Favorite running bra

[garneska]

I'll repeat my recommendation that you make sure you are wearing the right size. Pull out a tape measure, measure snugly around your chest where your bra band should fit. Don't add anything to that number. If that measurement is not close to your current band size, in all likelihood you are wearing a bra with a too large band and too small cup. If you find your bra to not be sufficiently supportive (too large band) or comfortable (too small cup), that could be why. -- Suzanne

I agree with this. I just got fitted after many years of running. Struggling a lot with different sports bras. I have two Lynx no bounce bras. I found them at a run disney expo. Expensive but I like them. However I like to have a few styles in case of chafe. This past weekend was fitted and got moving comfort Fiona. I have only taken it out on a short run but I loved it. I love that it clasps not over the head as my shoulders are starting to struggle with that. FYI, I had to move down two band sizes, of course up in cup two, but wow so much better fit.

 

[Neoflynn]

Don't want you all to think that I'm creepin in this thread but I saw this article in my FB feed today and had remembered seeing this thread title and thought you all might be interested....

http://www.runnersworld.com/sports-...d=10152944055766987&adbpl=fb&adbpr=9815486986

 

[bellrae]

I agree with those advocating for the VSX sports bras. I had a revelation of sorts when I discovered their ones that zipped up in front. The thing I hate the most about sports bras is trying to get one off over your head when you are hot and sweaty. I have at least once resorted to cutting one off out of frustration, so the ones with the front clasp are amazing to me. There is a type with cups and one without built in cups for different levels of support.

 

[FFigawi]

I can't offer any advice on running or sports bras, but I do know a thing or two about chafing. For the areas where you get chafing from the band, underwire, seam, etc., rubbing against your skin, try using KT Tape. It's wide enough to deal with any motion and stays in place really well. My friends who run ultras with me swear by it, and I use it as well when I can't find my Band-Aids.

 

[preciouspups]

I agree with those advocating for the VSX sports bras. I had a revelation of sorts when I discovered their ones that zipped up in front. The thing I hate the most about sports bras is trying to get one off over your head when you are hot and sweaty. I have at least once resorted to cutting one off out of frustration, so the ones with the front clasp are amazing to me. There is a type with cups and one without built in cups for different levels of support.

I once pulled a muscle in my neck from trying to get a tight, sweaty sports bra off over my head.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Don't want you all to think that I'm creepin in this thread but I saw this article in my FB feed today and had remembered seeing this thread title and thought you all might be interested....

http://www.runnersworld.com/sports-...d=10152944055766987&adbpl=fb&adbpr=9815486986

I just think it's so funny that to test bras for women of "every size" they looked at what works for those wearing 34" band and 36" bands. What about women who wear a 28" band or those who wear a 42" band? How can you make recommendations for runners of every size and only look at 2 band sizes? -- Suzanne

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I once pulled a muscle in my neck from trying to get a tight, sweaty sports bra off over my head.

After getting stuck in a dressing room when the tag wrapped around the fabric, I no longer even bother to try on bras that don't have a closure. -- Suzanne

 

[wellesleyprincess]

I just think it's so funny that to test bras for women of "every size" they looked at what works for those wearing 34" band and 36" bands. What about women who wear a 28" band or those who wear a 42" band? How can you make recommendations for runners of every size and only look at 2 band sizes? -- Suzanne

I've always found this odd too and I also always find the grouping by cup sizes odd too. I get it's just an easy way to do it, but a 30C and a 42C have different support needs. As someone who wears a smaller band size (30/32 depending on the bra), I always find that I need to look at recommendations one cup size down in these types of recommendations.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

I once pulled a muscle in my neck from trying to get a tight, sweaty sports bra off over my head.

After getting stuck in a dressing room when the tag wrapped around the fabric, I no longer even bother to try on bras that don't have a closure. -- Suzanne

These two posts have me laughing out loud and so grateful someone feels my pain.
I'm on the larger side of life in all ways and just yesterday decided to give some "I'm to large to wear that" options a shot to get in better shape and health. Some friends talked me into walking a 5K with them two weeks before my Disney vacation and I thought it was perfect timing.
But that whole pull over your head contortionist deal was where I stopped last night. I had the problem when I was younger and smaller so I'm fearful of this adventure at the moment. Granted I'm not running at this point but know eventually I will need more support. Glad I read this. A bucket list dream is the Disney Princess run. I've got the tiara ready and waiting.
One step at a time.

Thanks I'll be watching for these suggestions.

 

[RunBakeLove]

I love my VS Knockout. It is a racer back that has a wired cup that clips open/close in the front AND another layer that zips closed over that to really hold it all in place. I'm a 36DD/34DDD and this is the only sports bra I've found that doesn't make my chest super sore after running. I've only done up to 5 miles in this though, so I'm waiting to see if it causes chaffing on longer runs. I really hope it doesn't!!

