Troubleshooting Potential Sports Bra Problems

Because running is a high-impact activity, it is important for women to wear a sports bra that restricts vertical movement. I call this RVM (restricted vertical movement). Without adequate RVM, common dilemmas are bounce and chafing. Both can be painful and disruptive of your progress.

Above all, the trick to getting the most RVM from a sports bra style is to make sure you are wearing the right size for you. Literally, every sports bra style is sized differently. This means you may not wear the same size as your measurements or from one style to the next. It depends on how the style is sized and if it runs small, big or true to size. Sizes can vary both for the numbered band size or the lettered cup size.

To check the fit on the sports bra you are wearing now, check for the following fit problems:

Common Problems	Probable Cause
Breasts are bulging out of the top or sides of the cup	Cup size is too small. The breasts should be totally encased in the cups on most styles.
Wrinkling all over the cup, particularly at the top and sides	Cup size is too big. The breasts should be enclosed in the cups with a smooth finish.
Sports bra rides up your back	The bra is too big around your body. The band is too big or not worn snugly enough around your rib cage, assuming the band is adjustable.
Straps dig into your shoulders	The band size is too big or loose. Or, the shoulder straps are being worn too tightly. The main support for the breasts should come from the band around your rib cage, not the shoulder straps.

Credits

The information was compiled by Dyna DuMore, Fit X-pert at www.X-chrom.com. All expressions and recommendations are based on her opinions, values and test result findings. If you are not satisfied with the RVM from your current style and the fit seems right, then feel free to contact her at dyna(at)X-chrom.com or visit www.X-chrom.com for interactive online assistance. All content on this Run The Planet webpage is considered property of www.X-chrom.com. None shall be reprinted or reproduced without expressed permission to the user. Copyright © 2003 www.X-chrom.com. All rights reserved.