5 Ways To Prevent Nipple Chafing In Your Sports Bra
If you’re an avid runner, you’ve likely experienced the agony and pain that comes with nipple chafing, also known as jogger’s nipple. Although it’s not something many people think of (until it’s too late, of course), once you’ve damaged your nipples on a long-distance run, you can usually think of nothing else. Preventing nipple chafing from happening in the first place isn’t hard to do, as long as you know what you need.
1) Wear The Right Sports Bra
Wearing the right sports bra is a must! Your sports bra must fit correctly — if you’re spilling out or bouncing around as you’re running, you’re likely wearing the wrong size or it’s time to replace the bra. Also look for one that’s not made out of cotton. Even though the commercials say this is the ‘fabric of our lives,’ it’s not the right choice for a sports bra. Your bra should be made of a special wicking material like Lycra or polypropylene that pulls sweat away from the body and helps it evaporate. A wet bra is more likely to shift during your run, painfully rubbing against your sensitive nipples.
2) Use A Lubricant
If you’ve determined you’re wearing the right bra and you’re still having problems, you can use a lubricant like petroleum jelly or lip balm to help the material glide over your skin instead of painfully rubbing. Many sports stores also sell products specifically designed for runners to prevent chafing and blisters. A benefit of using this type of product over petroleum jelly or lip balm is that these formulas are specially designed to prevent staining your clothing, saving your favorite sports bra.
A lubricant can also help to prevent chafing in other areas, especially where shoes may rub blisters or where clothing tags can irritate the back of your neck. You may just find yourself using them long after you no longer have problems with nipple chafing.
3) Wear Tighter Clothing
If you’ve determined that your favorite sports bra is the right size and you’re still having issues with chafing, pair it with a snug fitting top. The double protection of the right bra and a snug top can help minimize the movement that comes with running. Make sure your top is made out of the same wicking material as your bra so that sweat and moisture isn’t trapped as you run.
4) Use A Barrier Product
A barrier is another easy and inexpensive way to prevent nipple chafing. Every runner seems to have their favorite barrier product to use, from duct tape (yes, really!), to bandages, to moleskin, to first aid tape. There are also specially made products known as nipple guards that serve the same purpose. Although duct tape is common, it’s not really recommended. The harsh adhesive isn’t designed to work on the skin and you could end up with more pain than you started with as you try to painfully rip it off your already sensitive nipples. Instead, choose bandages or first aid tape that’s commonly found in the bandage aisle at your local pharmacy.
5) How To Heal
If you’re hurt, you need to heal. Give yourself a little break and apply a lanolin-based product to help speed up the healing process. A sports store should have these with the other running products. However, if you can’t get to a specialty store, you can find lanolin-based products in any big box store. Nursing moms use lanolin to help their nipples heal (so you know it’s good stuff) so just get yourself to the closest baby aisle.
You should find yourself completely healed after just a couple days. If you aren’t however, head to your doctor. You may have developed an infection and need a round of antibiotics to knock it out.
Jogger’s nipples are completely common, but also totally preventable. Take these tips and apply them before you have a problem and you’ll set yourself up for a great run.
More Bra Resources:
Five Specialty Bras to Fit Your Healthy Lifestyle
Six Shapewear Tips For Getting A Slim Look While Staying Healthy
The Ultimate Bra Fit Checklist for Looking Good and Feeling GREAT
About the Author:
Cindy Prosser is a former underwear model turned freelance writer and mommy. She’ll happily commit to wearing Champion Sports Bras so long as she’s not obligated to do any exercise 
She does occasionally get out for a run with the jog stroller when she’s not busy writing for Bare Necessities.