Sports Bra Size chart and fitting guide

The Sports Bra Size Chart and fitting guide handle how to measure your bra size and how to choose the right size for sportive ladies.
The complete international Bra size charts and much useful info you can find here on size-charts.com

What is a sports bra and why do I need one?

Sports bras are not the same as everyday bras, and we can’t perform our best if we’re distracted by the wrong bra!
A sports bra is specifically designed to deliver proper support and comfort during activities like trail running and mountain biking to low-impact activities like yoga and hiking.
Made of performance fabrics, they absorb moisture, which increases comfort during workouts. Sports bras, trainer bras are typically called Bralettes. (the non-wired version)

How to Measure your bra size?

How do I know my Sports Bra size?

Step 1: Over-Bust size

Measure completely around the bust at the fullest point. Hold the tape tight against the back but not too tight in the front.

Step 2: Under-Bust or Ribcage size

Using a soft tape, measure around the rib cage directly under the bust. The tape should be held tight, edge to edge, with no space between it and your body. This size defines your Band Size in the table below.

Step 3: Define your Cup Size

Subtract your band size measurement (Under-bust or Rib Cage measurement) from your over-bust size measurement. Generally, for each inch difference, the cup goes up by one size.

Let’s make it simple with an example to find your cup size:

  1. Your bust measurement is 36 inches = 40 Band size
  2. Your underbust is 32 inches
  3. Calculate the difference. 36″ – 32″ is 4″
  4. You’ll find the alphabetical equivalent of this in a generic U.S. cup size chart is D in the below size chart.

Therefore, your recommended bra size is 40D (band size + cup size).

Sports Bra Size Chart – Band size

Looking for different sizes/sizing systems? The complete international Bra size converter you can find here on size-charts.com

Rib Cage Measurement INCH / CMBand Size
25″ – 27″ / 63.5 – 68.5 CM30
27″ – 29″ / 68.5 – 73.5 CM32
29″ – 31″ / 73.5 – 79 CM34
31″ – 33″ / 79 – 84 CM36
33″ – 35″ / 84 – 89 CM38
35″ – 37″ / 89 – 94 CM40
37″ – 39″ / 94 CM – 99 CM42
39″ – 41″ / 99 CM – 104 CM44
Sports bra size chart : band size in inch and cm

Sports Bra Size Chart – Cup size

Difference
in Inches
Difference
in centimeters
USA
Mexico
UKEuropean
0″-1/2″0-1,3 CMAAAAAA
1/2″ – 1″1,3-2,6 CMAAA
2″5.1 CMBBB
3″7.6 CMCCC
4″10.2 CMDDD
5″12.7 CMDD or EDDE
6″15.2 CMDDD or FEF

Sports Bra Cup Size Conversion from Letters to Sizes

Many sport bras brands like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Lululemon, etc use Alpha sizes with sport bras. Check out the conversion table here or by brand.

CUPSIZE
AA – AXS
A – BS
B – CM
C – DL
D – DDXL
DD – DDDXXL

Sports Bra Size Chart

Find below an overview with the most common Sports Bra Sizes.
Looking for different sizes/sizing systems? The complete international Bra size converter you can find here on size-charts.com

UNDERBUST/RIBCAGE
INCH / CM
BUST MEASUREMENT
INCH / CM
28B25″ / 63.5 CM30″ / 76.2 CM
30A26″ / 66 CM31″ / 78.8 CM
30B27″ / 68.5 CM32″ / 81.3 CM
32A28″ / 71 CM33″ / 84 CM
32B29″ / 73.6 CM34″ / 86.5 CM
32C / 34A30″ / 76.2 CM35″ / 89 CM
32D / 34B31″ / 78.8 CM36″ / 91.5 CM
32DD / 34C / 36A32″ / 81.3 CM37″ / 94 CM
34D / 36B33″ / 84 CM38″ / 96.5 CM
34DD / 36C / 38A34″ / 86.5 CM39″ / 99 CM
36D / 38B35″ / 89 CM40″ / 101.5 CM
36DD / 38C / 40A36″ / 91.5 CM41″ / 104 CM
38D / 40C37″ / 94 CM42″ / 106.5 CM
38DD / 40C / 42A38″ / 96.5 CM43″ / 109 CM
40D / 42B / 44A39″ / 99 CM44″ / 111.5 CM
DD also equals E

Sports Bra Construction

Encapsulation sports bras: 
These bras use individual cups to surround and support each breast separately.
There is no compression in these bras (most everyday bras are encapsulation bras) making them generally best for low-impact activities.
Encapsulation bras provide a more natural shape than compression bras.

Compression sports bras: 
These bras typically pull over your head and compress the breasts against the chest wall to restrict movement. They do not have cups built into the design. For A-B size cups, compression sports bras without adjustable bands or adjustable straps can work for low- to medium-impact activities. For C-DD cups, compression sports bras should have adjustable bands and straps for proper fit and can provide medium to high support. 

Compression/encapsulation sports bras: 
Many sports bras combine the above methods to provide support and natural shaping. These bras offer more support than compression or encapsulation alone, because each breast is supported individually in the cup and also compressed against the chest wall. For A-B cups, these bras may have adjustable bands or straps and are good for low to high impact. For C-DD cups, these bras should have adjustable bands and adjustable straps for proper fit and are excellent for high impact.  

What impact level is my activity?

There are three main types of impact levels: high, medium, and low.
The wearer’s cup size is an important factor in determining the level of support.
A B cup doing a high impact activity may not need as much support as a DD cup doing the same activity.

  • Low impact:  hiking, weight training, yoga, mat exercise: often called “light support sports Bra”
  • Medium impact:  cross-country skiing, vigorous walking/light jogging: often called “medium support sports Bra”
  • High impact:  running, basketball, mountain biking: often called “high support sports Bra”

Is it OK to wear a sports bra all the time?

Indeed, sports bras are engineered and perfectly safe to wear for longer periods of time 
On one condition: it’s crucial that the sports bras you wear fit properly.
Only then, you can ensure that you’re getting sufficient support from your sports bras and that they don’t cause any unnecessary discomfort or pain.

If I’m an A Cup, do I need to wear a sports bra?

The short answer: yes. A cup may not need as much support and construction as C and D cup gals, but some lightweight support helps keep the A cups perky and those Cooper’s ligaments healthy for a long time. Plus, a sports bra can provide us with nipple coverage while eliminating that long-run, chafing problem.

Does my bra suit my bust?

Have you tried to adjust your bra and it still doesn’t feel right? If you feel like you’re wearing a bra, and you’re sure about your size, then it’s the shape that needs to be adjusted.

The cups on my bra are loose

Your bust isn’t properly supported when you feel they’re not properly supported.
The cups are loose or the top of the cup doesn’t touch your skin. The chosen size is too big. To resolve the situation, choose a model with a smaller band size and cup size.

I have a big bust size: How to choose the right size Sports Bra?

For women with big bust/cup bra sizes, it can be challenging to find the right sports bra that combines comfort, support, and style. To obtain the best fit, ensure the band and cup size fit comfortably without digging in or chafing. The general rule is that the higher the cup the more support it needs.
Always go for a sports bra with adjustable straps that allow you to customize to your unique shape.
For yoga classes and Pilates, choose a medium support bra without an underwire. If you prefer high-impact activities such as running or dance classes, look for a sports bra that offers firm support and full coverage. 

The picture in this post is by RF._.studio via Pexels

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