What To Look For
A sports bra should be a well-constructed and adjustable for running. It needs to provide support and control without crushing ribs or smashing breasts flat. This is especially a concern for large-chested women. The bounce caused by running is neither comfortable nor healthy in the long run. Your bra also needs to look and feel like a real piece of running gear--not lingerie. Many sports bras are designed to be worn without needing a shirt over them.
Common Pitfalls
Some bras eliminate movement to a fault, being almost too tight. Others do not provide adequate support or motion control. Some bras run a size smaller--which is hard to realize when ordering online. Another pitfall is the cotton/Lycra fabric that does not effectively wick moisture. This causes the bra to remain wet and the runner to feel uncomfortably damp.
Where To Buy
Many bras can be purchased in department stores or directly from the manufacturer online. The Champion line of sports bras can be ordered through their website: www.championcatalog.com. The Enell Sports Bra can be ordered in custom sizes through Enell's site: www.enell.com. Nike Sports Bras are available through Nike's site at www.nikerunning.com.
Cost
Sports bras range drastically in price. The Champion Double Dry Seamless Full Support Underwire, for example, is one of the least expensive at $40. The Nike Revolutionary Support Bra, on the other hand, cost $70 as of 2010.
Comparison Shopping
There are two bra types--compression and encapsulation. Which you choose is based on personal preference rather than health or safety issues. Encapsulation bras essentially hold each breast separately like a traditional bra but offer more support. Compression bras hold your breasts together. To give an analogy, a compression bra is like having a uni-brow, whereas an encapsulation bra would be like having two distinct eyebrows.
Insider Tips
Once you find a bra you really like, make note of the manufacturer and style info. This will eliminate some of the search difficulty next time.
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