Frequently asked questions about sports bras
How to choose the right sports bra?
A good sports bra is an essential part of a woman's running gear. Just like running shoes, sports bras should be chosen, worn, and cared for with the same level of importance and respect. At Runners' lab, we understant that. For years, we've been committed to helping female runners find the perfect fit. We asked Natasja Vansteenkiste, purchasing manager for clothes at Runners' lab, a few frequently asked questions about sports bras.
"Even women with smaller breasts, or those who think they don't need a specific sports bra and don't experience any immediate discomfort, can greatly benefit from a good sports bra. You might not notice any issues now, but after 20 years, you'll be definitely feel the effects of wearing the wrong one"
- Natasja, aankoopverantwoordelijke kledij bij Runners' lab
Research shows that women who wear bad fitting sports-bras adjust their running stride to avoid discomfort. This not only leads to reduced performance, but the impact goes far beyond that.
"A wrong sports bra can cause pain, to the point where some women even stop exercising", says Natasja. "And in the long term, a bad-fitting bra can be seriously harmful. Some women - even those with smaller breasts or those who think they don't need a specific sports bra or don't immediately experience pain from wearing the wrong one - can benefit from the right model. You might not feel any discomfort now, but after 20 years, you'll definitely notice the effects of a poor sports bra. Inadequate support stretches the ligaments in your breasts, which can affect their shape and firmness."
One thing is clear: every female runner, regardless of body type or level, benefits from a good sports bra.
But how do you find the right sports bra, and what should you pay attention to when trying on different models?
The (female) advisors at Runners' lab give you personal advise in one of the stores. Below, expert Natasja answers a few frequently asked questions we've received from female runners.
Is my sports bra size the same as my regular bra size?
""It's possible that your sports bra size matches your regular size, but that's certainly not always the case. A regular bra can fit a bit looser around the band, while the underband of a sports bra should be firm and wide to properly support and enclose the breasts. The shoulder straps of a sports bra can be a bit looser. Ideally, they're also wider, so they don't dig into your shoulders", advises Natasja.
"But the most important advice I can give, is try it on. The breast is the only part of the body that can change throughout your life, regardless of your height or body type. Think of changes after pregnancy, during menopause, or when you gain or lose weight. These factores all influence your sports bra size."
Can I wear the same bra for my yoga sessions and my running workouts?
"We distinguish sports bras based on their level of impact: low-impact sports bras are suitable for activities with minimal breast movement, such as gentle yoga. Medium-impact bras can also work for that. But for running - a high-impact sport - you really need a high-impact sports bra. These are designed to limit excessive breast movement and have features that provide extra support"
I have a larger cup size and band size. Which model is best suited for my body type?
"It's best to avoid a compression bra. This type flattens everything, causing the breasts to spill out at the top and sides. It also pushes the breasts together, which can make you sweat more and increase the risk of chafing."
"Encapsulation bras - with two separate, molded cups that each have their own compartment and don't touch - are a betterchoice. At Runners' lab, we offer a wide range for every body type: from cup size A to K and band sizes from 65 to 110."
Runners' lab carries band sizes up to 110, including sports bras that combine larger band sizes with smaller cup sizes.
What's the difference between straight and crossed shoulder straps?
"The preference for strap type is individual. Crossed shoulder straps - also known as a racerback - generally provide a slightly firmer feel because the crossed straps offer support not only at the bottom, but also along the sides. This distributes the support across the entire chest area and relieves the shoulders."
"That doesn't mean a racerback design is always the best choice. You might benefit more from straight shoulder straps, which are also easier to adjust. In addition, putting on a racerback model can be more difficult for women with a larger cup size."
How long does a sports bra last before I need to buy a new one?
"We always say that a sports bra lasts about as long as a pair of running shoes, or roughly 200 washes. And just like running shoes, you can extend its lifespan with proper care. Rinse your bra thoroughly after every run, place it in a separate laundry bag when machine washing, avoid fabric softener, and alternate between multiple sports bras."
Sports bras in the spotlight
Compare different models and decide what you need
​
Anita Air control - €79,95
- Suitable for: every type of runner
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes, with light compression
- Shoulder straps: straight
- Extra: bestseller, allrounder, good ventilation
Shock Absorber Run Bra - €57,95
- Suitable for: intensive sporters
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: available with and without padding
- Shoulder straps: crossed
- Extra: good ventilation, two closures at the back for freedom of movement
Brooks Dare Racerback - €64,95
- Suitable for: runners with sensitive skin
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: ventilating padding
- Shoulder straps: crossed
- extra: very soft fabric, seamless
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Padded Bra - €42,95
- Suitable for: low impact sports
- Incapsulated: no
- Padding: yes, with compression
- Shoulder straps: sporttop, racerback
- extra: no closure, for low impact sports
New Balance RC Bra - €84,94
​
- Suitable for: high impact sports
- Incapsulated: no
- Padding: yes
- Shoulder straps: crossed or straight
- Extra: full support for intensive trainings, sweat-wicking fabric
On Endurance Bra Zip - €94,95
- Suitable for: high impact sports
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes
- Shoulder straps: sporttop, racerback, with back and front closure
- extra: the zip makes it easy to put in on and off
Anita Momentum Pro - €99,95
- Suitable for: runners with larger cup size
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes, with light compression
- Shoulder straps: crossed
- Extra: reinforced at top and side to prevent up- and down movements
adidas TLRDIM High Support Bra - €59,95
- Suitable for: high impact sports
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes
- Shoulder straps: crossed or straight, wide
- Extra: Climacool - a quick-drying fiber - wicks sweat away
Frequently asked questions about sports bras
How to choose the right sports bra?
