The Importance Of A Good Sports Bra

Let’s talk boobs! How many of us ladies get fitted for our bras? Most of us. But how many of us ladies get fitted for our sports bras? The reality is that very few do.

I spoke to a handful of ladies I know who are active and was surprised to learn that almost all of them had never been fitted for a sports bra or in fact a normal bra. Being a woman with an ample sized chest (I think that is the most polite way to say I have big boobs), I have always had to get measured to make sure I am securing those bad boys in and ensuring I am not injured through any activities.

When it comes to women and fitness there are certain barriers that cause obstruction and a good sports bra is one of them, and yet is essential.

Why Is A Properly Fitting Sports Bra Important?

Wearing a properly sized sports bra:

• will ensure that you are comfortable during activities
• will reduce movement of your boobs during activities
• absorbs sweat
• reduces shoulder/back tension
• can help prevent sagging
• increases confidence during activities

What Sports Bra Is The Right One For Me?

How do you know which bra is right for you? Sometimes women may look, see the vast selection on offer and decide to stick with a good old faithful, which in many cases is a regular every day bra. When selecting a sports bra think about the following:

• What sport/activities are you doing? Think about the impact, for example yoga is much less than running.
• How much/little support is required? This can vary based on the above, and also the boob size, however, don’t assume smaller chest sizes do not require a good sports bra – comfort and support is key for all size boobs.
• Comfort – there are so many designs available now from crop tops to multi strap bras and there is nothing wrong with trying them on and having a move around in the fitting room (don’t worry no one will see you) so you can test the comfort and support during movement.
• Breathability – when I say this I mean it two fold both in terms of the material but also the sizing. Sports bras are snug but you need to be able to breath in them! This may sound silly but I know that I have struggled both in and out of sports bras and sometimes think yeah this fits – providing I don’t move or don’t need to breathe at any point, ever!

Some Interesting Boob Related Facts

Who doesn’t like a boob fact? Here are some things to consider alongside the above:

• During activity your boobs move ie when running they move in a motion that is similar to a figure 8 and depending on size can be as much as up to 14cm according to Shock Absorber – that is a lot of movement!
• The first sports bra was not invented until 1975, called the Free Swing Tennis Bra, and offered no support.
• Following the above Polly Smith and Lisa Landahl, following comments from Lisa’s husband, wanted to create a sports bra with support and used two jockstraps stitched together. They then teamed up with Hinda Miller to create the Jog bra.
• The average boob weighs between 200-300g, which to add some perspective, is the same as 2 medium oranges, 8-10 slices of bread, 2 cricket balls, a large hamster, 80 pennies. Imagine running around with that strapped to your chest!

Why I Recommend KnockerLocker

I was lucky enough recently to talk with Rachel who is the founder of KnockerLocker.

Rachel teaches Les Mills group exercise classes each week and is passionate about all things boobs! We managed to talk about sport, sports bras, what I do, what she does, what Knocker Locker is about and of course boobs with ease! I would recommend taking a look at their site not only for a huge selection of sports bras but also the following:

• KnockerLocker are all about women empowering women
• they are a Pink Ribbon partner with 5% of all sales going to the charity
• they try and test every bra they have on their site
• every bra on the site has a power rating, which helps you find the right bra by coupling your breast size with your chosen sport and directs you to bras that will give you the right support level
• there is information on the different boob shapes us women have and advice on which bra would be best for each
• they have a super useful step by step guide for measuring
• all packaging is sustainable

My Favourite Sports Bra?

I was sent a sports bra by KnockerLocker to try, and I did say I am a girl who has a brand that is a firm favourite so I was sceptical. BUT this bra is amazing!

It is made by Elomi and called Energise and speaking as a bigger chested lady this may have just become my new go to bra. Why?

• super comfortable
• loads of support
• the material wicks great when sweating through an activity
• front, side and back support
• added clasp to make into racer back should you wish
• the annoying strap slippage is non-existent

Product from KnockerLocker was gifted but all opinions are my own.