October 20, 2009

A good one's hard to find.







Mom always told me it would get harder to find the right one as I got older. I'm learning now just how right she was.

There are the ones that are too clingy. There are the ones that are too loose, bopping all over the place and causing trouble. There are the ones that do nothing, the ones that do too much, the ones that seem perfect at first but then end up not being such a great fit. Then there are the ones that look and feel great until the first time you run 'em through the washer in that little mesh bag.

Wait, what?

Gracious, no, I'm not talking about men (although I could be); I'm talking about sports bras. I've finally found the one that works for me, the one I'll never leave, the one I'll stay with until the end.

I am blessed (ha) with both prodigious boobage and a wide, wide back. That makes finding a decent sports bra hard, as a lot of 'em aren't cut for women with really wide backs, and more of 'em simply don't have the support a D to DD gal needs when she's cross-training.

For the last two and a half years I've worn the "'Cuz She Says So" bra from Title 9. I went down a cup size when I bought it (although why I did that, I don't recall--fit reviews, maybe?) and it's worked like a charm. I have two and rotate them out, washing them every second time I wear them so they don't degrade from the massive amounts of sweat I produce. Now that I'm shrinking like the Wicked Witch of the West, I'm thinking (as I'm shrinking) that I might need to downsize a little more, just to keep the Amazon Pair from rotating uncomfortably during my runs, but that time is still a bit in the future.

Here's the bra:


It is not pretty. Not even a little bit. Matter of fact, it gives that sort of bullet-boob profile that so enchanted the Cold Warriors of the late 1940's and early 1950's. But darned if it don't *work*.

Title 9 also sells something they call the "Last Resort Bra"--the catalog copy warns of "major smushage"--for women who have tried everything else and still give themselves black eyes during kickboxing. I've considered trying it, but I'm not sure my workouts ever reach the intensity that would warrant a really killer bra.

What about you? Have you got sports-bra-related celebrations or tales of woe? What's your favorite/most-reviled sports bra? Any tips for women out there who might measure out as a 32F-cup? (I saw a woman running the other day who was tiny with enormous honkers and NO support whatsoever and wanted to pull the car over and give her T9's web address. OWIE!)

Share your homages to Otto Titzling in the comments.

39 comments:

  1. Heh. Otto Titsling. That is such a fun song! Did a lipsync to it in college with a male friend (me in a labcoat, him in drag). :+)

    Anywho. My problem is that I'm short, narrow ribcage, but generiously endowed. I've had luck in the past with the 3-reasons bra from Title 9 (Moving Comfort Fiona Bra), layered with another compression bra for some additional support.

    Oh, and if you want to see how some of these bras actually hold up, you can look them up at www.herroom.com and watch videos of ladies running in the various products.

    For any ladies here in the UK who have trouble finding a supportive enough sports bra, google Bravissimo. They sell online plus have shops in most major cities.

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  2. I have the same problem as Theresa, and was going to recommend the exact same bra: Moving Comfort's Fiona Bra. It's so fantastic, comes in cute colors, perfect for high impact sports and has adjustable straps!

    You can also find them at a massive discount here: www.activelyyours.com

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  3. Thanks for the advice, I will have to look into these.

    Not so much for me, after all the pregnancies and nursing it's a bit too late. Also not so much for my Bigger Girl, who is built like her Aunt, and can use a regular sports bra.

    This will be good for my Little Girl, who, at age 11, is growing like I did, too early.

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  4. I wear this one all the time these days, even when I'm not working out. Doesn't smoosh me or make me stick out. I'm a 34-C/D, and it offers great support:

    Champion 6209:

    http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_PlusSize-Champion/CH6209.aspx

    Champion is having an on-line sale RIGHT NOW. I've ordered from them before, and their service is excellent.

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  5. Ahh, Title 9. They've saved me many times, but my favorite sports bra has to be the original Champion.

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  6. I use the Enell bra, because it's next to impossible to find a nursing sports bra that does anything supportive. (these are frony closure) They come in odd sizes and yes they smush you but your boobs are going nowhere! No where I say!

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  7. I don't like smush bras. I like a defined cup so I use Champion, one of theirs that has a defined cup & they don't break the bank. I am so small, booby wise, that I don't have the other prob. BUT, if I ever get $$ for a boob job, I will need this advice for sports bras for bigger ones! I do a workout that requires definite support!

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  8. If any ya'll wanna send some boobage my way please feel free. I am currently reducing down to training bra's again... *sigh*

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  9. I'm a huge Title 9 fan as well for sports bras. Oprah recommended their Frog Bra years ago and I still love it to this day (also major smushage). Maybe I'll have to branch out and try their other ones....

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  10. I have yet to find a decent sports bra in my size... I'm currently a 40G (eep!) and at my slimmest, I'm a 38DD/E (I'm 6 foot tall and BROAD!) In the UK you can get big cup sizes with small back sizes - e.g. 30-36 AA-L or big back sizes with small cup sizes - 40+ A-DD. I've got both a broad back and big boobs and it's a NIGHTMARE! Aaarrrghhhh!

