Finding the right sports bra can be tricky, especially if you don’t know which type of support best fits your breast shape. Every body is unique, and knowing how your breast shape affects fit and support can make a world of difference in your workouts. Let’s explore common breast shapes and how they relate to the type of sports bra that will give you the best support and comfort. Shout out to Sophie Weiss for providing such valuable content on breast shape. You can find more information at Honeylove.com

Image credit: https://www.honeylove.com/blogs/bra-talk/how-to-identify-your-breast-shape

Asymmetric

It’s common for many women to have one breast slightly larger than the other, a shape known as asymmetric. The key here is to look for sports bras with adjustable straps or removable padding. This allows you to balance out the support on each side, ensuring both breasts are secure and comfortable.

Athletic

Athletic breasts tend to be muscular with less breast tissue, often perky and firm. Women with this shape do well with compression sports bras, which press the breasts against the chest to minimize movement. These bras tend to be less structured and are perfect for high-intensity activities like running, HIIT, or cycling.

Bell

For bell-shaped breasts, the top is narrower, and the bottom is fuller. This shape is more common in larger busts and benefits most from combo encapsulation and compression bras. The encapsulation aspect will lift and separate, while the compression helps control bounce, providing the support needed for bigger breasts during activity.

Round

If you have round breasts, the volume is balanced both at the top and bottom. This shape is one of the most versatile in terms of sports bra styles, and you’re likely to find that many options work well for you. Perky and full, round breasts benefit from combo encapsulation and compression styles, which both separate and support the breasts while controlling bounce during high-impact activities.

Close-set

Close-set breasts sit closely together, making bras with a lot of center fabric uncomfortable. In this case, bras that offer encapsulation are ideal, especially if you have larger breasts. Look for styles with a deeper plunge or wider center panels to ensure separation and minimize chafing or discomfort.

Conical

Conical breasts have more breast tissue near the base and tend to point outward. This shape is typically associated with smaller breast sizes. Women with conical breasts can comfortably wear compression bras for most activities, as the tissue requires less encapsulation and structure.

East-West

East-west breasts sit wide on the chest, with nipples facing outward. The best sports bras for this shape are those that bring the breasts inward, offering side support to keep the breasts centered. A bra with built-in or structured cups works well to maintain a balanced fit.

Relaxed

Relaxed breasts have softer tissue and can sometimes have downward-facing nipples. This shape is common in larger busts or with age. For relaxed breasts, compression bras provide essential lift and control, while full-coverage options ensure support during movement.

Side-set

Side-set breasts are positioned further apart with forward-facing nipples. A sports bra with side support is essential to bring the breasts inward and prevent unnecessary shifting during movement. Look for bras with wide side panels or supportive side seams to help keep everything in place.

Teardrop

Teardrop-shaped breasts are narrow at the top with more volume at the bottom. This shape is particularly common in fuller busts. The best bras for this shape are those that provide lift and support, such as encapsulation styles that offer a structured fit to prevent discomfort and strain during high-impact activities.

Slender

Slender breasts are longer than they are wide, with volume distributed more vertically. Women with slender breasts often need a bit of a lift, making bras with a focus on support and upward positioning an ideal choice.

Overlapping Shapes & Density

It’s important to remember that breast shapes can overlap, and many women find that their breasts fit into more than one category. Additionally, breast density plays a significant role in how much support you need. Dense breasts are heavier and require stronger support, especially in high-impact sports, whereas less dense breasts can be managed with lighter styles.

Understanding your breast shape is key to finding the best-fitting sports bra. Once you know what works for you, you'll feel more comfortable, supported, and ready to take on any workout with confidence. Whether your breasts are round, athletic, or teardrop-shaped, there’s a sports bra out there to match your needs!

What happens to breasts when they bounce? 

We may not notice the changes in our breasts immediately, but something is definitely going on when we don't have the support to keep the breast from bouncing.

Think about it. What goes up must come down. And sometimes coming down results in unintended stretching.

Our breasts are made up of tissue. We have to be mindful to take care of them as best we can or they will change shape a lot faster than we intended.

Let's take a moment to learn about a very important part of our bodies. Our breasts.

The breasts are composed of glandular tissue, fat, and ligaments, all suspended within the chest wall. During physical activity or even everyday movements, the breasts experience a certain degree of bounce. This movement is influenced by factors such as breast size, elasticity of the skin, and the strength of Cooper's ligaments, which provide support.

The ups and downs and side to side.

Breasts not only move up and down, but side to side. In fact, they move in a figure-8 motion while running. While many women want the bounce to be reduced from the motion associated with jumping (that IS how we test sports bras, correct?), we have to be mindful that there are other motions in play. 

Breast pain can be attributed to ill-fitting sports bras that do not support the three dimensional motion of breasts during running. Sports bra cups with stitching are designed to reduce the breast from moving up and down and side to side. This can be helpful when choosing a sports bra for medium to high impact activities. 

Cooper's Ligaments 

Cooper's ligaments are crucial connective tissues that help maintain the shape of the breast. Think about them like the wood that frames the inside of

a house. Now, the ligaments are not as sturdy as the wood, but we can see how the framing of our breast is set and the support the ligaments provide.

Excessive and unsupported bouncing can strain these ligaments, leading to loss of elasticity over time. This can result in sagging, a common concern for many women. Wearing a properly fitted sports bra during physical activity can significantly reduce the strain on these ligaments, mitigating the long-term effects.

