- A sports bra is worn during exercise for support. Its purpose is to minimize the movement of the breast.
- Breasts are supported by Cooper’s Ligament, which is not a muscle. Frequent exercise without proper support breaks down the ligaments and can cause permanent sagging in your breasts.
- Wearing a sports bra can prevent damage to the breast tissue. According to Dr. Joanna Scurr, Principal Lecturer in Biomechanics from the University of Portsmouth, “Boobs move up to 21cm during exercise and they move up and down, in and out and from side to side.” “Many young women don’t understand the implications of making the wrong choice when it comes to breast support. Our research demonstrates that the correct/appropriate support reduces breast movement and associated pain and may reduce the risk of long term sag.”
- Sports bras are usually designed with wider straps and broad cup coverage. Manufacturers often categorise their sports bra line by the level of impact and exercise intensity. If you participate in various sports or exercise activity, you may need several different sports bras.
- Everyday bras are not designed to wick away sweat from your body hence making it very uncomfortable. Friction from the rubbing of your daily bra against your skin may cause skin irritation.
- A sports bra that supports your breasts allows you to engage in your sporting activities in comfort and confidence.
- 2 engineering concepts of sports bras:
1. The compression bra
It works like a bandage by compressing the breasts against the chest (normally creating a uniboob/monoboob). This design works well for A and B cup women.
2. The encapsulation bra
It encapsulates each breast. This style tends to look more like a traditional bra with full cup coverage. Looks better under clothes.
Some manufacturers have gone on to design a compression and encapsulation bra in one (eg. Pure Lime 0091 and 0092).
- Activity level
Low impact: general gymwear, yoga, pilates, weight training, etc.
Medium impact: running (if you are a cup A or B), cycling, aerobics, etc.
High impact: running, basketball, tennis, horseriding, etc.
Those with a D cup or larger might find sports bras for high impact suitable for all activity.
Glossary
Band size- a numeric indicator that represents the measurement needed to fit around the rib cage
Compression- this style presses the breast tissue close to the chest wall to limit motion. Usually works well for smaller A and B cup women, but generally doesn’t offer enough support or comfort for larger cups
Coolmax- made from tetra-channel fibres which draw moisture to the fabric’s surface and promote evaporation. Works best outdoors where there is airflow to evaporate body moisture
Cross-back- design feature allowing straps to convert to criss cross style on back
Cup size- the alpha indicator representing the necessary cup capacity to contain breast tissue
Elastane- another name for Spandex. Elastane/spandex are trade names of Lycra and Dorlastan
Encapsulation- refers to a bra that is engineered to surround and support each breast individually as well as giving shape. This structure helps to protect the breast tissue from horizontal, vertical and circular motion during sports activities
Keyhole- design feature that creates an arched opening in the centre back panel for the garment
M-frame- internal construction consisting of side support panels to restric horizontal movement of breast tissue, and a centre front panel that extends along the neckline, and sometimes into the strap, to restrict vertical movement of breast tissue
Polyamide- basic fibre-forming for nylon fibre. It is also the European term for nylon.
Supplex®- a hard wearing nylon thread that combines a cotton-like touch with superb fit, breathability and fast drying. Made by DuPont
Tactel Aquator- 2-ply material balances moisture and transfers it away from the skin. Voids dampness on the skin due to perspiration. Maintains its shape, is extremely durable and easy to clean. Made by DuPont.
