Reader help: Best sports bra?

By Jennie

I started running the first of the year, and I have two old sports bras in rotation that I've owned since I was....how do I say this?....much smaller. I wear these sports bras under t-shirts or tanks, so they're not unbearable, but when you spend even a moment adjusting or pulling or focusing on your clothes while running, you should probably do something about that, am I right?

Before I go out and try on a sports bra or two hundred, I thought why not ask you lovely, smart women for a little advice to arm myself with when I do? I think it's a great idea. So, let me hear it:

If you run (albeit slowly) what sports bra is your favorite?

Comments

[natalie]

Both my favorites are Nike. I find that the ones that have the wider elastic around the chest help with that whole breathing thing I need to do as I'm huffing and puffing along. This is a great one: http://store.nike.com/index.jsp?country=US&cp=USNS_KW_0611081618&lang_locale=en_US&l=shop,home#l=shop,pdp,ctr-inline/cid-1/pid-238478/pgid-238479

[alexa]

They are expensive but worth it: enell.com. There is actually an ebayer who sells the ones that are factory seconds for about $20 cheaper. Both of mine are fatory second and hold my 34 E's in high and tight despite high impact aerobics and running.

[Marie Green]

I need to know the answer to this question as well! I hope to find an awesome one (or two) soon as well.

[Sarah P]

I just got this one (http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=46916&vid=1&pid=720990) and it works great - I'm a C/D cup and usually on the elliptical at the gym. I've also jogged with it on the treadmill and it's definitely fine for that as well. My old sports bra was pretty sad - I had to wear it over an underwire bra as well. This one is great by itself.

[Elizabeth]

I love the Moving Comfort Fiona sports bra...but I would recommend going to a running store, trying a bunch on, and jogging in place in the changing room.

I also really like the ratings they have at Title Nine (www.titlenine.com) but they don't tell you the brand name of the bra (so you have to buy it from them.)

The other thing I have been known to do is to buy TWO cheap stretchy Champion sports bras from Target and wear them both at the same time.

Also, if NOTHING else works for you (like you have very large lady bits) supposedly the Enell is for you. But I have seen your lady goods in person and I don't know if you're quite in Enell territory.

[Ashley]

I was going to suggest Enell, but I see someone already has. They're pretty pricey, but totally worth it if your boobage requires maximum hold.

[K]

I have some from Old Navy that I like but they aren't very special. They were inexpensive and they get the job done.
I just bought a Champion bra the other day. When I tried it on it was the most comfortable sports bra I'd ever put on. I haven't worn it on a run yet but I can't wait to try it out. I got it at an outlet mall but I think Target sells them.

[Jennie]

K, that's good to know. I almost bought a Champion at Target the other day but thought I just ask around first.

[Kristie]

My absolute favorite is from JcPenney and there's no tag inside so I have no idea who makes it. I'd buy 10 more. I tried on probably 10 before I found one that I could jump up and down in and my boobs didn't end up lodged in my nose.

[Kerri]

Under Armour all the way. Some people don't like sports bras that flatten their breasts, but at least they're not flying all over the place! The Under Armour ones will hold you in nice and tight, and the back is mesh on most so they breathe well.

[Natalie]

Target's for $14

[Nothing But Bonfires]

Ooh, I can't believe no-one has mentioned the Frog bra from Title Nine! I LOVE it for my....uh...girls. It's pricey ($40-ish) but definitely worth it. Nothing is moving when you're wearing the Frog bra. If you get what I'm saying. And I think you do.

[Debbie]

I'm a 40 DD and I bought a Champion from Target for 14 dollars. And I love it. I may marry it. I am also planning to buy about six more, because I get cranky when this one's in the wash and I have to use one of my other (inferior) sports bras.

[bec]

I'm on board with Nothing But Bonfires: go Title Nine! The selection is great but it's the descriptions that will sell you -- satisfyingly comprehensive and surprisingly entertaining.

[Tara]

I'm in complete agreement with Kerri, above. Under Armor is awesome, and make sure you get the dry fit material; you'll be running in the Texas heat this summer and it makes such a difference!

[Kelly]

Again- TITLE NINE. I use the Triple Treat sports bra and the Cause She Said So sports bra. But I'm high activity and REALLY needed to minimize movement.

[Caroline]

I agree Title Nine is awesome. If there is a store near you, you can go try them all on. They sell a lot of Moving Comfort bras and I like those a lot, but the exclusive bras they make are pretty great too (like the Frog Bra).

[Sarah]

The Champion racerback sportsbras at Target rock (and are affordable!). I wore them a lot during the end of my pregnancy when comfort was a must.

[T$]

If your girls are a bit large and you know that you'll wear a shirt to cover up other unattractive parts, I like this one: http://www.lanebryant.com/cacique/bras/full-coverage-underwire/ultimate-sport-bra/4043c4044c112p31367/index.pro. It lifts, separates and supports.

[HollyLynne]

Googling Under Armor and Title Nine now! I have had zero luck finding good, comfy sports bras. All the ones I've tried (Old Navy, Target and Victoria's Secret) have either been comfy but with too much give to really hold things in place or really good at holding things down but not so good for, you know, BREATHING in.