How to choose a sports bra

A well-fitting sports bra reduces breast movement, minimizes excessive bouncing, and does not distract from your chosen activity. A bra that isn’t fitted well can cause soreness, chafing and pain, and soft tissue damage. This discomfort or pain can be a barrier for some women to exercise.

Although sports bra fitting isn’t an exact science, we will give you some tips to help you find the perfect bra for your activity and size. Bra sizes vary between brands, and there is no standard. Try different brands, sizes, and styles at a store until the bra fits you best. You can contact us by live chat or phone to get help from an REI sales associate at the nearest store.

How to find a sports bra for any activity

First, consider what type of activity you will engage in to determine the right level of bra support. Sports bras can provide support at three levels depending on the sport’s impact. You’ll need more support if you have a high-impact sport (more jumping, bouncing or intense movements). It is easier to identify sports bras from brands by their impact level.

You will need more support for high-impact activities like running, mountain biking, or aerobics. This avoids excessive breast movement, which can cause discomfort and pain. You may not require as much support for low-impact activities like yoga and walking, which involve less intense movements. Women with larger breasts may need more support for low- and medium-impact activities. The best sports bra fits well, feels comfortable, and suits your style and preferences.

How to Find Your Sports Bra Size

While sports bras might fit slightly smaller than regular bras, your overall size will likely be the same. Don’t size down when you purchase a sports bra. Each time you buy a sports bra, calculate your bra size. Over your life, your bra size may change many times. The bra size will change with age, weight gain, hormones, and pregnancy.

Below is a guideline to help you measure yourself if you haven’t done so recently. This is a good starting point.

To get started, you will need a soft tape measure. You can wear a non-padded bra that doesn’t alter the shape of your breasts or measure without a bra.

Measure your rib cage.

Measure from your bust to your rib cage. Round to the nearest inch. This is your ribcage measurement. You’ll need this to calculate your band size and cup size.

Find your ideal band size.

To find the right size band, measure your rib cage from step 1.

How to ensure a sports bra fits well

Once you have determined your approximate band and cup size, it is time to try on different styles and brands of sports bras to see how they fit. This can be done in person at a shop if possible.

To help you choose the right bra for you, we recommend you consult the size chart with the bra you are looking at. 

While your sports bra should fit slightly tighter than your everyday bras, you should still be able to breathe comfortably and deeply.

bcrsa