Are Sports Bras Necessary?

There are dozens of styles to choose from, with prices ranging from $10 to more than $50, but are sports bras necessary?

The Purpose of Sports Bras

Active, high-impact sports make breasts bounce and jiggle. A sports bra holds the breasts in place so that they don't move as much with running, aerobics, and other active sports. But are sports bras necessary? Do they do anything that a regular bra doesn't? For many female athletes, the answer is absolutely yes.

The Truth About Sagging Breasts

It's a common belief that, over time, going without a bra can lead to sagging, drooping breasts. You might think that the bouncing that accompanies athletic activity would put breasts at even higher risk of losing their shape. The truth is, no one knows what would really happen if you exercised regularly without a sports bra. Breasts naturally lose volume and elasticity as you age, whether you wear a bra or not. Genetics plays a role, too: some women are just destined to have floppy breasts sooner than others. Most doctors say that wearing a bra has nothing to do with how much your breasts will sag. But there just aren't any scientific studies of high-impact exercise and breast shape.

So Why Are Sports Bras Necessary?

Why do women swear by sports bras? There are two main reasons:

They prevent breast pain related to exercise
They cut down on breast movement, which can attract unwanted attention.

There's essentially no muscle in breast tissue, so there's nothing to stop breasts from bouncing around when you exercise. The bouncing can cause minor damage in the breast tissue, which leads to pain. Delicate breast skin, especially the nipples, can also become chafed and sore.

According to a study at the Australian Institute of Sport, sports bras really do help decrease breast pain related to exercise. Bras specifically designed for sports (as opposed to regular bras designed for fashion) reduced the amount of breast movement and cut down on deceleration forces in the breasts. Women reported less perceived breast pain with exercise.

Various tests of sports bras-from the above study to more informal reviews in women's magazines and sports web sites-confirm that a good sports bra will help you avoid unwanted jiggles. A little breast movement might be alluring when you're on a date or on the dance floor, but running and other sports create a much more pronounced effect. Keeping your breasts in check will help reduce stares and comments-both appreciative and otherwise.

Sports Bras and Low-Impact Sports

If your favorite sport is walking, leisurely biking, or another low-impact activity, you may think that wearing a special sports bra is overkill. And indeed, if you're not having any discomfort, you might be right. Are sports bras necessary for the low-key athlete? It depends.

One advantage of wearing a sports bra is that, at least with certain styles, you can skip the T-shirt or other top. Many sports bras are designed to be worn on their own. It's a great way to stay cool in hot weather. And if you've exercised your way to a trim belly or six-pack abs, it's a nice excuse to show off.

Women with small breasts, who many not need to wear a bra with everyday clothes, may find that prolonged walking or biking leads to chafed nipples. Even soft t-shirt fabric can be irritating when it rubs against sensitive skin. A simple shelf-style sports bra can make exercising much more comfortable.

Other Advantages

Sports bras tend to be made from fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin. This keeps you feeling cooler. It also helps prevent rubbing and rashes from damp fabric.

Some sports bras are more adjustable than regular ones, allowing you to create a very personalized fit. And they're designed to move with your body, holding your breasts in place without restricting your activity in any way.

In the end, the answer to "Are sports bras necessary?" depends on your sport, your breast size, and your own level of comfort. Many female athletes consider a sports bra an essential part of their gear.