What to Do for Chafing, Irritation, and Skin Rash From a Sports Bra
Health ConditionsSkin Conditions

What to Do for Chafing, Irritation, and Skin Rash From a Sports Bra

What to Do for Chafing, Irritation, and Skin Rash From a Sports Bra
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Updated on August 6, 2025
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Wearing the wrong sports bra can seriously ruin a workout. If you're wearing an ill-fitting sports bra, as you exercise and perspire, the accumulated sweat and dampness within your sports bra can cause chafing, irritation, or a skin rash on, around, or between your breasts. Which, let’s be real, doesn’t look or feel good. But the upside is that, in most cases, good hygiene and choosing the right bra can alleviate this uncomfortable condition.

What Causes a Sports Bra Rash?

One of the most common causes of a rash from a sports bra is a heat rash. This type of rash, which may show up between or underneath your breasts, often occurs due to excessive sweat getting trapped under your skin and blocking your sweat glands.

However, there are ways to reduce your likelihood of developing a heat rash during your workouts. Consider implementing these lifestyle strategies:

  • Wear a lightweight, breathable sports bra.
  • Shower and wash the area well with a mild soap after exercising.
  • Keep your skin clean and dry.
  • Avoid using any oily sunscreens or moisturizers, which can block your sweat glands.
  • Wash your sports bra after each use with an unscented brand of laundry detergent.

What Causes Sports Bra Chafing?

Chafing happens when parts of your body rub against your sports bra over and over again. And when you’re working out, the sweat can make the chafing even worse. As a result, you may develop a red rash, raised bumps on your skin, dryness, itching, and stinging. More severe chafing can manifest as blisters or sores that may bleed.

Fortunately, you can help prevent or treat chafing in the following ways:

  • Use mild soap and water when you shower.
  • Dry your skin thoroughly after showers.
  • Apply aloe vera or petroleum jelly to help chafing heal and prevent future irritation.
  • Wear a properly fitted sports bra.

How to Choose the Right Sports Bra

So you’re at the store — or online — and need to find a sports bra that doesn’t give you any of these uncomfortable chafing or rash symptoms. We got you!

Pick a sports bra that fits snugly, without rubbing or riding up, and is not too tight. If your bra moves while you exercise, it could chafe the skin on the areas that it touches. A good way to test if the size is right for you is by seeing how far you can stretch the sports bra from your skin. Ideally, it should be tight enough that it’s snug but loose enough that it’s not restrictive. It’s also important that the fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking.

Once you've worn and washed your bra several dozen times, the elastic might start to stretch, causing the bra to be too large. When this happens, it may be helpful to replace the sports bra so you don’t develop a rash in the future.

The Takeaway

  • Wearing an ill-fitting sports bra while working out may often cause skin irritation, chafing, or a rash on or around your breasts.
  • A heat rash can occur when sweat gets trapped between your bra and skin, while chafing can happen when your bra causes friction on your skin.
  • Showering with a mild soap, keeping your skin dry, and avoiding oily moisturizers can help prevent future rashes.
  • Finding a sports bra that is breathable, moisture-wicking, and well-fitted is essential.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Heat-Related Illness (Hyperthermia). Cleveland Clinic. July 26, 2024.
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Heat Rash. Mayo Clinic. May 6, 2022.
  3. Chafing. Cleveland Clinic. July 19, 2022.
  4. Choosing a Sports Bra. University of Colorado Hospital. November 2009.
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Kara-Andrew-bio

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Kara Andrew, RDN, LDN, is the director of health promotion for Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois. She is also licensed as an exercise physiologist and certified in lifestyle medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Her experience includes corporate wellness, teaching for the American College of Sports Medicine, sports nutrition, weight management, integrative medicine, oncology support, and dialysis.

She earned her master's in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University.

Andrew has served as a president and board member of the Nashville Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She was recently elected a co-chair of the fitness and medicine group in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.

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Michelle Kulas

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Michelle Kulas worked in the health-care field for 10 years, serving as a certified nurses' assistant, dental assistant and dental insurance billing coordinator. Her areas of expertise include health and dental topics, parenting, nutrition, homeschooling and travel.

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