The Bra Blog

4 Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your Sports Bras and How to Fix Them

16.06.2023

The humble sports bra isn’t something that should be viewed as a mere garment or accessory. It’s much more important and functional than you think, and should be treated with the same respect as any piece of workout equipment that you use.

You need proper support when performing any strenuous activity, and wearing a bad sports bra can lead to an entire host of problems beyond pain and discomfort.

Your breasts contain no muscle and are only held to your chest by skin and fragile ligaments, and not giving them the support that they need can damage those ligaments, which can cause both long and short-term damage.

Below are some of the most common mistakes that you might be making with your sports bras and how to correct them:

Mistake #1: You think that your regular bra size is the same as your sports bra size

One of the most common misconceptions that women have about sports bras is that their daily bra size has to be the same as the size of the sports bra that they should wear. And while this may be the case for some women, it decidedly isn’t for all women.

The truth of the matter is that every bra fits differently, and the sports bra that you choose to wear should fit perfectly. The sports bra, after all, should serve a function, first and foremost, and that is to provide support to your breasts when you’re exercising.

Your regular bra size should only be considered a starting point. To figure out what your sports bra size is, you may want to use an online sports bra size calculator, such as the one on our website. Alternatively, you may want to have your measurements taken by a professional fitter before purchasing any sports bras.

Mistake #2: You have a small bust and don’t think you need a sports bra

Another common misconception that most women share is that they don’t need to wear a sports bra to exercise if they have smaller breasts.

True enough, larger busts are heavier and need even more support. However, both small and large breasts need to be supported properly, especially when you’re performing demanding workouts. Small busts are still only held to the chest by skin and Cooper’s ligaments, and they will inevitably move and bounce around when you’re exercising. Not giving your small breasts the support that they need will cause those ligaments to stretch, and when they do, the damage is irreversible. This can lead not only to pain and discomfort, but also sagging over time.

Mistake #3: You don’t wear adjustable sports bras

Pullover bras seem great in the beginning. They offer unparalleled convenience, being easier to put on and take off after you’re done with your workout. However, there are a few significant downsides to wearing them.

Firstly, your body is constantly changing. You may gain weight or lose it; fluctuations in your hormones also mean that your breasts are rarely the same size from one month to the next.

The straps on a pullover sports bra can also start to feel looser after a while, because they lose their elasticity after a few runs in the laundry. Since those straps are essential to supporting the weight of your breasts and keeping the sports bra in place, you may find yourself feeling some pain in your chest after your workouts if you continue to wear worn-out pullover sports bras.

With adjustable sports bras, you won’t run into any of these issues. The adjustable sports bras that we offer here in our store feature multiple clasp configurations to accommodate changes in your torso, as well as adjustable straps that can be lengthened or shortened as needed.

Mistake #4: You don’t match your sports bra to your activity

Sports bras aren’t one-size-fits-all. Similarly, you shouldn’t wear the same sports bra for all your workouts, either. There are different sports bras for different types of activities, and you do yourself a favor when you wear the right ones for whatever workout you’re doing for that day.

Sports bras are generally offered with different kinds of support, often classified using the word “impact”. Here’s a brief overview:

Low impact sports bras are designed for workouts and activities where you won’t find your breasts bouncing too much. They’re also a great option for women with smaller busts. You can wear low impact sports bras for daily activities, such as running errands or going for a walk. Low impact sports bras are also suitable for gentle exercises, such as Pilates or yoga.

Medium impact sports bras offer an intermediate amount of support, usually by compressing the breasts. They’re a great choice for stationary cycling, hiking, or using the elliptical.
High impact sports bras offer the highest level of support and are designed for activities that involve a lot of movement that may cause the breasts to bounce more. They’re best for women who have larger cup sizes, as well as those who enjoy running, kickboxing, HIIT, or crossfit.

By following these straightforward tips, it should be easier to find the right sports bra for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a functional sports bra for low-impact activities like yoga, or an adjustable sports bra for high impact, intensive workouts, we have you covered! Take a look around our selection of activewear to find what you’re looking for!