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How to Find Your Perfect Fit
The Sports Bra Size Guide You Actually Understand

Finding the perfect sports bra can feel like a nightmare! Having to not only figure out your ideal style but also your correct size. Sometimes there can be conflicting advice too! Which is why our friends at MAAREE thought they’d clarify everything for you. You can trust them as we’re sports bra experts! This guide is here to demystify the process, combining education with a touch of personality to help you find your ideal fit.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Fit

A well-fitting sports bra can be the difference between leading an active lifestyle and being unable to take part in any sort of sports activity. Don’t worry, we get it!

They are an incredibly important piece of kit. An ill-fitting bra can lead to discomfort, chafing, and even long-term tissue damage. The right fit helps to maintain breast health and enhances your workout experience.

So, here we go: How to Measure Yourself Accurately

Step 1: Measure Your Back

Use the inches side of a fabric measuring tape to measure just under where your breast tissue begins, ensuring the tape is snug but not tight on mid-breath position.

If the measurement is an odd number, round up to the nearest even number to determine your underband size. e.g. if you measure as 33 inches, your new underband measurement is 34.

Step 2: Measure Your Bust

Measure around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level and not tight at all! Make a note of this reading to the nearest inch.

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Step 3: Calculate Your Cup Size

Subtract your new underband measurement (in the case above, 34) from your bust measurement. The difference corresponds to your cup size, a difference of:

  • 1 inch = A cup
  • 2 inches = B cup
  • 3 inches = C cup
  • 4 inches = D cup

5 inches = DD cup

…and so on.

Example: If your underband is 34 inches and your bust measurement is 37 inches, the difference is 3 inches. This means you’ll need a C cup. Therefore your bra size would be 34C. Easy!

Decoding the Size Chart

Understanding sizing charts can be daunting, but here’s how to make sense of them:

  • Underband Size: This is the measurement around your ribcage, just under your bust.
  • Cup Size: Determined by the difference between your underband and overbust measurements.

Many brands, like MAAREE, offer detailed size guides and calculators to assist you in finding the perfect fit.

Common Myths Debunked

Myth 1: “Smaller size means more support.”

Reality: A bra that’s too tight can restrict your breathing and movement, resulting in discomfort. The right fit should be snug but not uncomfortable.

Myth 2: “All brands have the same sizing.”

Reality: Sizing can vary between brands. Just like jeans! You can be a size UK 12 in one and UK size 10 in another. It’s essential to consult each brand’s specific size guide for assistance.

Myth 3: “You only need one sports bra for all activities.”

Reality: Different activities will require varying levels of support. High-impact sports, like running, will need more supportive bras than low-impact activities, such as yoga. So you’ll want to consider having a varied collection in your wardrobe if you love doing a range of different activities.

Tips for Trying On and Testing Fit

Band Fit: The band should be level the whole way around your body, feeling snug without digging in. You should be able to fit one finger between you and the band, but that’s really it.

Cup Coverage: Your breasts should be fully enclosed without spillage, gaps or feeling like they’re pushed into your chin!

Strap Adjustment: Straps should be firm but not tight. Having that additional adjustment in this area can help you get the idea fit.

Movement Test: Jump or jog in place while you’re in the changing room to ensure the bra provides adequate support without excessive movement.

New Bras: Bras will only ever get bigger over time, so if you are between sizes and are not sure whether to go with the bigger or smaller size consider that the bra will relax a little in the size after the first wash and wear.

When to Replace Your Sports Bra

Over time, sports bras lose elasticity and support. It can be difficult to know when it’s time to replace them. So keep an eye out for these signs:

  • The band or straps are stretched out.
  • The fabric is worn or damaged.
  • You’ve experienced significant weight changes.
  • It’s been over a year of regular use.

Conclusion

Shopping for your ultimate sports bra doesn’t have to be daunting. Once you understand how to measure yourself, including knowing the signs of an ill-fitting bra, you’ll be unstoppable! Then you can move onto the fun stuff, which is shopping for your ideal style and colour.

By following the above advice you know you’ll be supported, comfortable and, most of all, you’ll be a bra shopping

FAQs

Q: How often should I replace my sports bras?

A: Typically, every 6-12 months, depending on how often you’re washing and wearing it, if you’ve changed size or if there are any signs of wear and tear.

Q: Can I wear the same sports bra for all types of activities?

A: It’s best to have different bras for varying impact levels. Save your high-impact bras for high-impact activities, as they tend to be higher in price and you don’t want to wear them out sooner than you need to.

Q: What’s the difference between compression, encapsulation and hybrid sports bras?

A: Compression bras press the breasts against the chest to limit movement, while encapsulation bras have individual cups for each breast, offering more support and shape. A hybrid bra takes elements of both, usually leading to a superior performing sports bra.

Find out more

For further information and expert advice, head over to MARREE where the experts can guide you through the process of finding your perfect fit.