Sports bra: types, fabric and tips

Tips and Fabrics

A sports bra is essential for any physical activity as it provides support and helps prevent breast tissue damage, enhancing both comfort and performance. In our previous article, we discussed how to choose a sports bra based on body type. In this article, we’ll dive into the different types of sports and the best materials for each activity. Read until the end to discover our tips on properly washing your sports bra to ensure long-lasting durability.

1. Impact Level and Support: How to Choose the Right Sports Bra?

Let’s explore the three levels of impact and which sports bra is best suited for each support level:

Low Impact: These are activities involving gentle, controlled body movements, such as yoga, Pilates, and walking. For these activities, a bra with light support is enough, providing freedom of movement and comfort without excessive compression. These are often wire-free and without rigid cups, offering a natural fit that doesn’t restrict and is ideal for women with smaller busts.
Medium Impact: Suitable for activities like cycling, hiking, and gym sessions that involve moderate movements without excessive compression needs. These bras are ideal for medium-busted women, balancing support, comfort, and freedom of movement. They often feature molded cups, adjustable straps, and elastic bands.
High Impact: High-impact activities like running, CrossFit, and aerobics involve quick movements, jumps, and bounces. For these activities, a bra with maximum stability is essential to prevent movement of the bust. This category of sports bras is designed to support larger busts as well, with structural elements like wide, adjustable straps, underwire, or extra support panels for greater stability.

2. The Correct Fabric for a Sports Bra

The choice of material is essential for ensuring maximum comfort, accommodating body movements, and reducing the risk of irritation, chafing, and wear over time.

Ideal fabrics should be breathable, elastic, and durable. Among the best options are:

Poliestere e Nylon: These synthetic fabrics are highly valued for their ability to wick moisture away from the body. They are lightweight, durable, and keep the skin dry even during intense workouts.
Elastanr (Spandex or Lycra): This material gives sports bras their stretch. Its ability to stretch and return to its original shape provides support and comfort without restricting movement.
Cotton Blend: Although pure cotton isn’t ideal for sportswear due to its tendency to absorb moisture, a blend of cotton and synthetic fabrics can offer a balance of comfort and breathability.
Microfiber: Extremely soft and breathable, this fabric is perfect for sensitive skin. Microfiber is known for its ability to absorb and disperse sweat, keeping the skin cool.

3. How to Care for Your Sports Bra

Do you want to preserve your sports bra fabric? Follow these tips to keep it in perfect condition during years:

Hand Wash or Machine Wash?: Hand washing is preferred to avoid damaging the fabric’s elasticity. If using a machine, put it in a protective bag and use a delicate cycle with cold water.
Fabric Softener Yes or No?: Fabric softeners can compromise the ability of technical fabrics to wick sweat away. It’s best to avoid them to preserve the breathability of the materials.
Drying: Avoid using a dryer, as heat can reduce elasticity and damage the materials. Instead, air-dry it naturally.
Regular Check: Over time, a sports bra’s elasticity may wear down, reducing its support. Regularly check that your bra maintains its shape and support, and replace it when needed.

4. Tips for Choosing a Sports Bra

Just like any clothing item, choosing the right size is crucial, especially for underwear and sports bras. Find the perfect model for you by following these helpful tips:

Move Around to Test Fit: Raise your arms or jump to assess stability.
For a Larger Bust: Look for high-impact models with reinforced cups and wide straps.
Avoid Bras That Bunch or Shift: Choose bras that stay in place during exercise.

Discover our selection of sports bras; you’ll find both high-impact models and those ideal for lighter activities. And if you need help selecting the best model for your body, contact us on our Telegram e Whatsapp channels or call us to speak with our brafitter.