SPORTS BRA PLEASE
- Poonam Sandhu
- Nov 21, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2023
This post got a little personal but I know my story is similar to so many others! I hope with this post, I can shed some light onto the research pertaining to female athlete breast health, the challenges females face and the way to move forward.
I also want to share a list of SPORTS BRAS that came as a recommendation to me from my amazing female community!
DISCLAIMER: I have not personally worn all of these sports bras so don't come at me!
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
As a new mom going through all the postpartum challenges, finding a sports bra that I felt comfortable in during high endurance activity, has been a challenge that I didn't think I would have. As a former high performance athlete and varsity coach, I'm no stranger to the sports equipment world. Heck, I used to own and operate a sports equipment and apparel company with my family so I feel like I know my stuff. I've owned a ridiculous amount of sports bras in my lifetime and have worn them way too much.
Regardless, it's not the fact that I couldn't find the right bra, what got me was the lack of options that are easily accessible. Why can't I walk into a store and find something that will fit my new cup size, that will reduce the bounce, that will feel comfortable on my skin and not dig into my shoulders, back etc. Not to mention the ridiculous workout you have to do post workout to get the damn thing off.
NERD RANT
What also got me is the insane lack of research to help support the development of sports bras and sports equipment for women of ALL sizes, especially those with larger cup sizes. As a varsity coach I was encouraged by one of my peers to look into the research on breast health and menstrual cycles in female athletes. What I was learning was fascinating stuff from women who were some of the top scientists and researchers in their fields. What we're seeing right now is an acknowledgement within academia saying we need more research on female specific experiences. We can no longer base it off of male research, which is what we have been doing this whole time! Imagine that, workouts, nutrition plans, sports development programs, all based off male research! Craziness!
Thankfully, we have a bit more evidence supporting female athlete experiences, which has provided us with the following information:
- studies show that over 80% of women are wearing the wrong sized BRA (which we can assume also pertains to the sports bra as they're based off your bra size)
- For higher impact activity (running, jumping, sports as activities etc.) the wrong sports bra can result in more physical exertion, meaning you get tired faster. No fair.
- Finally, studies also show that young girls are opting out of sports because they feel uncomfortable participating as a result of improper equipment, which is just devastating. Girls deserve to feel comfortable while playing sport and being physically active!
OK, BUT NOW WHAT?
Why am I going on and on about this. Well the way we feel in our sports equipment should empower us to go out there and try new activities! To challenge ourselves further and to continue to push the boundary. To continue to work on our health and wellness and enjoy the benefits of being physically active. As females we should feel inspired to MOVE and be life long participants of physical activity. I can accept that our bodies will transform as a result of aging, motherhood, hormonal fluctuations, menopause etc., so why can't our gym clothing jump on board and accept that as well?
Thanks to my amazing female community, I have been able to compile a list of high-impact plus size sports bras that will hopefully provide you with more support and comfortability so that you are INSPIRED TO MOVE AGAIN!
REMINDER: These came as recommendations, I have not personally tried each one on and therefore cannot speak to the individual quality, performance and comfortability of each sports bra. However, If any of these companies want to sponsor me, I'm game!
Got a triple shout-out The Lululemon RUN TIME Sports Bra Will definitely be giving this one a try soon.
Didn't get any specific models with this company but KNIX was recommended to me a few times. Worth checking out, but I don't have any specific recommendations.
Lululemon TA TA TAMER. Love the name, but not a fan of the neckline on this one as it seems to low. However, it does seem like a good option for the gym or low impact work.
Victoria's Secret Knockout Front-Close Sports Bra. This one seems pretty awesome and they have a light, medium and high option for different activity intensities.
Anita Berlei The website has tons of options, so you got to head there and take a look for yourself. This company came as a recommendation from an old teammate of mine who said she used this while playing for team canada. Strong recommendation so worth checking out.
Shefit Ultimate Sports BraI have a model similar to this. I really like it but I got the cheap version off Amazon so the material isn't the best. I would definitely opt for something like this for my high-impact workouts.
ON Women's Performance Bra from the running room (US) also seems like a good option. I like the higher neckline, which helps reduce the bounce, the straps are thick and adjustable. However, this has a racerback style which I'm not personally into, but if you are this might be a good option!
Remember when looking for a good bra you want something that provides you with the following:
- support around your waist (tighter & thicker waist band)
- thicker adjustable straps that allow you to lift the breast
- higher neckline that helps support both the breasts and reduce bounce (cleavage means you're breasts aren't fully supported in the bra)
- bigger cup sizes require each breast to be supported so finding a combo between cup support and compression is best!
Check out the following links for more information:
I have tons of research articles and links to more information on breast health and sports bras. If you're interested send me an email at sandhu.poonamk@gmail.com
If you like what you read share the post! I hope this blog helps you and the women in your community! Until next time!
BYEEEE