• high-impact activities: ex. running and step aerobics
• medium-impact activities: ex. skating and fast walking
• low-impact activities: ex. weight training and yoga

If you're a small- or medium-breasted woman (A to C cup), a compression style bra will offer support and comfort. Or if you prefer, you can choose a bra that offers encapsulation for shaping as well as support.

If you're a larger-breasted woman (C to DD cup) you may find encapsulating styles that separate and support your breasts more comfortable and more supportive than compression bras. For maximum support, choose a sport bra that does both.

Try on different styles to find out what you like best. Do jumping jacks, run in place, and swing your arms side to side to make sure what feels good on is comfortable and supportive when you're in motion.

Keep in mind that a good sport bra should fit more snugly than a lingerie bra to provide you with support, but should not be uncomfortable or restrict movement or breathing. Keep in mind, too, that not every bra will fit every woman. Fit varies with styling and some bras may not feel right for you.

Comfort

A good sport bra should feel comfortable on, stay in place, and not chafe. The straps shouldnÍt dig into the shoulders and the band around the lower chest shouldnÍt shift or bind. Proportions and contours should be designed for freedom of movement without binding, twisting or chafing. Soft, plush threads will minimize skin irritation.

Moisture Control and Breathability

A good sport bra will wick sweat away from the skin and then dry quickly, and it will be breathable, allowing perspiration and excess heat to pass through. A good sport bra will keep you cooler and drier when it's hot, and drier and warmer when it's cold.

What's your bra size?

60%-80% of women wear the wrong bra size are you one? Weight loss, weight gain and pregnancy are some of the factors that can change your breast size and shapes so it may be time to remeasure to ensure you get the best fit, and ultimately, the best support.

Measuring for your bra size

When taking your measurements, wear a lingerie bra that fits you well.

Step One:

• Measure snugly around your rib cage, just underneath your breasts. It should feel tight but not restrictive. Be sure that the tape measure lies straight all the way around.
• Add 5 inches to your rib cage measurement, then round to the nearest even number. The result is your bra size or band measurement.

Step Two:

• Measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape measure straight all the way around your body. Round this measurement to the nearest whole number.
• Subtract your bra size (band measurement) in step 1 from the bust measurement in step 2.

The difference between the two determines your cup size.

Difference between bra size (band measurement) and bust measurement:

1=A cup
2=B cup
3=C cup
4=D cup
5=DD cup

It can be difficult to measure yourself, the process itself is not an exact science. If you have trouble and think you are not getting your correct size, get professionally fitted. Many major department stores have professionals trained to fit and size on staff.

Fit details to help guide you

Many sport bras are cross-sized to fit a small range of bra sizes, so look at breast coverage and breast movement. The bra cups should comfortably surround each breast to offer the greatest support. If the bra cups cut or bind try a larger cup size. If they wrinkle and have excess fabric try a smaller cup size.

The band should be comfortably snug to offer support, but not feel restrictive. If the band rides up in back, try a smaller or larger size and see if either fit better. If the band rides up in the front over the breast, try a larger cup size and/or smaller band size.