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.

The 5 Bras you should own

With the busy lifestyle most women live today, having an assortment of apparel to use for any occasion is important. Women have different shoes, accessories and combination of outfits to fit their needs. It is also important to have a variety of bras available for the same reason. With this in mind there are five top bras that women need to have in order to suit any occasion that may arise.

The T-Shirt Bra

This is a good bra for everyday use. The t-shirt bra uses seamless cups and allows a smooth look even with the thinnest of shirts. With colors that can match any outfit, the t-shirt bra ranks at the top of the five top bras to own.

The Sports Bra

Most bras are for regular everyday activities. But if you are a more active woman, you need to own a sports bra. Unlike traditional bras, the sports bra provides good support and comfort during physical activities or exercises. This can help reduce movement and damage to the breast tissue. It is important to note that the greatest amount of movement actually came from low-impact activities, such as changing from a walk to a jog. Side to side movement is also more painful and damaging than up and down movement

The Convertible Bra

The convertible bra is basically an all-in-one bra. This type of bra provides adjustable shoulder straps that can be worn just about any way you want. The convertible bra is the one to have if you wear halter tops, strapless or one-shoulder outfits or a backless piece. This is useful for most eveningwear. Another type of bra that is similar to this is the strapless or tube top bra

The Under Wire Bra

An underwire bra can provide greater support to the breast tissue. Under wire bras come with wiring underneath the cup to help in support of the breast. These bras can be padded or lined to provide a fuller look if this is what you are after. While all bras should fit properly, it is perhaps most important with an underwire bra. Improper fitting can cause loss of support, poking from the undertwire itself and breast pain. Some doctors have even suggested that an improperly fitted underwire bra can impede the lymph nodes, although this has never been proven in a verifiable medical study.

The Soft Cup Bra

The soft cup bra is the opposite to the under wire bra in that there are no wires within the cups. This type of bra is useful if you want enhanced comfort and support without the wires that are associated with an under wire bra. But even though it doesn't have wires, this bra must fit properly at teh band and cup to give proper support and prevent breast pain.

These five styles are basically the bras that you need to own for daily use. There are many more types of bras, and myriad variations in each one. There are also certain bras that you were for short periods of time, and they are more for looks than support. But please remember that any bra must take into account size, support and comfort when worn. With different occasions and needs constantly arising it is a good idea to have at least one of each available.

Choosing a Sports Bra

Choosing the right sports bra - and getting the proper fit - requires patience, an eye for detail and a willingness to jump in the fitting room.

First decide if you want a compression or encapsulation-style brassiere.

Compression bras, like the first Jogbra, usually pull over the head and mash the breasts down, to restrict movement.

Encapsulation styles, which separate and support the breasts individually, are usually more comfortable for large-breasted women.

Look for wide shoulder straps which are less likely to dig in.

"Inset shoulder straps can make a big difference on where you distribute the pressure from holding up the breast on your shoulders and back," says Jen Elise McKey, a bra selector for Title Nine, a national women’s athletic apparel store.

Use your regular brassiere size as a guideline, but try the bigger and smaller sizes.

Do as much as you can in the dressing room that will replicate whatever activity you’re planning to wear it for.

After purchasing the bra, replace it every six months or so.