I know what you’re thinking. “What in the world has gotten into Mia?” Don’t fret ladies. I have not gone mad. I did however happen upon a bra designer who is of the opinion that we don’t NEED sports bras. They believe sports bras are a waste of money.

Okay. Knowing me as y’all do, I’m quite sure you can imagine my initial reaction.

(Pause for laughter)

So let me get this right. I’ll use my favorite, most comfortable, supportive and well fitting bra, the Andorra as an example.image

This perfect everyday bra should also be the bra I train in . . . the bra I run half marathons in?

Rather than just telling you, I can show y’all why this is an absurd notion. A couple months ago I had my Andorra on and I had dressed too warm for the weather. I did not have a chance to change clothes so I hurried around town running my errands. Two hours later I was in pain. When I got home I saw that I had sweat through my bra under my bust and the lace that I adore had rubbed me raw! It has since healed but I do have a scar.image

Moral of the story is your everyday bra was not made to stretch, move or react to sweat the way a sports bra is.

For us busty ladies there is no doubt that a properly fitted sports bra is NOT OPTIONAL. It is a MUST! Your sports bra should provide optimum support while adding to physical ease and comfort. It has to hold your breasts in place without being too tight. Because larger breasts are heavier, we need to be sure that the straps will remain secure and won’t slip, allowing them to loosen. Too much bounce can lead to the stretching of the ligaments.

Sports bras also help in absorbing sweat and keep you comfortable and dry while exercising. Larger busts will create more sweat in between your breasts and especially under the bust. Special attention must be paid to the fit and feel of the band.

I’m always open to others’ opinions, but I draw the line where it comes to spreading misinformation that is harmful. Especially for those of us with very large breasts, wearing properly fitted sports bras is not just about fashion; it is a health and wellness issue. Wearing an everyday bra in place of a sports bra is simply not ok.