Finding the perfect sports bra for golf can be truly liberating. While discovering your ideal sports bra is an individual pursuit, it helps to understand how the sports bra industry has segmented various sport activities based on their intensity level. The level of intensity then translates into the impact on breast movement and the potential support level required for maximum comfort.
While running, tennis or horse-back riding are considered a high impact sport, Yoga, Pilates and Walking on the other hand are of low impact. The Golf Sport itself is slightly more nuanced and is considered to have a low to medium impact range.
However, when it comes to sports bras and women’s golf, certain factors, like your personal comfort and breast size, can influence the level of support you need. Essentially this could vary greatly through a round of golf and could be either – low, medium and high.
So, with that in mind, how do you choose the right bra for golf?
Let’s start by understanding how the design of bras typically differentiate.
Understanding Impact Levels in Sports Bras
Sports bras are categorized into three main levels based on the intensity of movement they’re designed to handle:
- Low-Impact Sports Bras: These are typically lighter, less structured bras designed for activities with minimal bounce or movement, such as yoga or walking. They often feature thinner straps, soft fabrics, minimal compression and no separation for your individual breasts.
- Medium-Impact Sports Bras: These bras offer a bit more support and are ideal for activities that involve moderate movement, like cycling or strength training. They usually combine compression and encapsulation (separate cups for each breast) for enhanced stability.
- High-Impact Sports Bras: These bras are engineered for intense, high-bounce activities like running or aerobics. They often feature wide straps, reinforced bands, and structured cups to minimize movement.
What to Look for in a Golf Sports Bra
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the right sports bra for your golf game:
1. Support
While golf is considered a low to medium impact sport, the twisting motions of your swing and the hours spent walking on the course mean you’ll want a bra that offers at least moderate support. Medium-impact bras are often ideal for golf, as they provide enough support without feeling overly restrictive throughout the duration of play.
2. Comfort
Comfort is paramount for a sport that lasts as long as 4-5 hours over 18holes. Look for soft, breathable fabrics that wick away sweat and prevent chafing. Seamless designs or bras with flatlock seams can help minimize irritation during long rounds. Also, bras with a higher front coverage help to prevent cutting into your breasts during play.
3. Range of Motion
Golf requires a full range of upper body motion, especially during swings. Choose a bra with a racerback or cross-back design to ensure your shoulders and arms can move freely. Avoid overly tight bands or straps that might restrict movement.
4. Fit
A properly fitting sports bra is essential for support and comfort. Make sure the band fits snugly without digging into your skin, and the cups should fully encase your breasts without gaps or spillage. Adjustable straps and closures can help customize the fit. Some women may experience breast swelling during their menstrual cycle and as such will appreciate options that allow adjustments.
5. Weather Adaptability
Since golf is played outdoors, consider the weather when choosing your sports bra. For hot days, opt for bras with mesh panels or moisture-wicking technology to keep you cool. In cooler weather, a slightly thicker fabric might provide added warmth.
Top 5 Sports Bra Recommendations for Golf
To simplify your search, here are some top-rated sports bras that meet the unique needs of women golfers:
Triumph Sports Bra
Triumph Women’s Triaction Extreme Lite Wireless Sports
What women liked most are the wide, padded shoulder straps, high front to prevent cutting, suitable for high impact (used for marathons). Comfy for larger breast sizes, has a minimising effect, has been repurchased in other colours.
What women recommended are additional colour choices such as skin tones, also sizing up was suggested for the band size (not cup size).
Under Armour Sports Bra
Under Armour Women’s Crossback Sports Bra
What women liked most is the comfortable and firm fit for medium impact sport, the removable cups, the ticker fabric and the many colour options.
What some women disliked was the ease of use with having to pull the item over your head, it was recommended to size up.
Brooks Running Sports Bra
What women liked most is the seamless design, good support through built-in cups, preferred for medium impact. This is a bestseller that allows a 90 day trial and return.
What some women disliked is having to pull the bra over the head and the lack of strap adjustment.
Victoria Secret Sports Bra
Victoria Secret Featherweight Max Sports Bra
What women liked most is the comfy fit and cup separation, can adjust to a racerback if wanted, good value for money, sweat- wicking properties, suitable for medium impact.
What some women disliked is the potential wear and tear after washing, the cup hold for larger breasts might not provide enough separation.
Champion Sports Bras
Champion Maximum Support Sports Bra
What women liked most is the good feel of the bra, structured and supportive also for larger breasts, padded straps add to comfort level, popular model that is being re-purchased in other colours, good value for money, suitable for high impact.
What some women recommended is to size up in particular related to the band size (not the cup size).
In conclusion, choosing the right sports bra for golf is about balancing support, comfort, and mobility.
While the golf sport may not demand the same level of impact resistance as running, a well chosen sports bra can enhance your game by keeping you comfortable and focused. Whether you prefer low, medium or high impact bras, prioritize a fit that works for your body and allows you to play your best.
