Best sports bras for running

[BethBell]

I am new to running, and therefore new to sports bra shopping. I have seen prices range anywhere from $16.00 to $85.00. I usually follow a "somewhere in the middle" mantra, but I wanted to get good feedback before I invest money in something that would not be helpful!

 

[Barefoot Princess]

I am new to running, and therefore new to sports bra shopping. I have seen prices range anywhere from $16.00 to $85.00. I usually follow a "somewhere in the middle" mantra, but I wanted to get good feedback before I invest money in something that would not be helpful!

Hi there!

Unfortunately, there's no easy answer to this - it depends on your bra size, level of work out intensity, and flexibility (some people have a harder time with over-the-head type).
If you feel comfortable, could you share your bra-size and how much running you do? I'm very small chested (32A/30B) and I'm NOT a competitive runner - I've only been running consistently for the last 2 years, and I follow Jeff Galloway's run-walk-run method. My overall pace is probaly 10 - 10:30 with 3 minute run/1 minute walk. If you're more like me, the bras I wear & love may work well for you, but if not (while you can still try the brands I love), you may find them a bad fit for you.

That being said, two brands/style I wear and love are Moving Comfort's Charity bra, and Victoria's Secret's Runway Sports Bra. They are both very comfortable to wear, and relatively reasonable in price (Moving Comfort was ~$30 on Amazon.com, and VS bra was about $45, but I had a $10 off coupon).

I think your best bet is to ask friends who are about the same bra size as you and same activity level as you what they wear & like, and try them out. Trial and error is still ultimately the best way.

Hope you'll be able to find your perfect fit!

 

[BethBell]

I did not even think about sharing sizes! I am a 34B and I am running about the same as you Barefoot Princess. Thank you for helping me whittle down the options! It is so overwhelming and I really hated to think of trying something that tons of people said were not good. I like to read amazon reviews but it seems that people who respond are those who either totally hated it or absolutely loved it. They are the only ones who want to take the time to respond to them! Anyway, thank you again.

 

[HappyPeach]

I'm a big fan of Moving Comfort brand. I'm a bigger bra size than you, but I'll share that I like the maia and fiona styles.

 

[Barefoot Princess]

I did not even think about sharing sizes! I am a 34B and I am running about the same as you Barefoot Princess. Thank you for helping me whittle down the options! It is so overwhelming and I really hated to think of trying something that tons of people said were not good. I like to read amazon reviews but it seems that people who respond are those who either totally hated it or absolutely loved it. They are the only ones who want to take the time to respond to them! Anyway, thank you again.

I know what you mean about Amazon comments...It's either 5 or 1! Well, Moving Comfort is generally a good brand, and I like Charity - and you can try Maia and Fiona like Happy Peach suggested as well ; ) I hope you can find your match - it makes huge difference!

 

[J-2]

I'm also a big fan of Moving Comfort and the maia bra. I tried buying one on amazon recently (it was a really good price) and the sale got canceled with no explanation! I usually buy them at my local running store but they are so much more expensive there. I might just have to suck it up and order one from Moving Comfort's website.

 

[BethBell]

I think I might have to try Moving Comfort! thank you for your input on this. Having the right tools makes this a whole lot easier. Plus I feel if I invest in thi gs for running I have to continue to do it!

 

[wellesleyprincess]

For races I like Moving Comfort, but I've actually found Target's C9's for every day training

 

[cloudnut220]

This really depends on your size. I'm a 34A and I can really run in anything because there just isn't much there to bounce! But I would recommend buying a few in different brands and seeing what you like...I like the Under Armour crossover/reversible style because I can stick gels in the crossover part on the front!

 

[rubato]

Moving Comfort Fiona for me too. I think I have every color ever made. I'm a big chested girl and they hold me in place for running, but they're also pretty.

 

[redlight]

I like Enell, and I'm a 32D/DD.

 

[DisneyLover83]

Another Moving Comfort fan here! I love the Juno style for running, and the Fiona for the gym.

 

[Tabetha]

I've never had a problem with the Nike Combat sports bras - I'm 38B. Good compression, no wires.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I wear the Lululemon TaTa Tamer when I run. I'm a 38C, and nothing moves. It ... is ... awesome.

 

[joan4mickey]

I'm a 34B as far as real bras go...A is a tad small and B a tab big. I run 9-10min miles for the most part. I have been wearing a Danskin bra (2 for $10) I got at Walmart and also wear the 3 for $10 bras from Walmart. I do buy the 38 size at Walmart..no hooks so they have to go over the head and basically look flat in the front(no cups). These are fine for "small" ones.

 

[Ariel484]

I've never had a problem with the Nike Combat sports bras - I'm 38B. Good compression, no wires.

Another vote for the Nike Combat bras...love the moisture-wicking material. I'm a 34C (I think...need to get re-measured).

To the OP: my suggestion is to buy bras one at a time, try the bra for a few runs, and make your decision from there. I had to try a few before I found the ones I liked, and I made the mistake of buying 2 bras at a time. Then I'd realize I didn't like the bra and be out $60-$80 because I bought 2. YUCK!

 

[Tabetha]

I wear the Lululemon TaTa Tamer when I run. I'm a 38C, and nothing moves. It ... is ... awesome.

I was looking at those the other day - I might grab one! Thanks for mentioning it, they got so-so reviews on their website...

 

[justcruisin]

I splurged on a bra from athleta ... maybe $50. But the ones from Walmart and Target just weren't enough. I'm a 36C but always sore --- I think it's the hormone replacement so something with firm support was needed but I didn't want the uni-**** look.

Athleta let's you review bras by type of activity. I've looked at the ones made by moving comfort but the look like they wouldn't give enough support (or headlight camouflage).

I sleep in my workout clothing the night before my 5am alarm and the bra is comfy.

 

[Fluffy Princess]

I am new to running, and therefore new to sports bra shopping. I have seen prices range anywhere from $16.00 to $85.00. I usually follow a "somewhere in the middle" mantra, but I wanted to get good feedback before I invest money in something that would not be helpful!

I am in a D cup and the moving comfort Fiona is the best one I've found for minimizing bounce. Amazon appears to have them the cheapest that I can find.

 

[bellanotte10]

I'm a 34C... lately my sports bra has been giving me the "headlight" effect... which i do not care for, and its just not doing it for me support wise. I have another bra in which nothing moves and I love it for that, but then I also look soooo flat its awkward. Should I try one of the ones on here or does anyone else have a suggestion?