Most sports women know the value of a correctly fitting sports bra and often have more than two in their cupboard. But they also have many of the same complaints when it comes to their most valued piece of sports clothing.
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Health24 asked a few sportswomen what bothered them about their bosom buddies and gave them advice.
Strap attack
Question: “I have a few sports bras whose straps constantly slip off my shoulders when I’m running which is very irritating. But my other bras, that have tighter straps, dig into my shoulders and cause chafing.” – Candice (runner).
Answer: Go for a T-back or racer back design and you won’t have to worry about slipping again. If you prefer to have straps, go for wider cushioned straps that will distribute the weight and will stop the digging-in. Also ensure that any straps are not too elastic so that you still have all the support you need.
Don’t get hooked
Question: “I take a lot of aerobics classes which often include floor work. My favourite sports bra has hooks because it’s easier to get on and off, but the hooks often hurt me and cause chafing.” – Karen (aerobics instructor)
Answer: When it comes to protecting your software, the secret is to cover your hardware! The general rule is that the less hardwear (hooks, clasps and wires) the more comfort, but also the less support.
All hooks, eyes and underwires should be covered with soft anti-chafe material. There are sports bras that do up in the front or up the side, so you won’t hurt your back doing floor work.
If you are prepared to struggle a bit, go for a sports bra without hooks that you slip on and off over your head.
Sweaty Betty
Question: “I don’t like the feel of synthetic fabrics against my skin and so I chose a cotton sports bra, but now when I walk, my bra is like a sweat sponge and I have to wash it every day!” – Susan (speed walker)
Answer: Thankfully, you don’t have to compromise on comfort if you need a bra that lets you breathe and takes away excess moisture. Most sports bra fabric is made of a synthetic and cotton blend, for example a cotton/lycra or a polyester/cotton blend.
Or you could look for a bra made out of a moisture-wicking fabric like Coolmax or polypropylene. Another handy new invention is a sports bra with a mesh panel placed in your central sweat zone (between your breasts).
You could also choose a sports bra that you wear like a crop top as outerwear so that the sweat evaporates quicker.
Go for a sports bra with a “keyhole” in the back to allow for extra ventilation.
If you walk everyday, I would advise you to have more than one sports bra that you can alternate, because excess washing will ruin the bra’s elasticity.
The chafe factor
Question: “I have very sensitive skin and am often prone to heat rashes, therefore I’m very careful about what fabrics I wear. I’m not a professional tennis player but when I do play on weekends, my sports bra gives me the most terrible chafing.” – Cathy (tennis player)
Answer: Sweat and motion together result in chafing. The secret is to reduce rubbing. I suggest that you cover all the bases. Make sure that all hooks, seams and labels are covered to prevent chafing (see my advice to Karen). Take out any scratchy labels. Some women have even resorted to wearing their bras inside out to stop chafing. If all else fails, apply petroleum jelly to the sensitive areas before putting your bra on.
Nipple alert
Question: “I wear a sports bra as a crop top at gym. I recently brought a new white one. The first time I wore it, I was horrified when I looked in the mirror to see that it was see-through and my nipples were in full view of the gym.” – Margaret (gym enthusiast)
Answer: When buying a sports bra always check that the material is not see-through and also that the fabric pattern or texture hides your nipples. The seams of your bra should not be placed over the nipple as this could make them very pronounced and can cause chafing or a nasty little problem called “Jogger’s nipple,” (see Why NOT to burn the bra).
Today many sports bra’s, including the Shock Absorber range, have built-in bra’s beneath a crop top style, to give you all the support and…er…nipple coverage that you need.
Take my breath away
Question: “I have large breasts and my sports bra gives me fantastic support, but after a long cycle, it starts cutting off my circulation and leaves big red welts under my breasts.” – Joan (Cyclist)
Answer: Bustier women find it difficult to choose a bra that will give them support and controls motion without too much constriction. The key is to find a sports bra that’s bottom elastic band is snug but not tight and firm but comfortable.
When trying on a sports bra, clap your hands over your head. If the elastic band of the bra rides up, it doesn’t fit properly and is too loose.
If there is any bulging out of the bra, then your cups may be too small for you.
Boob-op blues
Question: “I have recently had a breast reduction as I am a serious runner and my boobs were really getting in the way of my progress. I want to start training as soon as possible, what bra do you recommend?” – Tracy (runner)
Answer: Sports bras are actually ideal for any postoperative breast reconstruction patients in that they act just like a bandage that compresses the breasts to the body, eliminating any movement that may hamper the healing process.
Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe for you to start running again, but until then, go for a sports bra with a longer line cut that won’t irritate the incisions. A bra that fastens in the front will also make it more convenient for you to apply dressings after the surgery.
Mastectomy patients can wear sports bras for the same reasons, but must ensure that their sports bra can accommodate their prosthesis.
Now that you have all the answers, go online to www.brashop.co.za
to see which sports bras in their extensive range will suit your specific needs.
Most sports women know the value of a correctly fitting sports bra and often have more than two in their cupboard. But they also have many of the same complaints when it comes to their most valued piece of sports clothing.
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