Saturday, December 4, 2010

It’s All About the Bra

A reader, Paula, emailed me with a question:

“Have any bra recommendations? I'm asking because it's the one product you haven't reviewed. When I started running, I was a 38C. I just received Under Armour and Moving Comfort bras (ordered online- stupid me!) in 36B and both are way too big.”

Maybe a downside of running (aside from injuries, crapping in fields and vomiting at the finish line) is that women lose boobage. I never had much to begin with, so I can’t comment.

I don’t have much in the breast department, so I’m not too picky about my bras. I think I still wear a Reebok one from the 90’s and I can buy the two pack of Champion sport’s bras at at Costco and call it good.

Can you help out Paula? What are your breast running bra recommendations?

Thanks for your input,

SUAR

PS: Kovas, when will you be doing a bra review?

48 comments:

  1. Now granted I'm only a B cup, so I don't have much to hold in either, but my absolute favorite is the Nike-Dri-Fit. It holds those girls in place, but doesn't smash them into you. The material is really smooth too, so it doesn't chafe me. Who wants a boob chafe. Plus it's moisture wicking for those who don't glisten, but full out sweat.

    PS-If you do make a SUAR kitty cover, I want one. I have never laughed so hard when I read the comments about that one. I want mine to say "Shut up and Pet" though.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The November 2010 issue of Runner's World did a great review of running bras. I was a tester for them--here's the link to my review that links to the RW article.
    http://23imaginaryfriends.blogspot.com/2010/10/runners-world-sport-bra-review.html
    That being said, I prefer Enell and Anita.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ugh - the running bra. I'm not huge, by any means, but I cannot stand one bit of motion in the boobage area - it drives me nuts. So I have to have the mondo boobensmoosher bra, and because I am a small 34C (or a generous 34B, depending on the manufacturer) it is VERY difficult to find a bra that works. Sometimes I double up on bras, but that leads to chafage - I do have two higher-end Champion bras that work pretty well, but even they're not perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Someone once told me that at my size (an A to B) I shouldn't need a bra for running, and if I did, I was hitting the ground too hard. However, the person who told me that was 1) male, and 2) ran in theory. That said, I am still looking, but I am considering getting one from Ibex as the polyester ones give me a heat rash (year round). I need something more breathable, and the other Ibex stuff I have is pretty amazing. It's just hard to commit to a $70 bra.

    http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1786/8990/womens-balance-support-bra

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh how I hate trying to find a decent running bra! I have a whole bunch that I hate so they end up just sitting in a drawer. I used to like the Adidas 2 pack at Costco but they don't carry them anymore and the Champion ones chafe under my arms for some reason. So I recently ordered an Adidas Supernova High-impact bra, and it is awesome. Has some shape to it without padding, so no more uni-boob look, has hook and eye fastening so no more dislocated shoulders trying to wrestle off a sweaty bra, adjustable straps, and keeps the girls in place. I'm a 34B and it fits perfectly. It's not cheap though and the cheapest place for it right now is 6pm.com $24) I just ordered another one.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've said it before: I know way too much about bras for a guy who's not a transvestite! The manufacturer that keeps getting mentioned for women who wear larger sizes is Enell. Never heard of them until someone somewhere blogged about it and now they're seemingly everywhere.

    No personal experience, of course.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a vote for Enell if you are amply endowed (how's that for words). I'm a double D or E and Enell really keeps the girls in place, no back pain OR black eyes, haha. Having said that I will be watching this thread closely as I'm looking for options and ideas as I get smaller.

    PS I am already losing weight and funnily enough my cup size went UP. wtf? http://needagoal.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-dont-know-how-to-tell-you-this.html

