The best sports bras for running all have the same thing in common. In the same way that runners need to know how running shoes fit to prevent injury, so should your sports bra.
Ill-fitting sports bras can leave you frustratedly tugging at your underwear mid-jog, but they can also impact your health. According to a study published in 2020 in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, excessive breast displacement during exercise can result in breast, shoulder, and back pain, and can even negatively affect your running biomechanics.
There are no muscles in your breasts, which means there is very little internal structural support, as well as your skin and the cooper's ligaments, which are responsible for all the shape and support in your breasts. When the skin and ligaments become stretched, there is no going back, and you will start to notice that. That's why the best sports bras for runners are important.
According to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 85% of women don't know their bra size, so finding the perfect fit is more important.
It's time to find a sports bra that works for you. Pick up some of the best running watches to track your next workout, and read our tried and tested guide to the best sports bras for running, if you want to boost your bust and performance.
Each sports bra is tested through a series of procedures. We looked at how easy it was to get on and adjust the bra, and then we looked at the level of difficulty. The breasts stayed in place after we did a bounce test. A mixture of shorter, interval sessions, relaxed short runs and longer runs were included in the three different running sessions that each sports bra was worn for. We washed each bra as per the care instructions, after testing it with and without chafe gel.
The breast health expert Dr Scurr and the University of Portsmouth, UK, collaborated with Under Armour to create a bra that works around the way breasts move while in motion. Most sports bras are made by cutting two breast-shaped cups from flat padding, then gluing and layers of foam on top, and then injecting the foam with liquid to create a natural shape that is supposed to move with the breasts. We found that the bra fit around the breasts well and seemed to mold with the body's natural shape and movement.
The Infinity High bra has a smooth, sweat-wicking band that secures with a hook and eye closure. The elastic straps were easy to adjust, and it was one of the easiest bras to get on. We tested the bra with and without gel, and found that neither the strap nor band dug in or left any visible marks.
The bra of choice for one tester's latest marathon was the Infinity High, despite its high impact support. The dash pink/french gray design can leave sweat marks on the band after a hard session. The cups are cut high under the arms, which may not be a good look for some.
If you are relatively small-chested, the support from the high bra may not be necessary. For those with a cup size above a C, this is a fantastic running bra that provides an impressive level of support, without feeling suffocating.
The most surprising sports bra we tested was the Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0. It was designed in conjunction with researchers at the Institute for Breast Health at the University of Pompey. The results speak for themselves.
DriLayer Horsepower fabric is stretchy and sweat-wicking. The band closes with a hook and eye and the straps can be adjusted with swan hooks. The Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 has nine hook options, which allows for more variability if you are broad shouldered. Despite the band claiming to be longer and stronger than the previous model, we did find that the size ran slightly small, so you might want to opt for a larger band size if you don't enjoy quite so much compression.
The design is simple and clean, and sits under a running vest or t-shirt. We tested the bra on a long run and found that it didn't rub or dig into the skin. The skin was able to breathe easily.
The cups are built into the bra so you don't have to worry about them folding in the wash. We found that they provided the right amount of padding to create a flattering fit.
The Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 isn't the most stylish design, but it is a fuss-free sports bra for running that offers just the right amount of support.
It is clear that the brand took two years to develop, despite the fact that the Enlite is an investment. It is made from the brand Ultralu, which is soft and smooth, and we found it easy to sweat away during a tough session. It's slightly heavier than other bras we tried and the cups feel a lot more padded, so if you're a little smaller chested you may find this a little overkill.
It was difficult to fasten the bra up. The chest band is very tight, which can leave you wondering if you should have sized up. You will be grateful for the tension in the band because your breasts stay nicely in place once you have the hook and eye in place. The initial concern was that the straps weren't adjusted. We didn't find this to be a problem once the bra was on.
During interval sessions and longer runs, we found that the Enlite provided an excellent level of support, with breasts feeling secure but not restricted. No disrespect was shown.
The Enlite has a scooped neckline. You can get the navy in black, grey and speckle grey black. The cups are non-removal, which is a bonus for those who can't stand rogue pads getting lost in their washing machine. It is suitable for those with an E cup and also caters for a wide range of sizes.
If you can afford it, the Lululemon Enlite is a high-quality bra that can hold up to any running session.