A good sports bra is an essential part of a woman's running gear. Just like running shoes, sports bras should be chosen, worn, and cared for with the same level of importance and respect. At Runners' lab, we understant that. For years, we've been committed to helping female runners find the perfect fit. We asked Natasja Vansteenkiste, purchasing manager for clothes at Runners' lab, a few frequently asked questions about sports bras.
"Even women with smaller breasts, or those who think they don't need a specific sports bra and don't experience any immediate discomfort, can greatly benefit from a good sports bra. You might not notice any issues now, but after 20 years, you'll be definitely feel the effects of wearing the wrong one"
- Natasja, aankoopverantwoordelijke kledij bij Runners' lab
Research shows that women who wear bad fitting sports-bras adjust their running stride to avoid discomfort. This not only leads to reduced performance, but the impact goes far beyond that.
"A wrong sports bra can cause pain, to the point where some women even stop exercising", says Natasja. "And in the long term, a bad-fitting bra can be seriously harmful. Some women - even those with smaller breasts or those who think they don't need a specific sports bra or don't immediately experience pain from wearing the wrong one - can benefit from the right model. You might not feel any discomfort now, but after 20 years, you'll definitely notice the effects of a poor sports bra. Inadequate support stretches the ligaments in your breasts, which can affect their shape and firmness."
One thing is clear: every female runner, regardless of body type or level, benefits from a good sports bra.
But how do you find the right sports bra, and what should you pay attention to when trying on different models?
The (female) advisors at Runners' lab give you personal advise in one of the stores. Below, expert Natasja answers a few frequently asked questions we've received from female runners.
Is my sports bra size the same as my regular bra size?
""It's possible that your sports bra size matches your regular size, but that's certainly not always the case. A regular bra can fit a bit looser around the band, while the underband of a sports bra should be firm and wide to properly support and enclose the breasts. The shoulder straps of a sports bra can be a bit looser. Ideally, they're also wider, so they don't dig into your shoulders", advises Natasja.
"But the most important advice I can give, is try it on. The breast is the only part of the body that can change throughout your life, regardless of your height or body type. Think of changes after pregnancy, during menopause, or when you gain or lose weight. These factores all influence your sports bra size."
Can I wear the same bra for my yoga sessions and my running workouts?
"We distinguish sports bras based on their level of impact: low-impact sports bras are suitable for activities with minimal breast movement, such as gentle yoga. Medium-impact bras can also work for that. But for running - a high-impact sport - you really need a high-impact sports bra. These are designed to limit excessive breast movement and have features that provide extra support"
I have a larger cup size and band size. Which model is best suited for my body type?
"It's best to avoid a compression bra. This type flattens everything, causing the breasts to spill out at the top and sides. It also pushes the breasts together, which can make you sweat more and increase the risk of chafing."
"Encapsulation bras - with two separate, molded cups that each have their own compartment and don't touch - are a betterchoice. At Runners' lab, we offer a wide range for every body type: from cup size A to K and band sizes from 65 to 110."
Runners' lab carries band sizes up to 110, including sports bras that combine larger band sizes with smaller cup sizes.
What's the difference between straight and crossed shoulder straps?
"The preference for strap type is individual. Crossed shoulder straps - also known as a racerback - generally provide a slightly firmer feel because the crossed straps offer support not only at the bottom, but also along the sides. This distributes the support across the entire chest area and relieves the shoulders."
"That doesn't mean a racerback design is always the best choice. You might benefit more from straight shoulder straps, which are also easier to adjust. In addition, putting on a racerback model can be more difficult for women with a larger cup size."
How long does a sports bra last before I need to buy a new one?
"We always say that a sports bra lasts about as long as a pair of running shoes, or roughly 200 washes. And just like running shoes, you can extend its lifespan with proper care. Rinse your bra thoroughly after every run, place it in a separate laundry bag when machine washing, avoid fabric softener, and alternate between multiple sports bras."
Sports bras in the spotlight
Compare different models and decide what you need
​
Anita Air control - €79,95
- Suitable for: every type of runner
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes, with light compression
- Shoulder straps: straight
- Extra: bestseller, allrounder, good ventilation
Shock Absorber Run Bra - €57,95
- Suitable for: intensive sporters
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: available with and without padding
- Shoulder straps: crossed
- Extra: good ventilation, two closures at the back for freedom of movement
Brooks Dare Racerback - €64,95
- Suitable for: runners with sensitive skin
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: ventilating padding
- Shoulder straps: crossed
- extra: very soft fabric, seamless
Nike Swoosh Medium Support Padded Bra - €42,95
- Suitable for: low impact sports
- Incapsulated: no
- Padding: yes, with compression
- Shoulder straps: sporttop, racerback
- extra: no closure, for low impact sports
New Balance RC Bra - €84,94
​
- Suitable for: high impact sports
- Incapsulated: no
- Padding: yes
- Shoulder straps: crossed or straight
- Extra: full support for intensive trainings, sweat-wicking fabric
On Endurance Bra Zip - €94,95
- Suitable for: high impact sports
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes
- Shoulder straps: sporttop, racerback, with back and front closure
- extra: the zip makes it easy to put in on and off
Anita Momentum Pro - €99,95
- Suitable for: runners with larger cup size
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes, with light compression
- Shoulder straps: crossed
- Extra: reinforced at top and side to prevent up- and down movements
adidas TLRDIM High Support Bra - €59,95
- Suitable for: high impact sports
- Incapsulated: yes
- Padding: yes
- Shoulder straps: crossed or straight, wide
- Extra: Climacool - a quick-drying fiber - wicks sweat away