Cannot Find a Comfortable Bra

[Robin H]

I am a tour rider (Surly LHT) and a hiker. For the life of me, I cannot seem to find a comfortable bra. The sports type make me sore where they cross over my trapezius.

I am not big but I do need maximum support.

I have big trapeziuses (trapezeii???) from weight lifting.

Have any of you experienced this? What suggestions as to brands, types and sources for options can you offer?

What about fitting? Is there a secret that I a haven't discovered?

Thanks a lot in advance!!

-- Robin

[ny biker]

I find the bra fitters at Nordstrom to be awful. They insist I am a 34B. The fact that a 36 band leaves painful red marks on my back means nothing to them. They cannot comprehend the effect that weight training has on a woman's physique.

I was very impressed by the information and selection at HerRoom.

Definitely call TE and ask if they can help. The style might make a difference for you -- wide vs narrow straps, t-back vs regular.

Another source of sports bras is Title Nine. I've never bought from them, but they have a big selection and they rate each style based on the amount of support provided.

[sarahkonamojo]

You might also try bounce/title9
http://bounce.titlenine.com/
The title9 tab has more sport bras. The bounce tab will have nicer bras.

[murielalex]

Moving Comfort Fiona bra is the comfiest, softest, medium support sports bra I have ever worn, and the straps are adjustable. If I want better coverage, I like their Vero bra. I've always bought mine online, but I do know they sell them in specialty stores for runners, so you might be able to try one out.

[ZenBiker]

+1 for the Moving Comfort Fiona bra and for checking out the selection at Bounce/Title9. I've had good luck there.

[winddance]

+2 for the Moving Comfort Fiona bra

I love the velcro at the shoulders, it definitely helps allay that "digging" effect I get from other bras. I love the fact that the band has hooks on it like a normal bra instead of the, "one size fits none," bands from so many other manufacturers. Moving Comfort makes very "adjustable" bras.

[Becky]

Depending on the size you need, the Panache sports bra is the best I've tried.

[Maye]

Call Team Estrogen and ask? They've great customer service.

Fitting. If you have access to a Nordstroms, go and request a bra fitting. Also, follow the guidelines on HerRoom.

Nordstrom's will bring out a fitting bra, and try many until you find the perfect one.

Bra fit. Okay. With your arms tight to your sides, bring them forward and up. You shouldn't be able to feel the 'girls' with your arms. So, the bra should bring them together, within the width of your ribcage. Also, stand in profile, and look in the mirror with your arms at your sides, and bent at the elbow, forearms parallel to the floor. They should be lifted, so the equator, or fullest part, is about halfway between your elbow and the top of your shoulder.

The band and underwires/seams should sit below the breast-tissue and hug the ribs, by about two inches. They should not touch soft tissue.

Having the 'girls' positioned correctly is more comfortable, and better for your back.

Buy with the hooks on the largest setting, because the band will stretch.

A common problem, bra band number too large, cup-size too small, this results in them sitting too low and too wide. If you can look in the mirror, and see the girls falling too low and outside the confines of your rib/torso structure, you probably need a size or two larger cup, and a smaller band-width.

About 15 years ago, I went to a store, tried on a dress, and was about to put it back because it was too tight. The sales woman sent for the lingerie specialist (from another floor), who came up, took one look at me, and ran for a 34D. I had been wearing something like a 40B or 38C. With the 34D, the dress fit. I bought it.

We all fluctuate over the years. From age, if nothing else. I'm considering looking into 32DD's. Hard to find, though.

I'm not sure about the muscle-size affecting the bra-size, but you should be able to fit this way regardless.

Edit: The discomfort you describe sounds like the straps are providing most of the support. The band should do that, but it can't if it's too large. Definitely sounds like you probably need a much smaller band, and by extension, larger cups

THis page explains how to fit. But every brand and style fits a little differently, so if you order online, be prepared to send them back. Really best to go to a nice department store at least once, so that you can see how it's supposed to fit.

Great info here!

[Reesha]

Is anyone else cracking up that a good place to buy a bra is called "Bounce"?

+1 on Moving Comfort!

[Robin H]

I just wanted to thank all of you for your input. Will be going to Sierra Trading Post today to try on the Moving Comfort Fiona. I was glad to find that they sell them. Again, I appreciate all the quick responses and great info.

Robin

[TsPoet]

I just wanted to thank all of you for your input. Will be going to Sierra Trading Post today to try on the Moving Comfort Fiona. I was glad to find that they sell them. Again, I appreciate all the quick responses and great info.

Robin

thanks for asking the question... terrific info and I've gone into herroom and spent some money on a few styles.

(I originally read your first like as "... thank you for your support." and laughed).

[jessicamarie]

Finally a topic I don't feel like a newbie to on the cycling forums!!

I highly recommend the Trade Up bra from Title 9. It is sized by band/cup size, and the straps that go over your traps are adjustable, as well as the band (two-hook closure like a regular bra). I cannot say enough good things about the exact fit and durability of this bra, with the added bonus that it can be adjusted to fit you exactly!

[Veronica]

Is anyone else cracking up that a good place to buy a bra is called "Bounce"?

+1 on Moving Comfort!

I find the pictures and the notes in their catalog hysterical.

Veronica