Ask TS: How to Find a Sports Bra That Fits!

Kuwanna Dyer-Pietras: For larger busts this becomes pretty critical and finding a good running bra becomes as important as landing the right pair of running shoes. But for all bust sizes, a reliable running bra is gold. It’s key that the bra band feels snug around your ribcage to prevent or minimize bounce. It’s that excess bounce that will get you into trouble with chafing under the breasts, which can become rather painful during the run and the following week in which you are waiting for it to heal (speaking from experience). Bands that are much too loose may also result in breast tissue squeezing through, which is pretty uncomfortable and just not great. I can barely get one finger width between the band and the ribcage, and this is just enough to not affect my breathing (equally as important!). Next, you should consider cup size. A cup size that’s too large will cause the bra to bulge out on the sides, near your armpits. One that’s too small will cause the breasts to bulge out in the same area or spill out over the top. Most running bras with a back strap will also have adjustable shoulder straps. These allow the bra to pulled up and lifted off of the ribcage more. These straps are also beneficial for minimizing or eliminating under-breast chafe, because they help lift the breasts off of the ribcage.

More straps on a bra allow for greater personalization of sizing…I look for bras that have a back closure and closures for the shoulder straps. Running bras that simply slip over the head will have the least versatility, but may still be adequate for a short run or if you have a smaller bust.

And like in my case, if you find a favorite and that model is discontinued, start stockpiling them! Buy a few that are left in your size from stores, but then consider online thrift sites. You can find bras for sale that are very lightly used or even new. I have been able to stockpile several bras this way, including a few that are new with their tags still attached.

Des Clarke: My biggest tip on this is that most run specialty stores do sports bra fittings, go get fit by an expert.

Katie Grossman: Brands and styles fit so differently! Starting with a proper measurement can help, but ultimately the best way to go is to just try on as many options as you can. Don’t be afraid of the heftier, high impact options that have more adjustability of the straps and bands either – these have gotten WAY more comfortable over the years. Equally, don’t be afraid of a classic compression bra. Sometimes with all the new “bra technology” in the world, you may just prefer a simple design (it’s me, hi!)

Junko Kazukawa: Since I had a mastectomy and chose not to undergo reconstruction, I don’t typically wear a bra.  However, I’ve heard that some women’s activewear stores, like Title Nine, have specialists who can help you find one that fits well and feels comfortable.

Kristi Confortin: Seamless and not too tight! I have always found it best to go to a local running store or really any store to try on sports bras. You can always use a measuring tape to determine the size you may need. Don’t forget to ask sisters who you run with for their recommendations on which brands they like to help you find a sports bra that fits well!