Choosing Your Sports Bra: Our Tips
A comfortable and supportive sports bra can make all the difference in your workout. Today, our team guides you through all the necessary steps to find the perfect fit and style for your activity.
The Different Types of Support
High Support
High-impact exercises like running or jumping involve significant movement. The role of a good sports bra is to keep your breasts in place. High-impact exercise requires a high-impact sports bra.
Medium Support
For moderate-impact exercises, opt for a medium-support sports bra. These exercises can include spinning, brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, or strength training. These types of exercises still require multi-directional support and compression, but less than what high-support bras offer.
Light Support
Low-impact exercises like Pilates, yoga, walking, or stationary cycling involve less movement and less direct force on the body. For this reason, a less supportive sports bra is appropriate.
A Tip for Fuller Busts
If you have a fuller bust, you may want to choose medium or high-support sports bras, even for low-impact exercises. The extra support provides compression and security so you feel comfortable and supported during exercise.
Anita Sports Bra
The Anita Extreme Control sports bra features three-part cups with side reinforcement for extreme support and a beautiful breast shape. Its outer pique fabric and seamless terry cloth lining help keep you dry.
The Anita Momentum sports bra has padded, semi-elastic, adjustable support straps. It features hydrophilic technology that manages perspiration.
Strap Types
- Criss-cross straps: These straps cross in the back and are often adjustable. They offer less support compared to other strap styles.
- Tank top style: This strap style is similar to an everyday bra. The straps are often adjustable for a perfect fit. Bras with tank top straps often have a back closure, offering additional adjustment.
- Racerback: Sports bras with a racerback have straps that join between the shoulder blades to create a Y-shape. They offer good support for medium to high-impact activities and allow for great freedom of movement.
- Back closure: Although most sports bras are pulled on over the head, some have a hook-and-eye closure in the back. In addition to being easier to put on and take off, this type of bra allows for a better size adjustment.
Moisture-Wicking Fabric
Moisture-wicking technology is a plus for any type of sportswear, but especially for sports bras since this part of your body tends to sweat the most during workouts. Fabrics like cotton retain moisture.
We recommend opting for sports bras containing moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester, which does not absorb water like other materials can. Nylon is another moisture-wicking and water-repellent fabric that can absorb more water than polyester.
Sports Bra Fit
When it comes to choosing a sports bra, understanding the fit is vital. Support comes from three points: the straps, the cups, and the band, including the side panels.
Here's how the straps, cups, and band should fit:
- Straps: You should be able to slip two fingers between the straps and your shoulders. The sports bra should be snug, but not pinch or leave marks on the skin. Adjusting the straps tighter can create a lifting effect.
- Cups: If any part of the breast spills out, it's a sign the bra is too small. An encapsulation bra with molded cups should cover each breast entirely. A compression bra should cover the breasts from all angles, including near the armpit.
- Band and side panels: If the band rides up when you raise your hands above your head, the bra is too big. If the bra has a back closure, it can be adjusted. Otherwise, opt for a smaller size. The band should lie flat against the ribs without being restrictive. Try taking a deep breath while wearing the bra to assess the tension.
Anita Air Control Deltapad Sports Bra
The Anita Air Control Deltapad sports bra is breathable and extremely lightweight with firm support. Its foam cups allow for optimal air circulation for better skin climate control.
How to Wash Your Sports Bras
We recommend washing your sports bra after each use to avoid unpleasant odors and bacteria buildup. Don't just throw it in the washing machine with your other clothes. Opt for a mild soap rather than a harsh detergent.
Ideally, hand wash your sports bras by soaking them in soapy water for 20 to 30 minutes, then gently rub the fabric by hand. Once clean, empty the soapy water and rinse your bras until they are soap-free.
If you put them in the machine, use a delicate cycle and use a wash bag to prevent them from snagging in the machine.
No matter how you wash your sports bras, avoid the dryer and let them air dry to prevent shrinkage and wear on their elasticity.
Pushing Your Limits with Sports Bras
When it comes to choosing a sports bra, remember: if the bra is too tight, it will restrict you, and if it's too loose, it won't work. So, opt for a sports bra suitable for the type of exercise you'll be doing. When you feel supported and secure in your sports bra, it will reflect in your performance!
Discover our collection of Anita sports bras.
