Sports Bra While biking?

[Ana]

Hello,

My sports bra of 3+ years is on its last leg....I was wondering what kind of sports bra you guys wear while riding. I have a rather large bust (34DD) and prefer underwires, mostly because I'm used to the support in my everyday bras....

Anyway, I'm in the market for a new sports bra but am unsure what to get :) My rides are mostly recreational and do not exceed 30 miles although I'm trying to build up :)

Thanks! :-D

[nic840]

I am right around your size, 34D +/- and sagging!
Most of my "older" sports bra's were for when I used to do high impact type things....running, soccer, etc. Now that my ankle is not allowing me to do those things I am finding that I don't need the same support I once did.

In fact if I wear those bras cycling they are uncomfortable and have too much support. I forgot my bras on a roadtrip once and ended up buying a few of the Adidas sports bras at a local sports store and they have now become my favorite! (they were cheap too)
I like the fact that they are not as tight around the chest area as my more supportive ones. They just hold "the girls" close to me and allow little movement and more comfort when bent over.

If you do use bras for other things more impact related I would recommend checking out titlenine sports. www.titlenine.com and check out their "bounce" ratings. There are plenty of bras out there to meet your needs...it just takes some experimenting on what is right for you. I used to like the Champion bras with the separate cups and hooks in back. They were great for running and jumping kind of sports.

Good luck on your quest.

[singletrackmind]

Moving Comfort Fiona....that tames 'em for me (36dd). The champions were pretty good too, but these keep the girls from wigglin', giggling and swinging about best of any I've tried so far. I use the 36D and it's adjustable enough to accommodate since my size fluctuates d-dd.

[KnottedYet]

saggy 34c, and I love the CWX here on TE http://www.teamestrogen.com/brands.asp?brandID=119 and the Natori sold by TitleNine. http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2170&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=676&iProductID=2170

[cyclinnewbie]

33DD here...I like Champion bras..just the compression kind, but I also wear a sport tank with one of those built in shelf bras, under my long sleeve jersey. I find the two shirts work together well to keep me warm and dry. I was a 36DDD, but have lost a bit of weight, so am a tad on the saggy side, so the two bras work well for me.

[Kano]

Moving Comfort -- there's another model than that Fiona that I like a lot. It's got underwires, and keeps 'em separate. I have always hated mooshing 'em together so they get all sweaty and gross...

Got it at REI, if that helps!

Karen in Boise

[Cari]

I'm guessing by your mileage that you do road riding, correct?

36-38 D-DD here. I use underwires both for MTB and road. I've tried non-underwire on road rides and some of the less jarring MTB. They're pretty comfortable, but I find that if they don't provide separation, my forward position makes for some serious uniboob.

Champion underwires are still my favorite. I've tried some Moving Comfort models (including the Fiona) but they fit weird and the sizing seemed off. But it's always good to try them on the first time just to be sure. In fact I like to try sport bras on with a cycling jersey just to make sure everything looks and feels right.

By the way, I've read on other forums that you shouldn't use underwires (for safety?) but that was probably posted by a 34A! :)

Good luck,

Cari

[Ana]

Yeah, I guess it would be embarrassing to have to fess up to an underwire injury at the hospital....ow!:p

[alpinerabbit]

Where is the problem?
You are women. Love your bodies.At least try.....

For Pete's sake. I do not understand you ladies' aversion to your own, beautiful equipment.

I do not understand why the so horridly named uniboob is a problem, nor, when I was trying to find out whether I am clear on the meaning, the headlight thing that also seems to obsess the minds of - pardon my narrowness - America's athletic womanhood. Going for a padded bra to avoid showing your nipples? Oh behave! It's the adrenaline kick of the finish too!

[/end liberated-womanly rant]

[KnottedYet]

I don't think we're looking at an aversion issue. Those of us with larger "beautiful equipment" actually feel pain when we have inadequate support.

When one is well-endowed the uniboob issue becomes a problem because then a great deal of sweat collects between the breasts. That sweaty pocket gets mighty uncomfortable. The uniboob can cause chafing, too. Yes, some of us have boobs big enough that they chafe each other.

A bra with support and separation can make athletic activities (even something as low impact as riding) as comfortable for us as for those with smaller breasts that don't need miracles of engineering wrapped 'round their ribcages.

