Havea Outdoors

****Women Climbers****, if you don’t read any further than this, know that you need a certain type of good quality sports bra and leggings for climbing. Now, I hope you will stick with me – there is very important specific information in this article.

Rock Climbing is an extreme sport that requires agility, strength, stamina, and the right clothing. If any one of these (and some other requirements such as equipment and shoes) is missing or out of whack, it poses great danger for the climber.

I’m here to tell you that a woman climber needs a good sports bra that will move, breathe, be unencumbering, and hold what needs to held close, tight, but also comfortable. A sports bra is better for climbing than any shirt or top that could be caught on clamps or climbing equipment causing dangerous imbalances or falls. It is imperative that climbing be done in apparel that is designed for this purpose. Loose shirts and bras with cute snaps, zippers, and clips are not appropriate for climbing, not matter how pretty or cool they look.

There are different types of sports bras that are a personal choice of feel, fabric, open skin ports, panels, and support. There are specific factors that rate consideration:

          Everyday wear vs Sport

          Low, medium, and high impact sports 

          Lift and Separation 

          Smaller vs Larger breasts 

The dangerous aspect of climbing leads a person to choose a sports bra without hooks, snaps, or clips that could break during intense climbing. What happens when the row of hooks at your back or front unclips as you are reaching for a hold and your bra suddenly pops? Not a good situation.

The best clothes for women’s rock climbing are sports bras that are well designed for climbing for medium impact sports paired with high-quality leggings designed for this type of intense and concentrated movement. All clothing for climbing should fit close to the skin – snug without hooks, clips or snaps that could break. The fabric for all climbing clothing should be made with super-stretch, non-binding, and comfortable material. You should not have to be “Houdini” either to dress yourself to climb. (bras with all kinds of straps and clips) ◦ The straps should be an integral part of the whole fabric and not stitched or sown on. Sewn on pieces can unknowingly be compromised and could let go at a really bad time.

Of all the different brands on the market to search through, the best choice types are listed below (in preferred order)- the top line of sports bras for extreme sports such as climbing. The fabric should be high tech – not cheap -designed for climbing, making any twist or stretch an easy comfortable task.

The best (3) Types of sports bras that are great for climbing:

          #1 Choice – Sports bra with top and mid back integrity  

Here is an example of a superior design for climbing that is supportive, even for high impact sports. This design holds straps firmly from moving off the shoulder. The back skin port panel is still open for a cool and comfortable fit. This bra is supportive, even for larger breasted women. This type is the Ultimate in climbing sports bras.

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          #2 Choice – Sports bra with comfortable soft shoulder and lift

A more traditional design: clean, supportive for low to medium impact sports. No hooks or clips for snagging and breaking. The open back is cool and comfortable. Acceptable for women that need the support for larger breast sizes.

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          #3 Choice – Style with essential safety qualities

A more daring design that combines style with comfort and moveability without dangerous zippers or hooks. This design is acceptable for low to medium impact sports. For climbing, this design is better for smaller breast sizes that do not need a firm mid-line support for holding breast cleavage. This type of sports bra is very versatile and still fashionable for those that want some “panache” with their climb.

Serious climbers need serious clothing. Don’t put your well-being at risk by choosing inferior apparel for your climbing excursions. It truly is worth buying the absolute best products when performing these extreme and dangerous sports. I would put my trust in a company that designs products especially for extreme sports – a trusted, reliable, brand as opposed to any ‘ole outdoor clothing brand on the market today. Be Safe out there!