Sports Bra Buying Guide

Nothing should hold you back from a great workout. But unfortunately, if you don’t have the right sports bra, you might find yourself staring at the clock, willing your workout to end. Luckily, at Rebel Sport, we have an unbeatable range of sports bras for you to choose from. With so many styles to choose from, it can easily feel overwhelming which is why we’ve put together a handy buying guide to help you find the perfect sports bra for you.

When you’re shopping for sports bras, it’s important to consider your breast size, the type of exercise you’re doing, and your personal preferences. In this guide, we provide easy step-by-step instructions to help you calculate your bra size and have included some helpful tips so you can find the bra that works best for you. Here’s what we will be covering:

The benefits of wearing a sports bra
How to measure your bust size at home
How to choose the right sports bra for you
Types of sports bras available at Rebel Sport
How to know if a sports bra fits correctly
Answering your frequently asked sports bra questions

Let’s get into it!

The benefits of wearing a sports bra

First things first, did you know that wearing a sports bra during workouts has a wealth of benefits? Here are the reasons why you should be wearing a supportive sports bra during exercise:

How to measure your bust size at home

First thing’s first, you’ll need to measure your bust size so you know what size of sports bra you’re shopping for. Then you’ll be able to easily shop for sports bras from the comfort of your home, confidently. Grab a tape measure and simply follow these easy steps.

Step 1 - Measure your under bust

Firstly, you’ll want to measure your underbust. This is the area directly below the bust. Ensure the measuring tape is level all around and exhale completely. Then measure to the nearest centimetre and move on to step 2. You can do this wearing underwear or a t-shirt, but try to avoid taking your measurements with too many layers of clothing on as this can give a false measurement.

Step 2 - Measure your bust

Next, you’ll need to measure across the fullest part of your breast. Again, ensure the tape is level around the body, standing side-on or facing a mirror can help you to see that the measuring tape is level. Be sure you measure to the nearest centimetre.

Step 3 - Calculate your bra size

Once you have your measurements, you can calculate your size. To do this, find your measurements on the below charts to calculate your band size and cup size.

CLOTHING SIZE		8	10	12	14	16	18
UNDERBUST MEASUREMENT (CM)		63 - 67	68 - 72	73 - 77	78 - 82	83 - 87	88 - 92
CUP SIZE BUST - FULLEST PART IN CM	CUP AA	75 - 77	80 - 82	85 - 87	90 - 92	95 - 97	100 - 102
	CUP A	77 - 79	82 - 84	87 - 89	92 - 94	97 - 99	102 - 104
	CUP B	79 - 81	84 - 86	89 - 91	94 - 96	99 - 101	104 - 106
	CUP C	81 - 83	86 - 88	91 - 93	96 - 98	101 - 103	106 - 108
	CUP D	83 - 85	88 - 90	93 - 95	98 - 100	103 - 105	108 - 110
	CUP DD	85 - 87	90 - 92	95 - 97	100 - 102	105 - 107	110 - 112
	CUP E	87 - 89	92 - 94	97 - 99	102 - 104	107 - 109	112 - 114

Step 4- Find the right bra size for you

Now that you know your bra size, use the chart below to convert your regular bra size into XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL. Remember to check the bra size guide on each product page, as different brands can slightly differ in size.

Low Impact

Low-impact sports bras are designed to support you best during low-impact activities like yoga, pilates and barre. Low-impact sports bras are also perfect for those with a smaller bust. This style is designed with style and comfort in mind, great for keeping your breasts securely in place during those long Yoga holds. At Rebel Sport, we’ve got a fantastic range of low-impact sports bras online.

Medium Impact

Medium-impact sports bras are designed to support you during activities like gym training, boxing, cycling and walking. Wearing a medium-impact sports bra ensures you remain comfortable during all of your favourite exercise classes. It may also be better suited to women with a larger bust.

High Impact

High-impact sports bras are designed to provide ultimate support during high-intensity workouts. If you love running, interval training or tennis, you should consider a high-impact sports bra. This style is perfect for women with a fuller bust. Enjoy your workout while remaining comfortable and supported.

Types of sports bras available at Rebel Sport

Encapsulation sports bras

Encapsulation sports bras support each breast in a separate cup and have a band and straps as you see in everyday bras. When wearing an encapsulation sports bra, the centrepiece should lie flat against the breastbone for a good fit. If you’re looking for a sports bra with maximum support, an encapsulation sports bra is for you. So, it’s perfect for women with a larger bust as it supports each breast separately, offering comfort during workouts and extra security.

Compression sports bras

Compression bras are usually made of elastic and compress your breasts against your chest to prevent them from moving while exercising. Compression bras are usually pulled on over your head, which is a super convenient design. This is a great style for women with small to medium-sized breasts. At Rebel Sport, we have a huge range of compression bras from all of the leading sportswear brands. Shop Under Armour, adidas, Nike and more.

Combination sports bras

Combination sports bras are a combination of both encapsulation and compression bras. SImilarly to encapsulation sports bras, combination sports bras support each breast separately. This makes it perfect for those with a fuller bust. So whether you’re running or heading to the Yoga studio, it will reduce breast movement.

How to know if a sports bra fits correctly

If you’re searching for a sports bra that fits perfectly, ensure you follow these steps.

The bra band fits snugly around the body

First thing’s first, ensure that the bra band fits well. Bra support comes mostly from the band, so it is important that the band fits quite close to your ribcage. You should be able to get no more than one finger under the band or in the cup. The back band should be the same level all the way around. If it rides up, then the sports bra is likely too big for you.

You can fit two fingers between the straps

Sports bras come in different styles with different types of straps. Some women make the mistake of believing that the tighter the straps are, the more support and lift they will get; however, this is not the case. When the fit is right, you should be able to stick two fingers between the straps and your skin. If the straps dig into your skin, then the fit is not right. When it comes to the strap style, this comes down to personal preference. Straps tend to be standard and run straight over the shoulder, or criss-cross in the back for a different look and feel.

You feel supported

Lastly, take a step back and notice how the sports bra makes you feel. Your breasts should feel secure in place when you’re wearing your sports bra. If you’re trying on your sports bra in-store, don’t be afraid to jump around to see if it is giving you the support you need. You’ll be able to know if it’s working for you.

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Find The Perfect Bra

As a woman, you know how hard it is to find a bra that fits and supports you perfectly — as an athlete, you understand that support is crucial for keeping you comfortable and agile on the field. At Rebel Sport NZ, we're dedicated to helping you find a bra that gives you everything you need and more.

Find the Perfect Bra | Rebel Sport

If you're looking for a guide to help you find the perfect bra, Rebel Sport NZ has got you covered. You can follow our quick and easy step-by-step instructions to get your exact measurements; from here, simply choose your workout impact level and we'll curate a personalized list of bras that meet all your needs.

All the Best Brands

Shopping for brands you trust should be easy, and we're proud to put all of your favorite names in one place. From Under Armour and Reebok to Puma and Adidas, you're sure to find something you love right here on our site.

Rebel Sport NZ is here to take the frustration out of shopping for the perfect bra so you can focus on what really matters: staying on top of your game. Browse our huge selection today!

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