Sports Bras: Shoulder Straps & Racerbacks
One feature to consider when choosing a sports bra are the shoulder straps. Are they comfortable and versatile? Some styles will have wider, padded shoulder straps, and many now have special features where you can cross the straps over in the back, or a small j-hook brings them together for a racerback. This function works well if you have slipping shoulder straps, or want to hide the straps under your athletic top that may have cut out shoulders, and may also give you a larger range of movement with the straps positioned between your shoulder blades.
Panache Sport with a fixed position J-hook.
Chantelle Speciality with an adjustable position J-hook.
PrimaDonna Sport The Mesh with straps that can be worn normally, or crossed over.
There are also sports bras in large cup sizes that are available exclusively as a racerback. The styles stocked at LACE all have shoulder straps that are adjustable, and the bras still have back hook and eye closures so that you can easily get in and out of the bra, as traditionally racerback styles hook or zip in the front with a single closure, not allowing for adjustment. Racerback styles often give more support because the shoulder straps are positioned higher up on the shoulders, nearer the neck, bringing the weight of your breasts inwards, towards your centre of gravity. Racerback straps can be a problem for some women as the pressure now rests on a softer, more sensitive spot of the shoulders and neck which can press or cause pain.
Anita Dynamix Star racerback style with straps that adjust in the front.
Shock Absorber Ultimate Run racerback with a clip fastener for easier dressing.
Shock Absorber Active Multi with two sets of hook and eye closures for support and function.
Putting it On
Some women find it a bit of a challenge to put on a racerback style sports bra, but as the lovely LACE model shows in the video below, it can be easily done!