DeBra’s Insights

Choosing the right type of bra can impact your comfort, support, and confidence throughout the day. Whether you're heading into an intense workout or simply getting ready for a busy day, understanding the difference between sports bras and regular bras helps you choose the right fit for your lifestyle. If you’re after extra support for movement, explore our sports bra collection—designed to keep you secure, comfortable, and confident no matter how active your day gets. Sports Bra for Workouts Sports bras are designed to support the breasts during physical activity. When you move, your breasts bounce in multiple directions. Over time, this movement can cause discomfort and lead to strain on the ligaments that support the chest. Wearing a sports bra during intense workouts helps reduce breast movement and avoid discomfort. Sports bras are designed to provide compression, encapsulation, or both. Compression bras hold the breasts close to the chest to minimise movement, while encapsulation bras support each breast individually. Many high-impact styles—like the Panache Endurance Non Padded Wired Sports Bra—combine both for maximum support and comfort. Other benefits of wearing a sports bra include: Reducing bounce and strain during physical activity Helping to prevent long-term sagging from repetitive motion Providing breathable, moisture wicking fabric to keep you cool and dry Staying in place during fit sports like running, HIIT, or dance If you prefer a wire-free feel, the Goddess Soft Cup Sports Bra is a great option—offering support without compromising on comfort. Wearing a sports bra not only improves comfort during exercise, but also supports the overall performance and well-being of active women. For women who enjoy regular training or group fitness, sports bras are an essential part of their workout gear. Explore our full collection of sports bras designed for comfort, performance, and every level of impact. Regular Bras for Everyday Wear While sports bras are built for movement, regular bras are designed for comfort and support during everyday wear. These bras typically focus on shape, style, and lift rather than compression. A regular bra is ideal for times when you are not engaging in physical activity. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or relaxing at home, wearing a regular bra provides comfort and support for day-to-day needs. Some features of regular bras include: A wide range of styles to suit your outfit, including t-shirt bras, balconette bras, and full cup options Soft, breathable fabrics for extended wear Aesthetic detailing such as lace, trims, and colour variety Less restrictive support for a natural silhouette Although they are not meant for exercise, regular bras are a key part of everyday wear. However, it is not recommended to wear a regular bra during workouts, as they typically do not offer enough support or protection from movement. Wearing a sports bra during workouts helps avoid workout discomfort and reduces stress on the body. You can browse our range of everyday bras to find the perfect style for your routine. Choosing between a sports bra and a regular bra depends on the activity and the level of support you need. Sports bras are designed to reduce breast movement and discomfort during workouts, while regular bras focus on comfort and style throughout the day. Understanding the differences between the two helps you make confident choices that suit your lifestyle, whether you’re exercising, working, or relaxing. At DeBra’s, we offer a wide selection of both sports bras and everyday bras to support you through every part of your day. Not sure which style or size is right for you? Our expert team is here to help—book an in-store or virtual fitting for personalised guidance and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

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.

Whether you enjoy a brisk morning walk or prefer to tackle a more challenging hike, the right support can make a difference. Wearing the wrong bra type can lead to discomfort, breast movement, and even pain, especially for ladies with a larger cup size. So, let’s start this article with the factors you should consider when choosing the best sports bra for walking. What is the difference between a sports bra and an active bra? This is a question we hear daily at DeBra’s. Although the two bra types may seem similar, they each serve a different purpose. Sports Bras: A sports bra is specifically designed for physical activities that cause significant breast movement and is typically worn for running, jumping, and other impact sports. They offer varying levels of support based on the activity. There are low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact sports bras. A low- to medium-impact sports bra will be sufficient for walking, as walking does not cause as much breast bounce as running or jumping. The key to a correct fit is to reduce breast movement as much as possible for comfort and long-term health. Active Bras: While active bras can be worn for light exercise, like a slow walk or yoga, they usually provide less support than sports bras. They are designed for casual wear or activities with minimal breast movement. However, an active bra will be comfortable enough if you are taking a stroll and not engaging in brisk walking. Again, it will depend on your cup size. The larger the cup size, the greater the risk of breast movement. Which bra is best for brisk walking? Consider a few essential factors if you are brisk walking: Level of Support: Since brisk walking and hiking involve more movement than a casual walk, it’s best to look for a medium-support sports bra. This type of bra will reduce breast bounce without feeling overly restricting. We can’t emphasise the importance of women with larger busts wearing the correct bra during such exercise as they tend to experience more movement, resulting in discomfort. Material: Choose breathable and moisture-wicking materials to keep sweat at bay and minimise chaffing. Synthetic fabrics