Alright, I could use some help here. I'm one of those who needs two bras to go running. My under-bra is a real sports bra and a pretty good one for that matter. It's a bit too small for me but they don't make that brand in any bigger cup sizes and I just refuse to buy a bra that I can't try on first. Over that I wear a balconette bra because it helps to reduce the bouncing. However, the bra I've been using is way too big for me now and it hangs too low and chafes too much. I need to buy a new one but I'd love to hear some suggestions first. The one I have right now is a 42F but really, I'm more like a 38F/G (sometimes 36 depending on the brand) and it also depends on if I just nursed DD or not, but normally I run right after nursing so F's are ok. Does anybody have any suggestions?
My other problem is finding underwear that are comfortable while running. Normal underwear just never fit quite right and I've really be struggling to find something that works well with my postpartum body. Either they give me wedgies or chafe or the crotch is too wide or they slide down my belly, I just can't seem to get it right! I tried to buy a pair of workout underwear, which are probably the best that I have, but they also creep up while I'm running. So I feel silly asking this but how do I find ones that fit well and stay put??
I would love to hear some good answers to this as well! I have the same problem...having to wear 2 items when running. I wear a snug bra and Nike sportsbra. No underwire. I'm a DD. It seems to be ok...
For underwear I wear cotton bikini strap. Those work the best for me.
I don't have the underwear problem, so I'm no help there. But, I buy my workout bras from title nine and they work fantastic! No bounce and no feeling like I'm being crushed. I look for the 4 barbell bras and they are really great. They're not cheap, but they do last. The web site is www.titlenine.com.
I don't like the idea of buying bras without trying either. So I looked up the location of title nine stores on their web site and made a special trip across town when I was in the US to try on bras. (The employees were very cool and kept bringing more.) It was a bit of an extra effort but now I know the size I can buy more on line. I settled on the Enell Last Resort and two different Moving Comfort bras. I think title nine is pretty good about returns though, they expect that things won't fit. So if there isn't something in driving distance you could order 2-3 around your size from online and send back the ones that don't work. You could also call around to running stores or places that cater to riders, to check on what sizes and brands they carry.
I also found a few Champion bras in the Bali/BHS etc bra store (not the lycra stretchy kind but actually sturdy) in an outlet mall, and also got lucky in the Marshalls/TJ Maxx sports tops/bra section (not the regular bra section). I look for the bras that are made (in the front at least) of non-stretchy material.
The slightly annoying thing with a lot of larger sports bras is that they are not sized individually by cup/band size, so you end up compromising on fit a bit. I had a reduction a few years ago, which reduced the volume but left me still needing very wide cups, so it's basically impossible to find a sports bra cup that fits. I always make sure the band is tight enough, and then everything else just ends up getting smooshed together flat. That's how the Enell is designed to work in any case. I take off my bras as soon as I am finished exercising so I don't get diaper rash!
I would like to know about the underwear thing too. I got some pricey "sports" underwear from REI a few years ago and didn't notice any difference from my regular cheap underwear.
Last edited by bronzeager; 08-26-2010 at 06:46 AM.
I wear a 36FF/36G in "regular" bras, and I after I began experiencing pain in my breasts from running, I knew I had to invest in some high quality sports bras.
I LOVE the Shock Absorber Max. Nothing moves at all but it's still very comfortable. And it is sized by band/cup measurements and goes up to an H cup.
I also got a Champion 360. It's great but not fantastic...a lot more support than most sports bras but it's still not as firm as I would like.
For panties....well ...I go commando. I wear both compression shorts and running shorts, so I don't feel naked, and it's just so much more comfortable. When it's TOM, I wear men's boxers so I have an extra layer in case of tampon malfunction. I like the boxers because they fit like shorts but they're technically underwear.
For undies I wear compression shorts under my running shorts. Works great - no slipping, no wedgies nothing. Sometimes they are hard to find but the ones I have are C9 (from Target - maybe only online now) and Danskin. Underarmour makes some but they are really short and I haven't tried them (plus UA as a rule is just so ridiculously priced I refuse to pay those prices!) I think I may have found the Danskin compression shorts at Marshall's in the sportswear section. Would be worth looking on Title 9 also.
As for bras, Moving Comfort is my brand of choice. Good luck!
I LOVE the Shock Absorber Max. Nothing moves at all but it's still very comfortable. And it is sized by band/cup measurements and goes up to an H cup. ...
underwear.
Do you find that it's true to size? I mean the same as your regular size? I've heard about it before and heard praise for it but never seen it in a store. Did you buy it online or in a store?
Last edited by bronzeager; 08-26-2010 at 03:16 PM.
Regular bra size is 34GG and I love Enell, which are pricey. I too don't want to spend that much on something I couldn't try on but on their website was a store locater. I went to the closest store and found the size 3 fit me best. I like the fit so much that it's become my default bra on the days I don't plan to be seen anywhere but at the gym (I work from home).
Do you find that it's true to size? I mean the same as your regular size? I've heard about it before and heard praise for it but never seen it in a store. Did you buy it online or in a store?
I was told it runs a bit small so I bought it one size larger than my usual size (38G instead of 36FF/G) and it's perfect.
I bought it online...from eBay actually. Someone had recommended it highly but there aren't a lot of places to shop (for anything!) where I live. I took a risk buying it on eBay but it was super cheap ($12 new with tags). The online store I linked to looks like it has a pretty reasonable return policy so I think it would be safe to buy from there if you aren't sure of size.
My other problem is finding underwear that are comfortable while running. Normal underwear just never fit quite right and I've really be struggling to find something that works well with my postpartum body. Either they give me wedgies or chafe or the crotch is too wide or they slide down my belly, I just can't seem to get it right! I tried to buy a pair of workout underwear, which are probably the best that I have, but they also creep up while I'm running. So I feel silly asking this but how do I find ones that fit well and stay put??
I can't answer your bra question but your underwear question I've solved by not wearing any... In the summer I have shorts that have attached compression shorts, in the winter I just don't wear any underwear I wash my gym/running pants each time I wear them... No undies = no wedgies
I am with a lot of the other girls...I almost always go commando! I mean the majority of the time I am working out in yoga pants or capris and they are form fitting enough that I dont even notice I don't have underwear on! Plus it cuts down on laundry hehe!!
Also...I personally have a big butt so I have a hard time with almost all the underwear I wear so I have never been able to find comfy undies to work out in!!
Are there any chain stores that carry extended sizes (40 E/F)? I've started jogging and really, really need a better bra! I've lost 28lbs and I'm not even sure what size I'm at. I'd really like to be able to try bras on so I can determine what fits my body. I hate going into stores only to discover they don't have bras that are big enough.
Are there any chain stores that carry extended sizes (40 E/F)? I've started jogging and really, really need a better bra! I've lost 28lbs and I'm not even sure what size I'm at. I'd really like to be able to try bras on so I can determine what fits my body. I hate going into stores only to discover they don't have bras that are big enough.
Finding the best bras/underwear for running
...I go commando. I wear both compression shorts and running shorts, so I don't feel naked, and it's just so much more comfortable. When it's TOM, I wear men's boxers so I have an extra layer in case of tampon malfunction. I like the boxers because they fit like shorts but they're technically underwear.
