A sports bra is one of the most important pieces in your wardrobe, especially if you enjoy high-impact activities like running, HIIT, or netball. But wearing the wrong sports bra—or wearing it the wrong way—can leave you uncomfortable, unsupported, and even lead to breast pain. Let’s explore the most common sports bra mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Wearing a Sports Bra That Compresses the Breasts Too Much
Many women assume that flattening or compressing the breasts equals more support. In reality, excessive compression can be uncomfortable and may not provide the right level of comfort and support—especially for larger cup sizes. Instead of a crop top-style bra that simply squashes everything down, look for a sports bra with encapsulation (separating the breasts while supporting them) for better comfort and reduced bounce. Our fitter’s recommendation? The Elomi Energise Sports Bra. With individually moulded cups, wide padded straps, and a firm underband, it’s perfect for high-impact workouts or simply keeping everything secure through your day.
2. Choosing the Wrong Level of Support for Your Activity
Not all sports bras are created equal. A high impact sport like running requires a different bra than low-impact yoga. If you're engaging in impact activities, you’ll need a bra with a higher level of support to protect your breast tissue. Wearing a low-support bra for high-impact exercise can lead to discomfort and long-term breast sagging. For those high-energy sessions—think running, HIIT, or team sports—our go-to is the Panache Endurance Sports Bra. Designed specifically for fuller busts, it offers full coverage, bounce-reducing encapsulation, and breathable materials that keep you cool while you move.
3. Wearing an Everyday Bra Instead of a Fitting Sports Bra
An everyday bra isn’t designed for exercise. Even if it feels supportive under normal clothes, it won’t minimise movement during physical activity. Always wear a sports bra specifically designed for your sport. A fitting sports bra will reduce strain on the chest wall and shoulders, improving your comfort while working out.
If you’re after reliable support that keeps up with your routine, we recommend the Sculptresse Activate Non Padded Sports Bra Unlike an everyday bra, it’s built to handle movement. Whether you're lifting, running, or stretching it out in Pilates, this bra gives you the freedom to move with confidence and zero distractions.
4. Ignoring the Fit Around the Straps and Chest
Your sports bra should feel snug but not restrictive—a perfect fit is key, like the styles you’ll find in our sports bra collection designed for comfort and support. A common mistake is choosing straps that dig into your skin or ride up. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the straps and your shoulders—any tighter and it may cause chafing; any looser and it may not provide enough lift.
Similarly, check the band: it should sit flat against your chest wall without riding up or restricting your breathing. You should be able to slide fingers between the straps and the band without difficulty.
5. Wearing the Wrong Size
Just like with your everyday bras, cup size matters in sports bras. Wearing the wrong size—whether too big or too small—can compromise support and comfort. Many women don’t realise their cup size can change with weight fluctuations, hormonal shifts, or simply over time. That’s why it’s so important to get fitted regularly by a professional. Booking a fitting ensures your sports bra is doing its job—keeping you supported, secure, and confident while you move.
6. Wearing a Sports Bra That Restricts Movement
A sports bra should support you—not hold you back. If your bra feels like it’s restricting movement or you’re noticing bulging at the sides, it’s likely too small or not the right style for your body. To stay comfortable and move freely, look for designs with stretch panels, flexible fabrics, or racerback cuts that allow full range of motion. A great example is the Glamorise Magic Lift Full Figure Sports Bra—it’s wire-free, supportive, and cleverly designed with a criss-cross inner lift and wide straps that stabilise without squeezing. If you’re not sure your current fit is working for you, a professional fitting can help match you with the right support for your shape and movement.
7. Keeping Your Sports Bra for Too Long
A common sports bra mistake is holding onto old bras far past their prime. Like regular bras, sports bras lose elasticity and support over time—especially if you wear and wash them frequently. If your bra feels looser, rides up, or doesn’t support like it used to, it’s time for a replacement.
The Takeaway: Get Fitted, Stay Supported
Wearing the right sports bra isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your breast tissue and ensuring you can move confidently during high impact activities. At DeBra’s, we specialise in helping women of all sizes find the perfect fitting sports bra for their needs. Whether you’re an A-cup or a K-cup, we’ll help you avoid these sports bra mistakes and feel supported every step of the way.
Need help finding your perfect fit? Visit us in-store for a professional fitting or explore our range of sports bras online today.
