The point of a sports bra is to prevent bouncing and discomfort of the breasts while exercising. A proper sports bra will allow you to enjoy exercise. One should choose a bra based on the size of the chest.

The difference between a standard bra and a sports bra is not only support, but also material. A standard bra accounts for style as well as support, while a sports bra forgoes style for greater substance. A sports bra is made of a breathable material, such as cotton and polyester.

There are 2 different styles of sports bra, pullover or compression styles and the separating encapsulation styles. The pullover/compression style is fine for sized B or smaller while the encapsulation style is recommended for C and larger. The big difference is the encapsulation bra separates the breasts and provides individual support while the compression style smushes them together to prevent bouncing. The encapsulation bra might be more expensive, but is worth it for larger women.

Since a sports bra is a flexible and supportive garment, it will lose some of its functionality with time. If you see that it no longer offers the support it once did, you should purchase a new one. To have your bra last longer, do not put it in the dryer. This will help it keep some elasticity longer.

To properly size the straps, both should and chest, you should tighten them to the point of support but not tight enough to restrict breathing or cause discomfort, but it should be on the tight end of the spectrum.

All of the top sports apparel makers make sports bras. They are all excellent. Brands such as Champion, Nike and Adidas are all excellent, offering quality at a great price.

Many tank tops have sports bras built in. These are sometimes good, but also not always the best choice as a bra on its own as they are not as supportive and custom fitted for major exercise.