Bravissimo's guide to sports bras

Support for sport – keep your boobs in good shape!

Why wear a bra for sports?
There are no muscles in your boobs, and without a good sports bra they will bounce during exercise. This, as many of you will know only too well, is not only uncomfortable, but can also lead to your boobs having less uplift in the long run.

As the bounce factor is obviously considerably higher for us Bravissimo girls, we need extra support when we exercise, for the comfort and protection of our assets!

How do sports bras work?
Sports bras work by compressing the bust close to the rib cage for maximum hold and minimum movement. They also need to provide total coverage, so forget trying to find one that looks glamorous – it won't do the job unless it's very high cut and full in the cup.

1. The fabric should be comfortable and absorbent.
2. The bra should be smooth against your skin, with no rough seams or bindings that could rub or cause irritation.
3. The straps should be fairly rigid, to minimise bounce, and be wide enough to sit comfortably on the shoulders.
4. The underband should be firm around your body, to prevent it from riding up your back.
5. Finally, the 'jump test' is probably the best way to test how effective a bra is at reducing bounce!

What to do if you can't find a sports bra to suit you
Bravissimo has a range of sports bras on offer which give full coverage and maximum support. However if you feel you can't find a sports bra that right for you, a good underwired full cup bra can be an alternative.

Of course, if you're going to wear an underwired bra for sports, it's essential that it fits you properly and the wires don't dig in as you move. In addition, it's really important to choose a style that gives you maximum coverage – this means balconette and plunge styles are definitely out.

An important note about sports bras
If you're involved in sports, we highly recommend a good sports bra as it will protect your assets while you exercise. If you do find you prefer a maximum coverage underwired bra, we don't recommend you wear it for prolonged and repetitive exercise because occasionally they can rub and cause serious discomfort. Therefore, you'll be pleased to know that from Autumn 2008 we will have an underwired sports bra available for Bravissimo girls. This new sports bra has been specifically designed with up to date technology to have underwires and function as a sports bra.

Need more advice?
If you're finding it difficult to stay supported during sport, then we are here to help! Just give our knowledgeable customer services consultants a call on 01926 459 859. Even better, why not come and visit one of our shops? Our friendly fitting consultants are expert bra fitters, and will be happy to help you find something that feels comfortable and protects your assets during exercise. Please note that if you would like a lot of personal attention, we recommend that you visit our shops during the week when we are less busy.

View the Bravissimo sports bras range.