A fashion staple and workout essential, there is little doubt that sports bras are women’s best friend at the gym. We get a wide range of questions from our members about sports bras spanning topics from fit, care and function. Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions that come across our inbox.
Is It Ok to Wear Sports Bras Every Day?
Most women know how comfortable and supportive sports bras can be for exercise, but they’re actually great for everyday wear if you choose the right one. The wrong size and material can lead to itching and potential skin issues. So, while it’s okay to wear sports bras every day, choose one that fits properly and is made from moisture-wicking, breathable fabric.
Is It Healthy to Wear Sports Bras?
As long as your sports bra fits properly and isn’t causing irritation, it’s perfectly healthy to wear one while working out or even for everyday wear. The right fit will feel supportive, but not constricting.
How to Fold Sports Bras
Folding a sports bra the right way will help to extend its life and keep it in good condition. So, instead of tossing your clean sports bras in the drawer, take the time to fold them properly.
For an unpadded sports bra, lay it out on a flat surface and fold it in half. Tuck the straps underneath the cups so it doesn’t get tangled or twisted.
If you have padded sports bras, try stacking them on top of each other so the cups don’t get crushed or lose their shape.
A good rule of thumb is to have a separate drawer in your dresser or storage box in your closet specifically for your bras. This will keep them from getting flattened or tangled up in other clothes.
Are Sports Bras Supposed to Be Tight?
Sports bras are supposed to be snug.
Unfortunately, far too many people think that their sports bras need to be extremely tight to be supportive. That isn’t the case. If a bra is too tight, it could irritate your skin and restrict your breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders.
How to Wash Sports Bras
Sports bras are often easier to wash than everyday bras. They aren’t usually as delicate and they’re less likely to get misshapen in the washing machine.
To get your sports bra clean and keep it in good condition, take it off as soon as possible after working out. That will keep it from absorbing more sweat (and smelling bad!). While you can wash sports bras by hand, most are perfectly safe to machine wash in warm or hot water. Use the “delicate” cycle on your washing machine, and tumble dry on low heat.
Is It Bad to Wear Sports Bras All the Time?
Wearing a supportive sports bra every day is fine. But it’s important to choose breathable material to keep out excess moisture. Additionally, make sure you change out the bra you wear each day and wash them to get rid of any moisture locked inside. Wearing a sports bra more than one day in a row without washing could lead to skin irritation if there is still moisture trapped in the fabric.
How to Store Sports Bras
If you have unpadded sports bras, fold them in half and tuck the straps underneath the cups. They can be stacked on top of each other in a drawer. Padded sports bras should also be stacked so the cups don’t get crushed or deformed during storage. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from other items that might get tangled in the straps or flatten the shape.
How Do You Wash Sports Bras?
Sports bras can either be washed by hand or in a machine. Use warm or hot water to ensure any bacterial growth is killed, and a strong detergent to get rid of any lingering smells. If you tend to sweat a lot, it can help to use a high-performance detergent or booster specifically designed to get rid of sweat odor. If using a machine, run sports bras through on the delicate cycle, and tumble dry.
How Do You Wash Sports Bras With Removable Pads?
If your sports bra has removable pads, it’s best to remove them before putting your bra in the washing machine. The pads should be hand-washed in warm/hot water to maintain their shape and keep from flattening out. Once both the bra itself and the pads are dry, you can re-insert them.
Do Sports Bras Flatten Breasts Permanently?
Sports bras will not flatten your breasts. If you’re wearing a snug-fitting sports bra, it might compress your chest and make your breasts look flatter, but it’s purely cosmetic. There are no permanent or long-term consequences to your breast size or shape from wearing a sports bra.
For younger girls or teens who might still be growing, it’s also important to note that sports bras will not “hinder” that growth in any way. Genes and hormones are responsible for breast growth; not the bra you’re wearing.
How Do Sports Bras Work?
Sports bras work by gently compressing your breasts. As your breasts “flatten” against the wall of your chest, it becomes more comfortable to work out – especially when you’re doing cardio. Your breasts won’t move as much when you’re running, jumping, or playing sports.
If you try wearing an everyday bra while exercising, it likely won’t give you the support you need. As a result, your breasts could start to hurt, and it can even cause you to feel less motivated about working out.
What Are High Impact Sports Bras?
Do you do exercises or play a sport that requires you to jump or bounce around a lot? If so, you might need a high impact sports bra. As you might expect, these bras are designed for high-impact activities. Things like sprinting, jumping rope, HIIT, volleyball, and basketball are all perfect examples.
High-impact sports bras are typically made with wider straps, stronger material, and more secure bands. They are designed to keep your breasts properly compressed while ensuring everything stays in place, no matter what type of exercise you’re doing.