The Ultimate Run Bra from Shock Absorber is known for delivering high-impact support regardless of your chest size. This was one of the easiest bras to get on in our tests. It's great for larger breasts who can't get bras over their head because of the full back opening and hook and eye band. On its website, Shock Absorber suggests trying a band size up from your normal size. If you wear a 34D, it recommends a 36D. The bra came up a little small, but we found it to be true.
The Ultimate Run Bra is designed for runners. During an intense interval session, we found that the breasts held firmly in place. The Y-cut back makes it really comfortable to wear.
The Ultimate Run Bra is available in a few different colors, including pink/purple and waterfall purple. The fabric has a silky feel. It's a great option for those with large breasts because it's available up to a size 38G.
One of the best sports bras for running is the Ultimate Run Bra from Shock Absorber.
The FastImpact Luxe was one of the most unusual sports bras we tested. It pulls on over the head like a compression bra, but instead of a traditional hook and eye closure, it has swan hooks on the elastic chest band and straps. You can change the fit and shape of it.
The FastImpact Luxe is difficult to get on for those with larger breasts. Difficult figuring out how the bra works and adjusting it to the right size is cited by other user reviews. The breasts are held firmly in place once it is on and it is an incredibly comfortable fit.
The material is where the FastImpact Luxe excelled. The bra is made from at least 60% recycled material. It is available in four different colors and has a scoop neckline. This was one of the most flattering bras we tested. We were surprised to find that the orange design left no sweat marks, and the fabric was quite moist.
This bra is made from sustainable materials and has great support. It can be difficult to get on, so if you prefer minimal faff, a traditional encapsulation style running bra might be better for you.
The New Balance Fuel Bra provides medium- impact support, making it a great option for those with smaller breasts who don't need the extra support that an encapsulation style bra provides. While the bra promises to be a no bounce fit, we didn't find this to be true for larger breasts.
The fuel bra is pulling on the head. We didn't find this to be a problem with the overall fit because neither the band nor the straps can be adjusted. It does run small, so we recommend getting a bigger one. The fabric is very comfortable and uses New Balance's technology to ensure it is fast-drying and sweat-Absorbing. It sits well under a tank top or t-shirt, and we didn't experience any chaffing during our testing.
One of the most affordable options we tested was the bra, which is white, black and pink.
The fuel bra is a great option for those with smaller breasts who don't need high impact support, but those with a larger cup would be better off investing in something else.
There are three main types of sports bras to look out for, according to Jess Kitson, Brand Manager at Pocket Sport.
It is possible to find molded or encapsulated bras that have built-in cup support for added stability and comfort during exercise. The bra uses compression to hug your breasts to your chest and is ideal for women with smaller cup sizes. Both support and compression can be found in combination bras.
Charlotte Davies gave us some top tips on how to find the best sports bra.
There are many important elements to consider when looking for a sports bra. The correct materials will allow your breasts to move.
Davies emphasizes the importance of the correct size.
Davies says it's important to determine what level of support you need. Those practicing yoga should choose a sports bra that has plenty of room to stretch with no fastenings on the back.
If your focus is on high-intensity exercise, we recommend choosing a sports bra that offers maximum support.
Kitson encourages choosing a bra with thicker straps, more fabric, and a thicker band around the ribcage.
A combination of compression and encapsulation in sports bras can provide more comfort and support for the wearer and help to prevent movement in different directions during high-intensity exercise.
The larger the cup size, the more support you will need. The less support you need, the smaller your bust is.
It's ideal for large breasts to have a combination of compression and encapsulation, as it provides the same amount of support and movement as high-intensity exercise.
A high-compression sports bra is a great investment for people with bigger busts who want to prevent back pain and improve posture.
She says that back clasp bras are great for women who want to adjust the fit of their sports bra.
How often you need to change your bra depends on how often you wear it. The more active you are, the more often you need to change your sports bras.
It's most likely time for the bin if you begin to notice signs of wear and tear. Increased movement during exercise also indicates a lack of support, and while tightening your bra might give it a little longevity boost, it's usually a sign that your bra is reaching its sell-by.
It's time to invest if you lose shape in the cups. Your body can change in many ways, including through aging, weight fluctuations, and hormonal shifts, so it's crucial to update your bras in line with any changes to your body to ensure you have a properly fitting bra.
Steele, Julie R., and McGhee are related.
Optimising breast support in female patients through correct bra fit is the work of Deirdre E McGhee and Julie R Steele. A cross-sectional study was accessed in May.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
