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Kate's Guide to Getting the Correct Sports Bra!

I wear an unusual size and it took me years to unlock the secrets to bra fitting (and finding!) I suffered for years in improperly fitting bras, and during exercise I would wear 2 or 3 just to get the support I needed.  Every woman needs support while performing sports; not having proper support means that there is extra stress put on the back during various activities. Even low-impact exercises done without the support of a sports bra can result in strain on the upper back and shoulders that can result in pain or worse- injuries that may develop over time.

Sports bras affect a woman’s posture. Exercising without support can result in slouching to prevent painful bouncing which throws the back and hips out of alignment and impedes form, leading to potential injury.

The most common mistakes are when women wear a bra that is too small in the cup and too loose around the body for example a 38e instead of a 36f.
Note: When you go down a band size, go up a cup!

Step 1:
Take a tape measure and measure the complete width around your bare rib cage, just beneath your naked breasts, where the tape meets note down the measurement in inches to the nearest even number i.e. 34, 36 38 etc

Step 2:
To work out your cup size measure around the widest and fullest point of your bust, sliding the tape around the middle of your back. Hold the tape as level as possible to ensure accuracy. join the tape together and note the measurement again in inches to the nearest even number.

Step 3: Note the difference between the two measurements.

Use the following as a guide, and try on a range of sizes above and below your measurement:
This is imperative- according to the chart below I fit a 28DD/E, when in reality I wear a 28F.

If your bust measurement is up to 1 /2 inch larger than your band size, then your cup size is an AA.
1 /2 inch to 1 inch more than the band size indicates an A cup
1 to 2 inches indicates a B cup
2 to 3 inches indicates a C cup
3 to 4 inches indicates a D cup
and 4 to 5 inches indicates a DD or E cup.

Tip: European manufacturers offer a tremendously wider range of band to cup sizes- for example, I measure a 28F which is impossible to find, right? I shop on ebay and I love the brands Freya and Panache.

 
This is my current absolute favorite sport bra ever.
I own 2 of them. They have no underwire and are incredibly supportive and 
shapely.

  • Uses Coolmax fabric to wick moisture away from the body
  • Mesh panels for cool comfort
  • Double fabric for firm support
  • Built up padded strap for comfort and support
  •  Firm, flat bottom band for good anchorage

I also own 2 of these:

They are underwired and I love them but they have chafed me during long runs.

Panache SuperBra High Impact Sports Bras 2001. High impact sports bra provides ultimate control, excellent support with maximum comfort. The bra is produced from a brathable fabric incorporating padded straps and an ultra light memory wire that shapes to the bodys contours. The bra uses a two-layered laminated version of Sensitive (specialist sports fabric with Lycra) which gives the ultimate strength and support. The cups are lightly padded to give shape and are cotton lined for comfort. The straps are padded at the front for comfort and are two-sectioned so the back is fully adjustable. The microfiber hook and eyes have a removable cover, which features the PS logo. This hides the bra fastening to give the garment a more sporty look and also adds comfort when exercising. Extremely light titanium wires are used so that a great shape is maintained without losing any comfort.

I hope that helps!
P.S. These manufacturers also sell Nursing Bras!
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