Kelly-Ann Bowles, a PhD candidate at the University of Wollongong in New Wales, Australia, set out to size up sports bras and how aspects of design—straps, cushion and variation—can affect a woman’s physical performance. Bowles designed a sports bra strap off. She recruited 14 women to run on a treadmill in sports bras with varying straps: vertical, crossed-back, with and without bra strap cushions and no straps at all. (Can you imagine running in a strapless bra?) Women were either in a small breast (A cup) or large breast (B to C cup) group, and as they ran, Bowles measured for breast displacement, strap pressure, breast pain and comfort. The results: Women running in a cushioned, crossed-back bra experienced greater comfort and less pressure, or tightness, on their shoulders. Breast displacement was also significantly less compared with no straps. While the study suggests crossed- or racer- back sports bra may provide better comfort and support—those pesky strap slips included—different exercises call for different bras, says Erica Giovinazzo, MS, RD, and a Cross-Fit coach at BRICK New York. “From what I’ve experienced, women feel most comfortable in racer backs since everything is out of the way,” says Giovinazzo. “But that strap style might be too tight for someone else.” So which style bra is right for you? Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re shopping: Traditional isn’t terrible “If you’re lying on your back at anytime, like Pilates or general sit-ups, sports bras with a funky knot or braid in the straps won’t be comfortable,” says Giovinazzo. “Those are better to save for running or spinning.” Instead, go for traditional, vertical straps. Eye up impact Do you frequent low-intensity yoga classes, or high-intensity Cross-Fit classes? The intensity will make a difference, says Giovinazzo. “In Cross-Fit, you’re moving in so many different directions at such a high intensity that you’re going to want something that covers all grounds,” she says. (What the heck is Cross-Fit? Find out, plus 8 reasons you should give it a try.) Thicken your strap If racer back straps are too tight on you, look into a bra with thicker straps, especially if you have wide shoulders and/or a larger cup size. It’s more comfortable and flattering, says Giovinazzo. Give it a spin Giovinazzo likes to take her sports bra for a test drive. “I’ll try one on and jump around, or bend over, in the fitting room,” she says. “It gives me a better idea of the coverage and support it’ll offer during my workout,” she says. But above all else, always spring for a sports bra that’s comfortable. “You want to be comfortable in your sports bra, and general clothing, so that you don’t have to think about it and can focus on the workout,” says Giovinazzo. (For more inspiration, check out these sports bras that fit and flatter.)
