Importance Of A Good Fitting Running Bra
According to studies carried out by leading experts in Breast Care at Portsmyth University, at least 50% of exercising females are NOT wearing sports bras, let alone the right size of sports bra! For female runners, choosing the right sports bra for running is comparable to getting the right trainers – if it’s comfortable and it fits right, you’ll run better. We are all made to run… your running bra should be too!
A good supportive running bra is also important for your breasts themselves, especially if you’re running long distances regularly, a good sports bra will look after your breasts’ supportive tissue – the Coopers Ligaments that stop your breasts from sagging. Therefore wearing no bra or wearing an ill-fitting bra during sport can lead to sagginess, poor performance and in some cases breast pain. No matter how small or large we are, it is essential for women to wear a correctly fitting sports bra that provides enough horizontal and vertical support.
Want to improve your performance? There’s scientific evidence that you can even run faster with a good fitting run bra. Research proves that the lack of a supportive bra can shorten your stride length by 4cm, due to poorly controlled breast movement. For those of you ladies running marathons, it means that if you run a marathon, you’ll run an entire extra mile in a poor supportive fitting bra!
What Are The Different Types Of Sports Bras For Running?
There Are Two Main Types Of Sports Bras:
- Encapsulation bras have two cups like a normal bra, but with extra support.
- Compression bras look more like a crop top. They work by pressing your breasts against your chest and are usually pulled on over your head. A good option for smaller-breasted women, if you’re opting for a compression bra, make sure the centrepiece lies flat against the breastbone.
How Should Your Running Bra Fit?
To determine your bra size for a sports bra correctly, first check the size of your day-to-day bra. If it fits well you’ll either be the same size in running bras or a rib cage measurement up and a cup size down – you need to be able expand your lungs comfortably and that can mean you need a fraction more width.
Many of us wear the wrong size bra. So, the guideline to a well-fitted bra is: you should not be able to pull the strap more than 5cm from your spine. Nor should there be more than 5cm space when you pull the shoulder strap up towards your ears. However, you do need to be able to breath! So, if you feel like you’re too restricted, try a rib cage measurement up.
Like your running shoes, your running bra will not last forever. The elasticity softens through use and washing. Running bras should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Your bra size can change over time, due to weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy and age. Don’t assume you need the same size each time, try the bra on and check it still fits and works perfectly for you.
At the Run Hub we stock the new range of Brooks Dare Running bras. Don’t be fooled by their sleek look, the development of these bras took years of research. They’re highly supportive, chafe free, breathable with personalised fit and super comfy.
Hands down the Run Hub Ladies love them! We’re running women too, and we know how important it is to get the correct running bra :-) Have a look at our range online, or why not pop instore for a fitting with one of our Bra fit experts.
Karima