Röhnisch Guide to Finding the Right Sports Bra
What should you consider when choosing a sports bra?
If you're unsure about which sports bra is suitable for what and how it should fit, this guide is for you.
Choosing the right sports bra for your workout - Our expert tips and recommendations
Selecting the right sports bra is crucial for achieving optimal support, comfort, and performance during your workout. In this guide, we'll explore various types of sports bras, provide detailed sizing information, discuss the importance of the right support level and materials, and offer practical tips for finding the perfect fit.
Why is a good sports bra important?
A sports bra is more than just a regular bra. It provides support and minimizes movement, reducing discomfort and potential chafing during exercise. Furthermore, a good sports bra can enhance your performance by offering increased stability.
Different types of workouts require different types of sports bras
There's a wide range of sports bras to suit various types of workouts and needs. Here are some common types:
Compression sports bra: Provides strong support by compressing the breasts against the body, ideal for high-intensity workouts and running.
Underwire sports bra: Offers extra lift and separation for a more sculpted silhouette, suitable for medium- to high-intensity workouts.
Seamless sports bra: Offers maximum comfort and reduces the risk of chafing during high-motion activities.
Adjustable sports bra: Features adjustable straps and hooks to customize the fit to your preferences and needs.
Consider the type of workout you're doing and the level of support you need. Choose a sports bra with the appropriate support level to match the intensity of your workout.
Low-intensity workouts
Low-intensity workouts include activities like walking, daily chores, and gentle forms of yoga. For low-intensity workouts, it's important to select a sports bra that provides comfortable support and adequate coverage. A good fit and breathable materials are crucial for keeping you comfortable and free from discomfort. Seamless sports bras can be a great choice to avoid chafing during extended periods of movement. Opt for a sports bra that offers light to moderate support, allowing for natural movement without restriction.
Medium-intensity workouts
Medium-intensity workouts include activities like power walking, cycling, and dancing. For medium-intensity workouts, choose a sports bra that offers more support and stability to reduce discomfort and unwanted movement. Underwire sports bras can provide extra lift and separation for a more sculpted silhouette while delivering the necessary support during exercise. Ensure that the bra fits comfortably and provides sufficient coverage, allowing you to move freely without the need for adjustments.
High-intensity workouts
High-intensity workouts involve activities like running, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and aerobics. For high-intensity workouts, you need a sports bra that offers maximum support and minimizes breast movement to avoid discomfort and potential injury. A compression sports bra is an excellent choice to keep the breasts in place and provide steady support during intense workouts. Look for sports bras made from moisture-wicking materials to keep you cool and dry when you sweat. Racerback designs and adjustable straps can also provide extra support and freedom of movement for activities involving arm motion.
Tips! For individuals with larger breasts, a sports bra with high support is recommended. Because larger breasts have more weight, they require extra support regardless of the type of workout you're doing. A good recommendation is to choose a sports bra that encapsulates the breasts against the body without pushing them upward. To achieve maximum support, avoid sports bras with a plunging neckline.
Explore our best selling sportsbra
The Kay Sports Bra is one of our most popular sports bras, thanks to its versatility across various types of workouts. It offers perfect support for high-intensity training, while remaining soft and comfortable, making it also excellent for more low-intensity exercises.
Choosing the right size
Finding the right size is essential for achieving optimal support and comfort. A sports bra is designed to prevent breast movement during exercise. We understand that breasts and bodies come in various sizes, and standard sizes XS-XL may not meet everyone's needs. Therefore, we have decided to offer sizes up to 6XL in our range. To achieve optimal support, it's important that the sports bra fits both in cup and band size. We recommend starting with your regular bra size and choosing the same size for your sports bra. If you're unsure about your size, you can follow the instructions below to determine your recommended bra size. Here are some steps to measure and find your correct size:
Measure the circumference under your bust to determine your band size.
Measure the circumference over the widest part of your bust to determine your cup size.
Use a size guide to match your measurements and find the perfect size.
How should a sports bra fit?
A sports bra should fit properly to provide optimal support and comfort during your workout. Here are some key points to consider to ensure that a sports bra fits correctly:
Support: The sports bra should offer enough support to keep your breasts in place and minimize movement. Make sure it covers the entire breast without squeezing or pressing too tightly.
Band: The band around the back should lie flat and horizontal on your body. They should be snug but not so tight that they chafe or cause discomfort. If the bands ride up or down, the bra either needs adjustment or a different size.
Cups: The cups should encompass your breasts and provide good support. They shouldn't be too small or too large. Your breasts should fill the cups without any excess fabric or tension.
Underwires: If the sports bra has underwires, they should rest comfortably against your sternum and the sides of your chest. The underwires should not dig in or cause discomfort during your workout.
Shoulder straps: The shoulder straps should be adjustable and provide sufficient support without digging into your shoulders. They should be wide enough to distribute the load evenly and prevent them from slipping down.
Comfort: A sports bra should feel comfortable on your body and allow for sufficient freedom of movement without restricting you. Try different styles and sizes to find the one that suits your body shape and workout activities best.
How to know if your sports bra fits right
For a sports bra to have the right fit, it should be tighter than a regular bra to provide support and keep the breasts in place during movement. If you choose a model with cups, your breasts should fit without being pushed out towards your armpits or flattened too much. A sports bra should be soft and stable without feeling overly constricting, except for some high-support models. For those with a larger bust who need extra support, it may feel quite tight, but there should never be any chafing seams. To determine if your sports bra has the right fit, ask yourself the following questions (if your answer is "yes" to all, you've found a winner!):
Can you easily take the sports bra off even when you're sweaty?
Do your breasts have enough space in the cups (if there are any) without becoming flat or protruding toward your armpits?
Do your breasts stay in place even when you bend forward?
Can you move your arms without experiencing chafing or discomfort?
Does the sports bra stay securely on your shoulders without slipping or shifting?
Can you take a deep breath without squeezing or experiencing pain?
Remember that every individual is unique, so it's important to try different sports bras and find the one that suits you and your needs best. A well-fitting sports bra will provide optimal support and make your workout experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Care instructions
To extend the lifespan and maintain the performance of your sports bra, proper care is important:
Follow the washing instructions carefully to avoid losing support and elasticity.
Avoid tumble drying your sports bra as the heat can damage the material.
Store the bra in a dry and airy place to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.
Did you know...
When you exercise without a proper sports bra, your breasts can move horizontally, inward and outward, upward and downward by as much as 30 centimeters.
Breasts are supported only by the skin and a network of ligaments that extend throughout the breast and attach to the chest wall. Permanent breast sagging occurs because these ligaments have stretched.
A regular bra reduces breast movement by about 35%, while a sports bra reduces movement by over 70%.
Sports bras lose their elasticity over time, similar to workout shoes, and should ideally be replaced annually.
Back closures provide a longer lifespan for your bra as you can adjust the size as the product material stretches.
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be able to choose a sports bra that provides optimal support, comfort, and performance for your workouts. Remember that every individual is unique, so experiment and find the perfect model for you. Good luck with your workouts and enjoy the comfort of a well-chosen sports bra!