The Mystery in Sports Bras
The Mystery in Sports Bras
Simply put, if you are a woman and active, you need a sports bra. Sports bras are designed to maximize the support of the breast and minimize the bounce. Because the breast's skin and ligaments don't provide ample support during activity, repeated vigorous motion increases the chance of overstretching and ultimately permanently sagging breasts.
Even if you have small breasts, you can greatly benefit from a properly fitting sports bra. Sports bras with poor support can lead to tension and strain in the upper back and neck. The excess weight at the front can mean the back muscles have to work harder to keep the shoulders in the correct position.
The problem with most sports bras is that they are made by “sports companies” who don’t necessarily know how to make a good fitting and performing bra.
Glamorise® has been making bras for over 75 years and finally two years ago decided that they would use their expertise to develop a sports bra. Today they offer three different sports bras made of a unique wicking material called Sorbtek™ styles 1006, 1206 front hook version of 1006 and back support 1005 and currently they are ready to announce their newest item this spring called Glamorise® Sport Max style 1207.
To pick the best sports bra for you, read on and find out what type of bra you think you need.
How much support do I need in my sports bra?
How much support you need depends on the activity you are engaged in. Take a look at this chart for help in choosing the best sports bras for you.
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Low Impact
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Walking
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Yoga
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Weight Training
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Medium Impact
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Cycling
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Fast Walking
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Inline Skating
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High Impact
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Running
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Soccer
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Basketball
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Horseback Riding
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Types of Sports Bras
To support your breasts, sports bras employ two basic techniques:
Compression: This style bra works by squeezing your breasts tightly against you. They are generally made from very elastic fabrics which stretch snugly against so that you don't bounce. Compression sports bras are better suited for women with small to medium sized breasts. Racerback versions will help add a bit more support if you need it
Encapsulation: This style bra separates each breast in its own cup to provide shape avoiding the "uni-boob" look. It usually provides underwire support and has hooks, snaps, or a zipper in the front or back. It's essentially a beefed up version of a regular bra. This style is a must for women with larger breasts.
Beyond choosing the type of support, you will also want to consider the various styles of sports bras. Some bras are intended to be worn as outerwear whereas others are intended to be worn more traditionally as underwear. This is a personal preference and you should choose accordingly. Designers make sure that those intended as outerwear offer more coverage.
The other important style concern is the method of closure. Compression bras tend to lack any closure system and are simply a very elastic band that you will pull down over your head. Large-breasted women sometimes find that a compression bra will not stretch enough to pull on. Sports bras with a traditional hook and eye closure system are readily available and you will also sometimes find zippers in place of hooks. A zip front is a style that smaller breasted women find comfortable and easy to put on. Just make sure that any metal or plastic is properly cushioned and won't chafe you.
How To Choose A Sports Bra
There are three basic factors to keep in mind when choosing a sports bra:
Support:
To minimize the amount of bounce, you need to select a bra that accounts for both your level of activity and the size of your breasts. Naturally, larger breasts require a greater amount of support. To determine your bra size, use our Fitting Room.
Different activities result in different levels of breast movement (look at the chart above). Choose a sports bra that properly matches how much your breasts will be moving. When you try on a sports bras, try to mimic the movements you will be making to see which bra feels best. Do jumping jacks, run in place, and swing your arms side to side to make sure you are comfortable and feel supported when moving.
Comfort fit
Do you feel comfortable? It's a simple question but don't accept anything less than a good fit. The bra should stay in place and not chafe you as you move. A wide elastic rib band will help prevent your sports bra from riding up. Make sure that all fasteners, zippers, or underwires are properly cushioned so that they can't irritate you. Also look for smooth seamless fabric so that the bra won't chafe you. Some sports bras put the seams on the outside to prevent chafing.
Breathability and Moisture Control
An important feature of a good sports bra is its ability to draw moisture away from your skin and in the process keep you cool. Manufacturers often mix cotton with breathable fabrics like CoolMax or other man-made fibers that are better at wicking sweat away from the body. While cotton is very comfortable, it tends to get soggy and doesn't allow for quick evaporation. Glamorise® uses Sorbtek™ in their bras which is a new space age wicking fabric that’s perfect for active women and sports bras.
My Favorite Sports Bra
Putting on your first Glamorise® Sport Max
Your Glamorise® Sport Max is going to feel completely different from any sports bra you have ever used. You've never had support like this before. Your first reaction may be that your Sport Max is too small. It's probably not! Your Sport Max should feel snug and still be comfortable.
Put your Sport Max bra on like a vest. Then start to "hook up" your Sport Max from the BOTTOM and go up! "Tuck and hook" until you get to the top. Once you get your Sports Max fastened, reach in and adjust your breasts in the bra by pulling them up and out toward the underarm so the bra lays flat under your breasts. The breasts should then be held firmly in the upper/fuller portion of the bra. Your nipples should rest just below the arch seam. Your Sport Max should be snug but comfortable, you can feel the support.
To check the fit: Twist your body as in doing waist exercises. If the bra moves more than slightly and does not stay in place, it may be too large for you. For a low impact/comfort fit the bra will feel looser and may move a bit more.