Sports Bras!

I have to start off by saying I hate buying sports bras...but they are necessary. I've been putting it off for about a year now, but I've lost so much weight that I now have no choice. I just noticed that TE has a nice sale right now on some of their sports bras. I settled on this one, while I would have preferred black the purple version had ONE left in my size...

I wanted to mention they have other sports bras on sale as well, just in case others are in need of the same thing :) What is nice about the Juno is it comes in actual sizes, not just S,M,L - that always makes it more difficult to figure out what you need.

I have the Juno but I find it is too much of the uniboob look for a large chested person. However, it is comfortable. I like the Maia, which have a lot of support but still separation: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_350011.html

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Originally Posted by goldfinch

I have the Juno but I find it is too much of the uniboob look for a large chested person. However, it is comfortable. I like the Maia, which have a lot of support but still separation: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodMC_350011.html

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I've already pulled the trigger...I looked at this one but I went for the racer straps on the Juno. My current Moving Comfort does have a bit of the uniboob look, but it IS comfortable. I will keep this one in mind for the future, thanks!

It arrived today from TE! I was quite surprised that it was delivered in two days on this week of all weeks. I will take it though. It is very close to being too small...I am actually between a C and D cup still, but I think a larger one would have been too large and I am still slowly loosing weight - so I will keep it. It does have a little of the uniboob look but no where near as much as my older Moving Comfort bra - and that one is a larger size. The Juno is quite comfortable...once I adjusted the straps to their loosest setting,

This might be a good thread to discuss what we like, and don't like, about different sports bras. There are so many different types out there. For me purchasing a sports bra is somewhat intimidating - regular bras aren't however. Am I the only one? I will need to get another one in the next month or two - loosing all of this weight eventually forces the issue...

Because I need a 28-30 band and a large cup, good sports bras are few and far between. The Panache sports bra (model 5021) has been my favorite. Adjustable straps, supportive enough for running, and it's even attractive, unlike some larger sports bras. It's quite expensive (the again, aren't all my bras? :eek:), but Panache isn't usually excluded from sales (I'm looking at you, Freya!). I save my money during the year and stock up during the good holiday sales. Ebay is another way to save money, once you know the style and size you need. I've bought brand new bras there for half off before.

Sports bras used to be intimidating....until a thread here made me realize that I'd been wearing the wrong size (too large of a band and too small of a cup). Once I hashed out my correct size, bras have been far less stressful and far more comfortable.

I am never good at measuring myself - whenever I do that I wind up with some VERY small size - and I am chesty lady. So I finally went to a good department store last year and got measured - but I suspect that still differs between different styles.

I know what you mean. Ultimately, I ended up at Nordstrom's, and even that wasn't perfect, because they still want to add 2 or 3 to the underbust measurement and put me in too loose of a band. When I stopped adding anything, I finally found the right band size. Which presents its own challenges...

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Originally Posted by Becky

I know what you mean. Ultimately, I ended up at Nordstrom's, and even that wasn't perfect, because they still want to add 2 or 3 to the underbust measurement and put me in too loose of a band. When I stopped adding anything, I finally found the right band size. Which presents its own challenges...

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So you just keep your underbust measurement with no adjustment and use that for the your size, and use the measurement across the fullest part of your bust for the cup portion of the measurement? I hope I described that correctly, am working from memory here but probably shouldn't go looking up the formula at work. The Juno is VERY comfortable - but I've the straps adjusted as long as possible, and there is a bit too much "spillover" underneath my arms and back... Unsure if that is a band or cup size problem, but I should figure this out before my next purchase. It doesn't FEEL too small at all, even in high intensity activities. With my slow-but-consistent weight loss this might (hopefully) take care of itself.

Yes, that's exactly what I do. For me, this calculator was the most accurate: http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm. With an underbust measurement of 29", I usually end up in 30 bands. However, I can think of at least one brand where a 28 fits better and lasts longer because their bands are often stretchier than others.

It's possible that your issue is with both the cup and band sizing. You can isolate one from the other by putting the bra on backwards, with the cups in the back, and fastened on the last/loosest hooks. If you can pull the band more than 1/2" - 1" away from your body, the band size is probably too big. I say probably because some of this is personal preference. Yes, it looks a bit silly, but it rules out the possibility that any snugness you're feeling is from cups that are too small, rather than from a supportive, properly-sized band.

