or yoga, Pilar says that a medium support bra is enough. “Medium impact sports like riding or cycling require a firmer bra. For sports such as aerobics, basketball, mountain biking or running, where the bra has to counteract greater movement, the grip has to be maximum. ”
4. Ergonomic pattern. As the expert of Selmark explains, "the chest must remain separated so that it does not come together in the central part producing chafing with the movement and not guaranteeing full support."
5. Breathable and quick-drying material. De Gonzalo recommends choosing microfibers, "whose power of breathability and drying is much greater than that of cotton." "There is technology capable of evacuating perspiration keeping the chest always dry," he adds.
6. Lined closures and flat seams. As this expert says, technology is essential in a good sports bra, the garment has to be as “clean” as possible, avoiding thick seams, labels and closures in contact with the skin to avoid chafing and irritation.
7. Always try before buying. "Even if you already know your measurements you should not trust yourself," says de Gonzalo. "Not all brands or models are the same and you should try on your bra before purchasing it, and make sure that the part that joins the two cups touches your skin, although it should never press or hurt you." As Pilar explains, the cups should pick up the chest. “Check that the back strap, where it fastens, is not too high but practically at the same height as your chest. Finally, raise your arms and verify that the bra is still in place and does not move. And finally, make some jumps and see that the movement of your chest is almost nil. ” If everything is correct: Eureka! You have found your perfect sports bra.
How much will a good sports bra cost you? In the market you will find options from € 20 to more than € 100. But we do not recommend you to skimp on a garment on which the health of your chest depends.
Signs that that bra is not going well for you
As they say from Deporvillage, "the main sign that a sports bra is not doing well is comfort and although some compression bras may seem uncomfortable at first, that feeling cannot translate into discomfort," says Bustos. "You have to find the balance between support and stability, because this will affect our comfort, and even our breathing capacity."
On the other hand, as the expert of Deporvillage says, the bra can not be too loose or move. “This is why some models include silicone bands or special fibers at the edges to prevent slipping. It is also important that the strips do not cause damage; a thin strip tends to be more discreet but in turn it can be more "sharp" if used in high-impact activities, ”he says.
What is the most common mistake when choosing a sports bra? As Bustos says, "the most common mistake is the bad choice of size, so we must look carefully at the size guides of each manufacturer because they can change from one brand to another."
Finally, Bustos adds that you have to take good care of these garments, since "the salt of sweat and its use cause greater wear than that of traditional bras." "We must look carefully at the state of the fibers of the fabric and the durability of its properties, avoiding washing them with softeners that degrade it," he adds.
Special circumstances
If you have been through breast cancer, the Spanish lingerie firm Selmark has launched the Care line, which includes a specific sports bra to be able to incorporate prostheses thanks to its inner pockets. "These are garments made with the highest technology but, above all, with the greatest love and respect for women at this delicate time," says Pilar.
