The Importance of a Properly Fitting Sports Bra for Triathletes

Published by kellypuffer on

It’s important to note that weather you have small breasts or large breasts, it is equally as important that you take the time to get the right fitted bra for you.

A report from ShockAbsorber states that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! That’s so worrying.

So in this post, we’ll highlight some key factors to consider when selecting and fitting a sports bra.

But first, let’s take a quick look to see if you are in the 80% having the wrong size bra!

Here are some signs that you're not wear the right sports bra:

  • You have breast pain
  • You have developed a poor posture
  • You have back and/or neck pain
  • You feel discomfort wearing a sports bra
  • Your breasts are starting to sag over time
  • Your breasts move too much up and down during physical activity

These are just some of the signs that underscore why your sports bra might not be the right fit for you. However, even if you don’t have these issues, you will want to avoid them by ensuring that you have the right fitted bra from day one.  

Now let’s look at what’s important to consider when buying your sports bra.

1. Do you have the right support?

The most important factor to consider when selecting a sports bra is support. The amount of support needed will depend on the intensity of the activity and the size of your breasts. Generally, women with larger breasts will need more support, while women with smaller breasts may need less. Look for bras with wide straps and a supportive band that provide a secure fit.

2. Is it the right size for you?

The next factor to consider is the size. A sports bra that is too small will not provide enough support, and a bra that is too large will not stay in place during physical activity.

You might find that your breasts reduce a little in size once taking up triathlon, so make sure to measure yourself regularly to ensure you are always wearing the correct size. You should measure both your band size (under your bust) and your cup size (over your bust) to get an accurate measurement.

3. Is it comfortable?

Comfort is also a key factor to consider when selecting a sports bra. Look for bras with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during your workout. Avoid bras with underwires or hooks, as these can cause discomfort and restrict your movement.

We have often noted that with the wrong sports bra, we have terrible red friction marks where our Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) band has been pushed so tightly against our skin from the tight sports bra.  If you are using a HRM, or you are looking to use one in the near future, it could be worth taking your HRM with you when trying on sports bras to make sure it fits under the bra band around your ribcage nice and snug but not too restricting to cause this irritation. 

A tip to reduce the friction is to layer on a bit of baby oil or body glide before putting the HRM and bra on.

4. Does it fit?

Finally, it is important to ensure that your sports bra fits properly. The band should be snug, but not too tight, around your ribcage. The straps should be adjustable and not dig into your shoulders. The cups should fit snugly and provide coverage without causing any bulges or gaps.

We found a really nice article from ShockAbsorber who explain exactly how to find the right bra for you. 

With all these factors to consider, shopping for a sports bra can’t really be done effectively online. You need to try some out and see which ones work for you as well as getting the correct fit. If  you’re in the shop, why not have a proper fitting so you can be sure to invest in a comfortable and supportive sports bra.

Remember that investing in a high-quality sports bra is worth it for the benefits it provides plus the confidence it gives you, so take the time to find the perfect one for you!

Wondering what to wear during your actual triathlon race? Take a peek at our post What to wear for your Triathlon Race: Tips for Women.

It’s important to note that weather you have small breasts or large breasts, it is equally as important that you take the time to get the right fitted bra for you.

A report from ShockAbsorber states that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! That’s so worrying.

So in this post, we’ll highlight some key factors to consider when selecting and fitting a sports bra.

But first, let’s take a quick look to see if you are in the 80% having the wrong size bra!

Here are some signs that you're not wear the right sports bra:

  • You have breast pain
  • You have developed a poor posture
  • You have back and/or neck pain
  • You feel discomfort wearing a sports bra
  • Your breasts are starting to sag over time
  • Your breasts move too much up and down during physical activity

These are just some of the signs that underscore why your sports bra might not be the right fit for you. However, even if you don’t have these issues, you will want to avoid them by ensuring that you have the right fitted bra from day one.  

Now let’s look at what’s important to consider when buying your sports bra.

1. Do you have the right support?

The most important factor to consider when selecting a sports bra is support. The amount of support needed will depend on the intensity of the activity and the size of your breasts. Generally, women with larger breasts will need more support, while women with smaller breasts may need less. Look for bras with wide straps and a supportive band that provide a secure fit.

2. Is it the right size for you?

The next factor to consider is the size. A sports bra that is too small will not provide enough support, and a bra that is too large will not stay in place during physical activity.

You might find that your breasts reduce a little in size once taking up triathlon, so make sure to measure yourself regularly to ensure you are always wearing the correct size. You should measure both your band size (under your bust) and your cup size (over your bust) to get an accurate measurement.

3. Is it comfortable?

Comfort is also a key factor to consider when selecting a sports bra. Look for bras with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during your workout. Avoid bras with underwires or hooks, as these can cause discomfort and restrict your movement.

