Breathe Easy: Why a Properly Fitted Sports Bra Matters

For teenage athletes, having the right gear is key to comfort and performance – and that includes a properly fitted sports bra. While many think a tighter bra offers better support, wearing a sports bra that is too tight can restrict breathing and affect how well your teen performs during sports and workouts.

Why a Good Sports Bra Matters

A properly fitted sports bra is essential for one’s overall health during exercise. Sports bras are designed to reduce breast movement, which in turn helps prevent pain, posture issues, and skin irritation. However, if the underband – the part wrapping around the ribcage – is too tight, it can restrict breathing, forcing the body to take shallow, rapid breaths. This increases the workload on breathing muscles, causing quicker fatigue and making workouts feel harder.

On the other hand, a properly fitted underband allows deeper, more efficient breaths. This improves oxygen use, helping muscles work effectively and reducing strain during physical activity. When exercise feels less exhausting, teens are more likely to stay active, reaping the long-term benefits of improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and overall fitness.

How to Choose the Best Fit

Finding the right sports bra is about striking the balance between support and comfort. Here are some tips to help your teen find the best support:

• Test for fit and comfort: when trying on a sports bra, your teen should focus on how it feels during movement, not just at rest. Encourage them to check for any restrictions around the ribcage by jumping, stretching and taking deep breaths.
• Check for proper support: movement should be minimized with out feeling overly tight. The underband should sit flat against the skin, but not dig into it and the straps should stay in place without slipping or causing chafing.
• Evaluate after exercise: how a sports bra feels during or after a workout is a better indicator of its performance than how it feels in a dressing room. If your teen notices discomfort, difficulty breathing or red marks from tightness, it might be time to try a different size or style.
• Consider the activity: different sports and activities may require varying levels of support. High impact activities like running or basketball might need more support, while yoga or walking might be more comfortable with lighter compression.

When to Replace Sports Bras, and How to Stay Fresh

Sports bras endure significant wear and tear, especially during rigorous workouts. Over time, they lose elasticity and support. It’s a good idea to replace them every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often they’re used and how well they’re cared for.

In addition to replacing worn-out bras, staying dry is vital for skin health. Remaining in sweaty clothes after exercise can lead to skin irritation, including rashes, chafing, and even fungal infections caused by trapped moisture. Encourage your teen to change into dry clothing immediately after physical activity and to wash sports bras regularly. This keeps them clean, functional, and comfortable for every workout.

Supporting Your Teen’s Health and Confidence

Helping your teen find the right sports bra goes beyond ensuring comfort—it supports their health, confidence and sports performance. By choosing a well-fitted bra and maintaining good care practices, your teen can focus on enjoying their activities, staying active and reaping the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.