Padded sports bras

[ny biker]

Just wondering how people feel about padded sports bras.

Personally, I hate them. If I'm wearing a sports bra (or a tank top with built-in bra), then I'm expecting to get hot and sweaty. And I don't deal well with being too hot; it makes me feel weak and unable to continue exercising. So my primary concern is comfort. I want airy wicking fabrics. Having thick foam inserts in my bra is just ick.

As a 38A I have a hard enough time finding a bra that fits without having my options narrowed more and more by the proliferation of padded sports bras. I don't care about shape and I don't care if the headlights are on. (I can wear a regular padded bra with a t-shirt and a sweater and you'll still see them poking through anyway.) I just want to be comfortable while I'm exercising.

Just wondering if I'm in the minority on this one. The manufacturers seem to think that I am.

[Eden]

I'm with you - I think its stoooopid to pad a sports bra. I get it that I'm an A cup and you know what I'm fine with that. I want something that won't make me hot and offers a little compression for comfort (yes even A cups need some....). I don't need to pretend I'm a B.

(honestly I hate it that as an A its hard to find any bras that aren't comically - in my view at least- padded....)

[zoom-zoom]

Try being an f'ing D and every danged sports bra is some double-layered beast with a thin layer of some sort of thin padding sort of garbage...then all strappy cycling and tri tops have an additional built-in, worthless, shelf-bra...4 layers of fabric over my danged boobs.

[SadieKate]

I'm with zoom-zoom, every word of it. You know, designers, sport bras are made in all kinds of colors so we can coordinate our bras with those cute tank tops. Then, you can ignore the whole shelf bra thing all together (especially since many of the less endowed don't get enough "headlight" protection from them anyway).

And I'm sick of the only really supportive sport bras having hooks right over my spine where my hydration pack sits. Oh yeah, that is soooo comfy on a rigorous mtb ride.

Of course, front zip bras for the endowed have their own problems (like requiring 4 hands to install). I don't have an answer but then I'm not a engineer.

[shootingstar]

I'm an A and smaller than NYCwoman because my bone frame is smaller.

I don't mind a very thin liner material on a bra I wear for exercising/cycling simply because I do get off and on my bike to do other stuff where there are other people. And I say this even for long touring rides/trips.

I don't wear tank tops with built in bras or anything like that. Nor do I wear cycling jerseys tight/snug/quite fitted across my body. Tight tops make me feel hotter.

I view the very light extra lining...to minimize abit of the "headlights" and also to give even shape.

[Crankin]

Personally, I love the light padding in sports bras; I haven't been able to find many, though, so I settle for the double layered bras that help with the headlight syndrome. I have some padded non-cycling tanks from Athleta, that I wear for yoga.
I am a 32 A. I do wear tanks with shelf bras, but it makes me self conscious (I like the Terry Eurohalters because they come up high and cover a lot more than most tanks, but are very cool). I wear fiberfill padded bras with regular clothes (i.e., padded, but not bullet bras) so I look somewhat in proportion; I'd like the same option for my sports bras.
Frankly, I would love to just be a B cup, but years ago, I made the decision not to have augmentation years ago. So, wearing a padded bra is just something that makes me feel better about how I look in clothes.

[rubywagon]

Personally, I love the light padding in sports bras; I haven't been able to find many, though, so I settle for the double layered bras that help with the headlight syndrome. I have some padded non-cycling tanks from Athleta, that I wear for yoga.
I am a 32 A. I do wear tanks with shelf bras, but it makes me self conscious (I like the Terry Eurohalters because they come up high and cover a lot more than most tanks, but are very cool). I wear fiberfill padded bras with regular clothes (i.e., padded, but not bullet bras) so I look somewhat in proportion; I'd like the same option for my sports bras.
Frankly, I would love to just be a B cup, but years ago, I made the decision not to have augmentation years ago. So, wearing a padded bra is just something that makes me feel better about how I look in clothes.

