What Is The Difference Between A Regular Bra And A Sports Bra?
The main difference between a regular bra and a sports bra is construction and function. Sports bras are meant to control bounce while exercising while regular bras are meant to shape, separate, and uplift.
Regular bras typically have two distinct cups and often have underwire and decorative elements such as lace. My favorite type of bra in a regular bra are push up T-shirt bras. These bras give great support and shape, and they don't show under clothing (if they fit correctly). Here is an example of a bra like this.
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Maidenform Women's Dream Push Up Bra #7109 List Price: $32.00 Average Rating:   |
Description
A push-up bra with a simple silhouette. Features slightly-padded cups, adjustable straps and two clasp closure. Style #7109.
Features
- Body: 77% Nylon, 23% Elastane
- Offers women a smooth, seamless shaping and a secure fit.
- Clean contemporary look made with patented wire channel system that prevents the wire from flipping
- 32-38A, B, 24-28C
- Hand Wash Warm. Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Line Dry. Do not iron.
Reviews
I agree. it is a great push up bra. and its true u got to make sure u order one size bigger cause it is a little tight. n make sure u order the right cup size cause if u r in between cup sizes order the smaller one, or it will no fit u right
This is a great push-up bra. It adds a little more shape but it looks very natural. It is also invisible under delicate T-shirts. One thing, I found mine a little tight when I wear it for a longer period of time. You might want to order one size bigger. Otherwise a wonderful bra.
This product exceeded expectaions. it fits well and does wonders for the way my tops look.
I love this bra! I tried straying away from this brand to try a bra from Fredericks of Hollywood, what a mistake that was! Maidenform Dream bra is so comfortable and the cup size is perfect. It gives support without feeling stiff plus it's very undetectable under shirts. Super plus in my book!
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As you can see by the pictures and the reviews this bra is constructed completely to make your breasts look good. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact this is the type of bra that I usually wear everyday, but this kind of bra will not give you the support you need for playing sports and exercising.
Sports bras work in two ways. The first is what I call the compression or "squoosh" them way, and the second is the "divide and conquer" method.
Here is an example of a compression sports bra (perfect for smaller bustlines).
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Here is an example of a good sports bra that uses the divide and conquer approach (recommended for those of us with larger bustlines)
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Lunaire Coolmax Sports bra List Price: $34.00 Average Rating:  |
Description
This sports bra from Lunaire has the right amount of control for a full figure. An underwire and careful seaming keeps you contained as you move. Two layers of Coolmax wick away moisture and partial side pockets allow for prosthesis.
Features
- Cups: 100% Polyester Lining: 100% Cool Max Polyester Back: 88% Cotton 12% Lycra Spandex
Reviews
I have this bra in nude...LOVE it!! Comfy, cool, etc., etc. I ordered it in black for a special weekend occasion...when I went to wear it, the sizing was at least 3 inches off & I had no choice but to wear an extender...it worked, but not well. The following day (Sunday), I sent an email explaining the situation to HerRoom...3 days later I finally get a response saying that I wore the bra, so I'm stuck with it & sometimes bras just come in different sizes. Really?!!? We're talking 3 INCHES (at least!!)!! This isn't the first time I've gotten a raw deal with this company (prior I bought undies...took them out of bag to find a hole & never wore them...they wouldn't accept them back, since they were out of the bag!?). So again, I love the bra, but would NEVER buy from HerRoom again.
This sports bra is good for moderate exercise or activity but I don't think it would offer enough support for some very active sports. I am glad I have a gaited horse and not a rough riding one! That said, it is a good value, well made and very comfortable.
I bought this bra a second time for my daughter and about to order more. This bra really holds her in place especially during bouncing exercises and running. I wholeheartedly recommend this bra.
I recently started a running program and had to find a really effective sports bra for the first time in quite a few years. I am really impressed with this sports bra. The underwire offers great support and the bra is so well constructed you have no idea it is in there when you are running. The bra keeps me from bouncing and its so comfortable, I don't even think about the fact that I am wearing it. Great product for the well-endowed active woman! I found the bra to run very true to size.
This bra is SO comfortable. I have never had a supportive sports bra that was comfortable before. I picked it up at a local store, and the ladies there were very helpful helping me find the right size. I wear these every day when working out, and they are absolutely wonderful.
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As you can see from the customer reviews these sports bras are all about fit and keeping your breasts under control at all times. It is nice to find a sports bra that also looks good, but the number one thing that you should look for is bounce control, because if you bounce too much then you will injure the tissue around your breasts which causes premature sag.
The bottom line? Get sports bras for sports and exercise and regular bras for shaping and lift. You won't go wrong.
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