Thanks Becky, I will check this out tonight. The Juno doesn't FEEL too snug when wearing it and it isn't difficult to get on, though getting it off is quite a challenge. Then again, it IS a substantial sports bra! The look on the sides tells me it isn't the perfect fit though, and I would like to address that the next time. My others are just too large now, apparently my 38D days are over and I am quite pleased with that! It makes sense that if the cups are too small that it would still make things feel comfortable even if the band isn't supporting properly.

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Originally Posted by Becky

Yes, that's exactly what I do. For me, this calculator was the most accurate: http://www.sophisticatedpair.com/bracalculator.htm. With an underbust measurement of 29", I usually end up in 30 bands. However, I can think of at least one brand where a 28 fits better and lasts longer because their bands are often stretchier than others....

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According to your calculator, I need a 30DDD/F which I've never heard of... So I plugged my numbers (31 ribcage, 36 cup) and got the same thing in other online calculators. So apparently I've an odd size as well....but using the usual calculation where you add to the band number, I would be a 36A which is just plain wrong.

To go further down this rabbit hole, I found THIS link that provides a chart of bra "sister sizes". According to this chart, 30F also = 36D (and a bunch of other sizes). So next time I go looking I've a few other options to check out. I've never heard of most of the bra sizes on this chart, interesting!

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Originally Posted by Catrin

According to your calculator, I need a 30DDD/F which I've never heard of... So I plugged my numbers (31 ribcage, 36 cup) and got the same thing in other online calculators. So apparently I've an odd size as well....but using the usual calculation where you add to the band number, I would be a 36A which is just plain wrong.

To go further down this rabbit hole, I found THIS link that provides a chart of bra "sister sizes". According to this chart, 30F also = 36D (and a bunch of other sizes). So next time I go looking I've a few other options to check out. I've never heard of most of the bra sizes on this chart, interesting!

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You are close to my size, as I am 30 on the rib cage and 35 around the bust. I find a 30 band works best in most bras. www.herroom.com has a lot of these smaller sizes with large cups. I bought a very large pile of bras from them, tried them out and sent back what I didn't favor.

Very nice site, thank you! They have more sports bras there that I've ever seen, and the survey to help determine the type/shape of bra that might be needed is very interesting.

You might want to google Shock Absorber bras. They come in band/cup sizes, including smaller band/larger cups. They have different levels of support, so you can find ones for biking, running, etc. They tend to run a bit tight in the band. I normally wear a 30 band, but need a 32 in these bras. Cup sizes run pretty true. They aren't pretty, but if you are looking for support, they are awesome bras.

SR

Anyone have a recommendation for an encapsulation bra for a small bust? I've been wearing compression all these years, but now with my ribcage/shoulder injury it isn't the best, plus Champion changed the weave of my favorite bra anyway so it's much less supportive and my b00bs sneak down under the band. :( :( I need longer straps - Moving Comfort seems to wind up with the band halfway up my b00bs - but really would prefer NON adjustable straps since the adjusters always chafe.

A lot to ask ...

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

Anyone have a recommendation for an encapsulation bra for a small bust? I've been wearing compression all these years, but now with my ribcage/shoulder injury it isn't the best, plus Champion changed the weave of my favorite bra anyway so it's much less supportive and my b00bs sneak down under the band. :( :( I need longer straps - Moving Comfort seems to wind up with the band halfway up my b00bs - but really would prefer NON adjustable straps since the adjusters always chafe. A lot to ask ...

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Oakleaf, I don't know how the Moving Comfort Juno does for smaller sizes, but I really like how the straps adjust. They adjust in the FRONT, where the strap meets the cups, it is a simple velcro-like attachment that goes through a loop and then attaches. Hard to describe, and it isn't sensitive to the skin at all. The Juno isn't a real encapsulation design but it isn't the real uniboob look that my other Moving Comfort is. I can provide a picture of what I am trying to describe if you are interested, I've not seen anything like it.

