In Search of a Better Sports Bra
By FrancescaOur internet friend Margo sent us a link to an interesting newspaper article about the inadequacies of sports bras:
Dr Scurr said that the design of bras, including sports bras, was unable to cope with the three-dimenional movement which stretched the tissue and caused discomfort. “Bras are designed to support up and down movement,” she said. “We found they move up and down, from side to side, and back and forward. Previous research has only looked at vertical movement, which we found contributes only 50 per cent of the overall movement.
“Breasts move in three dimensions. Current bra design is inadequate and I think it is putting women off exercising. There really are women who want to do exercise but who don’t have the bras to cope. It is only recently that bra design has turned to science. There was no research. It’s like designing a car without first thinking, ‘What is the purpose of this?’ We need to think, why do we need bras? What do we need them to do?”
We Big Girls are painfully (pun intended) aware of the challenges in finding a good over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder which is appropriate for sports. Francesca sincerely hopes that bra manufacturers answer our wrenching pleas!
September 20th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
>>…they move up and down, from side to side, and back and forward.
All that, and men STILL burn more calories than we do.
September 20th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I haven’t ponied up the cash yet, but I’ve heard great things about Enell.
http://www.enell.com/
They’re kind of built like iron maidens or something, but I’ve heard tell of 38Gs actually jogging in the things.
September 20th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I cannot speak highly enough of the Natori Sport. It’s extraordinarily comfortable, very well made, and possible to exercise in, unlike many “sports” bras. A bit pricey, but totally worth it.
September 20th, 2007 at 2:27 pm
The only luck I’ve had is in double-layering. If I’m doing gentle movements I layer two cotton sports bras… if I’m doing something like jogging or frisbee or whatnot I usually layer a comfy underwire under a sports bra. It’s probably neither the best nor most comfortable option, but at least it keeps things from flying out of control (quite literally).
September 20th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
34-36 DD-E here. Small band + large cup = big bouncy. I have the Enell and it works perfectly, but it’s very uncomfortable — not because there’s any bouncing but because it’s made of such stiff stuff and binds so tightly. Which, obviously, is the tradeoff. Looser wouldn’t work. You have to pick your poison, at least till they develop some kind of super new technology.
FWIW Champion’s Action-Shape Full Figure Sports Bra is my current favorite, not at all bad bouncewise and a shitload more comfortable than the Enell, but that’s only good for up to a 46 and a DD so if you’re bigger I reckon you’re still shit out of luck.
September 20th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
http://www.titlenine.com/jump.jsp?itemID=0&itemType=HOME_PAGE
Check out TitleNine- anything that rates 4 barbells and the girls are going *nowhere.*
I’m 34F, and I can jog in most of these bras. My current favorite is the 3-Reasons. Not cheap, but what price comfort?
September 20th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Enells are surprising comfy for Iron Maidens. I got one just before I got the call for my reduction surgery. Wouldn’t you know it! I only got to use it twice and it was terrific. Now I’m no longer a 42G it languishes unloved in a drawer full of really, really cute bras.
September 20th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
I’m by no means a big girl, but I am a 34DD and I’m also a runner. I’ve found that the Moving Comfort Fiona bra is fantastic. It’s only $44, which is a bargain for a great sports bra. It’s also available in sizes from 32C up to 44DD.
September 20th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
I read this article and thought 2 Thoughts- First Off- THANK THE LORD- Science is catching up and secondly- Its about Friggin Time.
I am getting ready to start training for a triathalon and I am worried about keeping the girls in– I loved to run in High School but now find it hurts and I worry about getting black eyes from the girls bouncing too much. I think I have to break the bank and buy one or two Enells….
Thanks for the great articles and all the fab info- this Site Rocks!!!
September 20th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
One of the articles about this research mentioned the bra that tested best in their research. It’s the one I own, which made me happy! — the Shock Absorber bra. It comes up to “Level 4″, and in cup sizes up to G.
I’ve found that the band size on it runs a touch small, so I get it up one band size and down a cup size from my regular size. Perfect for rugby!
September 21st, 2007 at 6:04 am
Oh, I soo know what they mean! Gah!
I’ve found that http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2149&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=676&iProductID=2149 works well for me; supportive without the dreaded uniboob. For actually running I wear an enell.
Both on the spendier side; i guess you pay more for the structural engineering!
September 21st, 2007 at 11:34 am
As I write this I’m looking into all of the recommendations above. Because, ya know, it would be nice to be able to run a mile without slapping myself in the face…I just wish the best bras weren’t so dang expensive.
September 21st, 2007 at 12:02 pm
I’m going to second K’s recommendation of Moving Comfort’s Fiona. Amazingly comfortable AND a solid, solid hold at a reasonable price.