Advice from a specialist on purchasing a sports bra

A correctly fitting bra is particularly important for women with a larger bust size if they want to take part in sporting activities. Here is some advice on how to choose the right sports bra.

The sports bra is an essential part of women's sportswear. Without it, physical exertion can quickly become uncomfortable, especially if the bust size exceeds size C. Pain is often the main reason why women avoid sports activities. But a well-fitting sports bra is not only worthwhile for pain relief.

What are the benefits of a sports bra?

A sports bra provides support for the breasts and gives the wearer a feeling of security. If it fits correctly, it relieves pressure on the back and chest muscles, which prevents pain in the neck and back. "During exercise, the chest moves more, which puts more strain on the entire chest to compensate for the chest movements. Depending on the weight of the breast, such movements can cause pain in the breast, shoulders, back or neck," explains Dr. Nicholas Waughlock, specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at the Breast Atelier in Zurich. A properly fitting sports bra can prevent such complaints, especially in women with a larger bust size.

Whether wearing a sports bra affects the shape of the breast has not been conclusively clarified. "However, it is known that the quality of the skin (especially its elasticity) and factors such as the shape of the breast after puberty, pregnancy and major weight fluctuations have a greater influence on breast shape than wearing or not wearing a sports bra," explains Dr. Nicholas Waughlock. "The decision on whether to wear a sports bra depends more on comfort and the type of sport and the associated strain," adds the specialist.

Which model is suitable for which sport?

Depending on the type of sport, different support is required. Yoga, for example, requires a different type of support than running, where the chest bounces up and down more. For this reason, a distinction is made between sports bras with strong, medium and light support.

Sports bras with strong support are characterized by wide and crossed straps, a secure back closure with hooks and pre-shaped cups. As with traditional bras, the sizes are graded according to cup size and therefore offer individual support for every breast. They are suitable for sports where the body and therefore the breasts are in greater motion, such as running, boxing or ball sports. From size D upwards, it is advisable to wear a sports bra with strong support for all sporting activities.

"Small breasts generally don't need any additional support for sport", explains the expert. For smaller breasts (cup sizes A to B), a bra with light to medium support is usually sufficient if this is preferred for reasons of comfort. In such cases, a compressive sports bra can be used, which consists of a single piece of fabric and supports the breast by hugging the body. These models are available in sizes from XS to XL and are not individually fitted to the chest.

For activities such as cycling, yoga or skiing, a light support is usually sufficient. These bras are characterized above all by the use of breathable material. However, as you also sweat during these activities, a sports bra made of breathable material is recommended. Medium support, which is complemented by wide straps and an underbust band, is required for strength training, hiking or mountain biking, for example.

A well-fitting sports bra can not only offer more comfort, but also improve performance. "There are studies in which elite runners have undergone counseling and measurement for sports bras. With the right sports bra, performance increased by 17 percent", says Dr. Waughlock.

What material should the sports bra be made of?

The material used is also crucial for support and comfort. Sports bras are usually made from a blended fabric with a high elastane content. The higher the elastane content, the less support. "It is important that the fabric transports sweat to the outside and dries quickly", says Naomi Figi, designer in the women's design team at Calida.

A seam that is damp from sweat can cause unpleasant friction on the skin. Over time, however, the elastane can wear out due to wear and body moisture, causing the support to weaken and the bra to have to be replaced. To prolong the life of the material as much as possible, softeners should not be used when washing.

The right size is crucial

A sports bra is of no use if it is bought in the wrong size. Yet many women wear the wrong size. "You can often see that the breasts swell over the edge of the bra. This is a sign that the bra is too small", explains Patrizia Hermann, who is responsible for purchasing women's lingerie at Jelmoli. On the other hand, if the bra is too big, the fabric can rub the breast, which in the worst case can lead to sore nipples.

To avoid this, professional advice is highly recommended. Breast circumference and underbust width are measured in a specialist shop to ensure an optimal fit. Naomi Figi recommends that you should have your breasts measured regularly as they change over the course of your life.

How to find the right size?

Once you know your size, you can try out different models yourself. The Calida designer gives some tips on how to find the right sports bra in the changing room: "There should be two fingers of space between the bra straps and the shoulders so that they don't cut in. The underbust band should not slip over your chest when you raise your arms. Otherwise, this is a sign that the bra is too big. Creasing in the small of the chest indicates that a smaller size should be chosen."

In general, it is important that breathing is not restricted despite the tight fit and that the bra feels comfortable to wear. "The less the breast moves, the better the sports bra fits," Patrizia Hermann emphasizes as a rule of thumb.

Advice on sports bras at the Breast Atelier

Our experienced surgeon, Dr Nicholas Waughlock, will advise you individually on the ideal use of a sports bra in a personal consultation at the Breast Atelier.

A breast surgery at Breast Atelier: Quality surgery at a transparent fixed price

The Breast Atelier's team of doctors consists of specialists with several years of professional experience who work under the medical supervision of Dr. med. Cédric A. George, the founder of the Pyramid Clinic (today Plastic Surgery Pyramid), which is renowned far beyond the country's borders. His Center for Plastic Surgery, which is now one of the market leaders in Switzerland, has set the standards in terms of quality and reliability in plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.

Under the patronage of the Plastic Surgery Pyramid, these standards are also accessible to a wider audience in the Breast Atelier. Our specialists in plastic surgery are the guarantors of quality surgery.

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