Many of us have been there before. You lie down in a downward dog pose and end up experiencing a major wardrobe malfunction. For you, it’s a shame to see your yoga teacher crack a tiny smile.
The accident is etched in your brain and will never be forgotten. The incident calls for drastic measures. It’s time to buy new yoga clothes and bras that will have you ready for your sessions.
Choosing the best bra can be a daunting experience. Making the right choice is based on practicality and comfort, while exuding confidence.
During an intense yoga session, you need a breathable and supportive bra. Models like the Honey Cloudz bra inserts are invisible and non-slip. You can also find sports bras and overlays that provide full support and comfort.
Factors may vary depending on breast size, personal comfort preferences, and the intensity of your yoga practice. In this article, we will look at the types of bras that are best suited for yoga sessions.
Bra inserts
Bra inserts have come a long way from silicone flap pieces stuck inside a bra to appear “fuller.” The main purpose of the inserts is to give your breasts a natural lift and make them look shapely.
Thanks to advancements in the fashion world, bra inserts are available in different sizes, fabrics and shapes, says fashion designer Oita Raluca. Their biggest advantage? They are made for every type of woman. There are two types: non-slip bra inserts and non-slip bra inserts. If you’re undecided, read the reviews to get an indication of price, coverage, and daily use.
For women with small breasts, wearing an oval bra pad is a good option. If your size is larger than average, deep triangle bra inserts provide full coverage and overall support.
If you’re choosing bra inserts for exercise and yoga, you’ll want to consider breathable fabric rather than silicone, which tends to sweat as much as you do. Silicone could harbor harmful germs from body sweat.
Sports bras
Sports bras eliminate underwire discomfort. Many women feel constrained by the constant jabs in the ribs. Straps that dig into your shoulders can be just as infuriating.
Experts in breast biomechanics have discovered that a well-fitting sports bra can improve athletic performance. Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr from the University of Portsmouth led a study suggesting that sports bras have “performance, comfort and health benefits”.
The data collected from the England women’s football team after their Euro 2022 victory was staggering. The study found that players’ corrective bras may have improved their athletic performance.
The same applied to runners. Wearing an ill-fitting sports bra can shorten strides by 4cm, Professor Wakefield-Scurr found. His biggest advice? Buy a sports bra that provides full support but never restricts your breathing.
Overlay
Sometimes taking a feminist stance on not wearing a bra is empowering. When the Free The Nipple movement launched in 2012, filmmaker Lina Esco was running topless through the streets of New York.
Cultural and political agendas aside, some women simply don’t like the look and feel of a bra. They choose to layer their clothes to prevent their breasts from being visible.
Other options are wearing a crop top or camisole. Some crop top styles have built-in bras, while bralettes feel free but not as supportive.
Fortunately, yoga’s popularity has given rise to clothing lines dedicated to its fluidity and complex poses.
High neck bras are finding favor with yoga enthusiasts around the world. Soft, stretchy fabric moves with your body without feeling restricted. The only downside is that it won’t provide the much-needed support for women with larger breasts.
How to choose the right fit
A bra isn’t just for comfort. During exercise, a bra should protect your breast tissue. If your breasts aren’t supported during physical activity, it can lead to sagging, says running coach Amie Dworecki.
Unlike a normal bra, sports bras feature specific design elements to increase comfort and support. Dworecki recommends buying a bra that fits you perfectly and potentially a size smaller than your usual bra.
Before measuring, consult a size chart. Use a soft tape measure and do this without a bra or any clothing that could change the shape of your breasts.
Yoga is a low-impact workout. The best fabrics are lightweight like microfiber and cotton. The vents and mesh allow free circulation of air between the material and the skin.
For DD cups and above, experts suggest a compression-encapsulation style or an encapsulation-style sports bra.
Yoga is about breathing and exercising mindfully. An ill-fitting bra or bra insert can prevent you from having a meaningful experience. And while you’re shopping for the perfect bra, stay calm. Inhale and exhale.