How to Find your Best Running Bra: 2024

A well-fitted sports bra is important for all women who exercise, because it offers protection from gravity, meaning less damage to breast tissue and (hopefully) no pain. 

When you get a sports bra that is fitted perfectly, it gives you more confidence and there’s scientific evidence that you can even run faster. Brooks' research proves that the lack of a supportive bra can shorten your stride length by 4cm, due to poorly controlled breast movement. It means that if you run a marathon, you’ll run an entire extra mile!

Don’t be fooled by the sleek look of Brooks bras, their development took years of research. They’re highly supportive, chafe free, breathable with personalised fit. Hands down, we love them! Below you can choose the perfect bra for you, based on its personalised fit and features. Don’t worry – all these bras provide high support for running and other activities. 

At the end of this post you can find few measurement tips, but if you don’t feel confident in choosing a bra by yourself – visit our store. We will guide you through the range and help you choose the best model and size for you. We’re running women too, and we know how important it is to get the correct running bra :-)

Pull-Over Bras / Support Bras / Tips on Fitting

Best Pull-Over Running Bras

BEST SUPPORT RUNNING BRAS

Great option for maximum versatility of the fit, adjustments, design and level of the support.

How Should a Running Bra Fit?

To determine your bra size for a sports bra correctly, first check the size of your day-to-day bra. If it fits well you’ll either be the same size in running bras or a rib cage measurement up and a cup size down – you need to be able expand your lungs comfortably and that can mean you need a fraction more width.

Many of us wear the wrong size bra. So, the guideline to a well-fitted bra is: you should not be able to pull the strap more than 5cm from your spine. Nor should there be more than 5cm space when you pull the shoulder strap up towards your ears. However, you do need to be able to breath! So, if you feel like you’re too restricted, try a rib cage measurement up.

Like your running shoes, your running bra will not last forever. The elasticity softens through use and washing. Running bras should be replaced every 6 to 12 months.

Your bra size can change over time, due to weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy and age. Don’t assume you need the same size each time, try the bra on and check it still fits and works perfectly for you. Best of all, visit our store and let our trained bra-fitters guide you through our range.

Why do I get breast pain from running?

If your breasts hurt during or after exercise this can indicate that you do not have a bra that supports you properly. If you’re able to visit our store we can do a bra fitting for you. If the running bra is perfect, then pain indicates hormonal changes – especially if you only experience the breast pain during your menstrual cycle. In fact you may need a sports bra in one cup size bigger just for when you have your period. 

There is shockingly little research behind breast pain – especially when you consider most women will experience breast pain at some point in their lives. Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr at the University of Portsmouth has done great work in this area, and is the world leader in her field. If the pain is consistent, consult your GP. If you don’t get any answers, try looking at Professor Scurr’s research and papers.