Choosing a sports bra – A short guide

Women’s breasts are important!

Women’s breasts have long been neglected in sport. Scientific studies on this subject are relatively recent. According to these studies, it is clear that, for a large proportion of women who take part in physical activity, their breasts are not properly protected.

However, a bra poorly adapted to a woman’s morphology can lead to overheating, irritation, skin lesions around the straps or stays, or even breast pain (mastalgia).

So it’s important to choose a bra that’s adapted to your breasts and your physical activity.

The benefits of a bra in your size

There are many advantages to wearing a properly fitted bra when running .

• First of all, it will help you achieve better posture. As a result, your effort will be more economical, and so your performance will be better.

• Next, a bra adapted to your morphology will reduce chest movements. Ideally, your breasts should follow the movements of your torso, and above all avoid excessive “jiggling” movements. The less movement, the better. This also helps ensure greater comfort.

• Last but not least, wearing a quality bra will prevent overheating, irritation and skin damage.

The need for maintenance depends on several factors

Female runners need adequate breast support to avoid vertical breast tossing. The need for breast support depends on several factors: age, breast size, and type of exercise (walking, and running pace).

Age

An older woman needs more support. This is because skin elasticity decreases with age. In addition, women who have had children need more support after pregnancy.

Size

The larger the bust, the greater the need for support.

Type of exercise

Running involves more impact than walking. So it’s obvious that running requires greater chest support. And the higher the pace, the greater the need for chest support.

Our bra selection guide

In brief

Here’s a summary of the essential attributes to check when looking for a sports bra suitable for running, whether on the road or trail.

Tailored reinforcements

You should choose a bra or brassiere with reinforcements where they are needed.

Depending on the support you need (your age, chest size and running pace), you can choose between a single bra or a sports bra:

• If you’re young, have rather small breasts and go walking or running at a slow pace, a simple bra may be all you need. A bra of this type will cover your entire chest, made of elastic material, and the chest elastic will be wide.

• If you’re older and have large breasts, you’ll want to choose a sports bra for maximum support. As with the simple bra, your breasts will be fully covered. In addition, the straps will be wide and padded, and the chest elastic will be wide and strong.

Heating, irritation and skin lesions

When you’re doing something that lasts a long time (as is often the case when you’re out running), you need to think about the risk of overheating, irritation and skin damage.

In fact, a bra that’s ill-suited to your morphology and physical activity can lead to pain and complications you could do without.

The sources of this kind of problem are inadequate whalebones, seams, straps and materials. So, the next time you buy a running bra, remember to check the following features:

• Avoid whales
• Avoid seams
• Make sure the fasteners are hidden
• Opt for wide straps
• Choose breathable materials

Breathing comfort

When you try on a bra, the most important thing is that it feels good. Not too loose to provide sufficient support, and not too tight to allow you to breathe properly.

A recent scientific study found that a too-tight sports bra leads to reduced running performance due, among other things, to reduced breathing capacity and higher breathing effort.

It can sometimes be difficult to find a bra that combines breast support and comfort (especially for breathing). So try before you buy.

Model recommendation

It’s hard to recommend just one model because there are so many to choose from and so many different body types, but I can recommend the Thuasne Top Strap X-back bra, for example.

It combines all the features of a good sports bra, from breast support to chafe-free comfort. Remember, it’s essential to try it on to make sure it’s right for you!