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If you’re looking for the best sports bra for running, then this complete guide will share with you everything you need to know to get the one that’s perfect for you!
Because I am a lifetime member of the itty bitty club, once upon a time I forgot to bring a running sports bra with me to a run…I thought, ehh I don’t really need support, I shall simply run free.
Do not do this. There’s a reason men often finish races with bloody nipples, it hurts.
And not only can it hurt, but we now have research to prove that it can also negatively affect our performance. So finding the right sports bra for running is more than just about comfort, and is an essential part of your running gear as a woman.
Why Do We Need a Good Running Sports Bra? No Seriously, You Need to Read This!
A research conducted by breast health expert Dr. Joanna Scurr at the University of Portsmouth in the UK studied the biomechanics of breast movement, breast support, and how its effects on athletes and their performance.
A number of high-profile companies were part of the project for testing and development, including Brooks and Adidas, which gave us some interesting results.
Not only does breast movement while doing workouts and other physical activities hurt, but it can also greatly affect performance.
The research showed that women lose up to 1.5 inches per stride due to breast movement. And while this may not sound like a lot, that extra inch and a half can add up to an extra mile’s worth of steps during the course of an entire marathon!
Dr. Scurr found that while running and during other physical activities, breasts move in a figure-eight-like pattern and not just up and down. This means that they move sideways as well and all that movement can really affect your breast health.
Depending on the size of your breasts, your bust can move up to 7.5 inches in any direction during a run if they’re left unsupported. This leads to multiple issues like shorter strides lengths, slower pace and leg turnover compared to athletes with a high support sports bra.
Better support also leads to overall better breast health as it’ll prevent premature sagging, and support the sensitive tissues and mammary glands.
And so, finding the perfect sports bra can not only make you more comfortable, but it can also enhance your running performance. NICE who saw that benefit coming?!
9 Best Running Sports Bras
Following are the best running sports bras that have been tried, tested, and fully approved by fellow runners. Yup seriously, I get your feedback for these because finding a great sports bra is HARD when you need support.
Medium Support Cheap Option: Champion Seamless Racerback – ($20)
This Seamless Racerback is perfect for maximum impact with a light compression fit. The wire-free racerback is perfect for high-impact activities like running and even tennis.
There are no inserts, which I LOVE, and the soft bonded seams help keep skin irritation at bay.
Honestly, this is the majority of what I wear (seriously I have 5 in black). Comfy, no issues with chafe, stays put….but as noted not exactly designed to support anyone over a B cup.
These are one of the few sports bras that you can still find without padding inserts, but I really love using the merino to wick sweat and prevent any issues with smell!
Some women love those to help prevent laser beams, but there were many of you like me who said you didn’t always want that. Sometimes you just want a plain, no-frills sports bra.
Anyhow, on to the more supportive sports bras you’ve asked about!
Pick For Your Cup Size – Title Nine Sports Bras – $60
Beyond just loving the name, which goes to supporting all women in sports, I like the shopping experience here! When you select an option, you’ll be able to pick your band and bust size to really find what’s actually going to fit you!!!
I admit to not loving the whole small, medium, large choices when it comes to sports bras because let’s be honest…for most of you the rib cage and the measurement across the chest are vastly different. Reminder of the itty bitty club here, so I can get through that ;).
Another unique thing you’ll find next to the title of a sports bra is their barbell system to help you know truly how much support it’s going to provide!
So if your focus is a lot on style but you, obviously, don’t want to compromise on comfort, support, and quality, then I’d say go with just about anything from Title Nine.
With fun designs, different patterns, and fun features, you’re bound to find the one you’re looking for there. It’s a great choice if you’re also looking for some extras like front zip, pockets, strappy design, etc.
Medium Support Front Pocket – Tracksmith Allston Bra – ($72)
I have gotten so many rave reviews about this, I had to add it to the list. It may not be the best support for larger busts, but folks LOVE the front pocket for their phone.
Their quality is always superb on anything that I’ve tried, so I fully support everyone’s recommendation here! It’s also a super soft fabric, which just freaking feels nice.
Bigger Cup Size, Max Support – Under Armour Infinity High Sports Bra – ($30)
With a back closure, this is going to feel in many ways like your normal bra, but with way more support.
The UA Infinity High Sports Bra offers superior support and comfort for women looking for a bra that can handle the rigors of running. The bra is designed with an innovative power-mesh infinity back design that provides a secure fit without compromising breathability.
The adjustable straps and wide band provide additional support and help keep the bra in place.
The cups are lightly padded and provide coverage and shape without the bulk, for many of you the padding is really just helping with some nipple coverage and comfort.
I have long used UA gear because the cost is good and it lasts me for many, many, many runs. So this is an easy recommendation.
Sizes go up to 3X.
The wide band is going to both help with support and comfort, while the adjustable cross back straps are also going to help you get the right fit and feel locked in.
Compression Support – Nike Alpha High Support – ($65)
This compression style is slightly different from the one above. It offers individual cups, light padding, and a compression fit to keep you locked in place.
It’s available up to a 42E.
This was another one that came in as a frequent recommendation for best running sports bra from some of are larger busted runners. Many of you really love the front zipper and that it allows you to retain shape vs the uniaboob look.