+1. I just received the Handful sports bra they sell here on TE that has removable headlight hiders/liners and I couldn't be happier with it. It does its job, but gives me some shape as well. I am seriously going to order more and throw out every bra I own. I had my implants removed 2 years ago and I need all the help I can get. Especially after two kids. :o

[tangentgirl]

They have padded sports bras? That just seems silly. Maybe I didn't notice it before because I just completely disregarded those ones as I combed through the bra racks?

Lining, sure. Extra holding power, absolutely. Padding sounds like a bacterial nesting ground. (Do bacteria nest?)

[ny biker]

They have padded sports bras? That just seems silly. Maybe I didn't notice it before because I just completely disregarded those ones as I combed through the bra racks?

Lining, sure. Extra holding power, absolutely. Padding sounds like a bacterial nesting ground. (Do bacteria nest?)

Not sure if they nest but they sure do breed.

[Crankin]

Well, I don't think padding would breed bacteria any more than any other material. Of course, I don't think about stuff like that, for anything, really. All my sports bras get washed in hot water and hung up to dry...
You may think it is silly, but it's not to me. If something makes me feel better about the way I look, than I am going to do it. There's always a lot of discussion about finding larger sized bras and the problems inherent with having large breasts. Frankly, it's almost impossible to even find bras in an A cup size, especially sports bras. Thankfully, I live near a real lingerie shop where I buy my regular bras, after years and years of wearing ill fitting ones.
Off topic, but...
It's the same with petite sized clothes. I am short, always have been. I like stylish clothes. I cannot just walk into a store and buy a t shirt. Even stores that have petite sized pants or skirts rarely have petite sized t shirts/tops. There are 2 places that I can buy things at. On the other hand, there's plenty of larger sizes. Stores increase their plus size departments and get rid of the petites. I know as a society we are getting taller and heavier, but please, there are plenty of flat chested women under five foot four who would appreciate some choices.

[Melalvai]

I'm in between A & B. A is too small, B has extra space. The Italian '1' seems to fit better. It only comes in padded. I have sloping shoulders so bra straps do not stay up. I have a little elastic thingy that is supposed to hold them up--that means they don't fall down as often.

I go without as much as possible. Working from home makes that possible most of the time. I think I'm getting saggy at the ripe old age of 35! lol

[BalaRoja]

As a semi-frequently, self-conscious, nearly 6 foot tall, 38A-cup woman (say that 3x fast), I can understand the idea behind it. There are plenty of times when having a teenage boy like figure can be a bit of a drag. A lot of that is highly individual and pretty complex, at least for me it is and there's no need to get into all the sundry details here.

That said, I stopped using them because they simply were not very comfortable, plus they added bulk. Ultimately, my concern on a bike or during any other exercise, is being comfortable and performing well, so standard sports bras (non-padded) are all I have & use now.

Nonetheless, to be somewhat fair to those making padded sports bras, there is a segment of women, particularly the health club set, that are wearing such apparel much more so for how it looks than how it works. I'm not suggesting that every woman who goes to a trendy co-ed health club at 6pm is merely there to socialize and/or meet potential dates, but there are definitely some. Maybe for those, such a bra makes perfect sense.

Like so many other things that we have to deal with, it seems to me that the best thing is simply to have choices for ourselves while respecting those of other women.

[ny biker]

Like so many other things that we have to deal with, it seems to me that the best thing is simply to have choices for ourselves while respecting those of other women.

Fair enough, but there are not enough choices that come without padding. Every time I look at a sports bra made for A/B cups it has padding. All of the tank tops that I actually like have padding.

The message in all of this is that I'm not supposed to be happy with small breasts, and I have to lie to the world and make them look bigger than they are. Except I'm actually quite content with the way I look and I don't want some clothing manufacturer to tell me that I don't measure up to their standards of beauty. This is how I was born, and anyone who doesn't like it can pound sand.

[redrhodie]

Fair enough, but there are not enough choices that come without padding. Every time I look at a sports bra made for A/B cups it has padding. All of the tank tops that I actually like have padding.

The message in all of this is that I'm not supposed to be happy with small breasts, and I have to lie to the world and make them look bigger than they are. Except I'm actually quite content with the way I look and I don't want some clothing manufacturer to tell me that I don't measure up to their standards of beauty. This is how I was born, and anyone who doesn't like it can pound sand.