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  11. My faves are Title 9's Last Resort bra (for running) and the Frog Bra (for other workouts). Major uniboob, but those babies don't move.

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  12. I admit - I'm in the smooshage crowd. I don't want those babies moving *anywhere* while I'm working out. I've lived by Champion since I was in high school umpteen years ago.

    But now I may have to go check out a few of these other suggestions!

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  13. Heh...losing weight was nice as my ample EE boobage has reduced to a nice C...except now it's...um...less than perky. Suppose I can't have everything :). I don't miss flopping around all ove the place when I work out, but now I have trouble finding a smaller bra that holds me all up in place where I should be that works for bellydance. I have some great sports tank bras that feel great for bellydance but offer no support whatsoever.
    Champion eh? Hmmm...I'll look into that... Thanks dragonmamma

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  14. I'm "blessed" with a small chest - so I just buy what's on sale at Costco, but one size smaller than the back of the box says I should.

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  15. *Sigh* This is not a problem for me. I've gotten up early to go running and didn't even realize I'd forgotten to bra-up until AFTER the run.

    There are a few advantages to being severely flat-chested...

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  16. Boy did I need to read this thread! I always have bra problems. I am going to follow-up the suggestions in this post.

    Terrie

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  17. Oh, the difference a good sports bra can make!

    I love Glamorise bras. They have sports bras that smush (Sport Max front closure) and other models that don't. I like the Sport Max best, because they don't chafe; run, spin, or triathlon, the girls stay put. (I'm a 42DD.) Just My Size has them on sale quite often. The Champion bra is comfy, but not quite as supportive for me and it chafed me one time, so it's been demoted to low impact or regular wear.

    When I started out with exercising last year, though, I didn't want to spend money on new bras until I'd lost some weight. I had many cotton-blend, no underwire bras, so I just doubled up my regular bras when exercising until I was ready to buy new ones.

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  18. I used to want to get a boob job until I started running regularly. Now I'm happy I have a small (A-cup) chest and can wear the cheap-o sports bras from Target with no problem.

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  19. I have to confess that I don't own a sports bra! I'm not even sure where I would be able to buy one in my size in this part of the world... Women my size aren't expected to be sporty. I must say it hasn't bothered me much, since I don't do bouncy stuff - I swim, walk, do Pilates and strength train. But when I progress to running, I'll be sure to strap the girls in tightly.

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  20. I second whoever said the Enell sports bra. I'm a 38F cup and it's the only thing that lets me run and do Zumba without serious injury.

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  21. Ladies,

    I'm a 36DDD jogger, and I find what works best for me is a regular underwire bra with an inexpensive compression bra on top. I've tried may of the $50+ sportsbras and they don't work as well.
    cammi99

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  22. Any tips for women out there who might measure out as a 32F-cup?

    Oh, I'm going to check out some of the suggestions here, because I think you were being silly, but that is TOTALLY my bra size. And my ribs are getting smaller. (Not my boobs, oh no, that would make life easier. I don't lose actual boobage weight, just ribcage weight. At one point in college I wore a 28DDD. TRY finding a bra in that size. *sigh*)

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  23. Good Lawd Yes!!!! I have resorted to wearing two, count em, two sports bra for my workouts. I just loved that double-rolled sausage look! I have 1 Champion bra that actually fits well for running,kickboxing, and zumba and something fell on my head the other day that said - hey lady - search the web for that thing.

    Viola! Champion online sells is (Sports Authority has it too): Champion Double Dry® Action Shape Sports Bra onsale for $24.99 for us amply supplied gals! I'm ordering two this week and another two in two more weeks!

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  24. As a DD myself, I've gone for the double bra since high school - a normal everday bra topped with a sports bra. Then I get support from the normal bra and smushing/lack of bouncing from the sports bra.

    One bra would be much nicer, and probably work a lot better. :)

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  25. Okay, so I'm solidly in the middle-endowed group (and my sister HATES me for it, she of the F-cup and then some while breastfeeding) and even less so when I keep up with the running but I'll cop to being incredibly picky.

    My criteria: underwire for separation, serious compression for minimal movement, wicking since I sweat like a racehorse, regular back closure since taking something wet and sticky and tight over my head makes my shoulders dislocate, laundry-friendly since I am the world's laziest clothing caretaker (although I do line dry).

    My bra - I have four and seriously am buying an additional three for my increased running and continued lazy laundering schedule: Champion Double Dry Seamless Full-Support Underwire Sports Bra (CH6242). Retail $42, but $35 at my local Sports Basement where I can almost always get 10%-20% off just for breathing (meaning I have to pay tax but not shipping). Also on super sale - $25.99 - at the moment at Champion (taxed in CA and many other states, but free shipping for orders over $75).

    http://www.sportsbasement.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=6242!CJ

    http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion/Women_SportsBras_Bestsellers-Champion/CH6242.aspx

    Comes in "asphalt" and "rich berry" in addition to your standard black/while on the Champion site, if you're into that kind of thing.