I've been looking at this Freya Active Molded Spacer Racerback bra. It comes in black, fully encapsulated, racerback (a requirement for me), and comes in every size imaginable. I will probably eventually pull the trigger.

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Originally Posted by SallyRides

You might want to google Shock Absorber bras. They come in band/cup sizes, including smaller band/larger cups. They have different levels of support, so you can find ones for biking, running, etc. They tend to run a bit tight in the band. I normally wear a 30 band, but need a 32 in these bras. Cup sizes run pretty true. They aren't pretty, but if you are looking for support, they are awesome bras.

SR

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Thanks for the suggestion. I've not heard of them before. They do look interesting, and it is quickly becoming apparent that whatever I try isn't going to be cheap...If the Freya doesn't work for me I will give this a shot - though I've not yet pulled the trigger on the Freya since I just got the Juno (even if it is too small).

I had reasonably good results with Shock Absorber, pre-correct sizing. Now, alas, they don't make their awesome run bra in a big enough cup size for me. I have high hopes that this will change! Based on that experience, I'd definitely recommend it if it comes in your size!

FWIW, the Panache sports bra that I wear has convertible racerback straps. The hook is very durable and easy to fasten, and the bra is supportive enough that I only need the racerback for some tops, not for extra support.

They seem to have only one with the right band/cup mix for me, and it isn't in a racerback strap. I've tried convertible straps in the past and it's just not worked out for me. Have you tried any of the Freya bras? I really like the looks of the one I linked to - full encapsulation, racerback, massive range of sizes AND it is in black. I've sent a question to HerRoom about some of the reviews that indicates the band seems to run a bit small to try and decide what size I might order. A 30 band seems awfully small - but I measured my HRM strap and it is about 26.5 inches (it stretches) so as small as a 30 band sounds...I might go with a 32 band though since I've a 31 band measurement.

Catrin, I wear some of their everyday bras, and they're very well-built. I've never tried the Freya sports bra, in part because they rarely go on sale and they're almost always excluded from coupon codes. Panache bras, OTOH, are usually eligible for codes.

Let us know how you like the Freya racerback!

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Originally Posted by Becky

Catrin, I wear some of their everyday bras, and they're very well-built. I've never tried the Freya sports bra, in part because they rarely go on sale and they're almost always excluded from coupon codes. Panache bras, OTOH, are usually eligible for codes.

Let us know how you like the Freya racerback!

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It sounds like I better take advantage of the sale while I can - thanks! I am tired of my b**bs being tender after an intense workout due to a poorly fitting bra. I will let you know what I think of it - I've never had a sports bra that encapsulates my girls.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

By spillover, you mean your arms are brushing the girls, so they are a bit too low and wide? That means you need a smaller band size, and a larger cup size. The 'girls' should be brought within width of the torso, and from the side should appear to be halfway between the your bent elbow and shoulder. (So high and tight rather than low and wide. ;)).

Having a smaller band size means the band supports you rather than the cups. The cups should just be for coverage, and the band should be below the girls, not touching them. Also, the band provides something like 80% of the support if worn correctly. (Cannot remember the exact percentage). The way you've described long straps and spillover, it sounds like the straps and cups are bearing the support. Not as comfortable, and not good for your back.

If you can go to a brick and mortor store that provides decent bra fittings, you can have someone help you find a regular bra that fits perfectly, then it will be easier to judge on you own when you order online.

Maybe this video will help? I could watch the entire thing from this computer, but I'll check back later.

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Thanks Muirenn, the video was interesting and I learned a couple of things. I've tried bra fittings, but I've never really been comfortable with the outcome. I actually didn't know there were so many different band and cup sizes out there! I had gone to a good department store for the fitting but I suspect that they just tried to get me into a size they sold - and to be fair the new bras did fit better compared with what I was wearing - just not correctly. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the Freya sports bra I linked to earlier, and we will see. THIS time I will make bloody certain it fits before I take the tags off this time...that was my mistake, not TE's.

This may be a dumb question, but what do you mean by encapsulation? It sounds terrible. Compression, I know. I don't need it and actually, almost any tight sports bra chafes me. I am good with the Handful.