Try the Ibex ones. No padding! They're good for C cups and smaller.

I hear you on the 2nd part, too. I got so frustrated trying to find a regular bra in my size without padding, or that pushed me up to my eyeballs :rolleyes:. I finally found some, but they were crazy expensive. Now I wear the Ibex bralette light for my daily bra.

[zoom-zoom]

Nonetheless, to be somewhat fair to those making padded sports bras, there is a segment of women, particularly the health club set, that are wearing such apparel much more so for how it looks than how it works. I'm not suggesting that every woman who goes to a trendy co-ed health club at 6pm is merely there to socialize and/or meet potential dates, but there are definitely some. Maybe for those, such a bra makes perfect sense.

Maybe...but why must they add padding to an ugly encapsulation/compression bra for maximum motion control for those of us who are already on the busty end of the spectrum and are wearing the bras for heavy-duty support, not for fashion? That's the part I don't get and it makes me wonder who is designing these bras--certainly not larger-busted athletes. I had breast reduction surgery 6 years ago because my boobs were oversized...last thing I want is to make them bigger or add more bulk up front. I can see padding on A-B cup bras for those who want to look bustier, but that's the last thing I want, especially during hot weather.

[rubywagon]

Fair enough, but there are not enough choices that come without padding. Every time I look at a sports bra made for A/B cups it has padding. All of the tank tops that I actually like have padding.

The message in all of this is that I'm not supposed to be happy with small breasts, and I have to lie to the world and make them look bigger than they are. Except I'm actually quite content with the way I look and I don't want some clothing manufacturer to tell me that I don't measure up to their standards of beauty. This is how I was born, and anyone who doesn't like it can pound sand.

If you have a Target store near you, they have a ton of C9 brand sports bras without padding. I have always worn those, until I found the lined ones here at TE. They have a huge selection of colors as well.

[BalaRoja]

If you have a Target store near you, they have a ton of C9 brand sports bras without padding. I have always worn those, until I found the lined ones here at TE. They have a huge selection of colors as well.

+1 on the target C9 sports bras. I've got a bunch of those in a slew of colors. No padding and very comfy. Cute enough that I more or less use them as swimwear tops oftentimes with a generic bottom.

As for the rest of the sentiments expressed - hey I feel y'all's pain :)

Nobody likes it when clothing seems to be made in direct opposition to your preferences and what works for you. Especially if it seems the majority of a certain type of clothing is made for a minority of consumers.

95% of women's bike jersey's are too short for me (torso-wise) - but hey for whatever reason the manufacturer's keep churning them out. I guess that's life and there are alternatives out there.

I tell myself if I get that hung up about it then I can always learn to sew :D

[OakLeaf]

I think it's the combination of big shoulders/pecs and small cups that's the problem... I don't have any trouble finding unpadded sports bras for 34A/B. Like the OP, there's just no dimming the headlights, so I don't even try. :o

[Crankin]

I ordered the Handful bra to give it a try.

[rubywagon]

I ordered the Handful bra to give it a try.

Let us know what you think, Crankin.

[Selkie]

I am a big fan of the Handful bras but for activities, I use them only for yoga and hiking. I like to wear them on weekends instead of regular bras. Actually, I wear a regular bra only for work these days. Because I'm petite, I have a hard time finding regular bras that fit right (32B) and have to order them online.

I like the padded bras for modesty purposes, not to increase my bust size. The handful bras are great because they are comfortable and the pads are removable. I'm happy with my body and am glad that I don't have anything that gets in the way (my sister is the other extreme and HATES it).

For anything with impact and for riding, I wear regular compression type bras.

[Crankin]

Compression bras really bother me; I get "lines" from tight clothing and a lot of irritation/welts if I sweat. I never wear sports bras for everyday. Thankfully, I have found some good small sized bras at the lingerie store, where they actually fit you. I was spending 60.00 on bras I bought on line, and the women at the shop had me try on a Calvin Klein style that is perfectly cut for a 32A and is 30.00. You should try it out, Mickchick. It's barely padded, just enough for the modesty factor.

