Front Closure Sports Bra

A front closure sports bra is a must if you do a lot of physical activity.

Sports bras hit the market in the late 1970's when two women, Hinda Miller and Lisa Landahl decided that women need more chest support than what the average bra offered during physical activity. The two eventually went on to start the company Jogbra. The original sports bra prototype was basically constructed out of two jockstraps that were cut up and then sewn together. This became known as the Jogbra.

Sports bras have come a long way since their repurposed jock strap days and come in all sorts of different design styles and colors, though there are still two major types of sports bras when it comes to construction.

Though it sounds painful, the compression sports bra is one of the most common sports bras worn by active women. Front closure types are the best for compression sports bras because it makes them easier to get on and off. Anyone who has wrestled to get a sports bra off after working out knows that front closures are the best for compression sports bras.

Basically, the design of this bra compresses (not uncomfortably mind you) the breasts to the chest, allowing for very little movement, which is what you want during vigorous physical activity.

An encapsulation sports bra has molded, built in cups, similar to a regular bra, but with more support. These sports bras are best used for less vigorous physical activity like yoga, biking or walking.

Choosing between the compression sports bra or encapsulation sports bra is a matter of the following:

• Level of activity – If you are doing light to medium activity, an encapsulation sports bra will be the most comfortable.
• Breast size – If you are larger breasted, no matter what level of activity, a compression sports bra may be best to avoid damage to breast tissue and ligaments as well as to help prevent back pain.

No matter what type of sports bra you choose, here are some places where you can find both encapsulation and compression front closure sports bras:

• Her Room – Offers a few front closure types of sports bras from companies like Under Armour and Champion. Prices range from around $40 to $65.
• Moving Comfort – Offers both black and white sports bras with front closures that feature a mesh back to help cool and ventilate your body as well as a racer back style cut so you have full range of movement for your arms without any sort of straps getting in your way.
• Amazon – Offers a variety of front closure bras for sports at really affordable prices.
• One Hanes Place – This store only offers one type of this bra, but it may just be the only one you will ever need. The Double Dry Zip-Tek Sports Bra from Champion has a front closure with a "lock down" zipper, mesh sides and back for ventilation, soft, wide straps for comfort and adjustable sides.
• Bits of Lace – Features front closure sports bras from Anita. It should be noted, however, that sizes over 38 have to be special ordered.

When it comes to sports bras, especially those with front closures, it can unfortunately be a game of trial and error because, of course, not all manufacturers are the same. To help ensure you find the right sports bra for your needs, here are some final tips to keep in mind while shopping:

• Check the closure – If it's a zipper, you want to make sure it locks and if it's a hook-and-eye style closure, you need to check the stitching on both the hook and eye as well as the strength of the hook and eye.
• Materials – You always want a sports bra with breathable materials that wick moisture away from your body.
• Range of motion – Finally, you will also want to make sure your sports bra with a front closure gives you full range of motion.

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