Warning: Invalid argument supplied for foreach() in /home/athletic/public_html/wp-content/plugins/cjWizard/includes/classes/cj.php(1) : eval()'d code on line 1
Advertisement
Beauty and fitness come in all sizes and thankfully the manufacturers of women’s fitness clothing have begun to recognize these facts. Now larger women can find a plus size sports bra that fits them well, provided they are prepared with some essential facts.
The correct size sports bra is especially critical for plus size women who typically have more adipose (fatty) tissue in their breasts. Her larger bosom can cause pain to a plus-sized woman who’s exercising vigorously. What’s more, without the proper support, a larger woman can damage the Cooper’s ligament that holds up her breasts, which can lead to premature sagging.
Selecting the Right Plus Size Sports Bra
The first step is to get accurate measurements. Although a woman can take her own bra measurements with a sewing tape, it is best for a plus-size woman to get a professional fitting or at least to have a friend take measurements for her.
With accurate measurements in hand, the next step is to look for a style of plus size sports bra that features both of the methods designed to limit the vertical movement of the breasts during activity. These two methods are compression and encapsulation.
A compression bra is the most common form of sports bra. These bras typically pull on over the head, are made to press the breasts snugly against the chest and work well for women with small- to medium-sized breasts (A-B cups). Encapsulation bras are those wherein the breasts are separated for greater support; they often have molded cups and an underwire. Encapsulation by itself can work well for women who wear up to a C bra cup. However, the best sports bra for most plus-size women, who typically wear D cup and above, will feature both encapsulation to support the breasts and compression to restrict vertical movement.
Next, the type of activity makes a difference in which kind of sports bra is best for a plus-size woman. A low-impact workout such as cycling, Pilates or yoga, would not require as firm a fit as a bra for high-impact activities such as step aerobics, hiking or running. Also look for fabrics such as CoolMax and Dri-FIT that wick moisture away from the body to keep you cool and comfortable.
Finally, it’s time to check the fit of the bra. First, you should select athletic bras that fit your body size and shape well. The bra should fit snugly but not tightly; you should be able to slip a finger under the band. Always think fit, not size, when selecting a plus size sports bra, because a sports bra that’s too small will be uncomfortable and may chafe. Look for deep armholes to allow good range of movement, wide straps that won’t dig into shoulders, and a minimum number of seams, or seams that are well covered, to protect against irritation and chafing.
If possible, try on several styles of sports bras from different manufacturers. Enell is one of the most popular makers of sports bras for plus-sized women and has the widest range of sizes. Moving Comfort and CW-X also offer many plus-size styles as well.
No matter what her size and shape, every woman deserves a well-fitting sports bra.