[Selkie]

....I was spending 60.00 on bras I bought on line, and the women at the shop had me try on a Calvin Klein style that is perfectly cut for a 32A and is 30.00. You should try it out, Mickchick. It's barely padded, just enough for the modesty factor.

Crankin---I wear padded Calvin Klein bras! I agree, they fit well.

[deeaimond]

I'm in between A & B. A is too small, B has extra space. The Italian '1' seems to fit better. It only comes in padded. I have sloping shoulders so bra straps do not stay up. I have a little elastic thingy that is supposed to hold them up--that means they don't fall down as often.

I go without as much as possible. Working from home makes that possible most of the time. I think I'm getting saggy at the ripe old age of 35! lol

A bra's cup size will also increase if the number ( i don't know what it is called) increases.

So for example, I can wear a 36C, but then the cups spill a little, BUT if i wear a 36D it is just too big. To compensate, I go down one strap size to a 34D, and the cups, even though both are D, are a little smaller as well. perfect fit. (I find that many bras in the US have poor cutting though... not sure why, so be sure to try a variety of brands.)

Due to regional preferences, bras also have very different shapes. I find that bras from asian and japanese brands tend to be very round, while french bras have a slightly pointy shape.

Maybe you can go to a proper lingerie shop and get fitted? there is no return for saggy boobs....

[ny biker]

A bra's cup size will also increase if the number ( i don't know what it is called) increases.

So for example, I can wear a 36C, but then the cups spill a little, BUT if i wear a 36D it is just too big. To compensate, I go down one strap size to a 34D, and the cups, even though both are D, are a little smaller as well. perfect fit. (I find that many bras in the US have poor cutting though... not sure why, so be sure to try a variety of brands.)

Due to regional preferences, bras also have very different shapes. I find that bras from asian and japanese brands tend to be very round, while french bras have a slightly pointy shape.

Maybe you can go to a proper lingerie shop and get fitted? there is no return for saggy boobs....

I find that for regular bras, a 38A fits across the back but is too big in the cups, and a 36A fits in the cups but is too tight in the band. I wind up wearing the 38A because I'm not a big fan of all-day pain.

Also I can't wear anything with an underwire because they dig into my ribs in the front. I have weird ribs.

Really I wish I could just skip it altogether.

[deeaimond]

I find that for regular bras, a 38A fits across the back but is too big in the cups, and a 36A fits in the cups but is too tight in the band. I wind up wearing the 38A because I'm not a big fan of all-day pain.

Also I can't wear anything with an underwire because they dig into my ribs in the front. I have weird ribs.

Really I wish I could just skip it altogether.

there is an inch of fat between my ribs and the wire, so the wire can't find my ribs to dig in :p

Was the modern bra invented by a man?

some underwires give me heartburn... :eek:

[shootingstar]

Due to regional preferences, bras also have very different shapes. I find that bras from asian and japanese brands tend to be very round, while french bras have a slightly pointy shape.

Yea? I dunno, all the padding, etc. these days ..it looks like alot more rounded, padded bras in general. Abit useless for some gals, like me. Something quite round and padded looks laughable on me. :p Honest, how some women will "trick" their boobs to be alot more than what they are.

I don't wear sports bras. I just wear older bras for cycling. So hence, bras aren't binding tight on me. THank goodness.

Yea, I'm wierd. Sports bras, shelf bras in tank tops... make me look like a 11 yr. old all over again. Do I need this, nearly 1/2 century later? Guess could be worse. :o

Underwire...geez, only 2 in my whole lifetime so far. Plastic wire rubbing against bone on my rib, is not something to tolerate for many hrs. And absolutely not for any exercise activity.

[malkin]

Unless I go to Nordstrom or someplace for a proper fitting, I feel like it's a crapshoot...to make the risk more fun, I've been buying whatever's on sale at Sierra Trading. Sometimes you win; sometimes you might get a good laugh!

[rubywagon]

Sometimes you win; sometimes you might get a good laugh!

Or a good cry! ;)

[Catrin]

Underwire...geez, only 2 in my whole lifetime so far. Plastic wire rubbing against bone on my rib, is not something to tolerate for many hrs. And absolutely not for any exercise activity.