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

Thanks to the OP for this thread. I walked my "first" mile tonight in hopes to get to that 15 minute mile to qualify for Princess 5k some day.
It would be helpful if those of you posting your favorite bras could tell me where you purchase them also. It's on my list for up and coming go gets.
I don't like mail order for clothing, unless I can return it to the local store. Irritates me to pay shipping to return it.

 

[RejoyceoverDisney]

I love my VS Knockout. It is a racer back that has a wired cup that clips open/close in the front AND another layer that zips closed over that to really hold it all in place. I'm a 36DD/34DDD and this is the only sports bra I've found that doesn't make my chest super sore after running. I've only done up to 5 miles in this though, so I'm waiting to see if it causes chaffing on longer runs. I really hope it doesn't!!

just realized VS means Victoria Secret???

 

[Katie Pittman]

I also love the Moving Comfort sports bra to run in. I was fitted at a local running store and love it. They also suggested to get a size 36 with a larger cup size when I normally wear a 38. I love the adjustable Velcro straps.

 

[pangyal]

I absolutely LOVE the All-Sport bras from Lululemon. I've never gotten chafed in any of their products and they last really well. They have an adjustable version of the All-Sport now too. I also like the Stuff Your Bra from them, it has little pockets on the front for your phone, Kleenex etc. which has been a lifesaver for me on any runs longer than two hours!

 

[Ariel484]

just realized VS means Victoria Secret???

Yes!

I've gotten mine in store - I tried them on in the dressing room and would jump around and whatnot. But ultimately I had to bite the bullet and purchase a couple of the different styles to actually run in them and find what worked for me. It helped that Victoria's Secret would send me occasional $10 off coupons and would have a sale from time to time, but it was definitely an investment.

 

[preciouspups]

Why can't these manufacturers understand that no all sports are created equal? The sports bra support that I need for running is different than the one I need for yoga or barre. For running I need it tight enough to prevent bounce but for yoga I need it high enough that I won't fall out when I'm upside down. I need the straps to stay in place and not slide around when I twist but I don't want them so tight that I lose feeling in my shoulders. Athleta may be the only one who specifies that their bras are good for different sports.

 

[wellesleyprincess]

Why can't these manufacturers understand that no all sports are created equal? The sports bra support that I need for running is different than the one I need for yoga or barre. For running I need it tight enough to prevent bounce but for yoga I need it high enough that I won't fall out when I'm upside down. I need the straps to stay in place and not slide around when I twist but I don't want them so tight that I lose feeling in my shoulders. Athleta may be the only one who specifies that their bras are good for different sports.

I think they have gotten better about this. Even Target and Old Navy label there's low, medium, and high impact. While it's not sport specific, clearly the low category is more the yoga type and running or cardio is more the medium or high depending on your personal preference/needs.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Thanks to the OP for this thread. I walked my "first" mile tonight in hopes to get to that 15 minute mile to qualify for Princess 5k some day.
It would be helpful if those of you posting your favorite bras could tell me where you purchase them also. It's on my list for up and coming go gets.
I don't like mail order for clothing, unless I can return it to the local store. Irritates me to pay shipping to return it.

My favorite place to buy sports bras is Amazon. With a Prime membership, you get free second day shipping and free return shipping on clothing. But it can be a time-consuming process, although I learned a lot along the way. Who knew "tall roots" we're a thing ( and were the thing that mean strap on two tight bras wouldn't work for me)?

Some very good sports bras are really only sold online, such as Enell, Lynx, Shock Absorber and Anita Sports. One of the excellany Polish bra manufacturers has started making a sports bra as well, though it's too recent for many reviews. There is also a German bra manufacturer that apparently makes an excellent -- but very pricey -- sports bra.

Of course, I have to buy online because no local store carries the small band/large cup I need. If you are properly fitted within the "matrix" sizes, you may have more options in brick and mortar stores. -- Suzanne

 

[girliea]

I can't offer any advice on running or sports bras, but I do know a thing or two about chafing. For the areas where you get chafing from the band, underwire, seam, etc., rubbing against your skin, try using KT Tape. It's wide enough to deal with any motion and stays in place really well. My friends who run ultras with me swear by it, and I use it as well when I can't find my Band-Aids.

I just have to ask b/c your advice is ALWAYS helpful....it doesn't hurt when you take the KT tape off? Some of the areas on the body where chafing is a problem is very tender skin so how do you get the tape off?

 

[FFigawi]

I've never found KT tape to be too painful coming off unless it's taking a lot of hair with it. On bare skin, it's not so bad.