    I tried the Fiona since it promised separation without underwire and that sounded good, but the front strap adjuster always ended up right on my collarbones, and chafed like hell when I was wearing a pack or racking a bar. YMMV, obviously.

    Also, love Title 9. My husband complains every time I get their catalog that there's nothing similarly cool for short guys who are a little thick in the middle. =)

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  26. {Rant Warning.) I have been allergic to polyester since the mid-seventies, and to other synthetics for almost as long. I Do Not Wear Synthetic Underwear! This means, as a 36D (the last time I measured, which was years ago) I cannot find a bra to fit me. I haven't checked Title 9 or Just My Size in years, but they used to have all cotton bras--up to a C. I gave up looking in the early eighties, and I've been bra-less ever since.

    Now since I don't run, and no longer take dance classes, this does not bother me. I walk, I ride the stationary bike, very rarely I swim, I used to play an occasional game of volleyball (when you might think I'd need a sports bra, but I was comfortable without) and my knees and ankles are unlikely to agree to my doing anything bouncy on a regular basis. But it still make me mad that my choice is to bounce or to feel prickly from three seconds after I put a bra on until I rip it off three minutes later.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

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  27. I've found that the best sports bras are running bras. They're stabilizing, comfy, and cute. I personally use a purple Nike bra - it's amazing!

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  28. The Last Resort bra is the one and only bra I can run in. It doesn't completely stop the bounce, but it does at least hold it down to about a 2.5 on the Richter scale (I probably could have gone a size smaller but I thought it'd be safer to err on the side of being able to, y'know, breathe).

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  29. I've lost almost 45 pounds, and all has changed but my bra size. I wear Title Nine, too, one step down from the major smooshage one. I have two different types, one better than the other, and I never remember which is which. One of them is okay for jumping jacks (which I detest), and the other, not so much.

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  30. @Mary Anne:

    Wow, that sucks. FYI, there is a company on the web called Decent Exposures...their bras ain't what I'd call pretty, but they're not kidding about sizes. 30-54, AA-L (dear heavens, deliver me!). You choose your fabric, including a 1005 cotton option.

    You seem to be content as you are, but there's help there if you want it. (You could also try "all-cotton bra D" in Google...lots of hits, some better than others.)

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  31. After years of marathoning in two sports bras (as a measly 36D), and chafing holes just under my sternum, I sought the advice of a Fleet Feet bra fitter a year ago, and found Moving Comfort's Fiona. Since I don't wear it for anything but running & biking & triathlon swimming, the front adjustment strap works well for me even (literally) on the run if I need a little less bounce. The fitter (Thanks, Jemissa!) suggested I go a band size smaller than in dress bras, and Voila, no chafing, even on 12-15 mile runs in August with 100% humidity. Has anyone tried Moving Comfort's Helene (or Helena) bra??-- it's supposed to be encapsulating not uniboob,but I haven't found it to try on locally and I'm REALLY tired of catalog stuff not fitting.

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  32. Another vote for the original Champion.

    (Also, has anyone made a little mesh bag for men yet? Because I would so buy that.)

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  33. Another Cause She Says So fan here-38DD to be exact. I wear it for running, but it works for everyday wear too!

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  34. Ebell all the way. Best sports bra EVER! Expensive as hell but worth every penny!

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  35. I'm another big fan of Champion bras! I've been through many different sizes (and even shapes!) in my weight loss journeys, and I always find something at Champion that works perfectly. Plus, they are very affordable and have great sales!

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  36. In case there are other plus sized ladies who read this, I have always found Junonia has great sports bras. They have band sizes in most models up to 48/50, and cup sizes up to G.

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  37. essbee, thank you for making me take another look at Decent Exposures. The last time I looked was more than five years ago, and I think they've expanded the sizes available in 100% cotton. The fact that they consider A-E the "smaller" sizes is promising, and they say cotton is suitable for light support or "those who have not worn a bra in a long time." It sounds like they really get it.

    Mary Anne in Kentucky

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  38. Most of the time I do not need significant support as I'm not doing something all that "bouncy". I only run during interval training.

    However, I like a nice supportive bra, ideally of the non-smoosh variety. I'd love to find the right one that closes in the front.

    Why? Because on the days I do my upper body weight training my arms are screaming in pain by the time I get to the locker room. My skin is all sweaty and the bra is moisture glued to my body.

    Trying to pull a bra off over my head - and turning one around for a back hook?- hurts so much I nearly cry. If I strength to do it all.

    Some days I've had no choice but to shower in my bra, letting the water ease my muscle soreness a bit while loosening up the grip of the bra.

    A good front hooking bra would make life much less painful.

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