Sports bra myths and wrongs we've heard over the years!
Over the years, we've heard a lot of myths and sports bra wrongs. Let's set the record straight about some of these...
1 | I have like no boobs, I don't need a sports bra.
MYTH! This is one we hear a lot and it couldn't be any further from the truth. Even an A cup will bounce 4cm if unsupported during high impact activity. It's just as important for you to take care of your breasts as your ligaments can still stretch. When it comes to exercise, all boobs are equal, sports bras are vital even for little lady bumps.
2 | I get more support from wearing two bras.
Not only is this one not true, but we can't understand how people deal with wearing two or three bras. All you need is one, proper fitting sports bra to get proper breast support. Finding that right sports bra can be a journey, but once you find that perfect one it makes it all worth it. Though wearing more than one bra is not harmful, it's just not necessary and can be avoided very easily.
3 | Underwired sports bras are uncomfortable, but don't they give the best support?
If underwired sports bras cause you discomfort then this could be because you're wearing the wrong size or you're not in a suitable style. Don't worry if underwired bras don't work for you because non-wired sports bras can provide just as much support. Take Shock Absorber, for example, one of the best selling sports bra brands in the UK and none of their styles are wired.
Check our our wired VS non-wired guide for more information OR shop by your breast shape to get styles better suited for you.
4 | I don't change bra sizes, I've been the same size for years.
Ladies, our bodies change all of the time! It's important to measure yourself and check your size every year. Breasts changes can be due to fluctuating hormone levels, menstrual cycles, diet, medications, exercise, and the list goes on.
Good practice is to remeasure yourself every 6 months, but we realize that realistically this may be hard to achieve. Keep an eye on how your bras fit every time you put them on. When your bra begins to show signs of wear, it's time to get a new one.
Check out our right fit guide to know when it's time for a new sports bra.
5 | The cups in a sports bra provide the most support.
Nope, it's the band! The band provides 80% of the support from a sports bra.
Does your band fit properly? Find out here!
6 | A new bra should fit on the last hook and eyes, otherwise it's too big.
Actually, it's the opposite! You want to always be on the outermost hook and eyes on any bra. Once the band starts to lose elasticity over time, you'll move inwards on the hook and eyes until you're at the last one. Once it starts to feel loose on the last hook and eyes then it's time to get a new sports bra.
7 | Best support is when a sports bra just squishes them down.
This one isn't always true. The squish-them-down sports bras are called compression fits, this style is great for anyone with a cup size A to C. If you're bigger than a C cup, this style should only really be used for medium to low impact exercises like gym work or yoga. D+ cup sizes need proper cup separation, which is called encapsulation or a hybrid style which is a mix of both.
This ensures that all of your breast tissue is encased and protected.
8 | I'm the same size in every brand.
Every brand follows their own sizing method, so this is most likely not true. Shock Absorber tends to see ladies going up a band size due it's tighter fit, compared to Anita which tends to fit big in the cups. If you're not sure, read the product description and reviews or get in touch with a fitting expert.
9 | I've had my sports bras for years, it's still good.
Your sports bra should never see its first birthday. Just like your trainers, sports bras need replacing regularly. Chances are if you're alternating between sports bras, you'll get more life out of it. Just watch out for signs of wear and know when it's time to get a new one.
Tip: If it has holes, starts fraying, or looks anything like the ones below, it's definitely time for a new one!
10 | I wear sports bras, they're the ones that just fit over your head.
We aren't going to make any call outs, but there are certain shops out there that put sports bra labels on items that are not real sports bras. How do you know it's a good sports bra? Firstly, it should just feel like a piece of material over your boobs. That's not to say that a sports bra needs to suffocatingly tight, but you should know it's there. The ultimate test though is the bounce test. A good sports bra will leave you feeling comfortable and you'll notice a significant difference in terms of bounce control. Don't settle for just, "it feels ok", there are countless sports bra styles out there that will give you ultimate support and comfort. Why not talk to an expert and see what options we have for you?