I was at Macy's today getting properly fitted to determine my new bra size (have lost a bunch of weight) and the fitter seemed almost shocked that I won't wear an under-wire.

Anyway, while there I saw sports bras with underwires!?!? Sounds painful to me.

[zoom-zoom]

Anyway, while there I saw sports bras with underwires!?!? Sounds painful to me.

My 2 favorite Champion bras both have underwires--they offer better support and encapsulation than bras without, at least on my boobs. If a bra fits properly the underwires shouldn't be uncomfortable...I have worn a few that don't fit well (or are just plain poorly-made/designed) and in those cases the underwires are uncomfortable.

[Crankin]

I received the Handful bra today. It comes in a large mesh bag that looks like it will be useful for traveling, so I kept the bag. When I first took the bra out of the bag, I thought it looked big for an x-small, but it fits perfectly. It's not tight and constricting at all, like all of my other sports bras. I thought the V back straps might show in a regular shaped top, but I wore it and changed into a wicking t shirt for a run on the treadmill and nothing showed.
I thought the pads (which are removable) were natural looking and certainly didn't increase my size in any real way.
It just made me look like I *might* actually have some boobs. I am glad I bought two.

[Melalvai]

I almost said "could you post a picture please?" and then realized how that sounded. Um, is there a link to an ad that has a picture?

[BalaRoja]

I find that for regular bras, a 38A fits across the back but is too big in the cups, and a 36A fits in the cups but is too tight in the band. I wind up wearing the 38A because I'm not a big fan of all-day pain.

Also I can't wear anything with an underwire because they dig into my ribs in the front. I have weird ribs.

Really I wish I could just skip it altogether.

I feel compelled to ask as it is relevant to me (same size basically): what brands are you wearing/using in a 36a/38a? Most dept. stores don't even carry 38a's and the selection of 36a's is usually slim at best.

I think what Oakleaf said sounds right: broad shoulders/torso + small cups = lotsa problems finding a well-fitting bra.

[OakLeaf]

I almost said "could you post a picture please?" and then realized how that sounded. Um, is there a link to an ad that has a picture?

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodHF_550.html?utm_source=google&utm_term=HF_550&utm_campaign=datafeed_compshopeng&utm_medium=productLink

[Susan Otcenas]

If I can jump in here for a moment... ;)

We carry LOTS of bras, to suit many difference preferences.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/apparel/tops/bras/c0-c1-c2-c3-p0.html

To address a few things mentioned here...

A/B cup bras without padding:

1) Try the Handful. Pads are removable. These have been HGELY popular this year. Come in 5 colors.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/handful/product/apparel/tops/bras/c0-c1-c2-c3-b100201.html

2) Patagonia Barely Bra. No padding.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/patagonia/product/apparel/tops/bras/c0-c1-c2-c3-b100123.html

3) Phoebe A/B bra - Racerback with no hardware.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/search.ep?keyWords=phoebe (note this link shows you the A/B AND the C/D versions.

4) CW-X Lite Support - no padding
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165001.html

5) Iris Bra - I love this Bra. Comes in A/B and C/D. No padding http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300124.html Might be a teeny bit generous in the cup for a true A, but a tweener should be fine in it.



I'll address larger bras in my next post.

[Susan Otcenas]

And I'm sick of the only really supportive sport bras having hooks right over my spine where my hydration pack sits. Oh yeah, that is soooo comfy on a rigorous mtb ride.

Of course, front zip bras for the endowed have their own problems (like requiring 4 hands to install). I don't have an answer but then I'm not a engineer.

It's a dilemma. I was a 36D/DD for a long time, I know where you're coming from. Here's the problem though. If you make a pull-over only bra with a band that stretches enough to get over the sheer mass of a D or DD chest, then the band becomes too big to really lend enough support to the garment. To compensate for that CW-X has a really nice racerback that has a single flat hook/loop on the band. I've owned and extensively wore the CW-X and it's a great bra. If you click into this and look at the alternate photos, you can see the back: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165102.html As a bonus, CW-X just started making this in a 32D, which is a really hard size to find. ( FYI - my written review on that bra is a few years old. I'm wearing a 32C now and have an entirely different problem. 32Cs & especially 32Ds can be hard to find, though there's lots of choice in 34 C & Ds.)

[zoom-zoom]

32Cs & especially 32Ds can be hard to find, though there's lots of choice in 34 C & Ds.)

I hear this. I am a 34D, which isn't horrible to find, but when I lose weight it's only through the band, and not the cup volume...when that happens I end up a 32DD, which is nearly impossible to find. It kind of hurts my incentive to lose my last 20#s.

[Susan Otcenas]

Try being an f'ing D and every danged sports bra is some double-layered beast with a thin layer of some sort of thin padding sort of garbage...then all strappy cycling and tri tops have an additional built-in, worthless, shelf-bra...4 layers of fabric over my danged boobs.

Moving Comfort has a couple of C/D tanks tops that they've done a GREAT job on. They've basically taken the support systems in their bras and turned them into tanks. Take a look at these:

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300263.html (This comes in an A/B as well)
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_300131.html

On the first one, we have an inside out photo so that you can see the construction of the bra. It's really nice. I have one of the tanks from the second link above, and I DO NOT move in it. I acquired it when I was between a C & D.

For the B/C gals, CW-X took their Sport Support Bra, extended the length, and created a great support tank.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165007.html


Hope all this info helps!

Susan

[Susan Otcenas]

I hear this. I am a 34D, which isn't horrible to find, but when I lose weight it's only through the band, and not the cup volume...when that happens I end up a 32DD, which is nearly impossible to find. It kind of hurts my incentive to lose my last 20#s.

Moving Comfort makes 5 bras in a 32DD.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/moving-comfort/product/apparel/tops/bras/bra-size-32dd/c0-b100122-c1-c2-c3-so100002~32DD.html


FYI - we have all sorts of "filters" running down the left side of the website. When you're in the bra section, scan down to the "size" filter. Click "more sizes" and it will display all the sizes available. The link above I filtered on Moving Comfort & 32DD. We don't have any other vendors that make a 32DD, btw.

[Susan Otcenas]

zoom-zoom,

The Enell would work for you too, but that's a whole lotta bra. Title 9 calls it "The Last Resort Bra" with good reasons. But I can attest that it is ROCK SOLID, even in the larger sizes.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/enell/product/apparel/tops/bras/c0-c1-c2-c3-b100040.html

A 32DD would probably be a size 00.

Susan

[crazycanuck]

+1 to Moving Comfort bras!!! Thanks to whomever it was that suggested them to me & TE for selling them :D

[lph]

The message in all of this is that I'm not supposed to be happy with small breasts, and I have to lie to the world and make them look bigger than they are. Except I'm actually quite content with the way I look and I don't want some clothing manufacturer to tell me that I don't measure up to their standards of beauty. This is how I was born, and anyone who doesn't like it can pound sand.

Sing it, sister. I can choose to wear a lightly padded bra to work, but when I can't find a single unpadded bra - and I'm talking augmentation, not just hiding the headlights - I get mighty sick of the implication that "you can't possibly want to go out in public with those ". I like looking like this. They fit my body shape. It's a bear finding a bra that fits a wide back and an A-cup, but I wouldn't change them if I could.

[Catrin]

If I can jump in here for a moment... ;)

We carry LOTS of bras, to suit many difference preferences.
http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/apparel/tops/bras/c0-c1-c2-c3-p0.html

I'll address larger bras in my next post.

Any solutions for those of us who fall between B-C cups? I was a 38D before I lost a lot of weight and went to the department store this weekend to get measured properly. Nothing they had in either 38B or C cup came close to fitting, but I've never been a fan of sports bras I've found in department stores. I don't care so much about headlight dimming, but that would be great if I can get that and proper support.

And just to be picky, I need a racer back - or at least one that is convertible. Perhaps as I continue to lose weight perhaps I can get out of this "in-between" category. I didn't buy anything since nothing fit - but my larger bras just aren't doing the job any more...

I've looked at your site and didn't see anything in a 38B - it seems better to me to go a little small rather than a little large. Of course, I may just not have hit the right filter :) I've never been smaller than a C cup as an adult, so this seems odd to me :)

[Susan Otcenas]

Any solutions for those of us who fall between B-C cups? .....
And just to be picky, I need a racer back - or at least one that is convertible. ....
I've looked at your site and didn't see anything in a 38B - it seems better to me to go a little small rather than a little large. Of course, I may just not have hit the right filter :) I've never been smaller than a C cup as an adult, so this seems odd to me :)

I think you may not have hit the filter correctly. :) (Go to Apparel-->Tops-->Bras. then go to the size filter and click "See More Sizes") There are 4 bras in 38B on the site: http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/apparel/tops/bras/bra-size-38b/c0-c1-c2-c3-so100002~38B.html For best support in a racer-back, I'd recommend the Moving Comfort Juno over the Saucony Motion Sensor.

As for B/C, yes, there are some options here. I find Cs a skosh too large in some styles (I can hardly believe I'm writing that...:D ), so here's some B/C options that I've found to work well.....

By filtering on 36B/C, these CW-X options come up. http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/apparel/tops/bras/bra-size-36b-c/c0-c1-c2-c3-so100002~36BC.html They are all racer back. As far as the bras go, in order of most supportive to least supportive, these go Extra Support. Firm Support, then Sport Support/Ventilator are a tie (same bra, different fabrics). Only the 1st 2 are available in 38B/C. (ANd yes, I've worn all of these extensively, except the Ventilator. Did a 10 mile run inthe Firm Support just yesterday!)

Hope this helps!

Susan

[Pedal Wench]

4) CW-X Lite Support - no padding
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165001.html




These are my "go-to" bras. Due to the internal support straps, they have minimal, 'show-through', but they're really supportive without being constrictive. I have 5 of them, and keep looking for more on sale!

[Susan Otcenas]

. I have 5 of them, and keep looking for more on sale!

We have these marked down 12% http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165001.html

[Pedal Wench]

We have these marked down 12% http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165001.html

You mean the aqua one that I can convince myself is Celeste that will match my Bianchis???

I've never worn the lite one - mine are all the regular support ones. I'm a 34 b/c, but guess I'll have to try this. I'll report back when it gets here.

Susan, you're evil!!! (and a really, really great business woman!)

[Susan Otcenas]

Pedal Wench - you linked to the Lite Support in your previous post, so I got confused. :) But yes, the SPORT Support in Aqua is also on sale. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165002_2.html CW-X discontinued that color (last season for it was Fall 2009) and we have only a few left (6 in your size), so we marked them down. They discontinued the rose color (last season Spring 2009) but we only have 32B/C left in that color. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165002.html

Oh, and thanks for the compliment. I'm not sure I'm a great businesswoman (my desk wouldn't always be such a disaster area if I were) but I do try really really hard to be a good information resource!

[Pedal Wench]

Pedal Wench - you linked to the Lite Support in your previous post, so I got confused. :) But yes, the SPORT Support in Aqua is also on sale. http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165002_2.html

Nope - I was the one who was confused! But, now I'm gonna get the SPORT support, in Aqua, in my size. Once again, another happy customer.

So, now I have that in black with gray trim, black with pink trim, blue, white, pink, and coming soon, celeste! (Okay, fine, aqua, but I'm telling my Bianchi it's celeste!)

[Catrin]

I think you may not have hit the filter correctly. :) (Go to Apparel-->Tops-->Bras. then go to the size filter and click "See More Sizes") There are 4 bras in 38B on the site: http://www.teamestrogen.com/product/apparel/tops/bras/bra-size-38b/c0-c1-c2-c3-so100002~38B.html For best support in a racer-back, I'd recommend the Moving Comfort Juno over the Saucony Motion Sensor.

As for B/C, yes, there are some options here. I find Cs a skosh too large in some styles (I can hardly believe I'm writing that...:D ), so here's some B/C options that I've found to work well.....
....................................

Hope this helps!

Susan

Thanks for the information! This is very helpful - and I figured that I didn't hit the filter quite right - it was very early this morning when I looked :) You have given me some options that I like much better than at the nameless department store - now I just have to decide which one to try first :)