like polyester blends are also good at keeping moisture away from the skin and are another excellent option for outdoor activities. Straps & Band: Bras with wider straps and an adjustable band distribute weight evenly across the shoulders and back. The wider strap provides more stability and prevents the strap from digging into your skin, especially when carrying a backpack on hikes. Cup Sizes: We can’t emphasise enough the importance of finding a bra that accommodates your cup size correctly. Many sports bras are designed with compression, which may not work as well for larger busts. Consider bras with separated cups or supportive underwire to keep your girls in place. For more about sizing, check out our Sports Bra Fitting Guide. In summary, different sports bras are constructed differently to offer the right balance of support and flexibility for various sports, including walking, running, hiking, and even cycling. You need to make sure you can move easily during your activities while still feeling secure.   DeBra’s favourite sports bras for walking At DeBra’s, it’s no secret that they believe in offering the best products for every type of physical activity, including walking. Here are some of our Fitters' favourite picks. Panache Sport Endurance Non-Padded Wired Sports Bra (Black) is known for its high-quality construction and support and is a great option for both medium-impact and high-impact activities. With adjustable straps, a snug fit, and a j-hook, it provides excellent support for larger busts without compromising on comfort. It’s a great choice for walking or hiking.   Panache's Boundless Moulded Non-Wired Sports Bra with Band is expertly crafted for maximum comfort and support during any activity. Its moulded cups and wide band provide a secure fit without the discomfort of wires, ensuring you stay focused and confident whether you’re hitting the gym or running.   Sculptresse Activate Non-Padded Underwired Sports Bra offers the perfect combination of support and style for active women. Its underwired design and breathable fabric provide a secure fit that keeps you comfortable during high-impact activities, allowing you to move freely while looking great.   DeBra’s carry high-quality brands like Panache Sport, Triumph, and Sculptresse that cater to every body type and activity level. Are you ready to find the perfect bra for your walking routine? Explore DeBra’s Sports Bra Collection or Plus Size Sports Bras to discover the best sports bra for your next walk. Whether walking in the park or hiking up a mountain, DeBra’s is the right fit. Need help with sizing? Let's get fitted …. DeBra's offers various fitting services to help you find the perfect sports bra for your activities. DeBra's provides complimentary In-Store Bra Fitting Appointment to Virtual (Zoom) Bra Fittings. DeBra's customer service team is available through Live Chat (bottom right hand corner of the website) during business hours if you have questions. DeBra’s Live Chat feature lets you connect with a knowledgeable representative who can assist you with sizing and style recommendations. Don't let sizing uncertainty hold you back – book your appointment today!  

Choosing the right sports bra is crucial for ensuring comfort, support, and optimal performance during your workouts. With so many sports bra designs available, it can be challenging to find the perfect one. This guide will help you navigate the process and select the ideal sports bra. Biggest Mistakes When Choosing a Sports Bra Choosing the wrong sports bra can lead to discomfort and inadequate support. Here are the most common mistakes women make when choosing a sports bra: Not Getting Fitted One of the biggest mistakes is the sports bra not fitting correctly. Knowing your band and cup size is essential for finding a snug sports bra with proper support. DeBra's offers a free in-store and virtual fitting service if you are unsure of your size. Feel free to reach out, and they love to help. Ignoring Impact Levels Different activities require different levels of support. You will need a high-impact sports bra to minimise breast movement and bounce for high-impact activities like running. A medium or low-impact sports bra might be sufficient for yoga or walking. Choosing Style Over Function While selecting a sports bra based on appearance is tempting, design and functionality should be your top priority. Sports bras that offer encapsulation or compression are better for support. Overlooking Strap Adjustability Straps are crucial in a sports bra fit. Make sure the straps are adjustable and sit comfortably on your shoulders without digging in. Do You Need a High Impact Sports Bra for Running? Running is a high-impact activity that can cause significant breast movement. A high-impact sports bra is designed to provide maximum support and reduce movement, preventing discomfort and potential damage to the breast tissue. Look for features like wide, adjustable straps, a snug band, and an encapsulation design, which offers individual support to each breast. The Panache Endurance Non-Padded Wired Sports Bra is an excellent example of a High Impact Sports Bra and comes highly recommended by DeBra's Fitting Consultants. Is It Better for A Sports Bra to Be Tight or Loose? A proper fit ensures that the sports bra provides adequate support and reduces breast movement during exercise. Here are a few tips. Snug but Not Too Tight: Your sports bra should fit snugly but not so tight that it restricts movement and or breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders. Band Size: The band should fit snugly around your rib cage. If it rides up, it's a sign of it being too loose, and you need to go down in size. Cup Sizing: Ensure the cups encapsulate your breasts without causing spillage or gaps. DeBra's Fitting Consultants Sports Bra Favourites Choosing the right sports bra is essential for comfort and support during workouts. Avoid common mistakes, understand your support needs, and ensure a proper fit to get the most out of your sports bra. DeBra's offer a wide range of sports bras designed to meet the needs of every woman. Here are some of DeBra's top recommendations. For High-Impact Activities Panache Power Moulded Sports Bra offers excellent support and comfort with moulded cups and breathable fabric.   