What sports bra is right for me?
Walking in to buy a new bra can be a daunting task. For some the thought of a fitting can be enough to put them off entirely. If the latter is you then I recommend you take a peek at my previous blog 'Bra Fittings Debunked', where I talk you through what to expect in a fitting at Frankie & Dandelion HQ. With seven years of fitting experience behind me, I do my best to make it as easy and comfortable a process as possible.
Having a properly fitted bra is crucial for so many reasons. It can alleviate/prevent back, neck and shoulder pain. It provides proper support and makes a huge difference to how your outerwear sits. It is my firm belief though that above all other styles, your sports bra is the one which should be fitted properly. While everyday styles are also important, the wrong sports bra can lead to pain, discomfort, poor posture and damage if you aren't fitted correctly by a professional.
Here are my go-to styles depending on your activity/size. It is important for women to know that different intensities will require different levels of support. What suits an A cup will be different to an E cup. What suits a basketball player will be different to a gym user and different again to a yoga class.
*Note: All the styles recommended below are available to order online if you are confident with the size/fit you need. If you order the wrong size we can always organise a return/swap as long as the bra hasn't been worn and tags are still intact. Live locally and want to be fitted? Simply email frankieanddandelion@outlook.com to let us know when you plan on coming in so that we can ensure our in-store fitter is available for you at your requested time. What is listed below is just a sample of our range. If your size is missing it is worth visiting or emailing us to select from our larger variety.
Tess x
Triumph Triaction Performance Sports Bra
Price: $59.95
Sizes: 10-22 C-F cup
Ideal for high impact sports involving running, jumping, etc. Convertible crossover straps make this a wonderful option for larger cup sizes. Takes the strain off shoulders and is perfect if you suffer from back, shoulder or neck pain.
Triumph Racerback Sports Bra
Price: $34.95
Sizes: 10-14 A-D cup
Those who have never worn a sports style can often find them uncomfortable initially. Whilst a proper fitting bra shouldn't be uncomfortable you should expect a sports bra to be a firm fit. The whole point of them is to reduce bounce and offer support. So this is a great option for either teens just starting out or a woman who likes a softer fit. My advice as a fitter is that this is a great bra for A-C cups fulfilling all the basic sporting needs, however anyone that is a D or over should steer to another style.
Triumph Control Lite Minimizer Sports Bra
Price: $74.95
Sizes: 10-16 C-E cup
A firm fitting supportive bra. Perfect for high impact sports and the D-E (or anyone that likes fuller coverage) cups. Reduces appearance of bust by one cup size.
Triumph Triaction Extreme Lite N
Price: $69.95
Sizes: 10-16 B-E cup
When breastfeeding or pregnant we always recommend switching to a wire free style. However that doesn't mean you have to compromise on support! The Extreme Lite N still offers high impact support for those that prefer/need a wire free option.
Triumph Triaction Magic Motion Sports Bra
Price: $69.95
Sizes: 10-16 A-DD cup
Combining the support of a sports bra and the coverage of a crop top with the mesh overlay. The Magic Motion is fast becoming a favourite for all cup sizes.
Triumph Triaction Zen Sports Crop
Price: $34.95
Sizes: 8-14
Let's face it, there are days we want to go bra free. The Zen Crop is comfortable, soft enough to wear to bed, has slight padding (just enough to disguise nipples, which yes is a common request) and is ideal for walking, yoga and light activities. It is also my go-to for tweens who are nearly at bra-stage but need to get used to the feeling of wearing an extra layer first.