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the moving comfort and would just exchange the one you got. I'm a 36C and did order mine a little on the small side according to their chart (saw a review that recommended that) it holds me in like no other. No movement at all!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Bouncing boobs, running bras, kitten mittens, this might be my new favorite blog.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ugh, bras. The most difficult yet essential piece of running equipment. I have tried a plethora of different bra's, from cheap to expensive and have settled (note: I'm not in love with this one, but it works) with the Moving Comfort Fiona bra. It doesn't chafe, doesn't squeeze all that extra skin up too much and is sort of comfortable in a controlling sort of way. Plus they have some cute colors. I've tried other Moving Comfort bra's without success, so make sure you watch which one you're choosing. I would highly recommend going to your local running/sports store and trying it on, as well as talking to the salesperson. I've tried ordering online as well, but finally had success when I went in and talked to a real person.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am in the D and over category and I love my Moving Comfort. For the first time purchasing the bra, you must try it on. I was in the Scheel's changeroom with a variety of brands and sizes and pretty much tried on every one and jogged in place. I ended up buying a Moving Comfort that was smaller than what I buy in a normal bra both around the back measurement and the cup size. Having everything more compressed doesn't allow very much jiggling and provides a much more physically comfortable running experience and greatly reduces how self-conscious you can feel. It always pains me when I see a busty girl running and her boobs are all over the place. It must be painful!!! Oh and now that I've found the brand/size that works for me, I'm free to order online. When I think of how much I can spend on my running shoes, why wouldn't I spend 1/2 that for the girls???

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey I buy the 2 pack from Costco as well! :)
    Amazing!

    http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Never heard of Enell -- wish I would have! I was large up top after having Shelby and had to double up to work out. I'm back to normal now (a C) and love my Champion sports bras. I've actually worn several over the years -- most of the high-impact ones have worked pretty well. (The cheapies you can buy in Target, however, do NOT work! They must be the high-impact ones for larger busted women.)

    ReplyDelete
  14. My favourite sports bra ever is by Sugoi - as far as I can tell, they don't make that particular bra anymore (I've had it since I was thirteen... what can I say; it's a resilient bra and I haven't grown much in the last ten years!), but if they did, I'd buy a whole bunch. If anyone can tell me where to get a decent scoop-back (not racerback, but with wide, non-adjustible straps), I'd be in your debt.

    The other bra I particularly like is made by Title 9. I don't see it on their website - I got it at their Berkeley outlet - but it's similar to this one: http://www.titlenine.com/product/sports-bras-and-undies/medium-high-impact-sports-bras/320122.do?sortby=ourPicks

    I'm a 34B/C, for what it's worth. Oh, and one word to the wise - don't wear cotton sports bras! Chafing =/= fun.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I also wear the Champion bras, sometimes two at a time, to hold down the twins (36D). They work fine, but I'm saving money to get an Enell bra. Heard so much about them, I have to give it a go now.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I like the Fila ones that Kohls sells. The moving comfort bras are too hard to get on and off. The Fila ones are my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ive never had any luck with anything that was not expensive, because Im super picky about how much movement I can stand; Ive a few I like but most of the time I run in the Lululemon Tata Tamer (stupid name sigh) in a 34 DD (other bras Im a 32 DD) and it works the best; sometimes I double up on a couple of the other bra choices.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm a D cup and I can only use Nike and Under Armour brands for running (the high impact bras).

    I have dozens of other brands and colors that are useless for running - I can only use those for lounging around the house.

    Nike and Under Armour run true to size also. Good luck in your search!

    ReplyDelete
  19. when I started running I was 70 pounds heavier and very large boobs. 36DDs. they were my biggest excuse as why I couldn't run. Until I just put on 3, yes 3 very snug and all different brands of sports bra and started my new life. All I can say is LAYER! those girls can't move and they will get smaller! I have normal boobs (34B) now and wear one sports bra. If I can overcome this, anyone can.

    ReplyDelete
  20. moving comfort bras are awesome! I would just recommend exchanging for a different size

    ReplyDelete
  21. Moving Comfort's Juno bra. Best bra ever. I normally wear a 36C, but a 34B fits perfectly in the Juno. CW-X's Xtra support bra is also good. If you have a Title Nine near you, it's worth a trip to the store for their help getting the right bra.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I like an extra small sports bra from old navy. I get the extra small so its tighter and holds the girls firmer. I always get my sports bras on the small side.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Im waiting for a review from Kovas...

