Bamboo sports bra and what sets it apart from an ordinary one
Short answer: A sports bra should limit movement, not shape. It does this either by pressing the breasts against the body or by holding each breast separately, and the two methods suit different intensity and bust sizes.
A different purpose
A regular bra is made to shape, lift and look good under clothes. A sports bra is made to keep the breasts still when the body moves quickly and repeatedly. That calls for a firmer band, wider straps and a fabric that fits close. Shape comes second, while stability comes first.
Compression or encapsulation
A compression model presses the breasts against the chest and holds them together as one unit. It works best for a small to medium bust. An encapsulating model has separate cups that hold each breast on its own, and it suits a large bust, where compression alone allows too much movement. See bamboo sports bra.
Intensity decides the model
For yoga, pilates and strength training, a light model is usually enough, because the movement is calm and controlled. Running, jumping and ball games need more, because the movement is vertical and repeated thousands of times. If you only own one sports bra, choose it for your hardest workout, not your lightest.
The band does most of the work
As with a regular bra, the band around the back carries most of the support. It should sit firm and level without riding up. The straps should hold but not pull. If you can pull the band several centimetres away from your body, it is too loose, and the rest of the model cannot help much.
The material against chafing
You sweat under a sports bra, and damp skin rubs against fabric at the band and under the arm. A material that moves moisture away from the skin reduces this. Bamboo viscose is soft and smooth and absorbs moisture, so it often feels kinder than a stiff synthetic edge. See bamboo underwear for women.
Change straight after training
A damp sports bra left against the skin for an hour afterwards is where most skin irritation starts. The fabric cools, the skin stays damp and the rubbing continues. Pack a set of dry underwear in your bag and change as soon as you finish. See bamboo training wear for women for the rest.
Checking the fit
Try a new sports bra by jumping lightly on the spot and raising your arms above your head. The breasts should stay roughly in place, the band must not ride up and the straps must not dig in. If you can breathe deeply without feeling squeezed, it is not too tight.
Wash without fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fabric that blocks moisture transport and makes a sports bra worse at the job it was bought for. Wash it at 30 to 40 degrees in a laundry bag and hang it to dry. Heat from the tumble dryer wears out the elastic. Read more about washing and care.
In short
A sports bra keeps the breasts still rather than shaping them. Compression suits a small and medium bust, encapsulation a large one. Choose for your hardest workout, make sure the band sits firm, and change into dry clothes straight afterwards. That way it lasts longer and feels better while you train.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between compression and encapsulation?
Compression presses the breasts against the chest and suits a small and medium bust. Encapsulation has separate cups that hold each breast on its own and works better for a large bust.
Can you use a regular bra for training?
For yoga and light training, yes, if it fits well. For running and jumping the movement is too great, and a regular bra gives neither enough support nor a firm enough band.
Should you change right after training?
Yes. Damp fabric against the skin afterwards is where most discomfort starts. Bring a set of dry underwear and change as soon as you have finished your workout.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