We have often noted that with the wrong sports bra, we have terrible red friction marks where our Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) band has been pushed so tightly against our skin from the tight sports bra.  If you are using a HRM, or you are looking to use one in the near future, it could be worth taking your HRM with you when trying on sports bras to make sure it fits under the bra band around your ribcage nice and snug but not too restricting to cause this irritation. 

A tip to reduce the friction is to layer on a bit of baby oil or body glide before putting the HRM and bra on.

4. Does it fit?

Finally, it is important to ensure that your sports bra fits properly. The band should be snug, but not too tight, around your ribcage. The straps should be adjustable and not dig into your shoulders. The cups should fit snugly and provide coverage without causing any bulges or gaps.

We found a really nice article from ShockAbsorber who explain exactly how to find the right bra for you. 

With all these factors to consider, shopping for a sports bra can’t really be done effectively online. You need to try some out and see which ones work for you as well as getting the correct fit. If  you’re in the shop, why not have a proper fitting so you can be sure to invest in a comfortable and supportive sports bra.

Remember that investing in a high-quality sports bra is worth it for the benefits it provides plus the confidence it gives you, so take the time to find the perfect one for you!

Wondering what to wear during your actual triathlon race? Take a peek at our post What to wear for your Triathlon Race: Tips for Women.

Feel confident and prevent injury with the right sports bra

 

As women, we all know how important it is to wear a supportive and comfortable bra, especially when participating in physical activity. A properly fitting sports bra can not only prevent discomfort, but also help prevent injury to the breasts and back. On top of that, feeling comfortable in your bra is only going to make doing sport much more enjoyable and help you feel more confident.

It’s important to note that weather you have small breasts or large breasts, it is equally as important that you take the time to get the right fitted bra for you.

A report from ShockAbsorber states that 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! That’s so worrying.

So in this post, we’ll highlight some key factors to consider when selecting and fitting a sports bra.

But first, let’s take a quick look to see if you are in the 80% having the wrong size bra!

Here are some signs that you're not wear the right sports bra:

  • You have breast pain
  • You have developed a poor posture
  • You have back and/or neck pain
  • You feel discomfort wearing a sports bra
  • Your breasts are starting to sag over time
  • Your breasts move too much up and down during physical activity

These are just some of the signs that underscore why your sports bra might not be the right fit for you. However, even if you don’t have these issues, you will want to avoid them by ensuring that you have the right fitted bra from day one.  

Now let’s look at what’s important to consider when buying your sports bra.

1. Do you have the right support?

The most important factor to consider when selecting a sports bra is support. The amount of support needed will depend on the intensity of the activity and the size of your breasts. Generally, women with larger breasts will need more support, while women with smaller breasts may need less. Look for bras with wide straps and a supportive band that provide a secure fit.

2. Is it the right size for you?

The next factor to consider is the size. A sports bra that is too small will not provide enough support, and a bra that is too large will not stay in place during physical activity.

You might find that your breasts reduce a little in size once taking up triathlon, so make sure to measure yourself regularly to ensure you are always wearing the correct size. You should measure both your band size (under your bust) and your cup size (over your bust) to get an accurate measurement.

3. Is it comfortable?

Comfort is also a key factor to consider when selecting a sports bra. Look for bras with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry during your workout. Avoid bras with underwires or hooks, as these can cause discomfort and restrict your movement.

We have often noted that with the wrong sports bra, we have terrible red friction marks where our Heart Rate Monitor (HRM) band has been pushed so tightly against our skin from the tight sports bra.  If you are using a HRM, or you are looking to use one in the near future, it could be worth taking your HRM with you when trying on sports bras to make sure it fits under the bra band around your ribcage nice and snug but not too restricting to cause this irritation. 

A tip to reduce the friction is to layer on a bit of baby oil or body glide before putting the HRM and bra on.

4. Does it fit?

Finally, it is important to ensure that your sports bra fits properly. The band should be snug, but not too tight, around your ribcage. The straps should be adjustable and not dig into your shoulders. The cups should fit snugly and provide coverage without causing any bulges or gaps.

We found a really nice article from ShockAbsorber who explain exactly how to find the right bra for you. 

With all these factors to consider, shopping for a sports bra can’t really be done effectively online. You need to try some out and see which ones work for you as well as getting the correct fit. If  you’re in the shop, why not have a proper fitting so you can be sure to invest in a comfortable and supportive sports bra.

Remember that investing in a high-quality sports bra is worth it for the benefits it provides plus the confidence it gives you, so take the time to find the perfect one for you!

Wondering what to wear during your actual triathlon race? Take a peek at our post What to wear for your Triathlon Race: Tips for Women.

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