Boob jiggle no more… why every size cup needs some support when doing any form of exercise

December 5, 2013

I can’t help it, but when I’m running or doing gym, I see others having a lot of boulder holder issues. What I’m trying to say is that I see bounce. Jiggle. Flouncing. And I promise I don’t look for it – it’s kind of just there. And this is not just an advice post for runners like me – it’s for all women, whether you’re doing yoga, walking your baby in the park, spinning, or doing Pilates.

Not having proper support is bad for you, regardless of your cup size. Firstly motion can cause irreparable damage to the Cooper’s ligaments under the breasts, causing the sensitive skin surrounding the bust to stretch and sag, according to Triumph Triaction.

A poor-fitting sports bra can cause backache, neck pain and premature drooping. A good one will offer support, and defend against gravity and bounce (I only wear Triaction these days for running and gym, and I’ve gone from a sports bra and a crop top in other brands, to just one Triaction extreme support).

So where do you start? Firstly, work out what kind of bra you’re needing:

Then get fitted. Around 80% of us are wearing the wrong size (years ago before pregnancy, I thought I was a 34D, but in fact I was a 36B, and it changed my bras and fittings for better). Many retailers offer this service for free, such as Edgars and Stuttafords.

And while you’re there, redo a fitting every year – hormonal changes and weight gain and loss can cause boobs to change size too.

According to Triumph, depending on your bust size and shape, and the type of exercise you do, you’ll either opt for a sports crop top that holds the whole bust area tightly against the body and prevents bounce; or a sports bra that lifts and separates each breast, offering extra support for larger-busted women.

There’s no reason to compromise on style and comfort when you exercise. A good sports bra should provide the same level of comfort, control and fashionability you get from everyday bras.”

Once you’ve selected a few different bra styles, take as much time as you need in the fitting room investigating your options. Don’t be shy to skip, jump, dance or run on the spot in the fitting room. Check yourself out in the mirror to make sure you’re happy with the level of support and motion control provided by the bra.

If you’ve been fitted within the past six months, use the guide below to establish your triaction size.