How To Pick The Right Sports Bra

“Jumping around” may be fun at a 1990’s throwback party, but when it comes to the workout action of your beloved twins?! Not so much. Did you know that your girls can bounce up to 21cm each workout?! Whoa right? Oh, and this my friend is not just an up and down action…there is a “side to side” shuffle taking place and an “in and out” doo wop going down too (imagine movement comparable to the butterfly). Add this to the fact that 80% of FitGirl’s today are sporting the wrong size sports bra, and we have a bonafide serious crisis on our hands ladies. But have no fear, your ultimate sports bra buying guide is here!

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Booby Bounce 101

So here’s the deal, our breasts are primarily made of soft tissue (not muscle)- therefore what’s holding them up (or down lol) is the surrounding skin and internal ligaments. Known as Cooper’s ligaments, this web of springy coils are designed to rebound and retract- that is until jumping, genetics, and gravity catch up with them. But don’t flip out. The right sports bra can cut this damaging movement nearly in half, and can help prevent permanent stretching/sagging. Hallelujah!

Size Em’ Up

The most common mistake women make when selecting a sports bra is buying the wrong size. Just like your regular everyday bras, sports bra sizing should be based on both cup and bandwidth- so get a good measurement before you start adding sweat to your ta-ta’s honey. Smaller cup sizes can usually get away with the general sized options (ie. Small-X Large etc.), but if your cup runneth over you are going to want to holla at those cup specific sizes. So, now that you know the 411, the next step is to try it on before you take it home. Here are 5 Things To Inspect:

1-Are you boobies trying to break free? Lift your arms up and if they slip out the bottom go a size down in bandwidth.

2-Look back at it? If the back of the bra is higher than the front of the bra then either adjust the straps (if that’s an option) or opt for a smaller band size here too.

3-Chin check! When you look down the center underwire portion of the bra should lay flat. If not then size up in the cup department lady.

4-Overflow is a no no. On the side, in the front or in the back, there should be absolutely no spillage. So don’t give up. Keep testing sizes until it is snug but not scandalous.

5-Nobody wants wrinkles?! A good fit is a smooth fit. Wrinkles on the cups, near the straps or along the back is a good sign that your brassiere dedicated to sweat is too big. Size down.

Make It Last Forever (Or As Long As Possible)

Been rockin’ the same sports bra since the series finale of Sex In The City? Throw them suckas out girl! The average lifespan of your sports bra is 9-15 months or 72 washes. With that said, wear beyond this time is comparable to being a Double D yet choosing to sport a training bra. Not only has the elasticity worn out by then, but the proper amount of support has thrown up the deuces too. So reinvest and take care of your sweaty lingerie by, 1) washing them only in cold water with mild detergent (skip the fabric softener and bleach) and 2) by laying them out flat out to dry (if you must use the dryer, use it on low).

Robbie Ann Darby (RAD Experience) is a professional FitGirl, Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer in NYC. Follow her sweaty life on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for more fun health and fitness tips!