You may find it easier to enjoy fitness activities when you are wearing the correct clothes.  On this page we explain why women should wear a sports bra, and give some suggestions as to what you should consider when buying fitness wear.

Why wear a Sports Bra?  

This is not a glamour item - the purpose of a sports bra is to hold in and support your breasts to avoid discomfort and prevent damage to the ligaments that help hold your breasts up.  

It is important that your sports bra fits properly, and that it is in good condition.  If it looks a bit ‘washed out’ it is probably a bit worn out.  The on-line specialist retailer LessBounce has recently commissioned a small pilot investigation with Dr Siobhan Strike of Roehampton University.   The aim was to investigate the impact that use and washing has on the bra’s ability to reduce breast motion.  A group of LessBounce customers ran in and washed their sports bra over a period of 10 weeks logging every outing and wash.  The bras were then tested at the Roehampton laboratory comparing an identical new bra and the used version.  This was a pilot investigation not a full research study. The key finding was that a sports bra that had been worn for 188.6 miles running, and hand washed 35 times was significantly less effective than a brand new (identical) sports bra.  

Combining their study with data from manufacturers, LessBounce currently recommend sports bras are replaced every 30-40 washes.  Or if you do a wide variety of sport a high impact bra is downgraded to low impact activity at this time.  If you run, you will know that your trainers need replacing about every 500 miles, and assuming you average 4 miles every run – this would equate to 3 new bras for every new pair of trainers.  

Tricia and I regularly shop around, and our advice is that you should expect to pay at least £25, although you may get lucky and find just what you want on special offer.  

Most shops that sell underwear will have some sports bras, but you are likely to find more choice at a specialist sports shop, especially if you can find one that is specifically for women.  

I have made purchases from a Sheactive shop, which meant that I could try items on and make a choice.  Tricia has found the correct fit at a competitive price at Marks and Spencer.  

If you don’t have time to search for the right item in the shops, there are some excellent on-line specialists.  

Take a look at www.lessbounce.co.ukfor a clear explanation of why active women should wear a sports bra.  This site also has helpful guide to measurement to ensure a good fit.  They offer a good variety of styles, and have bras available in sizes 28AA through to 52J.  The photo at the top of this article is their current best seller, which retails at £26.99.  

I have used www.boobydoo.co.ukand found the site is easy to navigate, with a large choice of brands, and a good size range.  I particularly like the good illustrations and descriptions of the bras (including how the bra fastens – vital if you prefer back or side fastening).    

Finally, I like www.sheactive.co.uk.  This site sells the full range of sports clothes for women, including underwear.  It works on the basis that you select your sport, and are then shown a range of suitable bras (and other clothes).  

Fitness Clothing

Tricia writes:

My work clothes consist mainly of fitness clothing which I usually purchase  from two companies. My favourite is Gossypium based in Lewes, Brighton and on-line.  Gossypium is a family business selling organic, fair-trade products. Gossypium sells clothing  for both men and women plus absolutely gorgeous baby clothes. If anyone remembers the fashion for sewing clothes from Cloth Kits, Gossypium are recreating this experience with their own kits for dressmaking. Bedlinen and towels are also a favourite.

For my Pilates practice, I love Gossypium’s foldover yoga trousers. Made from 97%organic cotton with just a 3% touch of lycra, they are soft and comfortable. You can bend, stretch and twist in comfort. The trousers come in a normal and longer length. I have these lovely yoga pants in hues of blue, green, purple and black so that I can ring the changes. My favourite pair is the elderberry, purple colour. Resist the temptation to wash the trousers on hot or to tumble dry them: you may well find they shink if you do. My gossypium yoga trousers usually last for a couple of years, even though I use them intensively. Currently, the trousers are retailing at £35.00. There are sometimes discount voucher codes available on the voucher code sites. Although the trousers might be considered a little pricey, I believe they represent excellent value. Gossypium also sell fitness tops including a rather cute tunic that avoids the midriff gap issue when you stretch.

Sweaty Betty is another favourite of mine. Geared rather more to current fashion trends, Sweaty Betty are hot on style. Their clothing selection changes regularly with a constant selection of gorgeous colours. There are frequent sales, which is when I buy my clothing. I did try the yoga pants, but found that the fabric was thin on one pair and they balled. They looked great for a few weeks. On my other pair, the seams were rather meanly cut and within two wears a hole had appeared in a rather embarrassing place. Hot on style, but not so great on endurance.

I love my pink trainer bag which I purchased half price in the sale, and my vest tops from Sweaty Betty have been amazing. They do not bag too much at the neck when you lean forward and are long enough not to give an embarrassing gap at the midriff. The colours range from standard black and white to whatever is currently in season. Sweaty Betty sells gym, yoga, ski and beach wear.

Below, see the clothes in action. I am wearing Gossypium pants and a Sweaty Betty top.

Fitness Clothing

The correct clothing gives you a head start when exercising. It’s important to ensure your clothing and footwear is appropriate for the form of exercise you are undertaking. What then are the important considerations when purchasing?

Comfort. This has to be a first. Attempting to stretch and move in tight clothing obviously impedes your workout. Waistbands are important. Certainly, with Pilates a restrictive waistband is inhibiting so not a good thing whilst a closer fitting t-shirt is beneficial as it assists the instructor in seeing your posture.

Confidence. Appropriate clothing may help you to feel confident. With some sportswear there are restrictions regarding style (always put safety first before vanity) but you can often select a flattering colour.

Safety. Many activities have safety considerations regarding clothing. For example, with water sports the temperature on or in the water is often much lower than on land, plus the wind chill factor is a consideration which will affect your choices. A buoyancy aid is essential. When walking, layers and waterproof protection may be important.

Cost. Budget is indeed a consideration. There is no point in spending a fortune on several outfits, then finding you are not keeping up your activity. You may be able to borrow an outfit from a friend for your first efforts.

Fabric. You may wish to wear breathable, cotton fabrics for your class or activity.

Underwear. Just check out a few certain tennis players to see the importance of comfortable underwear! You don’t want to be constantly adjusting your knickers or feeling concerned that you forgot to wear your support bra.

Ethical considerations. Consider wearing organic cotton to reduce environmental concerns and /or fairly traded clothing.

Footwear. It is important to allow the foot to move correctly or be supported appropriately for your activity. If hill walking, you may require walking boots with ankle supports; if sailing, sailing boots to protect your feet from stones; for dancing ballet or tap shoes and  so on. For certain classes, bare feet or socks may be appropriate. Anti slip socks are available. If running, research your footwear carefully. Go to a specialist store to have your feet fitted carefully. You will require good shock absorption to reduce the impact on your joints.

Headwear.  We have only one head. Do wear protective headgear if appropriate, especially for seemingly innocent activities such as cycling.

Discuss the clothing requirements with your instructor before purchasing if appropriate. He or she should be able to give you a general idea of the requirements and perhaps an indication of suppliers.

You may wish to purchase on-line, especially for more specialist activities. Don’t forget the out of town discount suppliers as well as high street retailers.

Enjoy your activities in safety and confidence.

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