Why are we still wearing the wrong sports bras?

The University of Portsmouth found that if breasts are not properly supported during running, they “experience the same G force as an F1 driver and could undergo potentially damaging skin stretch”. What does that mean?

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Movement-related breast pain affects about half of exercising females and is thought to be caused by stretching of the skin and nerves. The pain is exaggerated by excessive breast movement. Breast tissue damage is also caused by stretching, this time of the skin and the Cooper’s ligaments. Once breast tissue stretches beyond its natural limit, the tissue elongates, leading to breast sag and tissue damage – which is irreparable.
Breast movement also impacts sports performance. Exercise feels harder, muscle activity increases, a reduction in breathing frequency has been reported, a reduction in stride length, change in gait and more.
Therefore, wearing a well-fitting sports bra not only reduces movement-related breast pain but also improves function and could increase stride length.

What about smaller breasts (A or B cups)? Are they subjected to less movement-related breast pain, and therefore require less support?

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Breast support is important regardless of the size or shape of your breasts, or even your activity level. However, a key factor that influences the movement of the breast is how much it weighs. The breast itself is made of two components, fat and glandular tissue.

The amount of fat and glandular tissue varies massively from woman to woman, even between women with the same breast sizes. Some women could have 20% fat and 80% glandular tissue in their breasts, whilst others could have 80% fat and only 20% glandular tissue. More fat means a more plump, squidgy breast that can be squashed into lots of different bras. More glandular tissue means a firmer, denser breast that is likely to be heavier, sitting lower on the chest wall, requiring more support.

However, breast weight and size are not the only factors that you should take into consideration. When choosing a sports bra, you should also take into account the activity you will be carrying out and therefore the support level needed. Also look at the overall fit and size, as this will aid comfort and ensure your breasts are properly supported so you can experience sport without restraint.

adidas just launched 43 new sports bra styles. What’s different with this collection?

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There is a sizable data gap when it comes to sports bra development, so we worked with experts in breast health, University of Portsmouth, to challenge ourselves and drive forward our innovation to better meet the needs of our female athletic community.
The wrong sports bra can have a serious impact on performance and efficiency – for example, if you run a marathon, unsupported breasts travel an extra 4 miles on their own!
It was a significant undertaking with an all-female team of designers, testers and experts, and we hope this collection will help more sports bra wearers experience the benefits of added support and a better fit, and not be held back when doing the sports they love.

We know it’s not one size fits all, which is why our new collection comes in 43 styles and 73 sizes, so more women than ever before can find the right sports bra for them. Across our activity pillars – Run, Train, Studio and Everyday – we have different support levels and features tailored specifically to that type of movement through design and material innovation. Since the collection launched, the feedback from our community has been incredible!

What are some ways to tell if a sports bra is of the right size and fit?

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There are certain things to look out for when understanding if your sports bra fits you correctly and is suitable for your workout, and this also depends on the type of activity.

For example:

• Yoga/Pilates – a bra that feels lightweight and has a smooth, soft finish, but also provides adequate support. You should be able to still move freely when wearing the bra, and the fabric should feel like a second skin to aid flexibility.



Try: adidas CoreFlow Luxe Medium-Support Bra

• Running – a high support bra that has technology which helps manage moisture – such as adidas’ AEROREADY technology. It should also help distribute your weight evenly. Adjustable straps are always a great feature to look out for so you can have control over your fit.



Try: adidas FastImpact Luxe Run High-Support Bra

• HIIT - a bra that provides medium to high support, and ideally that has features such as a quick release opening for instant relief, given that lungs expand during exercise. Clean edges will also help to reduce chafing whilst subtle openings in high-sweat zones will be great for added air flow when you are training.



Try: adidas PowerImpact Luxe Training Medium-Support Bra

Any tips to check the fit of a sports bra?

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These simple effective steps will help you know if your sports bra fits you correctly.

Step 1: Check the band that sits under the breast tissue.
80% of your support comes from the band, so this is important. The band should be sitting flat under your bust, and around your rib cage. If it digs in, go up a band size, if it gaps, or the back rides up, go down a size.

Step 2: Check the straps.
If the straps are too loose, they will slip off your shoulder. Too tight, and they will dig in and be uncomfortable. If the straps are adjustable, tighten them, so they feel comfy, snug and supportive.

Step 3: Check the cups, where your breast tissue sits.
Lift and scoop the breast tissue into the cups. This will give you better comfort and support. Check this in the mirror. If you are spilling out at the top, or sides, the cup is too small. If you see gaps anywhere, the bra is too big, so go down a size.

How can we tell if a sports bra is ill-fitting?

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There are several ways to tell if you’re wearing the wrong sports bra, and the key things to look out for are:

• Bra and straps are digging in: This is a clear sign that your sports bra is too small/tight, which will not only cause discomfort but can also restrict your movement during exercise and impact your breathability, as lungs expand during exercise.

• Bra is gaping around the band, straps and bust: This is a sign that your bra is too big, which means your breasts will not be receiving adequate support and at risk of having permanent damage.

• Your breasts don’t feel supported: Wearing a sports bra does not always mean that you are providing the right support for your breasts as different activities require different levels of support. If you feel as though your breasts are still experiencing significant movement when you're running, then you may not be wearing a bra with high enough support.

• Breasts are spilling out of your sports bra: This is another clear indicator that your sports bra is too small and/or tight, and it would be beneficial for you to size up to ensure that you are able to move and breathe freely when exercising.

Finally, what is the shelf life of sports bras? How often should they be replaced?

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The industry-wide recommendation is that sports bras should be replaced every six to 12 months, but it all depends on how well you look after your sports bra and how often you use it. With the SS22 collection, we’ve used high-quality materials that are built to last. If you make sure to follow the care instructions on the label, your adidas sports bra could certainly take you to the 12-month mark and beyond.