How to Get the Right Fit from Your Sports Bra
Ever finished a workout with sore shoulders, aching boobs and a chafing bra? You’re in good company, most women are wearing the wrong size sports bra. In fact, research shows that around 85% of women wear ill-fitting bras, and boy oh boy, do you know all about it once you start to move.
Getting the right fit from your sports bra isn’t just about comfort; it’s about physics. How the weight of your bust is distributed, what takes the strain, and how it leverages against your body are all factors that play a part in how supported, and comfortable, you feel during your workout. From our bra gurus to you, here’s how to make your sports bras work smarter, not harder.
Your band does the heavy lifting
Most of the support in any bra, whether it's a sports style or for everyday, comes from the band, not the straps. Larger breasts naturally need more support, and while the straps get wider in larger sizes, that’s not because they should be working harder. The underband itself is what carries the weight, but only if it fits your frame properly.
The band should feel snug, like a firm hug, not a corset. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath comfortably. Test the fit by making sure it sits level around your body, and then lift your arms. If it rides up at the back, it’s too loose. If it restricts your breathing, it’s too tight.
One thing we find in fittings is that women who’ve been wearing too large a band for years find the change to the right size a bit uncomfortable at first. Not because it’s digging in or painful, but because it’s a new sensation that they aren’t used to. So, we always recommend you get professionally fitted and trust the process, giving your new bra a chance to prove its worth.
Scoop and swoop for a better fit
Once your band feels right, use the scoop-and-swoop technique that our fitters swear by. Lean forward slightly, use your opposite hand to lift your breast tissue into the cup, and let it settle naturally before adjusting the straps.
It sounds simple, but it completely changes how your bra feels, especially if you have a fuller bust or wear compression styles.
Learn more about the best technique for putting on a bra.
Active vs Sports Styles
At Rose & Thorne, we make two activewear styles because not every workout (or body) needs the same kind of hold.
The Active Bra is our wired, lower-impact style that gives shape and structure for yoga, walking, or everyday wear. If you prefer wired sports bras for their lift and separation, this one’s your go-to.
The Sports Bra is our wire-free, high-impact option that uses compression to keep everything close to the body during running or HIIT. It’s the best sports bra when you want to strap the girls in and get on with business.
If you’re doing a medium-impact activity, the choice is yours. You might prefer our Active Bra if you’re meeting a friend for lunch before pilates, as the wires offer a bit more boost and shape. Or you might prefer the compression of our sports bra for big boobs, even if you’re only taking the kids for a kick around.
Browse the full range of Rose & Thorne active and sports bras.
Should you wear a bra under your sports bra?
The short answer is, no, you shouldn’t need to. A well-fitted sports bra is designed to completely replace your everyday bra while you train. In fact, wearing two layers can actually reduce support, because it stops the band from sitting flat and creates extra friction.
If you feel like you need two bras just to stay supported, that’s a sign your current one doesn’t fit or isn’t the right style for your workout.
Plus-size sports bras for curves on the move
Why are larger bodies expected to either settle for generic L, XL, XXL sizes that only ever come ‘close enough’ to fitting, or high-end options that cost the earth? Our plus-size range is designed for curvy bodies, with wide straps, a firm band, and flexible fabrics that move with you, not against you. They’re also firmly in the double-digits, making them a cost-effective investment for your activewear wardrobe.
Check out our popular 18G Sports Bras and 20DD Sports Bras for fuller-bust options that hold up (literally), or shop the full plus-size sports bra range.
Ready to find your perfect fit?
A good sports bra should make you forget you’re even wearing it. It should stay put, move with you, and support from underneath, not just from your shoulders. If you’re constantly readjusting mid-workout, it’s time for a better fit.
Find yours with our Bra Fit Tools or book an Online Bra Fitting today. Once you’ve felt the difference of a sports bra that fits properly, you’ll never go back.