I don’t know about you, but I totally need to test out things to see if the armholes or bands are going to chafe. Bonus if you order from Nike.com they have a fabulous and easy return policy which makes the process of finding the best sports bra so much better!
Maximum Support for Running – Ultimate Sports Bra by Shefit.com – ($75)
The Ultimate Sports Bra has been a big-time winner among my running friends needing more support. With a front zipper, adjustable band, and straps they felt like this allowed them to get a really secure fit that was just right for them.
This isn’t the place to go for wild designs, there is literally one sports bra available, but they do that one very well. But I have to say, they have some beautiful color options that really suit the classic style, and so I’m sure you’re bound to love the way it looks.
Enell and Anita, which have a very similar concept, also came up a lot from the soon-to-be moms (new moms, etc) who really appreciated that front closure. Enell uses hook and clasp front closures, while Anita also uses zippers.
In other words, these three got the vote for best sports bras for a large chest.
Sports Bra for Nursing Mom’s – Senita Go With The Flow – ($44)
While I know many of you don’t want to buy a ton of new gear for a short phase of life…I also know that the right gear can make things so much easier! So if you’ve been thinking about this, I love that Senita has too.
It’s obviously a brand by women who understand other women.
Available in 3 colors, it’s also back to the Small to XXL sizing. But it’s got nearly 900 reviews to help you figure out which size is the best for you and why other mother’s are using it for their runs and lifestyle.
For Those Who Need Less: Hanes Seamless
Listen up my itty bitt friends. If you don’t need a lot of support and don’t need anything fancy, then let me save you some massive $$$.
$15 and this is the style that I’ve run in for years on years….on years. I love that it’s seamless so I never have to worry about chaffing. And while it might be nice to have something cuter, honestly I’m just sweating so it gets the job done!
There you have it, that’s my complete guide to finding the best sports bra for running.
Understanding Running Sports Bras
Sometimes words get thrown around like we should automatically know what they mean. Fartlek. LSD. Bonk.
Let’s break down some common stuff with our sports bras.
Type of Support
There are mainly three types of support: encapsulation, compression, and a combination of the two.
Compression or encapsulation can provide support. Most compression bras have a simple squish style, and runners with C-cup chests or smaller chests do best with them. Seamless compression bras are generally better for the itty bitty club that doesn’t need a great deal of movement support.
Encapsulation bras (underwire or molded cups) work like regular bras in that there are separate cups for each breast to stop them from moving.
Both options have their drawbacks: compression-only bras might not be the best choice for people with larger busts, and encapsulation bras might not be the best choice for everyone, depending on the size and shape of the breasts.
When worn, encapsulation bras can visually emphasize the look of your breasts, which may or may not be appealing to you.
Support can also come from the way the bra is put together as a whole, as well as from things like chest strap clasps and shoulder straps that can be tightened.
Instead of solely relying on the support of the front and cups themselves, these little features allow the wearer to lift and cinch the chest in if needed for the right fit.
Breasts can move in a variety of ways, depending on the shape and size of the wearer’s chest. Smaller chests may move slightly up and down, but larger busts move in many directions, adding significant tension and strain on the back.
Encapsulation bras are, therefore, typically recommended for women with bigger busts for extra support.
Level of Support
The level of support is probably the most important thing to look at when choosing a sports bra, especially for runners with bigger busts. A bra that does not provide adequate support can result in sore breasts, back pain, and that uncomfortable bouncing feeling that has lead to so many jokes.
Another important thing to do to keep support is to replace your sports bras often. Don’t wait until they’rre worn out and the seams are coming apart before you get a new one.
The level of support (or impact) provided by a bra can be described as low, medium, or high by the manufacturer of the bra and it will always be mentioned.
I think we all know low impact is generally referring to our yoga, Pilates, walking.
Although bras with medium support are marketed as being suitable for medium-impact activities such as boxing, strength training, cycling, or hiking, smaller-busted women frequently find that they provide sufficient support for running.
High level running sports bras usually have larger straps or that criss cross in the back or the additional wide band.
Sports Bra to Carry Phone
It’s not just about the style, support, or design! Luckily, we’ve come a long way, and now sports bras come with many handy features that can really make life easier for us runners.
What if support isn’t the only thing you want? Like, say, perhaps you want a sports bra to hold your phone?
Not only is it cost-effective, cute, and lightly padded, but you can store your phone in the middle of the racerback. Unlike some older styles where you stored it in front, creating a bizarre uniboob, this is actually pretty comfy!
NOTE: Personally I prefer the shorts with a pocket for my phone, but many swear this is their favorite.!
Certain bras come with internal panels between busts to make the bra increase ventilation and reduce boob sweat. Others come with built-in pockets to store energy gels, your cellphone, and other little items you might need when you’re out and about.
Another question I’ve received a few times is whether it’s safe to wear a sports bra all the time?
Yes, unless you’re single and ready to mingle. Then I have to imagine it might get in the way of things, but as for me and my friends, I find more of us wearing sports bras with everything because they’re simply more comfortable and stay put!
However, they do recommend you take it off at night. Just like anything else, it’s good to let them breathe.
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