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"The right fit means it’s comfortable, doesn’t dig into your skin, doesn’t slip off your shoulders or create any spillage situations. It gives you the confidence to move how you want."
Wearing the right sports bra that supports you in all the right places is the ultimate game-changer for exercise.
The right fit means it's comfortable, doesn't dig into your skin, doesn't slip off your shoulders or create any spillage situations. It gives you the confidence to move how you want.
Everybody (and every breast) is different, so it's important to consider your breast size, what type of activity you'll be doing, how much support you need, as well as any personal preferences you may have.
This guide explores everything from how to measure your bust and bra size, to choosing the right Sports Bras & Crop Tops, and how to ensure you get a good fit.
Whether you love to sweat, stretch, or relax our Fit Studio (online and in-store) is your one-stop-shop for all your essential bras and tights, dedicated to finding you the perfect fit.
What are the benefits of wearing a sports bra?
What are the different types of sports bras?
What are the different types of support?
What are the key features to look out for?
What size sports bra should I get?
How do you know if a sports bra fits correctly?
How often should you clean a sports bra?
How often do you need to replace a sports bra?
What are the benefits of wearing a sports bra?
A properly fitted sports bra provides essential support to the breasts, minimising excessive movement (goodbye, chafing, irritation, and bouncing) ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable workout experience without impeding your performance.
This support is crucial to prevent discomfort, pain, posture problems, and any potential long-term damage to the ligaments supporting the breasts. With so many styles/colours/sizes to choose from, how do you find the right one? It really comes down to how you move and how much support you need.
What are the different types of sports bras and crop tops?
There are three main types of sports bras:
Compression
Compression bras press the breasts firmly against the chest to minimise movement and usually come in the racerback (Y shape) style. Compression bras are often ideal for cup sizes AA-B.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation sports bras have individual cups for more shaping and support. They often include back clasps or a front zip and are better for larger breasts (C and up) or for those performing high-impact exercises to help reduce breast bounce and strain. Though you still do see these in medium-support bras too.
Compression-Encapsulation Hybrid
This combination style is where you get the best of both worlds to provide the highest level of support. Ideal for larger breasts.
The Different Types of Support
What you wear to yoga is unlikely to be the same as what you wear running. The levels of support are designed to support you for different types of activities.
Light Support
Light Support Bras are for mellow movements for quieter moments – yoga, Pilates, walking, or leisure.
- Bra Style: Compression in pullover style, or thin straps like crop tops with minimal coverage – some designs may have clasp backs. They allow you to move freely whilst feeling secure. They tend to be one piece of fabric and are ideal for smaller breasts.
Medium Support
Medium Support Bras are for moderate movement that turns up the heat – circuit training, tennis, hiking, or cycling.
- Bra Style: These are firmer fitting and are usually compression or encapsulation. Often seen in pullover racerback style, clasp back or front zipper and include adjustable straps. These usually have wider straps than the lighter support bra and are great for most cup sizes.
High Support
High Support Bras are for high-intensity movements that pack a punch – running, football, basketball, boxing, or dance. High-support bras have a compressive fit to minimise bounce.
- Bra Style: Encapsulation or compression-encapsulation blend including built-in cups, clasp back, and wide adjustable straps for the highest level of support and coverage. Ideal for cup sizes B to G.
What are the key features to look out for?
When shopping for a sports bra or crop top, several key features can contribute to optimal support, comfort, and performance. Here are the different types of sports bras and key features to look out for:
- Adjustable Straps and Bands: Adjustable straps and bands (seen in tank top style sports bras) allow you to customise the fit for comfort and support, which is great if you're in between sizes or have breasts in different sizes.
- Underwire or Wire-Free: Choose between underwire for added support or wire-free for maximum comfort. Ensure that the underwire, if present, is covered and doesn't cause discomfort, such as poking or pinching your skin.
- Padding or Supportive Cups: Some sports bras come with removable pads, allowing you to customise the level of coverage (to avoid nipple protrusion) and support.
- Moisture-Wicking Fabric: Opt for bras made from moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon that draw sweat away from the skin. Bras with mesh panels or breathable fabric in areas prone to sweating, such as the back and underarms will help with breathability too.
- Closure Type: Sports bras may have a pullover style or a hook-and-eye (clasp) closure. Consider ease of wear and whether you prefer the security of a closure for a customisable fit.
- Front Zipper: Sports bras may include a zipper in the front of the bra. They are often encapsulation bras that include built-in cups and might be easier for those with larger busts to take on and off.
- Racerback or Straps: Racerback styles or criss-cross straps provide extra support and prevent straps from slipping during high-impact activities.
How do you know if a sports bra fits correctly?
Once you've picked the right support and features, it's time to ensure your sports bra or crop top fits perfectly. Here are four easy steps to help:
- Step 1: The straps - You should be able to slip your finger easily between the straps and your shoulders. The straps should sit firm but not dig in.
- Step 2: The band - The band should be firm and not too tight. To check if it fits correctly, raise your arms above your head to ensure it stays in place.
- Step 3: Coverage check - Check to see if there is no spillage or gaps. If there is spillage, go up a size or if there are any gaps, try a smaller size.
- Step 4: Support - Move around, twist, turn, and jump if needed to check if you feel comfortable and secure. Make sure you go for the bra that makes you feel supported and confident no matter how you move.
What size sports bra should I get?
All breasts are different, and every brand might have a slightly different sizing chart, so there's no one-size-fits-all approach. A good rule of thumb is to start with your usual bra size and then try on a few different sizes until you find the perfect fit. But first, you'll need to know your size. Sports bras are measured by both band size and cup size.
How to measure your bust size:
- Step 1: Measure your under bust - Measure the circumference of your rib cage, directly below your bust. Ensure the measuring tape sits snugly and evenly, and exhale completely. Measure to the nearest centimetre.
- Step 2: Measure your bust - Measure across the fullest part of your bust and along the middle of your back to the nearest centimetre. Ensure the tape is at an even level around the body – using a mirror can help.
How often should you clean a sports bra?
It's a good idea to wash your sports bra after every use. This will help to remove any odour, bacteria, or sweat. To give your sports bra longevity, avoid putting it in the dryer and place it in a washing bag (to prevent it from snagging) before putting it in the washing machine. Ideally, if you can, wash it by hand.
You'll want a sports bra to be versatile (comfortable enough to take you from a walk to Pilates), but you might need more than one if you need different levels of support. Having multiple means you won't have to wash them as much which will help extend the lifespan too.
How often do you need to replace a sports bra?
Unfortunately, even your most beloved sports bra will need to be replaced when it no longer provides the support it once did.
Over time, the elasticity of the fabric and the integrity of the support structure can weaken due to wear and washing. If you notice signs of wear and tear, such as stretched-out bands, diminished support, or visible damage to the fabric, it's time to consider replacing.
Additionally, if your body changes, such as weight loss or gain, it's a good idea to reassess and ensure it still fits you correctly.
Ready to shop?
Check out our entire range of Sports Bras & Crop Tops online and use our Bra Selector to help you find the perfect fit based on your preferred support, colour, style and size. Alternatively, head in-store to speak to one of our friendly rebel staff to help you find the right one for you.