Sports bras are fashion forward, but make no mistake, they ‘re invaluable gear for female runners. I like to think of ’em as an insurance policy for your breasts. 
Disclosure: I received the sports bras mentioned in this post free of charge. I was not compensated financially for my time. Opinions are my own.
Female runners tend to agree with males when citing their most treasured running equipment: shoes! I concur, but would add a good fitting sports bra, for reasons of comfort and maintenance of shape. Here are 2 facts to remember.
No bounce = Comfort
Minimal movement = Maintenance of Shape
The first point is no secret. You learned this early on. The second point, isn’t quite so obvious, and if you’re young, you might get fooled. But make no mistake, less movement = less damage to your ta ta’s. Yes I’m talking about sagging and drooping : ( . Saddly, there is no exercise or diet that will preserve the youthful appearance of breasts. Unlike biceps and tricips, your breasts DO NOT tone with exercise; they aren’t made of muscle. Rather, breasts consists of glands, fat and fibrous tissues, and they will eventually succumb to gravity. Further problematic is the fact that when you move, so do your breasts. The repetitive bouncing can stress, stretch and irreversibly damage the Cooper’s Ligaments (fibrous strands that keep breasts attached to the chest wall, and are first defenders for holding up the girls and maintaining their shape). Preventative measures, like extra support while you exercise, are prudent and may help you maximize your lift. I was shocked to hear that 44% of women do not wear a sports bra. Geez, does this mean they’re not exercising? 
Please make exercise part of your lifestyle and get the insurance policy for your breasts I call a sports bra. There are a daunting number to chose from, so here are two tips for selecting the right one for YOU! First : Get fitted by an expert. It doesn’t matter if you buy a recommended bra or one touted the best.
I had Stella, the owner of Lillies and Lace in Wilmington, fit me. If you can’t find an expert in your area, there are sites on the web. Secondly, “test drive” the sports bra in the store. Many shoes stores now have treadmills onsite offering the ability to run in the shoe before you buy it. The same concept applies to sports bras. Check the support by trying on the bra and moving. I like to do some running in place in the dressing room.. you can also jump, and stretch while trying on the bra. Does it support? Is it comfortable?
Here are few new sports bras I most recently tested during a 5 miles run..
A new name in sports bras for me. Where have I been? This cute little number has underwire wrapped in silicone making it both comfortable and supportive. The bra cups encapsulate breasts rather than compressing them, so it is ultra flattering! It was a hot morning when I ran in this one and thank goodness for the fabric that wicks away moisture! I love the versatility of the wide straps that also adjust to racer back with a hook and eye closure. (The racer back is my preferred way of wearing when running.) Don’t you think the colors are beautiful?..
The flat seams of this bra make it look great under any sportswear. Love love love this one!!!
Ta Ta Tamer III by Lululemon
This is the first Lululemon sports bra I have ever had, but it won’t be the last! This bra holds the girls in place and is NOT compressing. The bra features secure mesh fabric side panels to keep bounce at bay. The sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric with added LYCRA fibre keeps it’s shape while keeping me dry! This gem gives you two ways to wear the straps, up and down as pictured or crossable in the back. It comes in a variety of colors , but aren’t the blue bubbles adorable?
Run Stuff Your Bra III
If you like your girls packed in and compressed, you’ll love this sports bra also by Lululemon!
Do you ever use the cup of your bra as a pocket? If you do, this one is made especially for you!! The built-in pocket feature allows you to stash keys, lip balm , money or snacks. LOL! The fabric feels like a second skin. Pull it on overhead and you’re good to go..
with comfortable wide straps that crisscross in the back . It comes in a variety of colors; choosing just one will be tough. But every gal should have a black sports bra. Am I right?
Do you wear sports bras? If so, what do you look for in a sports bra? What are your favorites?
I’m woefully bad at getting sports bras – usually just opt for the Gap Fit kind. It’s time to upgrade – will check out the Panache (as honestly, I just can’t do Lululemon – lol!
Hi Deanna, Although I have worn numerous brands of sports bras over the years, I have never worn a Gap Fit sports bra so have no personal information on this one. Purchasing a Panache sports bra is a bit of an investment, but I found it to be of significant difference in support and comfort compared to other brands I’ve worn in the past.
A good sports bra is so key especially if you are doing a bunch of bouncing around even for small chested women! I really like the idea of that second “skin” to hold stuff. I usually just place it between skin and the bra when in a pinch and need a holder, but then things can get sweaty and irritating. Much better idea!