The ups and downs of sports bras
Let’s be frank – managing your boobs is a crucial part of your overall comfort and confidence during any kind of workout. And it’s easy when you follow these simple steps.
What every woman should know about finding the right comfort and fit
Whether you’re doing gentle yoga stretches or a vigorous jog, having comfort and confidence in your sports bra is essential. And yet, according to a recent study by Triumph, most of us are letting ourselves down, literally, since 42 per cent of women aged 40-plus haven’t purchased a new bra in more than four years. And here’s the rub: according to their top fitter, Paula Svoboda, “If your sports bra is worn a few times a week, expect a lifetime of approximately six months.”
So to make the move to better support and more comfort, sports physiotherapist with Breast Research Australia at the University of Wollongong, Dr Deirdre McGhee, tells how you can find the sports bra with the perfect fit:
Get more support
Your body provides less natural support for your breasts as you age – skin loses its elasticity and the collagen structure under the skin decreases, which is one reason why the sports bra you wore in your 20s and 30s probably isn’t enough to support you now. So it’s time to go shopping for a bra that offers a higher level of support, or even two bras (eg, a sports bra and crop top).
Check your bra fits correctly
The shape of your breasts can change with age. And if your weight has changed, then your breast size will also have shifted. So don’t just buy the same size and style again without trying it on and checking the fit.
Check if your underwire still fits
With age, breasts can sit lower on your chest and be broader under your armpit. This can mean that the underwire shape that used to fit you may no longer fit, and may instead be sitting on your breast tissue. As the breasts are soft (consisting of fat and glandular tissue), they are not designed to tolerate the compressive force of an underwire. To check the fit of your underwire, look at how it sits both under your armpit and also at the front of your breasts near your breastbone.
The underwire should sit on your ribs and breastbone, not any breast tissue.
Consider wearing bras that cover more of your breasts
Breasts move up and down during physical activity, such as running. In fact, Dr McGhee’s studies show that, during vigorous activity, breasts can bounce as much as 12cm! A sports bra that covers more of your breasts may be better at limiting this breast movement. For maximum support, look for a bra or crop top that completely covers or encases your breasts.
As your skin is thinner now than it was in your
20s, it can be more vulnerable to friction injuries from your bra and clothing rubbing on it during exercise, especially if you exercise for long periods where you sweat a lot. Look for smooth seams and the “feel” of the material when you purchase a new bra. Materials that are advertised to wick sweat away from the body can help to protect your skin.