Sports Bra Size Chart
Sports Bra Size Chart: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Fit
Finding the right sports bra can be one of the most important steps in ensuring comfort and support during your workout. Whether you’re running, lifting, doing yoga, or engaging in other high-impact activities, the right sports bra will make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for you?
In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about sports bra sizing, including how to measure yourself, the different types of sports bras, and a comprehensive sports bra size chart to help you find the perfect fit.
Why Sports Bra Sizing Is Important
A good sports bra provides essential support for your breasts, especially during physical activities. Without proper support, the breasts can experience discomfort, pain, and even damage to the connective tissue. A poorly fitting sports bra can also result in unwanted movement, chafing, or restricted breathing.
Here’s why the right fit matters:
- Support and Comfort: A well-fitted sports bra prevents excessive movement and supports your bust. This minimizes discomfort during intense workouts.
- Prevents Injury: Over time, poor breast support can cause long-term discomfort or damage to the ligaments (Cooper’s ligaments) that hold the breasts in place.
- Confidence: When your sports bra fits well, you feel more confident during your workout. A secure, comfortable fit allows you to focus on your performance rather than adjusting your clothing.
How to Measure for a Sports Bra
Before you can use the sports bra size chart, it’s essential to know how to measure yourself properly. Follow these steps to get your band size and bust measurement:
1. Measure Your Band Size
- Stand in front of a mirror and wrap a soft measuring tape around your ribcage, right under your bust.
- Ensure the tape is parallel to the ground and snug, but not tight.
- Exhale and check the measurement in inches. Round it to the nearest whole number.
- Tip: If the measurement is even, add 4 inches. If it’s odd, add 5 inches. This gives you your band size.
2. Measure Your Bust Size
- Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides and wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, over your bust.
- Make sure the tape is not too tight, but sits comfortably around you.
- Check the measurement in inches and round to the nearest whole number.
3. Calculate Your Cup Size
- Subtract your band size from your bust size. The difference will give you your cup size:
- 1-inch difference = A cup
- 2-inch difference = B cup
- 3-inch difference = C cup
- 4-inch difference = D cup
- 5-inch difference = DD (or E) cup, and so on.
For example:
- If your band size is 32 inches and your bust measurement is 35 inches, the difference is 3 inches, which means you wear a 32C.
Sports Bra Size Chart
To help you choose the best size, here’s a general sports bra size chart based on your band size and cup size. Keep in mind that sports bras might be sized differently depending on the brand, but this guide will help you find a good starting point.
| Band Size (inches) | Cup Size | Bust Measurement (inches) | Recommended Sports Bra Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–30 | A | 28–30 | 28A, 30A |
| 28–30 | B | 30–32 | 28B, 30B |
| 28–30 | C | 32–34 | 28C, 30C |
| 28–30 | D | 34–36 | 28D, 30D |
| 32–34 | A | 32–34 | 32A, 34A |
| 32–34 | B | 34–36 | 32B, 34B |
| 32–34 | C | 36–38 | 32C, 34C |
| 32–34 | D | 38–40 | 32D, 34D |
| 36–38 | A | 36–38 | 36A, 38A |
| 36–38 | B | 38–40 | 36B, 38B |
| 36–38 | C | 40–42 | 36C, 38C |
| 36–38 | D | 42–44 | 36D, 38D |
| 40–42 | A | 40–42 | 40A, 42A |
| 40–42 | B | 42–44 | 40B, 42B |
| 40–42 | C | 44–46 | 40C, 42C |
| 40–42 | D | 46–48 | 40D, 42D |
Types of Sports Bras
There are different types of sports bras designed for various activities and levels of support. The fit of your sports bra will depend on the type of workout you’re doing.
- Compression Sports Bras
- Best for: Smaller busts or low-impact activities (like yoga or walking).
- Description: These bras compress the breasts against the chest, providing a “flattened” look for maximum support and minimal movement.
- Fit: Tight and supportive.
- Encapsulation Sports Bras
- Best for: Larger busts or high-impact activities (like running or jumping).
- Description: These bras offer separate cups for each breast, which helps provide more individual support.
- Fit: Snug and supportive but with more freedom for the bust.
- Combination Sports Bras
- Best for: Medium to large busts and moderate to high-impact activities.
- Description: These bras combine the features of both compression and encapsulation, offering both support and separation.
- Fit: Comfortable, supportive, and provides a good amount of coverage.
- High-Impact Sports Bras
- Best for: High-impact activities like running, aerobics, or HIIT workouts.
- Description: These bras offer maximum support with reinforced straps and wider bands.
- Fit: Tight, secure, and designed to minimize breast movement.
- Low-Impact Sports Bras
- Best for: Yoga, pilates, or walking.
- Description: These bras offer light to medium support, ideal for low-impact activities that don’t involve high levels of breast movement.
- Fit: Comfortable, with a gentle fit and less structure.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Sports Bra
- Know Your Measurements: Take accurate measurements of both your band and bust size. This is the most important step in finding a well-fitting sports bra.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Size Up or Down: If you’re in between sizes, try both sizes and check for the best fit. A good sports bra should feel snug but not uncomfortable.
- Try It On and Move: A great sports bra should stay in place during physical activity. Try jumping, running in place, or stretching to see if it provides the support you need.
- Pay Attention to Fabric: Look for sports bras made from moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry during workouts. Avoid bras with uncomfortable seams or tags that might irritate your skin.
- Adjustable Straps and Bands: For a better fit, choose sports bras with adjustable straps and bands. This allows you to customize the fit for your body.
- Look for the Right Support Level: Match the support level of the sports bra with the intensity of your activity. Light to medium support is fine for yoga or walking, while high support is essential for running or intense workouts.
Conclusion
A well-fitting sports bra is essential for comfort, support, and performance during any physical activity. By following the tips outlined in this guide and using our sports bra size chart, you can confidently choose the right sports bra for your body and activity level. Remember that a good sports bra will not only support you but will also make you feel more comfortable and confident during your workout.
Take the time to measure yourself properly, explore the different types of sports bras available, and make sure to choose one that suits your needs. You’ll be ready to perform your best — without any discomfort or distractions!