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Sports bra tips from the “Bra Whisperer”
By workoutmommy | April 8, 2008
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Women’s Health magazine has a wonderful list that everyone must see. The “8 Rules of Sports Bras” are tips from the “Bra Whisperer”, Susan Nethero. She is the founder of My Intimacy Stores and has been featured on Oprah and What Not to Wear.
Here are her tips (in bold), along with my own commentary and suggestions (in italics).
1. Look for bras that encapsulate each breast in a separate chamber; they reduce bounce and support better than simple shelf bras.
Translation: if you are large chested, the $10 bra from Target is not going to cut it. Spend the extra money to get the one that will hold ‘em down!
2. Try to find sports bras that come in cup and band sizes rather than just small, medium, or large; they usually fit more precisely.
It is important that you find one that fits your body, not just a range on the size chart.
3. Look for strategically placed seams and stitching, which help cushion the breast. (Hate bumpy ridges under a fitted tee? Companies like Isis, Asics, and Champion make seamless bras.)
Seamless means no itching and scratching during your workout!
4. Pick high-performance fabrics that wick away sweat to minimize chafing (look for CoolMax or Double Dry).
This is a must. I don’t think they even make sports bras in cotton anymore, but read the labels just in case.
5. Own a variety of sports bras, and when in doubt, choose a higher-impact bra for a lower-impact sport–never the other way around.
Better safe than sorry. Hold them close to your body for a more comfortable workout!
6. Get fitted by an expert. You can find bra fitters at most department stores or lingerie shops.
I did not know they do fittings for sports bras but I guess it couldn’t hurt? Do the high end lingerie shops sell sports bras too?
7. Before buying, jump, swing your arms, and move around. If a bra pokes, rubs, slips, jiggles, constricts your breathing, or bulges, put it back. Also, it should fit on the first hook; as it loses elasticity over time, you’ll need room to tighten it.
Jump and dance in that fitting room! Protect your elasticity!
8. Rotate your bras and wash them regularly so you can get at least a year’s use out of each one.
Wash them on the gentle cycle and air dry if possible. Help preserve them so they can continue to preserve you!
Just like a great pair of shoes, it is important that you find a great sports bra. I am a big fan of the Frog Bra from Title Nine. I will definitely be wearing it during my 5 mile run today.
How about you gang? What sports bra will you be wearing and what workout are you doing today?
No excuses, be active!
Topics: product reviews |
April 8th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Ill be getting worked up and stressed out about a deadline?
does that count? it gets mah heart rate up and I dont need a bra!
ok Ill say the stationary bike
at home
sans bra
I NEED TO GET SHOPPING. mine are all old and threadbare.
Ill check out your recommendation.
MizFit’s last blog post..Tues Tips & Trends
April 8th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I sooo needed this post today! I have HAD IT with my cheapie 10$ shelf bras. I’m verrry small chested (um, negative cup size anyone?) and so I figure I can get away with the cheap ones. But after 4 babies, my nipples have decided to make a run for the border- in opposite directions. I spend way too much gym time “adjusting the girls”. Today I buy a better bra! Although… they come with hooks???
charlotte’s last blog post..Other People’s Mail - Installment 1
April 8th, 2008 at 10:33 am
I just told my husband I need to go out and get some new sports bras last week, and he asked why I need more than one or can’t just wear two. I’m gonna send him this link.
Britni’s last blog post..Pick Your Prize
April 8th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
This post is such a great help. Women of the world need to read this to get rid of th e”uni-boob” or the “baggies”.
Wilhelmina’s last blog post..Idol Gives Back 2008
April 8th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
I can only hope and pray that, with time and hard work, I will one day have a moniker as cool as “The Bra Whisperer.” Fabulous.
PS I once blogged about how boobs bounce - scientific stuff, OK? - and in the name of such science, I am going to share that video with all of you
http://theweightinggame.ivillage.com/dietfitness/2008/02/bounce_with_me_bounce_with_me.html#comments
xoxox
April 8th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
My biggest issue is that they are always so stinkin’ tight under my boobs - so that when I’m really breathing heavy, it’s just hard to get a full breath in…make sense? I’m frighteningly small-chested (think 12-year-old boy) so I buy them super small but then can’t breath! Ugh.
renae’s last blog post..Best Year Ever
April 8th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
mizfit: sans? really? I cannot imagine such a thing!(much to my dismay)
charlotte: you crack me up. yes, hooks. Mine has many, yet still not enough at times!
Britni: sadly they just don’t get it, do they? Once he understands what you are protecting though, I’m sure he’ll be happy to let you shop!
leslie: that video is hilarious! Let’s all cue the cheesy music and start jogging in place!
renae: that is something I can’t relate to. Don’t hold ‘em too tight, you need to breathe!
April 8th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Honestly, the CW-X extra firm hold bra is the best for me at the moment. Britni, I used to run in two all the time. It is no fun taking all that off when sweaty. Invest in one good one- your boobs will thank you. I also have issues with chaffing under the arm pits, anybody else on that??
I think the best thing to do is go to a store that specializes in offering women a large selection of jog bras and try them on. LIKE JUMP UP AND DOWN!!! Run in place, pump your arms. Be picky. If anything bugs you in the store, don’t buy it.
Rachel’s last blog post..Introducing: Kim McElhinney, Founder of Dude Girl
April 8th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Ok..so in all actually I probably don’t even need one! So sad! Anyhow, I found some very comfy ones (with a little added padding) and I can wear them for everyday too!
Angie’s last blog post..7 Great Secrets for Great Abs
April 9th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
I have a new favorite that fits all those criteria, and I did, in fact, get it at Target! It’s a C9, separate cups, wide straps, individual sizes, etc. I love it. I think it was about $20. And no uniboob! And though short, I am also what would probably be considered ‘well-endowed’ (thanks, sturdy Polish ancestors!), so it works for me.
Peggasus’s last blog post..Letters: Day Eight
April 9th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Rachel-
I’ve found that even really good sports bras can still chafe sometimes. I use BodyGlide on my skin wherever the bra may rub. Some folks use vaseline, but I think it’s nasty.
Mercedes’s last blog post..running for charity
April 15th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
My two favorite sports bra brands are: ENELL and Fabulous Athletic Bra. They are comfortable and do a fantastic job of minimizing bounce.
Stephanie’s last blog post..Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web
April 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
You say you are a big fan of the Frog Bra but that doesn’t follow your rules. According to your rules and other folks advice you should not go for just compression for large chest/breasts which is what the Frog Bra is for. You should try encapsulation or a combo of encapsulation and compression. The Frog Bra is nto good for your breasts. There are plenty of other good bras out there. Give them a try.
April 29th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
It’s tough being a bigger girl… I have such a hard time finding nice styles in my size. Oh yeah… by the way great post!