Sports Bras

Trying to find a sports bra that fits right?  DME-Direct carries a large assortment of sports bras designed for comfort and support while exercising, running, or participating in outdoor activity. They feature soft comfortable fabrics designed to keep you cool and dry even during the most intense workout. You'll find a variety of different sports bra styles and colors to match your wardrobe while providing support for any activity. Search below to find your favorite model.

Measuring Correctly For Your Sports Bra:

Amazing but true - most women do not know their correct bra size.  To make sure you get a sports bra that fit snug and restricts motion properly you'll need to take an accurate measurement of your chest size.  Don't assume that your typical everyday bra will suffice because our bodies change due to gaining/loosing weight, and going through childbirth/menopause can all affect your bra size.

First: Measure Your Chest Siz:e 

• Use a tape measure to measure your chest in front of a mirror wearing a bra with minimal to no padding.
• Measure around your chest/under arms as shown.  The tape measure should feel snug but not pinch.
• If your chest circumference measurement is an odd number, round up to the next even number.
• This circumference value is the number measurement for your bra size.

Second: Measure Your Cup Size: 

• This will determine the letter measurement for your bra size.
• Measure the circumference around the fullest part of your bust.
• If this measurement is between numbers, it should be rounded, either up or down, to the nearest whole number for a snug or even more snug fit.
• Subtract your chest circumference measurement (the number from the first step above) from the your bust measurement around the fullest part of your bust. The difference between these two numbers is your actual cup size. Use the chart below to determine your cup size.

Note: We also recommend measuring the circumference of your rib cage directly under your breasts as some manufactures will use this circumference value in determining the correct size for their brand of sports bra.

Choose The Fabric For Your Sports Bra:

Sports bras come in all different fabrics - here's a list of some of the more common types of fabrics used today in their construction along with their performance characteristics.

• Nylon/Spandex - Soft, provides the greatest support and motion restriction.
• Cotton/Lycra Spandex - Super soft; Cotton moves perspiration away from your body while Lycra materials help the product retain its shape and form; it also provides a variable amount stretch as well.
• CoolMax Polyester/Lycra Spandex - Polyester creates a firmer feel that's soft yet more firm than cotton.  CoolMax wicks perspiration away from your body very efficiently while Lycra provides shape and form to the product along with a little stretch.
• Polyester/Cotton/Lycra Spandex - Polyester and cotton ensure softness while transporting perspiration away from your body for evaporation.  Lycra material helps ensure a great fit and retains the shape and form of the product while adding a little stretch as well.
• Polyester/Cotton - Blended material is very soft but may stretch out more quickly than the others over time depending on the ratio of cotton/polyester being used.

Sports Bras Feature Different Styles:

Sports bras come in several different styles to consider when looking to make a purchase.

1. Are you using it as underwear or as a stand alone piece of outerwear?  Many sports bras may be used without covering up.
2. These styles typically will provide more body coverage.
3. Other products are obviously designed to be worn under a top.
4. Determine which particular style will provide the most comfort while looking appropriate for your activity.
5. Appreciate the styling of the back of your sports bra.  It can mean the difference between having hours of comfort instead of soreness in your shoulders and neck area.
6. Racerback sports bras provide the most support for women with larger busts.
7. If you prefer having a traditionally styled bra, look for a scoop back or one with regular looking straps.
8. Closures make all the difference.  Sports bras vary when it comes to user friendliness.
9. Traditional hook closures in the front or back provide easy on/off fitting.
10. Hookless models require no closing in the front - simply pull on over your head and adjust.

Sports Bras: Final Thoughts

Choosing the right material and the correct style are the two most important considerations for finding sports bras that are comfortable enough so you'll enjoy wearing them.  Finally, appreciate the type of activity you're using it for along with your cup size.  Are you wearing it daily for use at home/work where you'll just be walking or using it to play tennis where a lot of bouncing or twisting may occur?  Depending on your cup size, you may need to choose sports bras that are styled to provide a greater emphasis on support.