Sports bras tend to fit more snugly than everyday bras. For this reason, many women find that there is a 'breaking in' period for new sports bras.
Keep reading our tips below for how to break in and how to stretch out a sports bra.
Should You Try Stretch Out Your Sports Bra?
A good fitting sports bra might feel a bit stiff at first wear, but most sports bras tend to stretch out over time as you wear them in. Many women find sports bras to be more comfortable after the first few wears, as the fabric softens and adjusts to your body.
A new sports bra may also feel more snug or uncomfortable at first, especially if your old sports bra is very worn out or you usually wear regular bras. However you should not manually try to stretch out your sports bra, as sports bra stretching naturally happens with wear and washing.
The Top 5 Tips for Getting Your Sports Bra to Be Comfortable
If you find a your sports bra to be uncomfortable, here are some tips to 'breaking in' your new sports bra for maximum comfort.
Proper Fit is Key
Wearing the proper size is crucial to having a sports bra fit comfortably and ensure that it provides maximum support. An ill-fitting sports bra will not provide enough support, and will be also be comfortable. We recommend using our bra size calculator to determine your bra size, and purchasing sports bras that come in a band size and cup size to ensure proper fit.
'Break In' Your Bra
A new sports bra might take some time to feel comfortable on your body, especially if it is made of thicker fabrics for high-intensity support. We recommend wearing your sports bra around the house before engaging in physical activity to allow the fabric to stretch and mold to your body. This can help alleviate any discomfort that rigid fabrics might cause at first wear.
Adjust the Straps and Closures
Choosing a sports bra that has adjustable straps and even an adjustable closure will ensure you have a great fit. Adjusting the straps and closure to your preferred tightness can help your sports bra feel more comfortable from first wear, and will allow you to adjust as needed as the sports bra inevitably stretches out with wear.
Choose High Quality Fabrics
A quality sports bra is one made of moisture-wicking fabrics that wick away sweat to keep you cool and dry. Moisture-wicking sports bras also help to minimize chafing and prevent skin irritation.
Try Different Styles
Like other bras, not every style will work for every woman. We recommend trying on a few different sports bra styles to find what works best for you and is most comfortable for your workouts.
About the Author
Maeve Gesualdi is a Fordham University alumna where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Fashion Studies. Based in New York City, Maeve is part of the marketing team at Glamorise. Maeve regularly interacts with customers via social media and product reviews, as well as with influencers and models. She is constantly getting feedback on our products as well as gaining a better understanding of what women in our category struggle with and/or look for when searching for a bra. Aside from writing, she is passionate about all things travel and fashion.
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