Sculptresse Activate Non-Padded Underwired Sports Bra is ideal for high-impact activities, with maximum support for reduced breast movement. For Medium-Impact Activities Triumph Triaction Ultra W Sports Bra is perfect for medium-impact workouts and features moisture-wicking fabric with a comfortable fit. Magic Lift Full Figure Sports Bra features a seamless design, perfect for walking, cycling, yoga or weight training. This style also offers an impressive size range, 12-28, up to a H cup. For Low-Impact Activities Panache Boundless Moulded Non-Wired Sports Bra With Band is suitable for low-impact activities. This bra provides light support and is incredibly comfortable. Glamorise Magic Lift Active Support Bra is designed to move where ever the day takes you. With added back support, this is your go-to for all-day comfort and posture support.   Are you ready to shop! Check out DeBra’s fantastic range of sports bras and find the perfect fit for yourself. With all the tips and insights, we’ve shared, you’re now equipped to make a better-informed decision. Happy shopping! Need Help? Let's get fitted …. DeBra's offers a free In-store Fitting Service, Virtual (Zoom) Fitting, phone consultations or support on live chat, so you can stay home and get the best advice for your body. Don't let sizing uncertainty stop you from feeling confident or being comfortable. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

Ensuring you have the right sports bra is essential when working out. One of the most critical pieces of equipment is a good sports bra to help keep your breasts supported and prevent them from bouncing around as you work out. In this blog, DeBra's explains the importance of selecting the correct sports bra for you and the different sports bras available depending on your workout intensity to minimise pain and discomfort. The Importance Of Wearing A Sports Bra While Working Out Women have been breaking barriers in sports for years, but there is one area where they still lag: proper bust support. Women are more likely to experience pain because of improper support during their workouts, and wearing a correctly fitted sports bra can help to mitigate this problem. As more women embrace fitness, we must promote the importance of wearing a correctly fitted sports bra. We can break down barriers and achieve our fitness goals with the proper support. How To Choose The Right Sports Bra Sports Bras have come a long way with modern technology and fabrication in the last ten years. Today there are so many types and styles of sports bras on the market, making it harder to know which one is right for you. DeBra's specialise in perfectly fitting tens of thousands of women of all shapes and sizes each year! With us you are in good hands. The first step is to identify your needs so read on for DeBra's tips and tricks for finding the perfect sports bra. DeBra's Sports Bra Fitting Guide The Different Sports Bras Available Not all workouts are equal. Make sure you mix up your bras when you mix up your routine. Wearing the wrong type of bra can have severe implications on breast tissue health, comfort, and performance. There are four levels of impact that sports bras can support. Low Impact Sports Bras Low impact sports bras are perfect for activities with little to no bouncing. These sports bras are ideal for: Walking Chilling Stretching Yoga Pilates Weight Training Golf Medium Impact Sports Bras Medium Impact sports bras are designed for activities with moderate bounce and are best for: Jogging Riding Power Walking Dancing Skiing Hiking High Impact Sports Bras High Impact sports bras are for stability where there is a high level of bouncing in the activity. If this is you, we recommend you invest in a high-impact sports bra if you like to do the following: Running Mountain Biking Netball Hockey Horse Riding Extreme Impact Sports Bras Extreme Impact sports bras are the next level up and are recommended for women who take part in the following sports: Martial Arts Combat Sports Aerobics Gymnastics Climbing Choosing The Appropriate Shape Choosing the correct shape for your sports bra can minimise movement for adequate support. If support is your number one priority, you will want to look for a sports bra with a J-hook. The J-hook function allows the wearer to convert the straps from over-the-shoulder to racerback. During medium to high-intensity workouts, the racerback style will decrease pressure on the shoulders, minimise bounce, and provide maximum lift. Encapsulation is best suited for low-impact activities, and these bras: Have individual cups Have no compression Provide a natural shape Are better for larger busts Compression/Encapsulation sports bras combine compression and encapsulation techniques to give high-impact athletes shape and support. Our Fitters' Favourite Sports Bras We all have favourite rights. Here are DeBra's Fitting Consultants 2024 top 5 sports bras. Elomi Energise Sports Bra Triaction Ultra W Sports Bra Panache Moulded Sports Bra Sculptress Non-Padded Underwired Sports Bra Glamorise Sports Cami Bra Don't be afraid to have a little dance around when you receive your new sports bra. Your new bra fits best if you experience little to no movement of your breasts. So next time you hit the gym, ensure you're appropriately supported by investing in a quality sports bra. You will thank us for it. We Have Helped Thousands Of Women Check out DeBra's Sports Bra Collection. If you're not confident about buying a sports bra online, DeBra's offers a Virtual (Zoom) Fitting service, phone consultations or support on live chat, so you can stay at home and still get the best bra for your breasts. Don't let sizing uncertainty stop your boobs from being supported during your next workout. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.

