Sports bras work by reducing the amount that your breasts move or bounce during exercise, thereby working to reduce any discomfort or injury to your breasts during exercise. In general, you will need a more supportive bra the larger your breasts are. Additionally, high-impact sports require a more supportive bra than low- and medium-impact sports.
Encapsulation
A study undertaken at the University of Wollongong in Australia and reported in the August 2008 issue of the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" indicates that a so-called "encapsulating" style of sports bra provides the best support. However, the study found that fewer than half of the women surveyed wore an encapsulating sports bra during regular exercise. An encapsulating bra is designed to support and surround each of your breasts individually.
Compression
A sports bra may offer additional breast support through compression. Compression bras may also include an element of encapsulation for extra support. The function of a compression bra is to press your breasts against the wall of your chest so they do not protrude as far from your body as usual. Especially if you have large breasts, a compression bra can be one of the most effective methods of reducing breast movement as you exercise.
Sizing
Because sports bras work on compression, encapsulation or a combination of both, you need a relatively snug fit in a sports bra. In comparison to your lingerie-style bra, you may choose a sports bra in a slightly different band size or cup size. Sports bras should fit snugly but not be so tight that you feel constricted or chafed by the bra material. With compression bras, it is important to make sure you can breathe comfortably while wearing the bra.
Fastening
Sports bras come with a range of different fastening options, which can affect the degree and type of support they offer your breasts. If your breasts are relatively small in size, sufficient support will likely be offered by a rear-fastening sports bra or an all-in-one bra top that pulls on over your head without unfastening. If your breasts are larger, a front-fastening sports bra design will provide greater support. Most compression bras fasten in the front with a short zipper.
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