If you have ever let your breast size dictate your workout, you're not alone.
Having bigger boobs might make you feel great in certain tops and dresses, but as all of us who fall into this category of body type knows, it does come with some challenges when it comes to physical activity.
In fact, according to a
2019 study from the University of Wollongong in Australia, participants with larger breasts typically participated in less physical activity, and less vigorous-intensity exercise, compared to women with smaller cup sizes.
Clearly, this is not good – and as burpees and jump squats – or whatever else workout you want to do – shouldn't be painful, it just goes to show how important it is to find a sports bra that offers both comfort and support for all bust sizes.
A good sports bra will minimize bounce and evenly distribute weight without digging into your shoulders – and we recently caught up with Nicola Elder, expert performance sportswear designer, with an international award-winning portfolio, including Olympic Gold-winning products, to chat boobs, workouts and how to find the right support.
Elder, who was just appointed head-of-design at Irish workout wear brand POWERCUT, had the following to say:
"Powercut sports bras are designed with advanced technology to support and comfort all bust sizes, for everything from high-impact training to yoga, and every movement in between, Elder explains.
"Powercut samples are tried and tested by a diverse sampling team with cup sizes ranging from A to F. The current range of bras has been tried and tested for over 12 months to perfect the size, fit, comfort, performance and durability for each design."
The designer explains that POWERCUT's new Compress PowerMesh Sports Bras are desgined to support all cup sizes during all varieties of movement, including high-impact training.
"Engineered into its construction, PowerMesh is used for retaining tension in lightweight garments to hold them in place. The four-way stretch and fine-knitted structure is both breathable and binding, whilst stretching and contracting with the contours of the body for controlled movement."
She adds:
"The Redefine the Routine collection is made up of UK sizes 6-8, 10-12, 14-16 and 18-20. For women up to an F cup we recommend buying your usual UK top size, and for F+ to size up for maximum comfort."
Love a sweaty workout? Want to do yoga? Or running the Dublin Marathon this autumn? Here are four POWERCUT sports bras we love:
1. COMPRESS PowerMesh Navy Bolt Sports Bra
€38
2. COMPRESS PowerMesh Black Sports Bra
3. FreeLite Longline Platinum Grey Sports Bra
€32
4. SOLID Mauve Seamless Sports Bra
€15
