How to choose the perfect sports bra

The first rule in fighting gravity: Exercise increases the stakes. Running strides cause breasts to move up and down, sideways and inwardly, creating a butterfly-like pattern. The average A cup moves about an inch and a half in each direction. A D cup bounces between two and three inches.

Breasts are composed of soft tissue, which is not muscle. What holds them up are the surrounding skin and Cooper’s ligaments. These are a network of springy coils that can rebound until gravity, jumping, genetics and gravity catch up to them. Scurr states that breasts can droop if they are subject to permanent stretching.

These expert tips help you choose the right sports bra for your body.

How to find the perfect sports bra

We asked top bra-fitting professionals for their most common mistakes in choosing a sports bra. They unanimously said that a smaller cup and a larger band are better than you need. Nearly all of the testers who went to Linda’s Bra Salon in New York City for fittings had a smaller band and a larger cup than they needed.

How to choose the perfect sports bra

Encapsulation or compression?

• CompressionShelf bras are suitable for smaller cups (A and B) or low-to-moderate-impact workouts.
• Encapsulation –Sports bras have individual cups that are more comfortable for larger-breasted women, according to Scurr’s research.

Wide straps or racerback?

• Racerback – The straps cinch in the back and anchor the bra closer to the body. This provides more support.
• Shoulder straps: Shoulder straps distribute weight more effectively than T-backs (key to larger cups) and are more likely adjustable and padded.

Pullover, back clasp or pullover?

• Pullover –Tank styles usually cover the back more than clasps. However, allover stretch styles lack rigid front straps and adjustability. They also don’t support large chests.
• Back clasps: Clashes let you tighten your band, which provides 70% of the bra’s support. This is particularly important for larger breasts as they place greater demands on the bra’s support.

How to Find the Right Sports Bra

How does a sports bra fit? How do you ensure the bra on the rack will fit? (

Susan Sokolowski is senior innovation manager at Nike Beaverton, Oregon. She says that support comes from three points: the straps and cups and the band, which includes the side panels.

This is a great way to find the perfect sports bra.

1. Straps Hold the top of one strap, the centre of the cup and pull. They can be adjusted or not. The less flexible the front straps are, the better their motion control will provide.
2. Cups Repeat a similar stretch test. Tighten the top and bottom of each cup. The less you have, the better. Put on the bra. The cup should cover the entire breast, whether it is a compression or encapsulation bra. If it does not, you can choose the next bigger cup.
3. Side panels and band: Slide a finger underneath the band between your breasts. It should not extend beyond an inch from your chest. For an adjustable band style, place the clasp on the first eyelet. If you need to adjust the band, use the last eyelet. A smaller band will fit better. Next, extend your arms above the band. If it creeps up too much, it is too large. Both cases require you to choose a smaller size.

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