Showing posts with label panache. Show all posts
Showing posts with label panache. Show all posts

Friday, March 18, 2016

What about the rest of us?

According to a 2013 survey by lingerie retailer Intimacy, the average bra size in the US is 34DD.

Why, then, are so few sports bras designed for any size larger than that? Do manufacturers not understand the meaning of "average"?

Even Competitor Running, in its current issue all about the best running gear, only offers sports bra recommendations for A to DD cup sizes. What about the rest of us, Competitor?

We already know that women DOMINATE this sport in participation. When is the industry going to start acknowledging this and our bodies?

Let me help you out. I may not have a whole team of athletes and contributing editors to source, but I've been a 34DDD runner for 6 years, and not without some serious support.
  • TitleNine.com has a catalog compiling different brands and sizes beyond DDD with reviews and ratings based on the level of support each bra provides. Its aptly named Last Resort offering is the ENELL sports bra, which is available up to a 40DDD from Title Nine and from size 32C to 54G (and custom sizes!) at ENELL.com. This is BY FAR my favorite for running and triathlon.
  • The Shock Absorber supports 30B to 40HH for high-impact activities. The band runs a bit tight, but the design perfectly encapsulates, separates, and compresses. Title Nine also lists this bra under the name "Trade-Up."
  • Though Moving Comfort offers sizes up to DDD/E and is recommended by Competitor Running, I find its support wholly unsuitable for running but would consider the brand for low-impact activities.
Sourced from the Fit Fatties Forum on Facebook, below are their recommendations for fellow fathletes:
  • Wizard of Bras lists all kinds of bras and brands: nursing bras, front-closure bras, minimizer bras, and sports bras by high, medium, and low impact.
  • Lauren Silva offers sports bras up to a 56G.
  • Glamorise offers various functional, stylish, and sports bras for larger busts as well.

There is CLEARLY demand for bigger and better sports bras, and they're out there! . . . if you know where to look.

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Sports Bra Recommendations

Breasts are a big deal, especially when it comes to running. Through several women’s fitness groups and friends, I’ve collected a list of sports bras for ALL SIZES and tips on how to choose and treat them. I hope you find this helpful and share with your friends.

Add your recommendations in the comments!

Don't wear two bras. Do invest in one that fits your body and provides the level of support you need. Wearing two bras on top of one another will not provide the same support as one properly fitted sports bra. Wearing two also gets really hot. (Source: http://www.fleetfeethartford.com/sports-medicine/sports-bras)

Don't bind with Ace bandages. It is dangerous and can cause serious issues such as tearing muscle, bruising of the ribs, misshaping the spine, and serious lung damage. (Source: http://www.idontdoboxes.org/your-friendly-neighborhood-binding-safety-guide/)

TIPS:
While many sports bras come in S/M/L sizing, women with C cups or larger need bras with a cup and band size.

Take care of your bra. Investing in a good sports bra is pointless if you don’t treat it right:

Don’t wash it every time you wear it. “I will only wash my sports bra every three [workouts],” she says. You can take it in the shower between washes and rinse it out.
Don’t put it in the dryer. That can really take a toll on it.
Don’t use fabric softener. It can erode the fabric’s sweat-wicking properties.
(Source: http://www.groupon.com/articles/bra-guide-its-very-possible-youre-wearing-the-wrong-sports-bra-sb)

A, B, C cup brands/stores
Ross, Target, Walmart, JC Penney, etc.

Shock Absorber (30B to 40HH)
http://www.shockabsorberusa.com/

Ds, DDs, DDDs brands/stores
Enell
http://www.enell.com/
AKA Title Nine Last Resort (Up to 40DDD)
http://www.titlenine.com/product/313801.do#.U8VpX_mzGZM

Shock Absorber (30B to 40HH)
http://www.shockabsorberusa.com/
The band size runs tight.
Also sold by Title Nine as the Trade-Up sports bra
http://www.titlenine.com/product/313716.do?sortby=ourPicks#.U9AN__ldVFU

Under Armour Armour Bra (Up to DD)
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/armour-bra

Moving Comfort (up to DDD/E)
http://www.movingcomfort.com/
Some friends like this brand, but I find its support highly inadequate for DD/DDD running.

F cup+ brands/stores
http://myintimacy.com/
This place is amazing for larger chested women. Bras are $60 US but way worth it and lasting!
http://www.wizardofbras.com/sports-bra.aspx
Similar to myintimacy, large boobies extra welcome!
 
Shock Absorber (30B to 40HH)
http://www.shockabsorberusa.com/
 
(DD-K)
http://www.butterflycollection.ca/
This site carries Enell, Panache, and Orange Zest Nursing Sports Bra by Cake.
 
http://glamorise.com/
This particular Glamorise style is very supportive of a 50F. Follow their sizing guide; don't assume size: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KFZGYS/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

All Sizes
ENELL (32C to a 54G and custom size orders):
SUPER supportive.They have a regular one and a light version for lower impact sports.
Awesome customer service. Take the time to measure yourself properly. Best bras I've ever bought are from these folks.
 
(30A to 56G)
Lauren Silva
http://www.laurensilva.com/sports_bras_s/20.htm 
Their site has REALLY slow-loading pages; be patient!