For female runners, the most important decision you will make after running shoes is choosing the right running bra. Running is a high impact activity and any excessive amount of breast movement puts strain on the breast ligaments and Flickr - Smoviacan cause them to stretch. In the long term this means that breasts sag. All female runners, from the moment you step out, quickly discover the need for a good sports bra. It is essential your running bra provides protection and comfort.

For small breasted women, a stretchy crop top with inbuilt bra may be a good choice. They need to be firm and tight to provide adequate protection. When choosing running bras look for bras described using words like compression. And yes, small breasts still need support from excess movement during high impact movements like running.

For larger breasted women, a bra providing greater control, especially bounce control, is important. The bigger the breast, the more control is necessary to prevent movement. When choosing bras look for bras described using words like encapsulation. If you are a D cup or over, look for bras described as both compression and encapsulation bras.

Good running bras are seamless without bulky stitching (the number one cause of chaffing and/or bleeding nipples when the stitching cross the nipples). Elastic sections should be covered in a soft fabric to avoid chaffing or blisters from rubbing.

Selecting a Running Bra

The number one rule in selecting a running bra is to make sure it fits you properly. How do you know it fits you properly? That is the million dollar question! Everyone is different, depending on your size and shape. Try these guidelines next time you are selecting a new running bra.

  • Firstly, choose a store you can trust that specialises in running gear. It may be better to travel that little bit further to a major store that stocks a wide range of styles and sizes. If you can’t get to a specialist store, try a department store. They may have what you need but there will be less to choose from.
  • As much as possible, try not to skimp on the budget. The difference between a good running bra and a great running bra is AMAZING so it’s worth spending a little bit more if you need to.
  • Armed with the help and tips provided here, select several bras to try on. Take notice of your movement as you jump up and down, lean forwards and swing your arms in a running motion. Make certain you don’t move too much (minimum bounce), fall out of the cups, feel the bra riding up or find any irritating seams.
  • Depending on the store, the attendants may be trained in bra fittings or not. Either way, be really fussy in your choice – keep trying until you find one that feels just right. Even if a bra is the right size for you, the cut may not suit your shape.
  • Buy the best two – this way you can really road test them under your normal running conditions. After a month or two you should know exactly what you are looking for in a running bra. Use this information to purchase two or three running bras that you can then use in rotation.

Running Bra Recommendations

Where do you start? The following are all recommended by thousands of comfortable, satisfied, female runners:

Running Bra Tips

And finally, some tried-and-tested tips from our fellow runners:

  • If you experience chaffing along the bra line, try a sports lubricant like Bodyglide, Sports Shield or Amolin. This is especially important for long runs where chaffing may be inevitable. Sports lubricant will protect you from the ouch factor of an after-run shower! Unlike Vaseline, sports lubricants do not damage clothes, let your skin breathe, are sweatproof and will last for ages.
  • Don’t learn the hard way, ditch the old bra when it’s time. The bra will lose it’s supportiveness over time and chaffing may increase. Downgrade it to an around-the-house bra and get a new one for running before it’s overdue.
  • What about doubling up? This is something that you will have to experiment for yourself. There are runners that swear by wearing two running bras or combining their running bra with a crop top to get the support they need. The downside of this is you are more prone to chaffing. Try not to double up if you can help it.
  • Be careful when you are positioning a heart rate monitor with a chest strap not to have it in a way that will rub skin between the monitor strap and your running bra. Even on a 5km run this is enough to cause serious chaffing.
  • The size of a good running bra might not be the same size as your everyday bra. Most people tend to wear too big a back size and too small a cup size. Don’t depend on the straps over your shoulders to provide the support.

On a final note, why is it that most of women’s running tops have a cross over back but the best running bras have straps?

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Popularity: 40% [?]


Related Posts