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 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.

[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/inv...n-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.

[ny biker]

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