The KYDRA Club

In Search of “The One”: Not a Partner, Ladies, We’re Talking Sports Bras!

Slipping straps, restricted breathing, untimely cup spillage -- An ill-fitting sports bra is no joke and indeed not a pretty sight!

Finding your “match” amongst a sea of sports bra brands can be daunting. But just like finding that dream partner, finding the perfect sports bra can be nothing short of life-changing!

Furthermore, and sports bras aren’t just for working out anymore. They have revolutionised the way we dress and view daily comfort. At Kydra, we think investing time and effort in finding the right one is certainly worth it. 

So what are we looking for here? The goal is to keep the “girls” supported and healthy!

Your ideal sports bra should fit snugger than a regular bra, with straps that don’t slide down your arms as you go about your business. Those pesky underwires that poke into your ribcage is a huge no-no. 

Choosing the best sports bra should never be a guessing game. The key to finding the perfect fit is:

1. Knowing how and what to measure.
2. Focus on quality - which makes all the difference!

Highly stretchable and lightweight materials such as nylon and spandex are the best for sports bras. A moisture-wicking fabric means you’ll be active, comfortable - and most importantly, dry - during your sweat sessions.

Now, while online shopping is a game-changer, should you buy something like a sports bra online? We think you absolutely can. But knowing your measurements is the first step to making online sports bra shopping easier. 

Try our fool-proof sports bra size calculating guide as the first step to finding the perfect fit!

Get your measuring tape out!

1. Find your band size

First, you need to find your rib cage measurement.

Wear the most comfortable and well-fitting bra in your armoury (No, don’t measure in the buff!) and wrap the tape measure around your rib cage, just under your bust.

Now, to allow for personal preference of a snugger or looser fit, round off the measurement to the closest inch. This number is your band size.

2. Find your cup size

Then you need to find your bust measurement. Measure around the fullest part of your breasts, at the nipple level.

To find your cup size, subtract your rib cage measurement from your bust measurement. And ta-da, the difference is your cup size! If you’re in between sizes, round off to the nearest whole number. 

3. Cross-check your bust circumference

Once you’re confident with your band size and cup size, cross-check your bust circumference and underbust size with our Kydra Sports Bra Size Chart. This comprehensive size guide features our wide range of sports bra sizes for all body types, from petite to plus.

“I Know my Size. So Can I Skip this Measuring Step?” you ask?

A good sports bra should fit like a second skin, so much so that it should be the last thing on your mind during a sweat session! Regardless of whether you’re running errands, sitting at your desk working, downward dog-ing or HIIT-ing, your sports bra should minimise breast movement and painful bouncing.

If your sports bra doesn’t fit right and support your breasts adequately, you run the risk of soreness and chafing. Even worse, not wearing a sports bra while exercising can even contribute to tissue damage, and in the long-term, inadequate support could lead to saggy breasts. Not fun.

Common Sports Bra Mistakes To Watch Out For

1. Buying the wrong size

If we’ve done our job right, this shouldn’t be an issue any longer! Many women are unsure of their bra size and end up ordering a size too small, which often causes uncomfortable tightness in the chest area, or a size too large, leading to a saggy and loose-fit with unflatteringly bouncy breasts. 

2. Assuming that sports bras fit the same as regular bras

Activewear sports bras, unlike everyday-use bras, are designed for support during exercise. They’re made to fit a little tighter and more snug than a standard bra to prevent unwanted breast movement. However, you should never feel uncomfortable in them, as if your chest is tight or your breathing is restricted - this is a telltale sign of a bra that’s too small!

We also design Kydra bras with highly stretchable, sweat-wicking material, so keep this in mind when making your purchase. Remember to account for the fabric stretch and don’t feel inclined to size up.

3. Assuming that your bra size won’t change

Your bra size will likely change quite a few times throughout your life as your body grows and develops. Body changes such as weight gain or loss and pregnancy can affect your bust size, as well as ageing-related factors like puberty and hormonal growth.

It’s essential to measure and double-check your sports bra size often (at least every six months), especially when you have the suspicion that the same bra doesn’t fit as well as it used to. This change is completely normal and, in fact, perfectly healthy.

4. Not finding the right bra support level for your lifestyle

Do your research! There are different varieties of sports bras for various activities. Each can affect the fit and the feel of the bra on your body.

For example, the Luna Bra is designed for medium support activities like spin or HIIT sessions and comes with removable cups for ease. In contrast, our Core Longline Bra will make you feel more supported during lower-intensity workouts and even during your day-to-day life.

Feel free to refer to our blog post on the best sports bras for different workouts to see which style is right for you! We hope you stay supported (pun intended!) with our Kydra gear and find a comfortable, stylish, and perfectly-fitted sports bra for all your needs.

General Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of KYDRA. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion, and are not intended to malign any organization, company, individual and more.