Cheerleading is a demanding sport that requires a lot of physical strength, flexibility, and coordination. It also involves a lot of movement, such as jumping, tumbling, and stunting. That’s why it’s essential to wear a sports bra that can provide you with extra support and exceptional comfort. A sports bra that fits well and allows you the freedom to move can make a big difference in your performance and confidence.
But how do you find the right sports bra for cheerleading? There are many factors to consider, such as your bra size, your level of activity, your personal preference, and your budget. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to choose the best sports bra for cheerleading, and give you some tips and recommendations along the way.
Step 1: Know Your Bra Size
The first and most important step is to know your correct bra size. A bra that is too small or too big can cause discomfort, chafing, sagging, or bouncing. You’d be amazed at the number of women that don’t know their correct bra size. According to a study by Swiss lingerie company Triumph, 64% of women are wearing the wrong bra size.
Bras are usually measured with two sizes, a number and a letter. The number is the measurement of your chest (also called the band size), and the letter is your cup size. To measure your bra size, you will need a tape measure or a piece of string, a mirror, and a pen and paper. Here’s how to do it:
Determine Your Chest Size
- Stand straight and preferably in front of a mirror.
- Wrap the tape measure or the string around your chest, below your armpits and above your bust. Make sure it is snug but not too tight.
- Write down this number in inches. This is your chest size.
Determine Your Cup Size
- Stand up straight in front of a mirror.
- Wrap the tape measure or the string around your chest, but this time go over the fullest part of your breasts. Make sure it is level and not too loose or too tight.
- Write down this number in inches. This is your bust size.
- Subtract your chest size from your bust size. The difference is your cup size. If the difference is less than 1″, you’re an AA cup. If it’s 1″, you’re an A cup. If it’s 2″, you’re a B cup. If it’s 3″, you’re a C cup. If it’s 4″, you’re a D cup. If it’s 5″, you’re a DD cup. And so on.
For example, if your chest size is 32″ and your bust size is 36″, your bra size is 32D.
Step 2: Know Your Level of Activity and Support
The next step is to know your level of activity and the amount of support you need in a sports bra. Different sports bras are designed for different levels of impact, depending on how much movement and intensity your activity involves. Generally, there are three levels of impact: low, medium, and high.
- Low-impact sports bras are suitable for activities that involve minimal movement, such as yoga, pilates, or walking. They offer light support and comfort, and are often made of soft and stretchy fabrics.
- Medium-impact sports bras are suitable for activities that involve moderate movement, such as cycling, hiking, or dancing. They offer moderate support and stability, and are often made of breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics.
- High-impact sports bras are suitable for activities that involve a lot of movement, such as running, aerobics, or cheerleading. They offer maximum support and compression, and are often made of sturdy and durable fabrics.
As a cheerleader, you will most likely need a medium to high-impact sports bra, depending on the type and level of cheerleading you do. If you are exercising, stunting, jumping, and cheering, you will want at least a medium-impact sports bra, and preferably a high-impact one. Most sports bras will indicate what level of impact they are made for, either on the label or on the product description.
Step 3: Know Your Style and Preference
The final step is to know your style and preference when it comes to choosing a sports bra. There are many options available, and you should pick the one that suits your taste and comfort. Here are some of the factors to consider:
Back Style
The back style of a sports bra refers to how the straps are arranged on the back. There are several common back styles, such as:
- T-back or racerback: The straps form a T or a Y shape on the back, which provides more support and stability, and prevents the straps from slipping off the shoulders. This is a popular choice for high-impact sports bras, as it distributes the weight evenly across the back and reduces bounce.
- Y-back or crossback: The straps cross over each other on the back, which provides more freedom of movement and flexibility, and allows for more ventilation. This is a good choice for medium-impact sports bras, as it offers a balance between support and comfort.
- U-back or scoopback: The straps form a U or a scoop shape on the back, which provides more coverage and comfort, and allows for easy on and off. This is a common choice for low-impact sports bras, as it offers a relaxed and casual fit.
Closure
The closure of a sports bra refers to how the bra is fastened on the back. There are two main types of closure, such as:
- Hook: The bra has one or more rows of hooks and eyes on the back, which allow for some adjustability and customization of the fit. This is a common feature for high-impact sports bras, as it offers more security and stability.
- Hookless: The bra has no hooks or eyes on the back, and is simply pulled over the head like a shirt. This is a common feature for low to medium-impact sports bras, as it offers more convenience and comfort.
Construction Style
The construction style of a sports bra refers to how the cups are designed and shaped. There are two main types of construction style, such as:
- Compression: The bra flattens the breasts against the chest, and creates a single layer of fabric across the bust. This is a common feature for low to medium-impact sports bras, as it offers more comfort and ease of movement. A woman with an A or B cup might find a compression style more comfortable.
- Encapsulation: The bra separates and supports each breast individually, and creates a more natural and defined shape. This is a common feature for medium to high-impact sports bras, as it offers more support and protection. A fuller busted woman might want the added support of an encapsulation style.
Some sports bras combine both compression and encapsulation, which offer the best of both worlds.
Step 4: Try It On and Test It Out
The last step is to try on the sports bra and test it out before you buy it. A sports bra that looks good on the rack or online might not fit or feel good on you. Here are some tips to make sure you get the best fit and feel:
- Check the band: The band should be snug but not too tight, and should not ride up or dig into your skin. You should be able to fit two fingers under the band comfortably. If the band is too loose, it will not provide enough support. If the band is too tight, it will restrict your breathing and movement.
- Check the cups: The cups should cover and contain your breasts completely, and should not gap, wrinkle, or overflow. You should not have any spillage or bulging on the sides, top, or bottom of the cups. If the cups are too small, they will not provide enough coverage. If the cups are too big, they will not provide enough support.
- Check the straps: The straps should be adjustable and comfortable, and should not slip off or dig into your shoulders. You should be able to fit two fingers under the straps comfortably. If the straps are too loose, they will not provide enough stability. If the straps are too tight, they will cause strain and pain on your shoulders and neck.
- Check the movement: The best way to test the sports bra is to move around in it, and see how it feels and performs. You can try some cheerleading moves, such as jumping, stretching, twisting, and bending. The sports bra should stay in place and not shift or chafe. You should feel supported and comfortable, and not restricted or suffocated.
Conclusion
Choosing the best sports bra for cheerleading can be a challenge, but it can also be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these steps, you can find the sports bra that fits your size, your activity, your style, and your preference. A good sports bra can make a huge difference in your cheerleading performance and confidence, and can also protect your health and well-being. So don’t settle for anything less than the best, and enjoy your cheerleading journey!
