Supporting roles for women

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For maximum comfort and bounce control during exercise, a well-fitting bra is important, yet more than 70% of women don't know their proper bra size. So before you set out to buy a new sports bra, get yourself measured in the lingerie department of a good department store.

Sports bras support the breasts and minimise bounce during exercise. Finding a bra that provides enough support for your level of activity is essential. The labels or packaging on many bras will indicate what level of activity they're suitable for. For example, low-impact exercise includes walking, weight training, yoga, rock climbing; medium impact might be spinning or golf; and running, aerobics and netball would all rank as high impact.

Three basic sports bra constructions

Compression supports and keeps breast motion to a minimum by pulling the breast firmly in; it is best suited for A and B cup fittings. Encapsulated or natural shaping provides a more natural shape than classic compression bras and typically offers women with larger busts more support. Underwire is typically found in encapsulated or natural shaping bras and provides an additional level of support for women with fuller busts. There are also several styling and fabrication choices to consider.

Many sports bra styles are suitable for wearing without a cover up. These styles typically provide more body coverage. Others are clearly intended to be worn under a top. Determine the style, which will be most comfortable and appropriate for you. The racer back provides the most support for women with larger busts, but if you are more comfortable with a traditionally-styled bra, look for scoop back or more traditional strap back styles.

Most sports bras use a combination of cotton and high-tech synthetic fabrics. High-tech moisture management fabrics will help pull moisture away from your body and allow the garment to dry quickly to keep you cooler and drier and help prevent chafing.

If you wear a sports bra three of four times per week, you'll need to replace it within six to 12 months due to the loss of elasticity in the bra's support materials. A bra that is hand washed and hung dry will typically last longer than a bra that is machine washed and dried.

Signs that a sports bra should be replaced

A noticeably looser fit Increased breast motion during exercise Fabric pillingCheck out www.realbuzz.com for more information.