Why is a good sports bra so important and what do you have to keep in mind when trying a sports bra on? Scroll down to our FAQs at the bottom.
FAQ
Is exercising without a sports bra unhealthy?
Yes. And this certainly does not only apply to women with larger cup sizes. Even women with a cup size A need extra support during high-impact sports. In fact, breast tissue can be damaged in them as well. At high loads, the elasticity of the tissue may decrease if the breast is not adequately supported. When this happens repeatedly, the tissue may even tear. Research shows that as many as 44% of women still regularly exercise without a sports bra, while a regular sports bra only absorbs 20-30% of the shock versus the 80% of a good sports bra.
When do I need a high impact sports bra?
High impact sports bras are important in sports where the bra will have to absorb a lot of shocks. Examples of such sports are running, dancing, martial arts, horseback riding, mountain biking,… In sports such as weightlifting, yoga, hiking and cross-training, your breasts will not move up and down that much and you might have enough with a medium impact sports bra.
Is the size of my sports bra the same as my regular bra?
Sports bras can sometimes be a little tighter than your daily bra. Also, one model is not the other and there is sometimes a difference from one brand to another. So it’s always best to try on a sports bra.
I have a large cup size and/or circumference. Can I find a sports bra at Runners' lab?
At Runners’ lab, we have a wide arsenal of cup sizes and circumferences available. From cup size AA to K and circumference size 65 to 110, we have it all in our range. By the way, we also have extensions to additionally increase the circumference.
Are pre-shaped cups or sports bras with underwire better?
Preformed cups or sports bras with underwire are certainly not better. While it is true that pre-shaped cups and underwire offer extra support to some extent, that certainly does not mean that this type of sports bra is better. This depends very much on your body type and what you are comfortable with.
How often should I wash my sports bra?
Ideally, you should wash your sports bra after every sports session. Put your sports bra in a laundry bag, this to prevent the hooks from damaging other clothing, and wash it with liquid detergent. Definitely do not use washing powder as this will clog the pores of the technical fabric, reducing the breathability of the sports bra. Do keep in mind that after 200 washes, your sports bra will quietly need replacing. Also, a general guideline when washing sportswear is to never use fabric softener.
I get abrasions at the level of my sports bra. What can I do?
Abrasions on the skin indicate friction combined with sweat/moisture. These irritations can be a sign of a sports bra that doesn’t quite fit the way it should after all. So this could mean that the size of your sports bra is not right or that your sports bra needs replacement. An anti-friction cream or special adhesives can relieve this irritation, but that does not eliminate the cause.
