From The Straits Times    |

Well, that’s not actually the case; at least not all of the time.

Depending on your cup size and sport of choice, you could get away with little more than a boob tube with spaghetti straps. An A-cup lady taking part in Ashtanga yoga certainly won’t need the same support as an F-cup sprinter. Then again, you want to make sure you’re not being under-supported, as bouncing boobs and pain can ruin your workout.

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It’s important to wear the right sports bra to help your body perform its best while you exercise. Let’s break down the best style for each type of workout and cup size…

 

LOW IMPACT: Yoga

 

A-C cup

Barely-there non-wired but properly-fitting sports bras are perfect for ladies with smaller boobs performing low impact exercise such as yoga, flow, barre and pilates. This Lululemon Free To Be Zen bra will see you through the hottest Bikram session thanks to its sweat-wicking material and four-way stretch – plus it has an awesome pretty design at the back.

 

DD+

If you’re more buxom, opt for the beautiful Ta Ta Tamer III bra, again from Lululemon. Unlike many yoga bras it provides heavy-duty support, separation (thanks to a mesh panel down the centre), and full coverage. You can choose between straight or crossed straps and the hook-and-eye closure makes it easy to get on and off.

 

MEDIUM IMPACT: Weightlifting

 

A-C cup

Weightlifting, circuit training and dance classes all fall under the medium impact umbrella. If you have a modest chest, there’s all the reason to have some fun with sportswear fashions in the gym as loud colours can be motivating! These days, supportive bras can also come with creative straps – thin, double, cross-over – as well as cut-out details, mesh and zips.

This Nike Shape Zip bra made with moisture-managing Dri-FIT fabric is perfect – supportive, bright and with a flattering scoop neck.

Alternatively, this Heartbeat sports bra from MyProtein is a little more affordable and very flattering for most boobs. The classic design has built-in moulded cups, mesh panels and adjustable straps.

 

DD+

Ladies with a larger bust can also have fun with fashion when performing medium impact exercise, but should look for a little more support as well. The new Shock Absorber range is perfect for this – a brand known for providing some of the best, most supportive sports bras for bigger cup sizes, they’ve recently had a revamp and all their latest styles possess trendy details and prints.

Try this bright pink and purple Zipped Front geometric pattern bra. It has robust structure and top-of-the-range fabrics, as well as a fashionable exterior encasing it beautifully.

 

HIGH IMPACT: Running

 

A-C cup

Ladies of all cup sizes should protect and support their breasts to the max when performing high impact exercise. This includes sprinting, long-distance running, spinning, boxing and HIIT workouts.

It’s of prime importance that your bra fits you properly – this means a band that lies flat and securely against your torso, strong and secure straps that don’t dig in to your shoulders, and cups that fit your breasts perfectly with no bulging, gaping or chafing. If there’s an underwire, this must encompass the entire breast with no tissue beneath it.

Adidas has some great high impact styles for A cups and above. This bright orange pattern CMMTTD bra fits A-C cups…

 

While this similar colour block style goes up to size 38DD.

 

DD+

For a broader size range in XS-XL, try this grey and orange colour block style from Reebok. Alternatively, specialist larger-bust bra companies such as Freya, Panache and Elomi provide supreme support for sportswomen with cup sizes C-H or even I, in trendy prints!

This classic Panache Sports Moulded Bra will see buxom ladies through the most vigorous workouts – where supreme breast support matters most!

BONUS! Swimming

 

A-C cup

Baywatch is back and the swimsuit is on trend again, so it’s not all about the bikini any more. A-C cups can pull off a non-wired (or cupped!) costume by the pool and in the sea as long as it’s properly fitting.

This Monday Swimwear Bahamas one piece by bikini bloggers A Bikini A Day is sure to make you feel confident: it gives the illusion of being quite revealing while providing plenty of breast coverage, thanks to the flattering high-cut leg.

 

DD+

…Having said that, it is actually a good idea to keep your breasts well-supported in the water – especially if they’re ample and if you’re swimming for sport. Long-trusted fashion brand ASOS has been expanding its Fuller Bust collection to make swimwear fashion accessible to all. They also stock lots of pieces from super-hot labels like Wolf & Whistle’s stunning swimwear with supportive architecture for larger cup sizes.

Try this ultra-flattering Harness Rib Swimsuit.

Alternatively, Figleaves’ own range DD+ swimwear is brilliant. This Freestyle Underwired design is flattering, fashionable, and perfect for swimming.