That’s right, ladies! You should spend as much time
choosing your jog bra as you spend picking out your
next pair of running shoes.
A well-fitting, supportive sport bra keeps you comfortable,
sweat-free and can prevent eventual “sag”. Here are some
areas to think about when choosing a new sport bra.
Impact protection
Running is a high-impact activity worthy of a high-impact bra. Women with a larger bust will find the most comfort from a maximum compression, motion-control bra. Smaller to medium-busted women have more flexible options, but whatever your preference, don’t let gravity and the high impact of running get the best of you!
Sweat-wicking Fabrics
That’s not a glow, honey, its sweat. The last thing you want to deal with at the end of a great run is wrestling out of a sweat-soaked bra. New performance fabrics wick moisture off and away from the body to keep you cooler and drier, resulting in a more comfortable run. Look for a bra with mesh panels and moisture-wicking fabric to keep you running strong and dry.
The Real Challenge – The Dressing Room
There’s no polite way to take a sport bra for a test run to see how it feels, but there are ways to find a good fit in the dressing room. Bring three sizes of the bra to try on: one your normal size, one a size above and one a size below. Different brands and cuts fit differently. Take each one for a jog in place for a few seconds. Hey, it’s not a 5K, but it will give you a good indication of fit.
Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose
When it comes to sport bras (and any kind of clothing, really) tighter is not always better. Even compression bras can be sized too small. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the straps. The band should lay flat and you should be able to fit one finger comfortably under it. On the other hand, any gathering, bunching or looseness is a good sign that you need a smaller size.
Remember, any minor discomfort you feel in the dressing room will be magnified by every step you take on a run. Multiply that by the number of steps in a mile and it’s not pretty. Make sure supportive underwires don’t rub or poke, adjustable hardware doesn’t cause irritation and seams don’t chafe. Once you’ve found the bra that fits you and your run, get on the road and break it in!
There’s no polite way to take a sport bra for a test run to see how it feels, but there are ways to find a good fit in the dressing room. Bring three sizes of the bra to try on: one your normal size, one a size above and one a size below. Different brands and cuts fit differently. Take each one for a jog in place for a few seconds. Hey, it’s not a 5K, but it will give you a good indication of fit.
Not Too Tight, Not Too Loose
When it comes to sport bras (and any kind of clothing, really) tighter is not always better. Even compression bras can be sized too small. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the straps. The band should lay flat and you should be able to fit one finger comfortably under it. On the other hand, any gathering, bunching or looseness is a good sign that you need a smaller size.
Remember, any minor discomfort you feel in the dressing room will be magnified by every step you take on a run. Multiply that by the number of steps in a mile and it’s not pretty. Make sure supportive underwires don’t rub or poke, adjustable hardware doesn’t cause irritation and seams don’t chafe. Once you’ve found the bra that fits you and your run, get on the road and break it in!
