How to Shop for Running Sports Bras

Running is one of the best ways to raise your heart rate and fire up your metabolism. For such a dynamic, athletic enterprise, a woman needs the best support available. Shop for a sports bra particularly suited to running to give you great comfort and confidence.

Instructions

    • 1

      Try on several sizes to make sure you find the one most suited to your body. Sports bras with specific cup sizes are usually preferable to the generic one-size-fits-all offerings.

    • 2

      Pick a bra with great support by choosing wide straps and a wide bottom band. You are aiming for as little "bounce" as possible, so do a little jogging in place to test it before you buy.

    • 3

      Shop for a bra that is comfortable and likely to stay that way during your jogs. The material should be light and breathable yet durable, featuring straps and bands that will not dig into your skin.

    • 4

      Look for jogging sports bras in running specialty shops rather than in generic department stores, as they will have a selection of sports bras made specifically for runners. Find such shops online through a directory like FitSteps.com (see Resources below).

    • 5

      Choose a compression sports bra if you have small-to-medium-sized breasts. This type of bra holds the breasts close to the chest wall, restricting their movement during running.

    • 6

      Select an encapsulation sports bra if you have large or extra-large breasts. These bras limit the motion of the breasts by closely surrounding and separating each breast. Some good encapsulation bras can be found on the Enell, Under Armour and Champion Sportswear websites (see Resources below).

    • 7

      Look for sports bras made of breathable material that is designed to "wick" away perspiration and keep you dry. Coolmax and Supplex fabrics are specifically designed for wicking.

    • 8

      Prevent chafing by shopping for sports bras with wide armholes, soft tags, covered elastic banding and flat, covered seams.

    • 9

      Check for a "Motion Control Rating" when shopping. You will want a high MCR-rated sports bra for serious running, as it is a high-impact activity.

    • 10

      Test the sports bra's flexibility by doing range-of-motion exercises. Bend forward from the waist, to each side and to the back to ensure that the bra does not ride up or "curl".