I was tagged in an Instagram post about sports bra chafing (the poor girl!) The comments from the women on the list confirmed what I already knew: many ladies get sports bra chafe, and they are looking for a solution!
If you’re like most women, you have probably experienced chafing from your sports bra at some point. This can be a real annoyance and even cause skin irritation. But don’t worry; there are ways to stop chafing and, better yet, prevent it from happening. Just follow my five tips below!
The old adage goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This could not be more accurate when it comes to sports bra chafing.
Preventing sports bra chafe can be difficult. Many women have to deal with this problem when they participate in activities like ultra-sports.
This shouldn’t be the case at all. Work your way down my list and learn how to get yourself ready to banish sports bra chafing for good.
These are the two most important elements to get right. If you are wearing the wrong size or your sports bra doesn’t fit, then it is game over before you begin.
Even the best sports bra won’t prevent chafing if you and it are constantly moving. All that movement creates a ton of friction!
Finding the right size is a task in itself. Luckily for you, I have made it easy. Simply go to my Determine Your Size page and enter a couple of quick measurements. My bra-size calculator will do the rest.
Another difficult topic is fit. Each of us is different, so naturally, sports bras will fit each person differently. If you find a sports bra in your correct size, you’re already midway there! Check out my article ‘10 Common Fitting Problems & How to Solve Them’ to complete the other half.
This is an important piece of the no-chafe puzzle. When I see a woman in a strappy crop, it brings tears to my eyes. Not only is bouncing while running uncomfortable and causes chafing, but it can also cause long-term breast damage.
To keep chafing under control when running, you need to keep the girls under control. Wearing a high-impact sports bra will help keep the girls locked in place.
Less motion means decreased potential for irritation. Keep your breasts supported and reduce the likelihood of painful chafing.
Just like impact level the style of your sports bra can affect your chance of chafing. When selecting a style of a sports bra, you should consider the following.
Many women get chafing from their underwire. To fix chafing, make sure your cups are the correct size. (see size advice above). If this does not solve the issue, then try wirefree cups. Take the underwire away and fingers crossed you take the problem away.
Modern designs give wireless the same (or slightly superior!) support as underwired bras. So, go wirefree and your breasts will thank you.
Look for a sports bra with a firm, wide, seam-free under band. It is common for sports bras to chafe around the band. This is most commonly due to the band being too loose (and thus moving) but can also be caused by unnecessary seams or an unpadded clasp at the back.
Look for a style with a wide, seam-free band that has adequate padding under the back clasp. It should fit comfortably tight to prevent it from moving. And yes, you need a clasp back as it allows you to adjust the band as it stretches over time. Again, no crops people!
Just like the band, incorrect cup sizing can also cause chafe. If your cups are too small, your breasts can spill out or even worse squash together (and rub!). When the cup size is too large, it causes the breast tissue to rub against the cup. Refer to my size advice above and make sure you are wearing the correct cup size.
Another common rub area is between the breasts. Many crop-style bras compress or ‘squash’ the breasts together. A prime cause of breast chafe!
Look for a sports bra with structured cups that ‘encapsulate’ each breast individually. This separation of the breasts will reduce the chance of the breasts rubbing against each other.
Beyond this, look for soft, seam-free cups.
Shoulder straps are another (less common) chafe point. Once again due to unnecessary movement.
Make sure they are correctly adjusted before every wear. If you still find they rub, then try a different back style. Racerback sports bras hold the straps closer to the shoulders, reducing strap movement.
Sweat and rub often go hand in hand and Australia is a hot place. Consider a lightweight, moisture-wicking style if you’re looking for something that will help keep you cool.
Many modern sports bras are made from technical fabrics that help wick moisture away from the skin. Helping to keep you dry. You may pay a little more, but the extra investment is worth the money if it helps keep chafe at bay.
The rise of ultra-running has created another sports bra chafe problem. With longer running comes accessories. Many women now wear ultra-backpacks, hydration packs or race vests. Running the distances involved is enough to create a chafing problem without adding the packs on top!
These packs can put pressure on your back, squash your breasts together and create excess sweat (the nemesis of chafe). If you do wear a pack, make sure it fits you correctly. It shouldn’t put any undue pressure on your body.
Most issues I have seen in relation to packs are caused by the sports bra and not the pack. If you follow all my points above, you will greatly reduce the chance of chafe caused by your pack. If not, then see the next point.
If everything else fails. And, yes, it does happen. Then it is time to turn to anti-chafe products. There is an extensive range of anti-chafe products on the market. From balms to butter and everything in between there is a product that should help you.
I can’t personally make any recommendations but a chat with friends or a quick search should point you in the right direction.
As you can see, there is rarely one single solution to prevent sports bra chafe (if there is for you, lucky you!). A combination of solutions is commonly needed.
Take the time to work through my list one point at a time. It may be tedious, but your breasts will thank you.
If you decide you need a new sports bra, then use my Sports Bra Finder to find the perfect sports bra for you. If you need help or advice, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Yours in support.
Amy x
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