Sports Bra Fitting

SPORTS BRA FITTING

At Salt Lake Running Company, our trained and friendly staff will help you find the perfect sports bra that fits you and your style of exercise. Stop by a store location for a free custom bra fitting and to shop our large selection of sports bras!

Why Do I Need a Good Sports Bra?

A good, well-fitting bra has many benefits:
  • Increases comfort with supportive bands and wide straps to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on the shoulders and back.
  • More supportive and prevents excess movement when you are active. Saving movement is saving energy, and some studies show that a better fitting run bra decreases oxygen consumption and increases running economy.
  • Better breathability and sweat management with moisture-wicking technical fabrics.

What Is My Bra Size?

You’ll need a flexible measuring tape to start. Don’t wear a bra that changes your shape while measuring.
  1. Measure your band size: Measure around your rib cage where the bra band would sit to determine your rib cage measurement. Make sure the tape measure is snug, but not constricting. If you measure to a fraction, round down to the next inch. This chart will tell you what band size is recommended.
  1. Measure your bust size: Measure your chest around the fullest part of your bust to determine your bust measurement. This might not be the center of your breasts. If you measure to a fraction, round up to the next inch.
  2. Find your cup size: Subtract your rib cage measurement from your bust measurement. The difference will determine your cup size in the chart below.
Your band size and cup size determines your bra size. For example, a rib cage measurement of 30" and a bust measurement of 36" would fit a 34 band size and C cup size. So, a 34C bra size is a good starting point to find the perfect bra that fits you and your style of exercise.

Alpha Size Guide

Not all sports bras use a band size and cup size. Here is a general guide to converting your band size and cup size to alpha sizes. Please note that not all brands will fit the same.

How Do I Know If My Sports Bra is a Good Fit?

A sports bra only gives good support if it fits correctly. When trying on a new bra, check the fit and make sure it will work for you.
  1. Check the band: The band will provide most of the support for your bra. If it is digging into your back, it is too tight. If it rides up your back, it is too loose.
  2. Test the straps: You should be able to fit two fingers between the bra strap and your shoulder.
  3. Assess the cup fit: If you overflow the cups, they are too small. Extra space in the cups means you should go down a cup size. If the band lifts up instead of lying snugly along your rib cage, try going up a cup size.

Sister Sizes

To find the perfect fit, you might need to try different band sizes than your initial selection. A sister size is either one band size down, one cup size up, or vice versa. The sister sizes of 36C are 34D and 38B. They will all have the same volume, but fit differently around your rib cage based on your preferred tightness.

What Support Level Do I Need?

Different activities require different levels of support, and so do different size breasts. Larger breasts might need a higher level of support than smaller breasts for the same activity. In general, look for the support that matches what you will be using the bra for:

How Often Should I Replace My Sports Bra?

Sports bras lose their support over time. Normal wear and washing will stretch out the elastic. If you are using one bra consistently, expect it to last six to eight months before you need a replacement. Having multiple to rotate through will help extend their life. Three bras, one to wear, one in the wash, and one in your drawer, is ideal.