If, like me, you used one of the wet weekends of the month so far to have a clear out, there might be something that you’ve missed. Whilst you were rummaging through books, clothes and other forgotten knick knacks, did you have a close inspection of your sports bras? If not, here’s what you should check as soon as possible…
Sports bras shouldn’t have a birthday
It might seem a weird thing to avoid celebrating, but it’s true: bras which get used regularly should not stay in use for a year. As well as the fact that they’ll suffer from wear and tear during this time, it’s likely that you’ll change shape too. So as well as checking on the condition of your bras, it’s also worth making sure that you’re still wearing the right size. Partly because there are very few people who are actually a 34B or 36C, yet mysteriously those are sizes that a huge number of people seem to think that they are…
Wear and tear – how to check a sports bra
People who work out early in the day (hi, it’s me) will be particularly prone to stumbling out of bed and wriggling into a bra without properly looking at it. Get them all out in the cold light of day and look them over – is the fabric still in good condition? How about the stitching? Are any wires making a bid for freedom? Do all of the fixings and hooks still work and are they where they should be?! If your bra fails any of these tests, it’s definitely time to consign it to the recycling bin (more on that later).
Size and fit – what to look for in a sports bra
If the band has got loose (ESPECIALLY if you’re using the tightest hook) or rides up, it’s not fitting correctly. Equally, if the straps persistently fall off your shoulders, this is another big giveaway that it doesn’t fit right. The other key criteria is that breast tissue is fully in the cups – you shouldn’t be bulging over the top, feeling any general discomfort, or be able to nestle any snacks or your phone in the cups alongside your boobs (much as we’ve all done it in an emergency).
What can I do with my old sports bras?
Sports bras which are still useable can be sent to one of my favourite charities, The Movement, who support women in being able to exercise. One of the ways they do this is providing kit for those who aren’t able to otherwise access it, so you can get in touch with them to check whether yours would be suitable to donate.
If your bras are leaving you because they aren’t in any way useable, they can still be recycled! I use an independent retailer, Bella Rosa Lingerie, when purchasing my non-sports bras at the moment, and Rosie collects bras for recycling (including sports bras).
How do I replace my sports bras?
I highly recommend shopping with online retailer boobydoo. There is a wealth of information available via their website and social media to help you choose the perfect bra. You can also take advantage of having a free online consultation (I’ve done this too and it was brilliant, as I got presented with more options than I’d have considered) to assess your needs and check your size. There’s a fit check service for when your order arrives, and you can return any that don’t fit or suit you until you get it right.
As an extra bonus, I’m able to share a discount code I have as I’m an ambassador for boobydoo: use the code BECKY15 at checkout in order to get 15% off ALL items in their store. And as an extra reward, make sure you check my Instagram page on 21st April – I’ll be running a competition in collaboration with boobydoo that you won’t want to miss!