The benefits of exercise are well known, from enhancing mood and sleep to maintaining muscle mass and preventing osteoporosis. Yet ladies with a more considerable bust experience more barriers to exercise than their smaller-chested counterparts. From time to time, we all experience a lack of motivation to exercise, and the strains of modern life can sap our energy and time. For some women, their breasts are a barrier to exercise, ranking ahead of costs and access to facilities. Women with larger breasts experience increased breast motion, making them partake less in vigorous physical exercise. At DeBra’s, we believe women with fuller busts shouldn’t experience pain or embarrassment when exercising. We’ve pulled together some tips to help women feel strong and confident when exercising, regardless of shape and size. Always Wear A Sports Bra When Exercising Invest in a good sports bra. Something that might seem obvious, but a good sports bra specially constructed for larger busts is the first step to minimising discomfort when exercising. Below we have listed some of DeBra’s best-selling sports bras. Panache Power Moulded Sports Bra - It has to be one of our best-selling and award-winning sports bras. The moulded seam-free cups enclose your breasts to offer control and reduce bounce by up to 83%. Panache Endurance Non Padded Wired Sports Bra - A new game-changing, permanent addition to the Panache collection. Endurance is the solution for those who want the same lift and support as Power, only with a more lightweight feel. Elomi Energise Sports Bra With J-Hook - It comprises a unique construction where the wire finishes below the neck edge of the bra. It provides perfect bust separation, and the higher neckline offers great control and minimises bounce. Glamorise Magic Lift Full Figure Sports Bra - The Glamorise offers seamless cup support. The magic lift design helps lift, shape and support without a wire. At the same time, the non-slip adjustable back straps provide comfort for all activity types. Sculptresse Activate Non-Padded Underwired Sports Bra - Same lightweight and streamlined sports bra one would expect from Scuptresse. It has foam straps that help decrease pressure on the shoulders. It also features a high neckline for added coverage, and the straps can be converted from over the shoulders to a racer back for increased support. Opt For Low-impact Exercise Go for the classes and exercises that are low impact. Lower impact means less jumping around and feeling the tug and pain of your breasts bopping around. Classes like body step, barre and spin cycle are all excellent options. Also, go for an incline walk rather than running on the treadmill. Why not jump on the bike, cross trainer or stepper for cardio options? Lastly, and most importantly - lift some weights! An excellent low-impact option that you can progressively make harder as your body adapts. When done correctly, it strengthens your glutes, hamstrings, core and back, which will help with any lower back pain you might experience from having a larger bust. Despite the myth, weight training will not make you look like the hulk ladies! You will get a nice little increase in tightness. You must eat and train purposefully to gain muscle to get anything more - it takes a lot of work! Doing weights a few times per week will have you feeling like a strong female warrior badass and is often the missing link in most women’s training regimes. Get Fitted Too many women out there are wearing the wrong size bra. Wearing a well-fitted bra can be a game changer that improves your posture, comfort, and confidence. DeBra’s has a professional team of fitting consultants that can help you find the most comfortable and appropriate bra for your body size and shape. Our team is passionate about bras and has fitted women of all shapes and sizes for 22 years and counting. Book your complimentary In-Store Fitting Appointment or a Virtual Fitting Appointment, or if you have a question, you can contact our customer service team during business hours through Live Chat, which can be found in the bottom right hand corner of the website.