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Fact: a good sports bra is important for a good workout. Keeping the girls comfortable while you run is incredibly important to moral! But how do you know you're wearing the right sports bra?
Aside from the more obvious signs (if your breasts hurt after jogging in your sports bra, you need to switch!), you might not know there are some less-obvious signs that your sports bra just isn't making the cut.
Check out these 10 signs that you may need a new sports bra, and how to pick the right sports bra for you.
1. Uniboob. If your sports bra pushes and squeezes your breasts into a uniboob, chances are it's too tight. Not to mention, you need to make sure that your breasts are separate to allow them to breathe and avoid chaffing or rashes.
2. You're wearing the same sports bra while running and practicing yoga. As one blog points out, this is like wearing ballet slippers while running a marathon--it just doesn't work. Your sports bra for yoga can be light and seamless, but your sports bra for running should have much more support to keep your girls from bouncing around. You'll need a sports bra with thicker, cushioned straps, molded cups, and possibly even some underwire.
3. The band rides up in the back, or you're using the tightest hook. If it does, it means that your sports bra is too large or stretched out to provide adequate support, regardless of the condition of the straps. Also, keep in mind that the band should be snug, but it should not be painful.
4. The straps dig into your skin, or your neck hurts after wearing it. While the type of strap is up to your personal preference, your straps should never hurt. If they do, it means the band isn't providing enough support, leaving your straps to take the brunt of the support, which can seriously hurt your neck and shoulders!
5. It's more than six months old. Just like normal underwire bras, eventually your sports bra will stretch out. It's not you, it's the fabric, we promise! However, if (and when) your sports bra stretches out, it most likely isn't giving you the support you need to get the most out of your work out. If you want to extend the life of your sports bra, try hand washing them (you can even wash them with you in the shower!). Whatever you do, though, do not put them in the dryer. This tends to shrink and disintegrate the fabric, stretch out the shape, and it also ruins the underwire.
6. You're wearing two of them. You probably know someone who does this if you don't already do it yourself. This is a sign you need to simply invest in a better sports bra. Technology is incredible, and there are plenty of options that will work beautifully for women with large breasts. Instead of double-bagging, look for a bra sold by cup size that has wider straps, a zip or clasp in the front, and cups that fully encapsulate each breast. Try Moving Comfort, Panache, Freya, and Enell.
7. It's made of cotton. If you have a sports bra made of cotton, it can soak up all the sweat and grime during your workout--and it can stay there (gross). Try to get a sports bra with sweat-wicking fabric with air holes, preferably under the breasts or in the back. You can stop annoying and icky boob sweat before it starts!
8. Your breasts hit your chin when you run or jump. Your sports bra should keep your girls in check. Try doing a few jumping jacks in the dressing room before you buy the sports bra. If they hit your chin, the sports bra is too loose, so move on to the next one.
9. Your breasts pop out when you bend over, run, jump, or just generally move. Same rules apply as number eight. Your girls need to stay in place! If your breasts spill out, try a smaller bra.
10. You're stuck in it. If you have a hard time taking off your sports bra in the changing room when you're clean and sweat-free, imagine how hard it will be to take it off when you've finished a grueling kick-boxing class. A good general rule: it should come off as easily as it slips on.
What do you think of these rules? Let us know how you care for your sports bra in the comments!
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