How to Choose a Sports Bra for Climbing

Hundreds of brands of sports bras offer everything from sexy bikini-type tops to beefy straitjackets. Sports bras are valuable because they offer the support and freedom of movement that other climbing tops cannot. They are also a blessing on a hot day. However, they can also be uncomfortable and limiting if the wrong sports bra is chosen. Climbers need to consider several things before purchasing a sports bra for climbing.

Things You'll Need

• Sports bra
• Checkbook

Instructions

Women’s Series: How to choose a sports bra for rock climbing

1. It’s important that your sports bra moves with you. Consider that you will be moving your body in all directions, and find a sports bra that has elastic in important places, such as under the armpits.

2. Consider the type of material you want. Breathable synthetic fabric will wick sweat away from your body. In hot environments or if you plan on sweating a lot, they can be a blessing. However, cotton is often more desirable in drier climes because it often feels softer against the skin. Regardless, choose a beefier material (and one that won’t “pill up” when you rub it against the rock). Also, find something that is stretchy.

3. Consider the type of straps when you purchase a top. Tank style straps ride over your shoulders and may not be the best choice for freedom of movement, especially if they are loose or too close to the edge of the shoulders. Thin straps are sexier, but when climbing you’ll not only be contorting your body in all sorts of strange positions, but you’ll also be rubbing your shoulders against the rock and your backpack. You will want something that provides some actual stability and durability, such as “racerback” and “crisscross” styles.

4. Consider seamless construction for less chafing against your skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t go for the cheap, generic sports bra top. Get one designed specifically for the broad shoulders and wide back of a climber (typically made by a company that understands climbers and/or employs climbers: Stonewear, Prana, Patagonia, Verve and The North Face are some good examples). Bras designed for other sports tend to be constricting around the torso, inhibiting breathing and causing great discomfort.

• Avoid tops that don’t stay put when you lift your arms over your head.

• Avoid tops that gape too much above your chest. When you’re contorting your body, you’ll reveal more than just cleavage.

Resources

• Stonewear Designs women's climbing clothing
• Verve Women's climbing clothing