Bra fitting help » Good Sports Bra Recommendations
Nike » Nike Pro » M M
Issue resolved
Alright, well, due to multiple recommendations, and Haute Look having a sale on Panache: http://www.hautelook.com/event/48944
I'm going to take the plunge and order a Panache Sports Bra. I suppose we'll just have to wait and see where this gets me.
Original problem
So, I was at Winners because I'm cheap and Sears, where I'd gotten my two previous sports bras, didn't seem to have any in stock that fit my needs. Unfortunately, Winners didn't have much better of a selection, and I only managed to find two bras that were above a minimal support level. I managed to find one large size(what I figured I'd need, since my medium was too tight) which seemed to have promising stats on its tag, by Adidas, I think, and this one, a medium that didn't look any bigger than the one I'd misplaced/was looking to replace. The large, unfortunately for me, fit like a large size shirt would (laughably baggy), and so I tried the medium Nike, and, I dunno if it was the comparison between it and the other one, but I walked out of the store with it that day thinking it fit alright. I suppose my main question is: What should I look for in a good sports bra, and how much compression is too much.
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Suggestions (2)
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helpful
A good sports bra does not come in sizes like S, M, L, but in band and cup sizes. It's not a regular piece of clothing, it's a bra and you need both independent measurements (bust and band) to make it fit right.
Your fit check says "band fit - I can fasten it, but it feels too tight" but the band stretches to 39" while your ribcage measures at 31". Remember that too small cups will make a band feel tight. You have to size up in the cup, but there's no option to do this in the Nike sports bra, because the next bigger size is L, and L would have bigger cups, but also a wider band that doesn't give you any support at all.As for brand suggestions - personally, I prefer Shock Absorber bras (make sure you size up in the band, because they are super tight).
The Panache Sports Bra also works for many people, but it depends a bit on the boob shape and might not work for everyone. You can get your regular 'fitted' bra size in the Panache.
Other brands that make 'bra size' sports bras include Freya, Royce and many others.About how much compression is too much - it depends! It depends on how much is comfortable to wear, and how often you wear the sports bra, and how much support you need. You need more support for running than you need for yoga, for example.
As a rule of thumb, one shouldn't wear compression sports bras longer than neccessary, because they squish the boob tissue closer to the body instead of encasing and supporting it. This is good while doing sports, but not neccessary during normal everyday activities.I hope this was helpful. Good luck with your search!
Updated on February 15, 2014 Flag this
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bracrastination As you can probably tell from the images, there actually are no fasteners on the bra, but I figured that seemed like the best option to choose out of the ones available.
Thanks for the suggestions, I'll have to check them out and see which would work best for me. Currently I'm using my sports bra for Hatha Yoga (which is very low intensity [a good thing, since it's at 8am]) and a beginner's kick boxing class which is...I dunno, maybe medium intensity. I often go jogging around town in the summer, and would love to get back to doing Taekwon-Do, if I could swing it.
thelittleone Thanks for weighing in, I'll definitely have to go check that one out and see if it would work for me. -
Another person in full agreement with bracrastination. For running/high impact I highly recommend Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports (4490) - I find it much more comfortable than, and as effective as their so-called 'run bra'. As Bracrastination says, you will need to size up in the band and possibly the cup (I have similar measurements to you and wear a 32DD (normal size 30E) - though I think I will buy my next in a 32E)
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I am a size 34 H (ish) so I need a lot of support! I discovered this sports bra about a year ago from Panache (http://www.panache-lingerie.com/en/products/details/panache-sport/sports-bra/sports-bra/a) and would HIGHLY recommend it! It's great. It's very supportive and has a neat feature..
It can be worn 2 ways. So I wear it like a normal sports bra with 2 straps while I'm going for a walk or I'm on a bicycle, etc. If I'm running or hardcore on the elliptical I can switch it (on the spot) by just hooking the 2 straps together and it becomes that much more supportive/tight. It's extremely easy to do, I just put my hand down the back of my shirt, and voila! It's a fantastic bra. It's not cheap, but it IS worth it.Updated on February 16, 2014 Flag this
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Agreed with this one. It isn't cheap, but I've had mine for almost 4 years now and it's still going strong. Definitely worth the money...though I do need a new one as I'm down 1/2 cup sizes since I bought it
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I agree with bracrastination. Although I'm only a 34B I find that bra sized sports bra's fit better and provide a lot better support. I hate compression type sports bras and usually opt for underwired sports bras, they're not quite as cumfy but I don't feel squished and I hate the uniboob look that compression bras create. Of course at my size I don't as much support so I can get away with minimal compression. Your mileage may vary.
I have one Anita 5527 which I love due to the two part cups and 3 hook back. I cant get those pull on bras off after a heavy day in the gym.