A Sports bra
must have extra support and exceptional comfort for the strenuous activities
and exercises that Cheerleaders perform. They need to fit well but allow
you the freedom to move. Here is what you need to know to find the right
sports bra for you.
Fit
You can't be comfortable if your bra doesn't fit properly and you'd be
amazed at the number of women that don't know their correct bra size.
Bras are usually measured with two sizes, a number and a letter. The number
is the measurement of your chest and the letter is your cup size. See
below on how to measure your bra size.
• Top 10 Sport Bras for Cheerleading
Determine Your Chest Size
Stand straight and preferable in front of a mirror. Use a tape or piece
of string. Measure around your chest below your armpits and above your
bust. Write this number down.
Determine Your Cup Size
Stand up straight in front of a mirror. Measure around your chest but
this time go over the fullest part of your breasts. Write this number
down and subtract it from your chest measurement above. If the difference
is less than 1" you're an AA cup. If it's 1" you're an A, 2" a B,
3" a C, 4" a D, and 5" a DD.
Determine Your Level of Activity and Support
The level of your activity will determine how much support you'll need
in a bra. If you are exercising, stunting, jumping and cheering, you'll
want at least a medium to high impact support level. Most sports bras
will indicate what level they are made for.
Style
You'll need to decide on a back style (T-back, Y-back, Racerback) for
your sports bra. Also determine what kind of closure you want (hook or
hookless). And lastly, determine the construction style. A woman with
an A or B cup might find a compression style more comfortable and a fuller
busted woman might want the added support of an underwire.
