Sports bras are still bras, they need to fit

Although many people think one sport bra is pretty much the same as another, this is not true. Just as a properly fit everyday bra can make huge differences in comfort, a little judicious research can make your active time more enjoyable. Chafing, uncomfortable movement, lack of support; all these things will throw you off your game in a heartbeat.

Fit The bra should fit firmly enough to control breast motion, but not so tightly as to interfere with breathing. During vigorous movements, the entire upper body should move as one unit, with limited bouncing of the breasts. Give the bra the jumping-jack test to be sure it meets these criteria.

Support Minimal movement of the breasts within the bra is important to reduce chafing. Larger-breasted women will probably be more satisfied with molded cups. For maximum support, look for minimal vertical (neck to navel) stretch in the fabric. Horizontal stretch is necessary to get the bra off and on easily and not interfere with breathing.

Fabric Prevent moisture from accumulating. The bra should be a blend at of least 50 percent cotton and a breathable material such as Lycra mesh to help evaporate sweat and keep odor in check. Cotton provides more comfort than synthetic materials, reduced stretch, and greater support. The bra also should be lined under the breasts and under the arms with material like CoolMax that removes moisture from the skin by wicking the sweat outward.

Seams Poorly placed seams can irritate the nipples. Cups should be seamless or at least have covered seams. Hardware like hooks or fasteners must be covered with fabric and should be cushioned for maximum protection.

Straps Choose wide, nonstretch straps for best results. In addition, a wide “Y-back” panel can help increase support. Some sports bras offer a two-hook back for an adjustable fit.

Mobility Many sports bras are shaped like halter tops. Be certain the armholes allow ample room for the unrestricted arm movements necessary during exercise and for freedom from chafing.

German "Bullet-proof" Bra

It is being dubbed the new "bullet-proof bra", a new kind of Wonderbra which could help protect thousands of women police officers here in Germany. It may sound like a joke, but this is a serious matter - the policewoman who came up with the idea said normal bras can be dangerous when worn in combination with a bullet-proof vest.

"The impact of a bullet can push the metal and plastic bits of the bra into an officer's body, causing serious injury," said Carmen Kibat, an adviser on equal opportunities for the Hamburg-based Bundespolizei - Germany's federal police force. "I always thought normal bras posed a safety risk and I wanted to change that," she said. "These new bras are very important and they will help all our women officers."

Dozens of German policewomen have already tested the new bras and, after a two-month long trial, the underwear is being issued to officers as part of their uniform.

Under a vest

So what do the new bras look like?

Well, looking similar to sports bras, the new bras are white, made from cotton or polyester and padded. They also have the word "Police" printed at the bottom. Crucially, though, the bras do not have any under-wire or fastener made out of metal or plastic.

From now on, women police officers will be allowed to pick three bras from a range of designs, varying in size and style. "These new bras represent pioneering work," said Ruediger Carstens, a spokesman for the Bundespolizei. "It shows that the safety of our officers is a top priority."

In all, more than 3,000 front-line women police officers across Germany are being encouraged to wear the new bras on duty. So that includes female officers deployed at airports, train stations, or those deployed at border crossings. But at the end of the day, it is up to each individual officer to decide whether she will go for the latest "bullet-proof" lingerie - a police spokesman was keen to point out that the new bras "are optional".

Since the bras have been issued, UK female officers through the Police Federation of England, have recently indicated that they want the same bras as standard issue in Britain. No word on US police acceptance,