Breast support in sport

The right bra is essential sports gear - it helps you stay comfortable, safe and confident.

What is good breast support?

Good breast support means wearing a sports bra that fits well. The right bra keeps your breasts from moving too much when you’re exercising, particularly during contact or high impact sport.

Why does it matter?

Proper breast support helps women safely enjoy sport. A well-fitting sports bra keeps you comfortable while improving your posture and sports performance.

But there’s a good chance your bra may not fit properly. This is because there’s a gap in awareness and education. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 teenagers wear a bra during sport that doesn’t fit them properly and almost as many don’t know how to get the right bra fit.

What happens without good support?

Around 7 out of 10 women feel breast pain when exercising, especially when jogging or running.

If your bra doesn’t support you well, your breasts move up and down and sideways when you exercise. Even just 2 centimetres of movement can be uncomfortable. You can end up with sore breasts, back or shoulder pain, or even injury. It can make you feel embarrassed and lower your confidence and sports performance. It might make you feel like stopping sport.

The good news is that proper sports bras can reduce breast movement by nearly 60% – making a big difference to how you feel and helping you move without pain.

How to find the right bra

The amount of breast support you need depends on your age, breast size and the type of activity you’re doing. To find the right bra:

Look for:

• wide, comfortable straps
• a snug band that stays in place
• cups that cover the whole breast and fit closely
• material that feels good on your skin and reduces sweat.

Try different styles:

• there are different bras for different body types
• some bras are better for high impact sports while others suit lighter activities
• find a supportive bra that is also comfortable to wear
• remember your needs might change as your body or sport changes.

You can ask for help

Bras shops and many department stores have staff who can help you find the right fit. Or, if you try measuring and checking at home, make sure the bra sits flat on your chest, doesn’t dig in or cause bulging or gaps, and stops most movement.

More resources

Source: Breast support and community sport – Research Article

More information: Exercise and Breast Support | Sports Medicine Australia, opens in a new tab