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Let’s face it, not all boobs are created equal. And contrary to what the media and the
booming plastic surgery industry would have you believe bigger isn’t always better
(that is, unless a woman thrusts her cleavage across the finish tape for a close win). But for
most women, when it comes to being active, less weight and bounce is almost always a
good thing.
But no matter what your chest size, you can and should use support because everyone is
susceptible to sagging and tissue damage. Fortunately, there are hundreds of styles for
athletes of all sizes, ranging from the pullover compression design (known for its uniboob
look) to the super-supportive, underwire and foam cup. Just make sure you take into
account your activity (bounce factor) and body type (frame and breast size). Whatever you
buy, today’s styles are a major improvement over the original sports bra design: two
jockstraps sewn together.
The testers
We asked six active women to tell us about the sports bras they love.
SANDY likes to walk and run with her yellow lab, Gus.
Her Pick:
Champion Action Shape
Her Thoughts:
I wear this bra because it gives me the support I need. I can run without bouncing, which
is a MAJOR advantage. Without this support, I was running with one arm under my chest,
trying to keep it from bouncing and beating me to death. With the back closure you don’t
have to be a contortionist to get in and out of the bra. I tried the model that looks just like
this one except it has an underwire, but it wasn’t as supportive.
Best for:
|
Slow going (weight lifting, yoga) |
no |
|
Moderate movement (walking, biking) |
yes |
|
Extreme action (running, aerobics) |
yes |
|
Cup size |
C/D |
Features:
- 2-to-1 uniboob compression with cups
- back closure
- 14% Lycra
Cost: $36
Link: http://www.fogdog.com
KARIN is always on the go and participates in almost every sport known to women.
Her Pick:
Brooks Reversible Sports Bra
Her Thoughts: I teach group exercise classes, so I need to dress up a bit and stay
appropriate. Bras that are too revealing or that get transparent when with sweat will NOT
work. I also want the maximum amount of compression possible to minimize bouncing—again, partly
to stay within the limits of what’s appropriate, but also to prevent tissue damage (once it’s
done it can’t be undone, at least not without paying big bucks!). So I like bras that have cool
patterns and colors, cover me up, and keep me as flat as possible. The reversibility of this bra
is very cool; it’s like getting two for the price of one.
Best for:
|
Slow going (weight lifting, yoga) |
yes |
|
Moderate movement (walking, biking) |
yes |
|
Extreme action (running, aerobics) |
yes |
|
Cup size |
A/B |
Features:
- 2-to-1 uniboob compression
- over the head
- 32% Lycra
Cost: $34
Link: http://www.lucy.com
GAYLE loves trail running with her husband, Connectors, friends, and her yellow lab,
Lukas. She also enjoys scuba and skin diving, swimming laps, and hiking.
Her Pick:
Moving Comfort Olympia Lace Bra
Her Thoughts: This bra feels stretchy but is very supportive, minimizes bouncing, has
attractive styling and fabric, and is super comfortable. There are no open seams that can
cause chafing. I can move without feeling the bra.
Best for:
|
Slow going (weight lifting, yoga) |
yes |
|
Moderate movement (walking, biking) |
yes |
|
Extreme action (running, aerobics) |
yes |
|
Cup size |
B/C |
Features:
- 2-to-1 uniboob compression
- over the head
- 21% Lycra
Cost: $30
Link: http://www.title9sports.com
BETH spends most of her free time, water running and cuddling Jessy, her dog.
Her Pick:
Avia Lycra Jog Bra
Her Thoughts: I wear it to keep my boobs from flopping around. Why else? I like its
smoothness and it breathes!
Best for:
|
Slow going (weight lifting, yoga) |
yes |
|
Moderate movement (walking, biking) |
yes |
|
Extreme action (running, aerobics) |
no |
|
Cup size |
C/D |
Features:
- 2-to-1 uniboob compression
- over the head
Cost: $32
Link: http://www.lucy.com
CLAIRE is a stepper who recently branched out into running.
Her Pick:
Brooks Pro Flo
Her Thoughts: It provides tons of comfort and just enough support for my C’s, with less
bounce than the similarly styled Moving Comfort supplex bra that I used to wear. I will try
Moving Comfort again when I’m back to being a B!
Best for:
|
Slow going (weight lifting, yoga) |
yes |
|
Moderate movement (walking, biking) |
yes |
|
Extreme action (running, aerobics) |
yes |
|
Cup size |
B/C |
Features:
- 2-to-1 uniboob compression
- over the head
- 14% lycra
Cost: $22
Link: http://www.fogdog.com
Wendy is up for anything outdoors. She loves to climb, bike, splash in the ocean,
ski—you name it.
Her Pick:
Patagonia Shaka Bra
Her Thoughts: Gives great support. X-back design is perfect for my small shoulders—the
straps never slip off, I can barely feel that it’s on. Gives great support and best of all, it
wicks like mad!
Best for:
|
Slow going (weight lifting, yoga) |
yes |
|
Moderate movement (walking, biking) |
yes |
|
Extreme action (running, aerobics) |
yes |
|
Cup size |
A/B |
Features:
- 2-to-1 uniboob compression
- over the head
- 8% lycra
Cost: $32
Link: http://www.rei.com
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