Five Fashonable Tips for Selecting the Right Sports Bra

When it comes to bras, the choices seem to have become increasingly complex. Push-up? Minimizer? Add two cup sizes? Strapless? Padded straps? Hook in front, hook in back, or perchance hook-free? Red lace bras nestle next to plain white cotton options, while fabric choices seem to range from more light-weight than a tissue to heavy-duty spandex. It's all too easy to assume that you can wear the same bra to an aerobics class or for a jog as you do to the office.

If you make that assumption, though, you're not giving yourself the opportunity to determine whether you just might be more comfortable in a bra designed specifically for sports. And that's where these tips just might help you score higher on the comfort scale.

Five Tips for Choosing a Sports Bra That's Right For You

1. Match your bra to your sport.

If you jog, play tennis, or do high-impact aerobics, you're going to want to opt for a bra with extra support. For example, you might want a bra with molded cups, or a bra that has extra-wide, padded straps for comfort. In addition, make sure that it is chafe resistant.

2. Consider the weather.

Do you frequently participate in sports outdoors, such as field hockey or tennis? Look for fabric that has moisture management and breathability.

3. Look at your wardrobe that you'll be wearing.

Depending on the type of sports top or blouse that you prefer, certain types of bras just might be displayed for all the world to see. For example, if you like sports tops that are low cut in back, combining that style with a halter style bra or bra that crosses in back might not be the ideal choice for you.

4. Read the label carefully.

Make sure you understand what is required to care properly for your bra: wearing it for sports means that you're going to want to wash it frequently, so if it requires complex washing instructions, you just might want to re-consider. In addition, if you have sensitive skin, make sure the material isn't something that might irritate your skin.

5. Ask about the store's return policy.

Even though a size such as "36B" seems as if it should be standard, the key word is "should." The reality is that you might wear a size 34C in one type of bra, a size XS in another type of bra, or even a size 36B when the bra is made by a different manufacturer. Make sure that the store is willing to give full credit for returns as long as the bra is in good condition, and explain that you want to try it out doing a small amount of the type of activity you'll be using it for. For example, you might want to go for a quick ten minute run if you're a jogger to ensure that it's comfortable and that the fit is right.

In addition, spend some time looking at different options online before you head to the store to try on different types. For example, I have discovered that the Saucony bra line generally has options that suit my needs. When I visited their site recently, I realized that they have some new arrivals that I wanted to try on. After studying the site to check out different models, I was able to save time in the store. My final choice for a sports bra that offered the support and comfort I wanted: the Saucony Motion Sensor Bra, which has stretchable molded cups, a liner designed to manage moisture well, and a substantial hook-and-eye closure that made the bra fit perfectly.