What To Look For
When searching for a high-impact sports bra, support is the top concern. The bra must be able to support the breasts during high-impact activities. Look for bras with underwire support, breathable fabrics such as cotton and mesh, shaping cups and straps large enough to prevent the bra from cutting into the shoulders. For A to B cup sizes, Women's Health Magazine recommends the Lily of France in Action sport underwire bra. For C cups and larger, the magazine recommends the Anita molded sports bra and the Bendon Sport Max Out Technical Support bra.
Common Pitfalls
The main problem that women run into when choosing a sports bra is not knowing their correct size. According to Dick's Sporting Goods, over 70 percent of women do not know their true bra size. This becomes a huge problem when sports bras come into the mix, especially for high impact. Choose a bra that is too small and the breast can become pinched or spill out from the top or bottom of the cups. Choose a bra that is too large and the bra will not provide the proper amount of support. If you are unsure of your size, get a bra fitting at a well-known department store like Nordstrom's. Certified bra fitters can help determine your true size.
Where To Buy
Budget Stores like Wal-Mart and Target may offer a few selections for high-impact sports. However, for the largest selection, try a sporting goods or athletic store. REI, Sports Authority and Altrec.com all offer a wide selection of sports bras from respected brands such as Nike, Adidas, Lily of France, Bendon Sport and Anita. Purchasing bras during clearance events will increase your chances of finding an expensive bra for less.
Cost
High-impact sports bras are more expensive than low-impact bras because of the materials in the bra. Expect to pay between $20 and $60 for most high-impact sports bras. It is important to not skimp on price for sports bras because tissue damage may occur if the wrong bra is worn. The Bendon Sport Max Out Technical Support bra costs about $55. The Anita molded sports bra costs about $65. The Lily of France in Action sport underwire bra costs around $30.



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