The ultimate guide to buying the perfect sports bra

Our health is a matter of concern now more than ever. The pandemic has brought our health and long-term well-being into focus like never before. As we try to take care of our bodies, we incorporate good habits of a regular workout routine. The prerequisite for which is good workout outfits, especially perfect sports bras for us women. But choosing the right sports bra for you requires one to understand the importance of a sports bra. In this article, we deep dive into understanding everything you need to know before buying a sports bra.

Why should you wear a sports bra?

The importance of a sports bra can be felt in so many activities of our lives. Sports bras are indispensable for so many activities other than sports. Sports bras provide that vital aspect of support that our bodies need, no matter what we are doing.

Here are a few benefits of a sports bra which will help you understand their importance:

1. 1. For optimum support

No matter what exercise we choose, most of them put a strain on our breasts. This strain can lead to the sagging of the breasts. The tissue responsible for the tightening of the skin around the breasts is called Cooper’s ligament. Excessive movement of the breasts, such as the case during exercises, can lead to irreparable damage to the ligaments, leading to early sagging of the breasts. Sports bras can keep this damage at bay by providing essential support to the breasts, in all activities.

1. 1. For optimum comfort

The sweat produced during workouts can cause great discomfort and skin issues. Some intense exercises can even cause the usual bra straps to come off or worse, poke into your skin. The underwires in most regular bras can pinch into sweaty skin, while slipping on your body. Sports bras sit comfortably on your body, allowing you to focus only on your workouts. The moisture-wicking properties of some sports bras also keep you looking fresh during your workouts.    

1. 1. For pain relief

The different types of exercises we do require a set of prerequisites. Just as we need a good warmup routine to get ready for a workout, we also need the correct workout outfits. Sports bras can ease the chance of back or breast pain as it provides your body the support that it needs. Also, the breathability provided by the fabric of sports bras is what makes them perfect for all sorts of workouts. 

Why should you choose a sports bra over a regular bra?

Regular sports bras have their benefits but they are only suitable for regular activities. For other activities like exercises, running, etc., sports bras win in almost every aspect. Here are a few key reasons why you should choose sports bras over a regular bra:

• Sports bras provide better support

Sports bras are made such that they grip onto the skin and cause the least amount of movement during activities.
Regular bras, on the other hand, tend to slip on our bodies and lack support.

2. 2. Sports bras cause less body tensio

The broad straps of sports bras do not poke into the shoulders of the wearer. No matter the number of activities, there is no tension put on the shoulders or the waist by sports bras.
Regular bras have thin bands which tend to poke into the skin after some use and cause pain and discomfort.

2. 2. Sports bras keep you looking fresher

The moisture-wicking fabrics of most sports bras avoid the appearance of sweaty patches and keep you looking fresh even in warm climates.
Regular bras easily give away the look of sweaty patches, making you look tired.

2. 2. Sports bras look to make you look ready for your workouts

There are no two ways around this. Sports bras are designed such that they make you look stylish and feel comfortable during your workouts.
Regular bras are intimate wear and would not be suitable for a workout.

How to find the perfect sports bra for you

Now that you know why sports bras are essential for your workouts, let us help you find the perfect sports bra for you. Your choice of sports bra will highly depend on the intensity of your workout activities and your other preferences.

To make this process of selection better, here is a list of the types of sports bras for you to select from.

1. 1. Compression Sports Bras

These bras typically are without any cups and are hence fit for low to medium impact exercises. Some of these sports bras come with a zipper for easy wear while others have the pullover style.

2. 2. Encapsulation sports bra

Usually used for high-intensity workouts, these sports bras come with built-in cups for better support during strenuous exercises. These bras often come with underwires that help keep the sports bra in place. Encapsulation bras ‘encapsulate’ the breasts so as to keep them firmly in place even in high activities.

2. 2. Crisscross back sports bra

These sports bras have a criss-cross pattern on the back, making it a stylish choice. The pattern also allows great back support. These can be worn as they are or with a deep-back tank top to nail a stylish outfit. 

2. 2. Racerback sports bra

Providing high support for medium to high-intensity workouts, these sports bras also have a fun and comfortable back detail. Notably, its Y-shaped pattern eases the tension over the shoulder blades to provide a more comfortable workout outfit.

Various online stores have a variety of these sports bras to choose from. Mainly stores like Gulfissimo, Clovia, Zivame, etc, are a customer favorite when it comes to sports bras. With their expertise in workout outfits of all types, here are our favorite sports bras from the closets of Gulfissimo:

SOLA sports bra

With the SOLA collection, there is something for everyone! Its long-sleeved bras are great for the outdoors while the sleeveless ones allow enough skin breathability! Its soft texture and bright colors keep you feeling as comfortable as you look!
Check out our SOLA collections here!

RIB seamless sports bra

The touch of the ribbed fabric will definitely leave you drooling! With its racerback design, get ready for the best support and comfort during your workouts! Check out our RIB seamless collections here!

Staples Sports bra

Get wild in the gym with a bra that supports you all the way. With cross-over adjustable straps that provide ultimate comfort, a fully lined design, and a keyhole cut-out, this is a bra that you can not only count on but get excited to wear too.
Check out our Staples collections here!

Your sports bra questions- answered!

1. What is the ideal fit for my sports bra?

The band of a sports bra will fit you a little more snugly than a regular one would. The cup size of a sports bra would not differ much from the regular as long as it keeps you comfortable.

2. What can I pair with my sports bra?

Sports bras can be paired with shorts and high waisted leggings as they provide enough flexibility for all sorts of exercises.

3. What are the factors a good sports bra will have?

Look out for a good moisture-wicking fabric to keep sweat patches at bay. Choose a wider strap to ease tension over your shoulders.

4. How should I wash my sports bras?

Any good detergent and cold water will do the trick to clean your sports bras. And as is the case with regular bras, you can brush or go a little tough on your sports bras as their fabric can take it.

Conclusion

Sports bras are essential to take care of our bodies while we work out. Workouts and exercises are ways that we show our bodies that we care about them and sports bras help us do the same. Choosing the right size and the right quality of sports bra is just as essential too. Use the above tips and knowledge and get yourself the perfect sports bra for yourself! As you feel better in your own skin, sports bras further help you feel comfortable with any exercise that you try. With ease of mobility in good quality sports bras, you will also feel motivated to stay fit and achieve your fitness goals.