[sandra]

I also wear a 34 DD and bought this one (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22159) right here on TE. I see now it's on sale! :eek:

I wear underwire in my everyday bras but this one does not have it. It's very supportive. I like the front zipper.

I ordered 34 DD in this but returned it for a 36DD because it was snug.

edited to add: here is the new style (http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30638) with a larger size selection.

[Trek420]

My sports range from no impact (swim) to low impact (bike or walk) to high (Aikido, being thrown through the air). I thought bras don't matter. I'd get whatever was on sale, Primal, Champion .... as long as it wicked 'cause I sweat like a hog :rolleyes:

KnottedYet took me to the shrine of bras, think it was Title9 in Seattle. It was like being fit for a bike. :p It makes a huge difference in how my posture feels. I can breath, it's amazing :p I feel supported but not constricted, my shoulders aren't being pulled down .... I really don't care about who thinks what about the girls size but i do care about my comfort on the bike and elsewhere. :)

Now that I know the size and model I like (Moving Comfort Fiona is one that I like) I get them at Sierratrading post or wherever there is a sale.

[tc1]

I wear a 46 barely C cup. Large frame, relatively small breasts. Most traditional sports bras are way too small for around my body and choke me. And the straps are always too short, although that is less of a problem since I gave up bodybuilding. I look on the bright side by thanking Dog that I don't have to wear bras with underwires. I get the best fit from this style by following the manufacturers measuring instructions exactly, then buying one size smaller.

http://www.junonia.com/detail.htm?sid=419034&tl=2&ldid=18&sdid=33

For bouncy bouncy stuff (soccer in my case) the Enell bra is the best I have ever found. And the most constricting.

[marshj]

after trying almost every sports bra on the market, wearing double bras etc i finally found active comfort by donna karan at brasymth. kinda funny looks inside out as the underwire is on the outside. but no uniboob problems. my 34DDDD chest highly recommends.

[Cari]

Yep, what KnottedYet said. Back pain, especially. And bad posture. And yes, chafing.

Then I found the joys of a supportive, well-fitting sports bra and everything changed. :D

[tc1]

For all you champion fans out there, the catalog I just got as all sports bras for 19.99.
championcatalog.com

[NbyNW]

This thread has done _wonders_ for my flat-chested ego! :p

I've never this particular issue with chafe, but glad that someone's making good equipment for those of you who do!

[OakLeaf]

For all you champion fans out there, the catalog I just got as all sports bras for 19.99.
championcatalog.com

Woo-hoo! Six Double-Dry Glistens in a variety of colors, on their way! Thanks TC! :D

[sandra]

Woo-hoo! Six Double-Dry Glistens in a variety of colors, on their way! Thanks TC! :D

Have you worn that one before? does it run small/tight?

[OakLeaf]

Yes, they're my favorite, I wouldn't order multiples otherwise!

I'd say they run true to size (although that's pretty subjective). I wear a small in these, and I'm on the big end of a 34 band and the small end of a B cup. I bounce a lot and I like a LOT of support. These are one of the few bras that I can be comfortable wearing only one layer for running and high-impact aerobics - otherwise I double up.

And there's a perfect little space in the band for a HRM, too.

[sandra]

I just realize that they are pull-over- your-head type. I have a heck of a time with those.

[corey]

Hi.. I have the same problem. I'm a 32 FF... and I have a heck of a time finding regular, everyday bras, let alone a good sports bra. I'm thinking about getting this bra:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4238

Anyone know if it works? The reviews look good (but shouldn't the products have good reviews if they want to sell them??).

I'm concerned about the breathability of the satiny material. I like the front closure... but the 'hook and tuck' method sounds like it might cause a bit of boob sweat. Sorry for the gross description.... is there any other way to describe it? Condensate particles amidst the bosom?:p

[teawoman]

Enell. Quite expensive, but I wear it for *everything* sporty: tri swimming, biking, running. It's the only thing that keeps me from moving around at all. It's not pretty, but I love it.

And yes, it is about avoiding pain. Otherwise, I get really bad stabbing pains all through my boobs.:eek: I couldn't figure it out when I first starting running and thought something was seriously wrong.:o