Is Your Sports Bra Actually Working? Research Reveals Standard Sports Bras May be Useless

If you’re planning on venturing out for a run any time soon, it might be a good idea to make sure your sports bra is giving you the correct amount of sport. According to a new study released today, standard sport bras may be useless, depending on how old you are.

When most of us are looking for a sports bra, we go into our nearest sports shop or department store and buy the first one we try on. But did you know that as you age, your sports bra needs change as well?

According to researchers, younger and older women’s breasts move in different ways, even if they are the same bra size.

A study, conducted by researchers at the University of Portsmouth, revealed that women in their 20s and 30s experience a large amount of up-and-down bouncing while they’re exercising. Meanwhile those aged between 45 and 65 tend to experience less vertical movement, with more left-to-right and in-and-out movement instead.

The results of the survey were presented at the Royal Society of Medicine in London. As part of the study, comparisons were made between 24 participants. Half of these participants were between 18 and 25 and the other were between 45 and 65.

The women, who were all a size 34D were asked to walk on a treadmill topless for two minutes, while their movements were recorded.

Are you wearing the right sports bra for your shape and movement?

“The more mature breast moves in a completely different way to a younger breast. The distribution of the movement is different,” said Debbie Risius, a researcher involved in the study.

“The findings may indicate a need for a sports bra to be designed specifically for mature women,” she added.

So there you have it ladies. It’s important to go for regular bra measurements so you can make sure that your lady lumps are properly supported and protected. And remember, it’s a good idea to get measured for your sports bra too rather than just grabbing one off the nearest shelf.