Liza Clifford, of Liza Clifford Professional Bra Fitting Studio, is always amazed by women who start running or take up a new sport and do the right thing by buying a good pair of running shoes or cross trainers, but neglect to provide support for their breasts.

‘’The new athlete is so concerned about getting injured by wearing the wrong sports shoe, but what about the irreparable damage they will do to their breast tissue by wearing the wrong bra?’’, says Liza. ‘’I encourage people to get fit and lose weight, but why have sagging breasts when you reach your goal weight?’’, she asks.

‘’I often hear ladies justify not investing in a good sports bra from the outset of their fitness regime, by saying that they are going to lose weight and that the size of the bra will change. If you need to invest in buying a sports bra at the outset and then another one six months later, it is worth it. Think about it. The bigger your breasts are, the heavier they are and the more likely they are to sag’’, explains Liza.

Liza Clifford has teamed up with sports shoe expert Justin Hand of D. North Runner to educate women on, not only making sure that they have the right shoe, but also the correct fitting bra and not just the closest fit. This also applies to women who have had breast implants.

When a potential customer comes to see Justin, he asks them what sport they are planning to do, as well as the frequency and the intensity of their training. He looks at their stride and the way that their foot lands, by making them run up and down the walkway outside the D. North Runner shop. He then evaluates the structure of their foot and assesses whether they need a neutral shoe or one for supination or pronation. Only then does he choose a shoe to best suit their foot and their sporting regime. Shoe prices range between R950 and R1500 and, according to Justin, he has yet to encounter a customer who does not believe that the ultimate running shoe or cross trainer is worth this financial outlay.

‘’Although we are based in Durban North, our customer base comes from all over KwaZulu Natal, as they are prepared to travel for the right advice’’, comments Justin. ‘’Having run track, road races and cross country, and being a coach and competitor in Iron Man, gives me the experience and, in turn, the credibility to give sound advice’’.  

When you book an appointment at Liza Clifford Professional Bra Fitting Studio you will be fitted for your ultimate sports bra in a private and uninterrupted environment. The fitter will first measure you and use this measurement as a guideline. She will then use all aspects of your proportions, as well as your requirements of the bra, to base a bra choice on. The fitter will fit the bra on you, using a scooping action, and make assessments that you cannot make, such as whether the band is too tight or too lose, and whether the strap length is correct. The fitter will teach you how to put on your bra, how to scoop and how to take care of your bra.

Liza Clifford Professional Bra Fitting Studio has just imported a bra which won the sports section of the UK Lingerie Awards. ‘’I am terribly excited about this product because it is the ultimate sports bra and it completely ‘beats the bounce’’’, says Liza.

Liza Clifford Professional Bra Fitting Studio has standards of sizing that are unparalleled. If they don’t have your size, you are unlikely to find it anywhere else in this country. They stock the widest range of sizes in South Africa, 61 sizes in sports bras and many more in other bras.

The new Liza Clifford (LC) Sports Bra starts at a size 28 back (this is important for elite sportswomen who carry very little body weight) and continues up to a size 40. ‘’In my experience, if you are wearing a size 42-46 and exercising, you are probably wearing the incorrect size bra’’, explains Liza.

The LC Sports Bra sells for R950 (2013), and with its moulded cup giving a rounded shape and the practical “T-Bar’’ back, which can be adjusted to be a normal over the shoulder strap, it gives brilliant support and a great shape.

So if you are participating in the Two Oceans half or ultra-marathon on the 30^th March, training for the Comrades Marathon, taking up a new exercise challenge or simply walking, running, cycling or gyming to keep fit, ensure that you are not only wearing the right shoes, but a correctly fitted sports bra for your size.

1. expert@lizaclifford.com should you wish to book an appointment or if have any queries.