The Breast Bra: Sports Edition

Let’s talk boobs. As women, and active women at that, we all become extremely aware of our ta-ta’s once our heart rate picks up. Be it from the bounce in our run, or the added weight suddenly accompanying our deadlift, our lady-humps always have a way of making their presence known. But they don’t have to! The fact is many of us might not be wearing the right sports bra. Just like with regular bras, every type of breast (of which there are seven, yes, SEVEN types!) requires a different type of sports bra. But fear not, we’re going to break it down and give you all the proper pairings.

To start off with let’s talk about those seven different types of breast and really get to know our breasties. Feel free to stand in front of a mirror and check yourself out, seriously go ahead, you’re a beautiful woman and you should always seize the opportunity to appreciate what the Good Lord gave ya! Now that you’re getting acquainted with your boobies, take a nice long look at their natural shape, and (honestly!) find the shape that best describes what you see from the list below:

1. Asymmetric: One breast is larger than the other; ranges from minor (barely noticeable) to more pronounced.
2. Bell Shape: Generally heavier breasts; narrower at the top, then drastically fuller toward the bottom.
3. East West: A gentle slope from top to bottom, but out to the sides; nipples point in opposite directions.
4. Side Set: A wide space in between the two breasts; nipples point a little more forward than East West.
5. Slender: A little wider at the top, narrower at the bottom; generally skinny without a lot of breast tissue.
6. Teardrop: Similar to Bell Shape but with a much gentler slope; easily identifiable from the side.
7. Round: Equally full on top and bottom; often surgically enhanced, but not always.

Now that we’ve assessed what we’re working with, and identified what shape we’re rockin’, (because for real, when it comes to boobs, there is no wrong shape), it’s time to find their perfect holders. We’re talkin’ bear hug comfort and support. Without further ado, the perfect sports bra for your shape:

1. Asymmetrical: When it comes to supporting these sisters (not twins), your best bet is to find a sports bra with removable padding. Why? Because you can take out/replace the pads to give each lady the support she needs. A little smaller on the left? No problem, adjust the pads to fit your needs, and give the girls the customized support they deserve!
2. Bell Shape: With breasts that are heavier at the bottom and more slender up top, there ain’t nothin’ better than a classic full coverage sports bra. An oldie but a goodie, the full coverage will offer you the support you need on the bottom, while creating a bit more fullness up top with its added fabric. This will even things out and give you that nice plump shape we all desire.
3. East West/Side Set: One word: Structured. Find yourself a bra that offers molded cups. Why? Simply put, they’ll keep the ladies front and center, where you want them, rather than giving them the freedom to face where they want. Undoubtedly, lookin’ to the sides.
4. Slender: For those ladies with a long and slender shape, finding yourself a soft-fit sports bra is the best option. A soft fit will give you the centering and fit you need without altering your natural shape to the point of discomfort, the way a molded cup could. Not to mention, wearing a molded cup, you will run the risk of cup gaping, where the top of your bra cup is empty because your breast shape doesn’t work with your bra shape.
5. Teardrop: Since this is the most common shape amongst women, and probably the shape most retailers design for, go forth and prosper! Feel the freedom and try out the craziest fashions, the weirdest designs, or stick with the basics. Find your breast fit with adjustable straps, front-zippers, or racerbacks, the world is your oyster!
6. Round: Racerbacks. You’ll thank me. For those bustier ladies out there, there is nothing quite as snug as a racerback bra to hold the rounded ladies in place. There’s just something about that cross in the back that manages to really keep bounce to a minimum.

Now, let’s be real here for a moment. As great and important as sports bras are, and as fantastic as it is to know our shape and buy bras accordingly, some of us face a completely different issue: disproportionately large breasts. As someone who has personally gone through a breast reduction, I know how hard, depressing, and just downright exhausting it can be to shop for a properly fitting bra. So, I’ve done it. I have FINALLY managed to find not one, but TWO, websites that sell brasiers for those of us who can’t simply saunter into a Victoria’s Secret and pick something off the rack. From one sweaty active woman to another; embrace your breasties and treat yourself to a properly fitted bra, be it sporty or lacey.

As women, we have enough to deal with when it comes to our bodies. Don’t let bra fitting be another point on that list. Keep active my FRÉnds and don’t let your breasts get you down!