Exercising without a good sports bra can be an uncomfortable experience. From painful bouncing to constriction or chafing in all the wrong places, a bad sports bra has the power to ruin your workout.
Why it’s important to find a good bra:
A sports bra’s main objective is to reduce the movement of breast tissue. By doing this, you reduce the impact on your breasts and thereby protect the tissues and ligaments from permanently stretching as a result of the impact of exercise and sport. In theory it’s simple – reducing the movement leads to less strain on your breast tissue and you avoid pain and discomfort while exercising.
Sarah Swainson, the owner and founder of lingerie business Sarah Elizabeth, has run countless marathons, including nine Comrades Marathons, and knows first-hand the struggles of finding the perfect sports bra.
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‘When I started running, I was a G cup and finding something that fitted was virtually impossible,’ says Swainson. ‘I used to wear two sports bras and a fitted running tank top to try to limit breast movement and reduce pain. The day I discovered the right sports bra revolutionised my life, and I am not exaggerating. For many women, participating in sports and exercise is not an option because they feel so inhibited and self-conscious of their breasts. For me, my sports bra is so much more than just a bra – it gives me the freedom to go out and do what I want to do, whether that is running, climbing a mountain or riding a horse. I determine what I can or can’t do, not my breasts,’ she says.
Based on her practical and professional experience, here are her top sports-bra picks:
1. Panache Sports Bra
The moulded cups offer support and a defined shape. Most importantly, this bra reduces bounce and movement by about 83%. The Panache Sports Bra uses an encapsulation design, which means that each breast has a distinct cup and the breasts are totally separated. This bra is a brilliant choice for high-impact exercise like running. Breathable fabric helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable. (Boob sweat is not an issue.) It also comes in a non-wired version
Panache Sports Bra in White
A highly recommended, award-winning sports bra. Features include moulded cups that offer support and a defined shape, and silicone-encased underwires for comfort. Wide, cushioned straps, three- hook fastening, adjustable firm back straps, a clip to convert into a racer back and breathable fabric that helps keep the wearer dry and comfortable
R1 495 Sarah Elizabeth SHOP NOW2. Freya’s Epic Sports Bra
This bra offers high-performance support with full coverage for those looking for comfort while exercising. High-tech COOLMAX fabric pulls the moisture away from the skin with a fast drying action. According to Sarah: 'Freya has done extensive research into reducing pain, strain and independent movement of breasts while exercising. I can confirm that breast movement is almost totally reduced and I experienced no breast pain.'
Epic UW Crop Top Sports Bra by Freya in Electric Black
This sports bra by Freya Active encapsulates the breasts instead of just compressing them. The cups are moulded with perforated foam to optimise airflow and the design is one that doesn’t even need covering up!
R1 297 Sarah Elizabeth SHOP NOW3. Anita DynamiX Star Sports Bra
Featuring an 'Easy On & Off' design with a strap system that was exclusively developed for Anita. It has seamless shaped cups and a net insert at the front centre as an additional aeration zone. The X-back design offers good support and considerably reduced movement. This is a non-wired option and designed for maximum support for high-impact or intense sporting activities
DynamiX Star by Anita in Peacock
Introducing the brand-new DynamiX Star sports bra by Anita Active. This style is simple and convenient, thanks to the wide opening and 'Easy On & Off' design. Plus, this strap system is exclusively developed for Anita. The ergonomically shaped, padded, adjustable straps are designed to be positioned away from the neck. Lastly, you can get this bra in three lovely colour
R1 250 Sarah Elizabeth SHOP NOWImage: iStock
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