tasc Performance

7 Sports Bra Features You Need To Know

7 Sports Bra Features You Need To Know

Choosing the right sports bra can be the difference between a great workout and a total flunk.


The saying “no pain, no gain” certainly has some validity, but only when it comes to muscle. Keeping your chest supported and protected is important to protect against pain and potential injury.


Every detail matters, from the fit and comfort to the finishing touches. With modern innovations in fabric and designs, thanks to a better understanding of the body’s needs, there are more options than ever—which also means it’s more difficult than ever to find what you need.


That’s why we’re here to help. Our experts on activewear have thoughtfully engineered each Tasc Performance sports bra with the most essential features to keep you comfortable and supported.


Today we’ll talk through choosing a sports bra from the top-level aesthetic considerations down to the functional features. 

What Are Some Popular Sports Bra Styles?

Sports bras have become much more than just performance clothing. With the rise of athleisure style and innovations in activewear aesthetics, now your favorite sports bras can do the work when you’re working out or just looking for some new fashion.

Strappy

Strappy bras are on-trend right now, and sports bras are no different. Great for spicing up a look, layering with open-back tanks, or just to keep extra cool, you’ll want to have one or two strappy styles in your drawers.


Check out the Recess Sports Bra for an innovative look that features reinforced double cross straps and a side mesh detail.

Plaid

We love solid colors as much as the next person, but it’s hard not to fall for a cute plaid. The Recess Sports Bra in White/Black or White/Blue adds a fun and versatile look to your options, especially in the sunny seasons.

Leopard Print

While leopard print may rise and fall in popularity at times, it’s never really out of style. Let your favorite activewear look just as good as your favorite fashion pieces with a leopard print pattern that will look just as good in the gym or out on the town. 

Racerback

Not only are racerbacks a classic, can’t-go-wrong look, they also offer excellent support by keeping the bra close to the body. It’s always a good idea to keep a racerback sports bra or two in your arsenal. The Allways Sports Bra does just the trick (and it comes in a few fun prints).

What Features Should My Sports Bra Have?

We all love the fun of fashion, but now it’s time to get down to business. It’s in the name—a sports bra needs to be ready for some intense activities. Let’s break down what sorts of features are must-haves for your active lifestyle.

1. The Right Amount of Support

At the foundation of a good sports bra is appropriate support. Too much, and you’ll feel uncomfortable and sore, while too little can have several negative effects, including discomfort, soreness, sagging, and even injury.


Studies show that a large majority of women (over 85%, in fact) don’t have the right size bra during active use and high-impact workouts. This can result in excess compression or excess movement, both of which can cause discomfort and more. 


Smaller cup sizes might be able to get away with a light support sports bra, while those with a larger cup size might need a bit more padding to protect the breast tissue. Whether you need medium support or some additional underwire will give you the perfect fit, great support is essential. 


Support needs can vary based on your activity. Always compare your needs against the low-impact, medium-impact, or high-impact support offered by each sports bra you choose. High-impact sports bras are also more likely to have more coverage and more secure closures like eye closures or hooks to further help reduce bounce. 

2. A Wide Bottom Band

With the importance of finding the right fit for you, choosing a sports bra with a wide bottom band design goes a long way. A wider band helps ensure a good fit and puts a lot of work into providing the support you need, making this kind of sports bra a good option for both high-impact bras and everyday bras.

3. Moisture-Wicking

Chances are, your sports bra is going to be with you when you sweat. After all, sweat is the sign of a solid workout, right? Moisture-wicking capabilities are an absolute must-have in any sports bra worth its salt.


Moisture-wicking is a fabric quality that lets the material pull moisture off your skin and push it up to the outer layer, where it evaporates. This keeps you dry and lets your body regulate its temperature as it naturally needs to.


Bamboo fabric blends are some of the best materials available when it comes to moisture-wicking and other factors that boost thermoregulation. Plus, they’re chemical-free and sustainably produced.


Try out a bamboo and organic cotton blend in your next sports bra with any of our Tasc Performance styles.

4. 4-Way Stretch

Sufficient support is best complemented by flexible stretch fabric. There’s no need to wear a straight jacket up there. This material lends itself well to both the pullover style with a seamless design and more supportive clasped bras. 


Four-way stretch capabilities come packed into every Tasc sports bra so you can find your fullest range of movement when it’s needed—perfect for a pre-run stretch or a yoga routine.

5. Breathability

Another factor that complements moisture-wicking in aiding thermoregulation is breathability. Bamboo fibers have natural, tiny gaps that allow just the right amount of airflow to keep you cool and comfortable.


Not only does breathable fabric keep you at peak performance during exercise, but it also just feels great. A comfortable sports bra is a great sports bra for any occasion, and our recommendations reflect that.

6. Sun Protection

Easily forgotten amongst all the other features to look for, but no less important, any sports bra you bring to your outdoor activities should have certified sun protection.


Sure, the sun is excellent for some vitamin D and plenty of other benefits. However, unprotected and excessive exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun can cause damage to your skin and eyes.


Since UV light even penetrates clouds and clothes, it’s important to take the extra step and find fabrics that offer serious UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).


The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation considers UPF 30-50 satisfactory, with 50+ pulling in an excellent rating. At Tasc, our bamboo/organic cotton blends always offer sun protection, and our sports bras rank right at top marks with UPF 50+.

7. Reinforced Straps

For strappy styles, reinforced straps are a must. Much of the support a sports bra offers comes from keeping the bra anchored sufficiently to your back. A strong set of back straps pulls the weight in that regard, ensuring your bra works for you.


Our strappy styles like the Recess Sports Bra have two pairs of reinforced cross straps, so you can rest easy and run hard with all the support you need.

Don’t Forget Your Matching Leggings!

Of course, nothing pairs better with a sports bra than some super comfy, stylish matching leggings. 


With the same performance-ready features of all your favorite bamboo-based activewear, a pair of Allways Crop Pocket Leggings are ready to follow your sports bra wherever your active lifestyle takes you!

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a sports bra, the more you know, the better. That’s why we’re always here for you to provide all the information on the features our experts have engineered into Tasc Performance activewear for you.


So pick up a few of our bamboo-based sports bras and get back to your active lifestyle feeling better than ever!


Sources: 


Why Do My Breasts Hurt? 9 Possible Causes of Breast Pain | Web MD

Exercise and Breast Support | Sports Medicine Australia

Thermoregulation | Healthline

Sun Protection Clothing | Skin Cancer Foundation

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