Several years ago I had a good fitting and wound up with a 32D, smaller band, but larger cup size than I had been wearing. It was a good thing, except that I have trouble finding my size now in stores and usually order online.
For sports bras I like the Fiona bra. I have been wearing it for several years. I haven't worn anything else since I found it, before then I was just wearing standard compression bras from companies like Nike and adidas. Not so good.
Although I have never had any trouble with the straps or anything, I am thinking of trying a racerback style. The Juno looks a little too much, too complicated for me though...
Also, I recently lost weight and probably should get refitted before I buy anything new.

The Freya will be my first true encapsulated sports bra. The Juno seems to really be in between - I don't have the traditional uniboob look - though it seems to lean in that direction but perhaps because the cups are too small? I can make the Juno work, and at least it fits a little better than my old, worn out sports bras that are going to their well-deserved rest.

Here is an image of the Freya I am getting, if you embiggen the image :) you will see that seperation and a supportive band. I've read this bra can be...challenging to get in and out of but I expect that. I am also thankful I took advantage of the sale price...and that I've been saving. I wish that I didn't need so much support but, I do.

I DON'T get the sports bras with underwires - that sounds like pain to me but I was scared off underwires long ago.

I could barely get into the Handful even BEFORE my injuries. I'd just about have to dislocate my shoulders getting it on, and once it was on I found it super uncomfortable.

I guess, if the support has to come from the band whichever style you get, then going to encapsulation won't help me. I was hoping I'd be able to support the girls without compressing the ribcage.

Juno doesn't go down to a 34-small-B/large-A. I've also found even before my injury that if the cups are too big, the band is SUPER uncomfortable.

Oh well.

Oak, I wear a bigger size in the Handful than normal. I got a small rather than an extra small at first. I always wear the pads, I like the way it looks and it's not too tight. When I bought the second round, I got the extra small and I wish I didn't. It's not hard to put on, but it chafes a bit. From your description, I would say it is encapsulated as it looks like a regular bra, not the tank top type of sports bra. There's definitely separate cups.
I am just thankful that there is finally a sports bra in small sizes that isn't just a lacy little thing, like the Title 9 bras. I don't need that much support, I just want to look decent and not have the headlights show. Based on what I've seen advertised and read on threads like these, I feel thankful sports bras aren't an issue for me!

:) Girls, boobs, breasts, I am sure there are other things we can call them as well.

I note in the photo that the band appears to be flat against her skin in the area between her breasts - I've never seen that myself (but we've established that I've never had the right size for band or cup) Of course, I've spent all of my life under the mistaken idea that the band is just there, that the cups are supposed to support me gals.

Herroom.com has a nice "Know Your Breasts" bra finder that helps you determine what is special about your girls and help direct you to appropriate bras. I found this very helpful. I wound up half stripping and checking out the bathroom mirror to answer a couple of the questions. This bra finder is probably not work friendly... anyway, they ask questions that I've never even thought about.

I do like the Juno, but after examining how it is constructed I don't think it is truly, or at least fully encapsulated. I can easily pull the band 2.5-3 inches away from my body, and the cups give every sign of being too small. My poor gals will breath a sigh of relief when finally settled into something that properly fits for the first time in their lives. The cups are snug enough that I can make the Juno work - I can't return it and I am sure that no one wants to buy a used bra - thankfully I got it for a very good price.

Oakleaf, that sounds painful :( I hope you can find something that will work for you that won't aggravate your back! I suggest checking out the bra finder I linked to above. It may be able to give you an idea of something that might work. The finder doesn't ask about injuries, it took all of my answers and gave me a list of suggested brands that might be good for THIS, or THAT, or THAT OTHER thing that I noted about my girls - they don't just give you one suggestion but many. They really only gave me one suggestion for a sports bra however, and that was the one I zeroed in on. Their bras aren't inexpensive but is a good place to get ideas for further research. They do have some nice sales right now.

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Originally Posted by Catrin

I suggest checking out the bra finder I linked to above.

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I did that, thanks! It didn't return any sports bra suggestions, but there are a couple that look possible. A couple of the Shock Absorber bras, for one. It's good to see a high impact bra that comes in an A cup, that makes it less likely that the B cup is an afterthought that's really meant to fit a small C.

