by Sofia Moreau

Whether you’re a running rookie or a marathon maestro, support and comfort are non-negotiable essentials. According to research from leading sports bra brand, an astounding number of female runners might not be lending their breasts the necessary support during their runs. The pitfalls of this? Chafing, pain, damage to your breast tissue and a myriad of discomfort that could potentially blemish your love for running.
If you’re not providing adequate support to your chest or your current sports bra has seen better days, let’s dive into why choosing the right sports bra for running is key for your health and running triumph. Discover how to pick out your ideal style and how to determine the best fit. The cherry on top? We’ll spotlight six of the best running sports bras that’ll make your runs a breeze and surge your running confidence.

The Science Behind the Necessity of a Sports Bra

In its infant years in 1979, the running bra bore resemblance to two jockstraps sewn together. It was a revelation for women runners during this time. Fast forward to today, sports bras have evolved into an exceptional engineering marvel. Scientists have been studying how breasts move during physical activity and found out that they move in a butterfly-shaped motion – up and down (50%), forward and backward (25%) and side-to-side (25%). Containing this movement while running is quite a task, and without adequate support this can cause discomfort and reductions up to 55% in pectoral muscle activity which can contribute to muscle fatigue.

High-Impact Support: The Undebatable Necessity for Running

High-impact support sports bras for running is not a matter of debate. They’re designed for the intense exercise that running constitutes. As per Laura Kong Brown, a product manager for an esteemed sports wear brand, “[An average] 34/36D bra size breast weighs around 500g!”, emphasizing the need for a well-fitted and supportive sports bra.

Exploring the Types of Sports Bras

Compression and encapsulation are the two primary categories of sports bras for runners. Compression bras work by pressing the breasts against the chest to control movement, while encapsulation bras hold each breast in separate cups, controlling movement across all body planes. Sports bras’ suitability comes down to personal preference but encapsulation bras generally provide more support since they separate and support each breast individually.

Guide to Selecting the Ideal Sports Bra

Finding the right fit is key, hence measuring your bra size at least once a year is indispensable. Availing services like virtual bra fitting or going to a specialist bra store are some of the ways you can get an expert fitting. Various parameters to consider when purchasing the perfect sports bra are covered in the article.

A Glimpse into Six of the Best Sports Bras for Running in 2023

1. Runderwear Power Running Bra – Reliable, secure, supportive and comfortable.
2. Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra – Comes with a 12-month guarantee, a great investment.
3. On Performance Bra – Great for HIIT workouts as well as running. Extremely comfortable.
4. Asics Accelerate Bra – Combines style with comfort and support.
5. Freya Active Dynamic Soft Cup Crop Top Sports Bra – A top choice for those who prefer non-padded and non-wired styles.
6. Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra – Reduces bounce by as much as 78% during high-impact activities.
Remember, the right sports bra is crucial for protecting your health, enhancing your performance and ensuring a comfortable and efficient run. Happy running!
top ultimate sports bras, female runners, breast support, best running sports bras, breast health, running success, high-impact support sports bras, compression sports bras, encapsulation sports bras, ideal sports bra, Runderwear Power Running Bra, Maaree Solidarity High-Impact Sports Bra, On Performance Bra, Asics Accelerate Bra, Freya Active Dynamic Soft Cup Crop Top Sports Bra, Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra