How long should a sports bra last?

[Blueberry]

A bra failure prompted this question - and I was wondering what other TE members thought was reasonable for a good quality sports bra in terms of length of time/wearings?

I purchased a Moving Comfort Callie Bra probably a year ago at REI (actually I purchased a few, as they were at a good sale price). I have probably worn this bra 20 times - never put in the dryer, always hand washed or washed on gentle in a lingerie bag and then air dried. Other than some black from my HRM strap, it shows no signs of wear. However, the last time I wore it - the underwire poked through, rendering the bra unwearable.

I know it's REI and they have a satisfaction guarantee - but I don't feel right about using it for this. I emailed Moving Comfort, and haven't heard back. However, in looking around their website - they say that a sports bra should only last 6-12 months, depending on wearings. So - by their logic - I'm supposed to buy 2-3 bras every 6-12 months?? My budget isn't quite that large:rolleyes: Just curious what others thought was reasonable, and whether I'm in the minority in thinking that these things should last longer than 6-12 months....

[indysteel]

It's one thing for a bra to last 6-12 months with daily or almost daily use. But twenty uses? I wouldn't be pleased with that at all.

[nscrbug]

Yeah, I agree with indy...20 wearings doesn't sound excessive to me. I think I would keep pestering Moving Comfort until you get a response from them. If email doesn't work, I'd look em' up online...they've got to have a contact number on their website.

[Blueberry]

I did get a response from Moving Comfort - but not one that I'm happy with.


Thank you for contacting Moving Comfort. Bras need to be replaced within 6-12 months of wearing with the proper care instructions being followed. We would not be able to give you a refund because you did not purchase it through our website. We no longer produce the Calli bra either. If you wanted to get a refund I would go ahead and return it to REI. If it was defective or a quality issue I would issue a onetime replacement, but we no longer produce that bra like I mentioned. If you have any further questions please let m know. Thanks and have a great day!

I think I'll find a new brand of sports bra. At their price point, I really would expect them to last longer.

ETA: I did include in my initial contact to them that I had only worn the bra about 20 times....

[indysteel]

Frankly, I would email them back and re-emphasize that point and indicate that you will no longer be buying their products. From there, I would contact REI and at least see what response they have.

Have you read any reviews of this bra on REI or other sites (like Campmor and Altrec) to see if durability is a problem? That might explain why they're no longer making the product.

[ny biker]

I have 3 Shebeest bras that I bought in 2003 and that are still in good shape.

[Kathi]

Don't know if this product is still available but it might help rescue the bra. Also, comments as to why it happens are interesting. I order my bras from this company, Her Room, so I trust her opinions.

http://www.tomima.com/2008/12/04/invention-to-fix-a-bras-underwire-when-it-pops-out/

[Blueberry]

Frankly, I would email them back and re-emphasize that point and indicate that you will no longer be buying their products. From there, I would contact REI and at least see what response they have.

Have you read any reviews of this bra on REI or other sites (like Campmor and Altrec) to see if durability is a problem? That might explain why they're no longer making the product.

I will definitely email them back - I just wanted a reality check from the wise women of TE. REI is fabulous, and I'm sure will refund my money - I'm not worried about that at all (which is one of the many reasons I shop there a LOT).

I did look at reviews, and this seems to be an anomaly. Everyone loves it that I can find. Even TE (still) carries this bra - though it's on sale (and it looks like it's still being manufactured for the new Bounce folks associated with Title 9). I really think this was just a defective bra (and if it weren't REI I would try to fix it by sewing new edging over where the wire is protruding). But - I was really surprised by the 6-12 month statement. Just struck me as odd.

[zoom-zoom]

I've tried on several Moving Comfort bras and not found them to fit or support as well as Champion bras at a fraction the price. I can't fathom how they've gained the reputation they have, personally.

[tangentgirl]

At their price point, I really would expect them to last longer.

Indeed. Them are some pricey boulder holders. 6-12 months and 20 wearings does not at all seem acceptable.

My sports bras usually hold up for a few years. I think I got the last group about 3 years ago, and they're doing well. I have a couple of MCs and a couple of Champions, but none of them have underwire. Perhaps that's the difference.

[Abarnes]

I've used their Bridget, Fizz and RSR bras for a couple of years; very breathable yet can handle my *ahem* larger size.

I like the Champion too, but they don't wick as well and make me cold.

[zoom-zoom]

I have a couple of MCs and a couple of Champions, but none of them have underwire. Perhaps that's the difference.

I wouldn't blame the underwires. I've mostly worn Champions with underwires. I haven't found that the soft-cup ones last any longer. I haven't ever had a wire poke through on any Champion bras, actually, and I've been wearing their bras with underwires for probably close to 20 years, all different models.

[OakLeaf]

I have heard 6 months before, I don't remember where, and it always struck me as bizarre. Kind of like you used to hear about replacing your running shoes every 6 months.

If it's a running bra I'd go by mileage I suppose. If it were for high-impact aerobics plus running (which I wear the same bras for both of those), I'd probably go by hours. I have a selection of colors so any particular bra might get worn once a week or less, but I'd be surprised if I don't have at least 200 hours in the older ones, which are holding up fine.

For cycling I wear a different bra with a lot less support. I basically don't expect those ever to wear out until the fabric just goes away!

[KnottedYet]

My Moving Comfort bras last about a year. Probably something like 100 wearings?

I love the CW-X bras by Wacoal that are sold here on TE. There are several styles, and this is the one I like best: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCW_165002.html No underwires, very breathable, ridiculously comfortable and supportive. I would guess they last me about 2 or 3 years each. (I'm a C to DD depending on how fat I am at any one time, so bras have to be sturdy.) I wash them in the machine on normal cycle with everything else. I should be nicer to them than that, but they survive the machine just fine. Hang to dry.

While I like Moving Comfort quite a bit, I like CW-X a whole lot more. And TE has EXCELLENT customer service!

[jessmarimba]

With that kind of response, I don't plan on ever buying more Moving Comfort bras. Rude. About as good as customer service from airlines.


I wear mostly the C9 - champion sports bras (though I agree, they get sweaty and cold). I have two I/O bio bras I love but aren't quite supportive enough for running, and one Lucy bra I got at Nordstrom rack that's quite comfortable (though I don't like their prices any better than Moving Comfort...this one was on sale for $11).

[Caddy]

I use each sport bra once a week, every week for the year. Haven't replaced them since... 7-8 years ago? None of mine are underwire though, mainly because I've always found them uncomfortable in regular bras and defects start happening (such as the wire bending beyond repair or popping out), so I don't know how that applies to sports bras.

They definitely seem rude though - doesn't matter if your company no longer makes the product, you made it once upon a time and should stand by the quality or make it up to the customer.

[indysteel]

With that kind of response, I don't plan on ever buying more Moving Comfort bras. Rude. About as good as customer service from airlines.

Lol. "Airlines" and "customer service" are oxymorons.