While there are many opinions about whether it is necessary to wear a bra during the day, there is clear consensus regarding sports activities: you must always wear a sports bra (without underwires, seams, or decorations that dig in or rub).
Why is it important to wear a sports bra?
As female athletes, we must not forget that our bodies have specific needs: our breasts move in all directions during training, and it is essential to take this into account when choosing a sports bra.
Breasts have limited support, and their shape largely depends on the support provided, mainly from the Cooper’s ligaments. These ligaments connect the breast to the nipple, skin, and pectoral muscle. However, when they stretch or break, recovery is irreversible without surgical intervention. This means the breast does not return to its original state and sags.
The most common mistake when choosing a sports bra.
When it comes to choosing our sports bra, most women make the same mistake: we are guided by aesthetics. We look at the color we like, the neckline that suits us, the pretty back… And we often forget the two main criteria to consider: breast size and the type of sports activity we will be doing.
Thus, two women with very different breasts who practice the same sport will likely use different bras, and a woman who practices several sports will probably need to change her bra depending on the activity she does that day.
How to know which one to choose in each case? By knowing the different types of sports bras that exist.
Types of sports bras.
Sports bras are mainly classified into three categories:
- Low-impact bras
- Medium-impact bras
- High-impact bras
What does “impact” mean? It refers to the amount of impact or bounce it can support, which depends on the type of sport we are practicing.
Characteristics of low-impact sports bras.
Ideal for gentle activities like yoga, Pilates, stretching…
They are usually quite recognizable for having:
- A lighter band under the bust.
- A lower neckline or V-shape, offering less support in the upper chest area.
- Very open back to favor the range of motion typical of this type of activity.
- Thin, simpler straps, often not even adjustable.
Characteristics of medium-impact sports bras.
These are the most common. They are generally the ones we should use for training, spinning, running…
However, it will always depend on each woman’s breasts. If you have a C-D cup or have had breast surgery, it is recommended to go up a level of support: high-impact bra for medium-impact activities and use a medium-impact bra for low-impact activities.
You can identify a medium-impact bra by:
- A thicker, more fitted band under the bust.
- Most have a racerback, but there are also those with adjustable straps… which we must not forget to adjust!
Characteristics of high-impact sports bras.
These are the most suitable for sports: football, basketball, rugby… And, as explained in the previous point, they are the most recommended for women with C-D cups or those who have had breast surgery.
These designs feature:
- Much higher necklines.
- Most have a racerback since if the strap goes through the center, the weight support is on the spine rather than the shoulders, which is healthier.
- Breast encapsulation: unlike low-impact and medium-impact bras, these support each breast separately, ensuring protection in all directions.
Whatever type of sports bra you need, you will surely find it at the Fittest Freakest online store.