Signs it's time to replace your sports bra

We replace our running sneakers when they look worn out but for some reason we expect our sports bras to last for years! If your sports bra is more than six months old and you've been thrashing it, it might just be time to look for a new one!

Wearing the wrong size or a worn out sports bra can lead to neck and back pain, breast pain and damage to the ligaments inside the breast. This can lead to saggy breasts and stretch marks.

That’s why it’s super important you take your time when looking for a sports bra (just like you would finding the perfect workout sneakers) and find one that’s not only supportive but fits you perfectly.

Here's a list of the ways you can tell if it’s time to throw out your old bra, but let's be honest, you probably already know! So perhaps the tips on what to look for in your new sports bra will be more helpful.

1. It’s more than six months old

Sports bras, like all other bras, stretch out over time – especially when you workout often in them. Replace your sports bra every six to eight months, depending on how often you wear it and how well you’ve been taking care of it - handwash ladies and keep it away from the dryer.

Solution: Fill out our Online Fitting Form and our expert bra fitters will recommend the right bra for you

2. The band rides up

If the band on your sports bra rides up in the back or if you’re using the tightest hook possible, it’s time to replace it. This could be a sign that your sports bra is either too big for you or has stretched out to the point where it is no longer supporting you properly (are you bouncing more than when you brought the bra?)

You might think that the straps do all the work, but it’s really the band that does about 80% of the heavy liftng. 

Solution: When shopping for a new sports bra, look for a band that fits snuggly, but not painfully and sits straight across your back. If you have larger breasts, then a wider band can also help.

3. The straps dig in

If the straps dig into your skin and cause pain,the most common issue is wearing a bra that's too small in the band size so you're making the straps do all the work! And can we please stay away from thin straps ladies, when you've got fuller cups, those thin straps are just going to cut into your shoulders.

Solution: First, make sure you're wearing the correct size then look for a sports bra style with wider straps like the Enell. These help distribute the weight of your breasts more evenly, reducing pressure on your shoulders and preventing digging.

 

 

4. You have one sports bra for multiple activities

A bra designed for low impact activities like yoga, is not going to give you the support you need for running. A high impact sports bra isn't made to be worn for a long time either - if you think about everything it needs to do to keep your boobs from bouncing, this makes a lot of sense. 

Solution: Have a specific sports bra for all those high impact activities – think cushioned straps, moulded cups and underwire. Lower impact activities like yoga can handle a lighter, sports bra that provides medium support and can often be worn as an everyday bra.

5. It’s a cheap bra

If you didn’t spend that much on your sports bra, there’s a good chance it won’t last long at all. Inexpensive bras also tend to be less comfortable, less supportive and less flattering than a pricier, better quality bra. When it comes to sports bras the old adage really is true – you do get what you pay for.

6. Your breasts hurt

A bra that isn’t providing enough support will cause your breasts to jiggle as you work out. If your breasts hurt after you work out, it’s time to get rid of the bra.

Solution: again, always make sure you're wearing the correct size. Then look for a style that suits your breasts eg if they're fuller a style like the Royce will provide full coverage:

 

7. You have spillage

If your breasts are spilling out of the top of your bra, out your sides...out the bottom! Then yeah, your cups are too small for you.

Solution: It might seem obvious telling you to find a bra that holds everything in but sometimes we think that a badly fitting bra, is the best we're going to get. Wrong! Don't accept anything less than supportive & comfortable fit.

Look at the before & after images of one of our customers below. She had been wearing the same style for years but they didn't make her cup size so once she tried on some different styles, she was amazed how she felt. You can read her story here >>

8. It’s made of cotton

A cotton sports bra just won’t cut it for most activities. Technical fabrics are designed to support your breasts and wick away moisture as you workout. Cotton, on the other hand, stretches when wet and tends to soak up the sweat. When looking for a new sports bra, look for one made of sweat-wicking fabric with air holes for maximum breathability.

So ladies with the boobies. Whether you’re a G or A cup, it’s important that your sports bra fits you properly and provides you with the right amount of support, no matter what activity you’re doing.

Knowing what to look for (and what not to look for) in a sports bra can make all the difference in your workout. Because really, who wants to have spillage in the middle of your aerobics class at the gym? So take a look at your sports bra inventory and throw any away that fall under one or more of the categories above. And when you’re ready to look for a new sports bra, look no further than our range of sports bras for small tatas to big busts.