By
Lexie Sachs,
With so many brands, styles, and features to choose
from, finding the right sports bra can seem like a tricky task. But
wearing the correct sports bra should be a vital part of your exercise
routine.
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Here at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, we tested 39 medium and high impact sports bras
for women of all different sizes. We put them through the wringer in
our lab to see how well each managed sweat, held up during the wash, and
maintained its color through perspiration, crocking, and laundering. We
then had real testers — women ranging from A through H cup sizes — try
them out. After more than 23,400 minutes of exercise and 3,900 consumer
evaluations, we came up with these best bets. And compiled these tips for finding your right pick:
How to Find the Right Size
Each bra is sized differently, so follow the size recommendations for
the individual styles — and don't be alarmed if your sports bra size is
different from your normal bra or t-shirt size. A sports bra should feel
more compressed than a regular bra to hold you during exercise, but
shouldn't feel constricting or uncomfortable.
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When to Buy Compression vs. Encapsulation Bras
Compression bras hug the chest against the body and are best for
smaller cup sizes, whereas encapsulation bras separate for individual
support (and often look more like a regular t-shirt bra). Bras that
offer encapsulation, or a combination of compression and encapsulation,
are best for larger cup sizes to protect in all directions of movement.
What to Know About Moisture Wicking
This refers to the ability of a fabric to pull sweat off of your skin
and release it to the outside of the garment for easy evaporation. Most
performance apparel is now made of synthetic fibers to help control the
moisture wicking capabilities. Cotton has been known to absorb moisture
well; however, it doesn't release the moisture easily and can cause the
sports bra to feel soaked with sweat.
Avoiding Chafing and Irritation
Chafing and irritation are caused by the combination of sweat and
friction. If chafing is an issue for you, look for a sports bra that is
moisture wicking and has minimal seams and stitching, which will help
reduce the amount of friction during exercise.
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How to Pick the Best Style
There are a variety of styles to choose from when shopping for a
sports bra. The best style for you depends on personal preference and
activity level. For instance, if your exercise involves a lot of
movement, a racerback style allows for a greater range of motion.
Worried about not enough support? Look for bras with an underwire and
built-in or removable cups. Trouble finding a good fit? Look for styles
featuring adjustable straps and hook-eye closures.
How Often to Buy a New Bra
It all depends on how often you use it, but generally speaking, a
sports bra should last as long as a pair of sneakers. The more you wear
and wash a sports bra, the more elasticity it will lose. If you wear one
on a regular basis, you should replace it every six months to a year.
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