    I pretty much am happy in anything that fits right-Nike, Addidas, UA, Old Navy...now that I barely have any to support it's not really an issue :(

    I would hit your local running store, try on a bunch and ask to use the TM to test comfort.
    Best wishes Paula!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am a C/D and I love the Champion bras!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've had Fruit of the Loom from Walmart since high school (eh - twelve years ago!) and they're fine.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ha! I regularly mourn my boobs. If I had known that running would give me great legs but the chest of a 12 year old boy, I might have chosen a different sport. Target's Champion bras do fine by me, but I am not at all well endowed. At all.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Awesome! I'm jotting all these down. As soon as my sons go to school Monday, I'm hitting Fleet Feet and Dick's Sporting Goods. That's all we've got around here. I have two Champion bras but it seems my favorite has been discontinued and the other one is 90% cotton. It gets completely saturated in sweat so I'm freezing and I can't get it off after a run. Not good! Thank you so much for all the recommendations and to Beth for posting this for me.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I got nothin...I too can wear just about any sports bra and it doesn't much matter when you're a 34a

    ReplyDelete
  29. Much needed recommendations! It's so hard to buy them online!

    I just posted on a "Kovas" inspired product :)

    http://jallen.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Although I wished for more shrinkage in the tummy area, my boobs have gotten smaller instead since I've been running. Moving Comfort and Nike Dry Fit are my favs. Biggest tip: try a variety on.

    ReplyDelete
  31. okay.people.I have this covered.

    Paula - we are the same size . . .

    trust me . . .on the recommendations. . .

    Champion #2960

    Nike seamless dri-fit.

    THEY
    ROCK.

    buy in bulk if you find them. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  32. No Boobs, no comments......7 month ago maybe a few comments, but not now, well, guy boobs of course, but no moobs....not that i have anything against boobs, I mean...this was bad idea to comment on this post...should have kept it short and sweet like Kovas, not that I don't like big things but....come on, it's Saturday night, whadaya expect?

    Keep slingin' em SUAR

    ReplyDelete
  33. You would think a sport that uses your legs would melt pounds off your backside, but no, the boobs were the first to go and the backside insists on sticking around!

    I'm a 34B and I wear Moving Comforts Vixen bra. No bounce, no chafing and no uniboob (the thing that bugs me most). Love it. Haven't looked at another bra since.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm small - no idea how small really. It's too depressing to take the time to find out.
    But, I love Running Skirts bras - supportive for running and cute. I was tired of having everything sucked in to hold the girls, and I often ended up with pinched nerves. The twins (Running Skirts, that is) did the trick for me.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Boobs are great, so look after them, wear the right bra, if you need help give us a shout...

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have no rec. I am small and they always slip around and leave chaf marks.. sigh....

    ReplyDelete
  37. i rock target champion C9 bras... love love love them!

    ReplyDelete
  38. My Moving Comfort ones are too big too. I have to agree with other commenters and say Champion C9 at Target!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'm a 36 DD - lost almost 50 lbs but boobs haven't shrunk at all. Sigh.

    I double up - wearing a minimizing underwire 'normal' bra with a Nike dri-fit size L on top. It's annoying, but I can't deal with bouncing and moving - or at least my back can't!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I really like the Shock Absorber B4490 Level 4 Bra. I have a larger chest (36Gor H depending, ahh genetics anyone want some boobs?) It keeps the girls in place though i do put another pull over bra on top for added support. A neat website i found http://www.lessbounce.com/. They are in the UK, but they have fast and decent priced shipping and i still get my bras cheaper there the in the US.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kovas will be doing a brea review right after he done reviewing his new high heel shoes.

    ReplyDelete
  42. I love my Moving Comfort bras... I've found a bra that for me (not same size as you) prevents any bounce. Adjustable straps and back hooks. Different sizes have different types of bras.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I big puffy heart Moving Comfort Fiona. I'm a DD, so support and wide straps are important. Love the adjustable straps and wide band at the bottom. My B and C friends like it as well. It runs true to size, so knowing your actual bra size is important.

    I highly recommend being fitted at least once a year, more if you're just starting to run. It helps narrow down the best bra for you. Also, make sure you're looking at "high impact" sports bras. The ones for yoga aren't going to work for running.

    ReplyDelete
  44. For the little boobies I love Kalyx bra's and have review them but I've got nothing for you endowed ladies.

    ReplyDelete
  45. It is better if we visit the shops and try out the bra's and then buy rather than ordering online, we will know the comfort level only once we wear it.

    ReplyDelete