As we age, change in shape due to weight, or have pregnancies, the ligaments begin to stretch and our breasts will naturally begin to sag. What else contributes to the sag? The BOUNCE!

Bounce

The bounce is a stressor to the breast. The larger the breast, the more they weigh. The more they weigh, the more intense the bounce is. 

Selecting the appropriate sports bra is crucial for minimizing breast bounce and preventing long-term damage. Consider factors such as the level of impact associated with your chosen activity, your breast size, and personal comfort preferences. Compression bras work well for smaller breasts, while encapsulation bras are more suitable for larger cup sizes, providing individual support for each breast.

The less bouncing your breasts have to do, the longer you can keep them from sagging.

Sagging

Sagging is going to happen eventually and cannot be reversed naturally.  There are some exercises we can incorporate into our daily lives that will help strengthen the chest muscles, which we will get to shortly.

Remember those ligaments? Well, as the ligaments stretch, they provide less support, causing the breast to sag.

Pain

Women often experience discomfort or pain during physical activities due to breast bounce.

This is especially true for those with larger breasts. High-impact activities like running or jumping can exacerbate the issue. Investing in a sports bra that provides both compression and encapsulation can help minimize discomfort by reducing movement and providing better support.

The Perks (pun intended)

We now know that our breasts will not remain as perky as we would like for them to be.

We can purchase bras that make us look perky. We can also do exercises that will help strengthen the ligaments, lift chest muscles, and slow down the inevitable of sagging breasts.

Hey, if men can tone up their breasts, surely we can too! Don't let the extra weight we have to carry in that area fool you. It is important to note that the results will not be drastic and the building up of those muscles, particularly with larger breasts, may not look any different on the surface. It's quite likely that we won't get back to being as perky as we'd like, but something is better than nothing. Right?

Incorporate the following exercises into your daily routine to strengthen the chest muscles.

*Please consult your physician before performing any physical activity.

Cobra pose

Start by laying flat on the ground with your hands flat and arms bent next to your chest.

Slowly raise your chest off the ground until your arms are straight.

Slowly lower your chest to the ground.

Repeat. 3 sets of 8 reps.

Push ups

Start by ensuring your body is straight (not bent).

Depending on your comfort level, place your hands shoulder width apart (or wider, if needed).

Modify push ups by bending knees to the ground.

Repeat 3 sets of 12 reps.

Dumbbell behind the head

Start by holding the dumbbell in both hands at your chest.

Raise over your head towards your back, keeping your elbows bent.

Raise back in front of your chest.

Repeat 3 sets of 8 reps.

Take time to take care of your breasts during physical activity by wearing a sports bra that provides the support you need.

For daily support, ensure you are wearing the correct size bra that provides support so that your breasts are supported, not just covered.

With the right support, our breasts can maintain their strength structure. 

You can bounce less with the Bounceless Control™ sports bra while working out. But did you know there are other ways you can benefit from this sports bra? 

The Bounceless Control™ sports bra is not just your regular workout companion; it's a versatile piece that caters to various needs beyond the gym. While its primary function is to minimize bounce during physical activities, this innovative sports bra offers additional benefits that make it an essential wardrobe staple for different life stages and situations.

Come with us as we dive into the various stages and life circumstances that come with having breasts and how our sports bra can support you throughout your journey. 

Nursing Mothers 

For nursing mothers, finding the right bra can 

be challenging task, especially when dealing with a fuller bust while nursing. The  struggle to balance comfort, support, and functionality often leads to creative solutions. The Bounceless Control™ sports bra addresses this concern with its adjustable, Velcro straps, providing convenience for nursing on the go. Now, mothers can seamlessly transition from nursing to a workout without the hassle of changing bras, enhancing the bonding experience with their babies.

Lounge Bra

When you do not want to go braless, go Bounceless!

Beyond the realm of motherhood, the Bounceless Control™ sports bra emerges as the perfect lounge bra. When you don't want to go completely braless but seek ultimate comfort, this sports bra comes to the rescue. Going up a size ensures a relaxed fit, turning it into an ideal loungewear essential. Many women have embraced sports bras as their everyday choice, finding them more comfortable

than traditional bras. The Bounceless Control™ sports bra, designed for high-impact activities, caters to this trend, offering both support and comfort in daily wear.

The crop top design allows the option of not having to wear a shirt. Whether completing house work or working from home, the Bounceless Control™ sports bra can be your lounge buddy to get you through the day. 

Breast Surgery Bra 

The compassionate design of the Bounceless Control™ sports bra extends to those undergoing breast surgery recovery. Recognizing the needs of breast cancer thrivers, this sports bra provides the necessary compression for healing post-mastectomy or breast augmentation. The emphasis on support and comfort is crucial during recovery, and the optional breast band offers additional support across the bust if required.

Work Bra

For professionals with demanding work hours, the Bounceless Control™ sports

bra doubles as a work bra. Its full coverage from front to back ensures great support during long shifts, providing nurses with the efficiency they need without the hindrance of breast movement. Beyond the immediate benefits, the sports bra's proper back support contributes to maintaining posture, alleviating potential back pain resulting from poor posture during extended work hours.

Take Control

The Bounceless Control™ sports bra transcends its role as a workout essential, proving to be a versatile, supportive companion for nursing mothers, individuals seeking comfortable loungewear, those in breast surgery recovery, and professionals requiring reliable support during work hours. Its multifunctional design caters to diverse needs, making it a valuable addition to any wardrobe.