Sports Bra for Better Support
Sports bra is a brassiere that provides firm support for the breasts. It is intended for wear during vigorous exercise that might cause the breasts to bounce around. In this way, it prevents discomfort and embarrassment during exercise.
Sports bras are sturdier than regular bras and offer greater support for the chest, thus increasing comfort and reducing the chance of damage to the ligaments of the chest during high-impact exercises, such as jogging. Sports bras are helpful for easing pain and discomfort or embarrassment. Some sports bras are meant to be worn as outerwear, such as for running or track events.
Some sports bra designs use gel and water pads, silver fibres, and air bags. A stitchless bra is molded, compressed, and shaped. Other bras are knitted in circular patterns, giving varying stretch and support. A common basis is a stretchable, absorbent fabric such as lycra, and is designed to draw perspiration away from the skin to reduce irritation.
Sports bra can be classified into either encapsulation brassieres (with molded cups), or compression brassieres that restrict movement by flattening the breasts. Encapsulation is generally better for reducing discomfort; some women prefer compression designs for modesty.
A British study found that breasts move in three planes of motion during exercise. This study concluded that encapsulation bras are more effective than compression bras at reducing total breast motion during exercise because encapsulation bras reduce motion in two of the three planes, while compression bras reduce motion in only one plane.
The advantages of a sports bra as compared to the regular one:
- Most sports bra manufacturers offer T-back or racer-back designs that keep the straps from slipping off the shoulders. Wider straps can help distribute the weight, resulting in less digging-in.
- Motion can cause hooks to unhook, especially if wearing a backpack with a back-hooking bra. Sports bras are usually without hooks, they just slip on over the head.
- Many sports bras designed for workouts, training, or competition are mostly cotton. It is advised to look for a wicking fabric such as CoolMax or polypropylene in a sports bra.
- Where there is sweat and motion, there is chafing. A sports bra can prevent chafing by reducing the rubbing. Some sports bras put the seams on the outside to prevent chafing.
For most sports women, the sports bra is the most important piece of equipment they buy. However, many women still aren’t getting what they need out of their bra. This becomes especially problematic for women with large breasts. They might find it difficult to find a bra that supports and controls motion without too much constriction. However, these days sports bra come in plus sizes too.
For the smaller-breasted woman, the constriction of the average cotton/spandex sports bra can produce flattening rather than flattering results. Some sports bras are now coming with Wonderbra-like inserts and underwires to provide more shape.
Women who have had mastectomies have special needs. Whether to wear prosthesis, especially to provide balance as well as choosing a sports bra that will accommodate the prosthesis, becomes a consideration.