I might just order a few to try ... HerRoom's posted return policy is liberal ... anyone have any actual experience returning/exchanging merchandise from them??

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

HerRoom's posted return policy is liberal ... anyone have any actual experience returning/exchanging merchandise from them??

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I bought over a $1000 worth of bras from them and returned about $750 worth. Kind of embarrassing, but I wanted to find what would fit. I actually exchanged emails with them and ordered some of what they suggested. They had no problems whatsoever with the returns just as long as the tags were still on the bras. It was inexpensive to ship because I did so many at once.

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

I think if you sell your ill-fitting gently used bras on TE, you may find a buyer. Good bras are expensive.

What size(s) are they?

My Fiona's tend to run smaller in the cups than other brands. And the bands feel a little smaller, too. The problem with ordering online. That plus I'm too lazy to return.

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The only one worth considering is the Juno - it is a 36C in purple. I bought the last one that TE had in stock and it is discontinued. I need to wait until the Freya shows up to see how the new size fits before I decide what to do with this one. I am a bit nervous at pulling the trigger on a size I've not actually seen/tried on before but they do have a generous return/exchange policy. If I do decide to offer the Juno for sale the proceeds would help to purchase a replacement.

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Originally Posted by goldfinch

I bought over a $1000 worth of bras from them and returned about $750 worth. Kind of embarrassing, but I wanted to find what would fit. I actually exchanged emails with them and ordered some of what they suggested. They had no problems whatsoever with the returns just as long as the tags were still on the bras. It was inexpensive to ship because I did so many at once.

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Goldfinch - that sounds like it worked well for you. If you had spread that out over a longer time then you would have spent far more in shipping and may not have really found what you liked the best. I had a couple of questions about the Freya and they were very responsive. I really hope it fits...

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Here is what I mean by 'too low and wide,' scroll down to the picture entitled "don't get used to too low and too wide," it's a before and after picture of incorrect and correct fit. It's the number one problem with bra fit, and results from too wide band combined with too small cup.

Before and After.

Edit: might as well insert the picture, but the article is nice, too.

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hmmmmmm, looks familiar :o I am so glad I started this thread and hopefully all of the information will help other members. I never dreamed for all of my adult life that I wasn't in the right bra. There were such a limited number of sizes in the store and had no idea there were many, many other options. Obviously I needed a larger size back when I was a size 22 but even that probably didn't fit. The article was short, but sweet. Interesting points they brought up.

Hopefully my Freya will be delivered today, but we will see if it gets slowed down after the fresh snow fall last night. It IS in Indianapolis and that is encouraging.

The Freya arrived today! Sadly, however, the E cups are far from large enough so I will need to exchange it for either an F or FF cup. I was going to order the F but second guessed myself. Guess I shouldn't have done that! It was quite difficult to get it on but it felt good once I got it on (and this is what the reviews said), outside of my girls being in a too small cup. The band seemed fine - though I better not gain weight with that band :rolleyes: I am unaccustomed to actually FEELING the band but it didn't feel too tight. I will talk with them and determine the next size to try since I am now out of my depth. So far I am really liking their customer service.

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Originally Posted by goldfinch

I bought over a $1000 worth of bras from them and returned about $750 worth.

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Heh ... I guess that means they're good about returns! Thanks for the info. :)

The exchanged Freya arrived today, and it fit! I thought the cups might be too large until I...ummmmm...adjusted things. This is a great sports bra. I admit that it feels quite odd to have support from the band but I swear that my gals breathed a huge sigh of relief to not be smushed! The bra is very well made and while it doesn't go on, or off, easily, it feels like a dream when on. I am quite glad that I followed my instincts and went up 2 cup sizes and 1 band size to a 32 F (who knew such a wide range of sizes are out there???) I got THIS one (in black) and am very thankful I pulled the trigger when it was on a decent sale...

I forgot to thank everyone for their advice and comments in this thread. I had NO idea how much difference it makes to have properly fitting support! Pity it's taken me so long to figure this out...I am now looking at my others, knowing that I really need to start replacing those as well. As an F cup, AKA DDD, I am beginning to wonder if some of my back twinges have been from improper support...