My Favorite Running Gear: Sports Bras

3.26.2013



Last year I wrote a few posts about my favorite running gear: socks, shorts, and shirts. The one thing I never wrote about were sports bras, mainly because I didn't have a favorite sports bra. I've honestly never spent too much time thinking about sports bras. Socks, shorts, shirts, and shoes, yes. I have actual opinions about them.

But my sports bras are just sports bras. I have a few Nike sports bras that I've been rotating for marathon training these past few months, and while they look cute and are even reversible (weird fact about me: I LOVE clothes that are reversible), they chafe me SO BAD.

It's only for runs over 8 miles, but since I've been training for my marathon, that's like ALL my runs. I get home, peel of my sports bra, and there's a lovely raw and sometimes bleeding band under my boobs. And yes, I said boobs. Sorry, Dad.

I've been chafing around my chest area for as long as I can remember, and like an idiot, it never crossed my mind to think, I wonder if there's a sports bra that doesn't chafe.

And it's not like I have a huge chest, so I don't know what the problem is, but I chafe, and it hurts.

So when a running blogger posted a review of a Moving Comfort sports bra, it's as if a lightbulb went on. "Oh! There are other places that sell sports bras! There are even brands that sell ONLY sports bras!"

Brilliant.

The downside to a specialty sports bra store is that their bras are dang expensive, especially for someone like me who is trying to spend no money. Luckily, I was able to hit up a sale they were having, and I ended up finding this really cute, high-impact sports bra for only $27 (+$5 shipping)! That's not too much more than one of my Nike bras anyway. Win.

After taking a run with my new sports bra, and here are my thoughts. As you can see, the pros are definitely outweighing the cons.

What I Love:

1) Really good support. There's just not a whole lot of bounce going on.
2) Good fit. Feels snug but not too snug. I think this is because on the website, instead of sizes like S, M, L, you actually choose a bra size. (32D, 36B, etc.)
3) Closure in the back. It takes some getting used to, but it is so much easier to take off when you're all sweaty.
4) Cute! I really like how it looks, which doesn't matter a whole lot because I'll be wearing a shirt over it all the time, but there's something to be said for a cute sports bra.
5) No chafing so far!

What I Don't Love:

1) Getting it on can be tricky (but getting it off is NOT, which is the key)
2) The velcro strap does poke me every once in a while

I will let you know how it goes on my long run this weekend. Cross your fingers for no chafing! But so far, I am a Moving Comfort fan!

Do you use a Moving Comfort sports bra? 
What type of sports bra do you like?

Katie Dupre said...

Pretty sure I have this exact sports bra, or at least one from the same brand. I LOVE it. With my 38DDD boobs, finding a sports bra that keeps them immobile while I'm running is the best thing in the world. I thought it would never happen, but it finally did. Cannot recommend this enough.

shelleystirs said...

Thank you! I am "blessed" and my cheapie Target brand is not working so great for me. Now I know where to go!

Breenah said...

I have one I got on clearance at Old Navy in either late 2011 or early 2012 and luckily it's still working for me. That fact that, until recently, I didn't really work out has helped it last this long. And it's cute, of course.

Unknown said...

Moving Comfort sports bras are my FAVORITE! I will never buy another brand. But yes, they are expensive. So I wear dirty and do laundry a lot :)

Allison said...

I love the qualities of this sports bra...I've never seen a sports bra with hook closure! Thanks for sharing!

Geoff Reese said...

My nipples, yes Amanda I said nipples, chafe when I run. Possibly this bra is the solution for me.

E_Woman said...

I am an odd size (small number BIG cup) and so my running bras are extremely pricey ($65 and up retail, but who pays retail?). Even my most comfortable bras (Wacoal) chafe after six+ miles and there are a lot of + miles in marathon training! I highly recommend TriSlide for anti-chaffing. Better than Body Glide IMHO.

DareDreamTravel said...

Ha! I wear Moving Comfort Juno. I find that with a larger-ish bust (I used to be a DDD, now I'm a 38C), non-racer back bras just drive me bonkers. Until I find a superior bra, or until they discontinue Juno, I'll stick with Moving Comfort.

Wait... scratch that. I'll just buy up every Moving Comfort Juno bra in my size.

Robbie said...

Hi - I created this bra to hold personal items like a phone. I've run with it all summer as have friends walking/running no chaffing issues I've heard of. If you are in the US and interested in giving it a try I can generate a coupon for you to bring the cost from 42.75 to 27US- I only have S,M, &L and its a seamless bra. Let me know, I'd love the feedback! Thanks! -robbie www.isportsbra.com

Unknown said...

Would love to get this coupon and try this sports bra. Nailmedic@bellsouth.net. ..thanks

waistcincherhq said...

This bra looks fantastic!

Anonymous said...

Using a sports bra or waist cincher really does work.

Mary Montoya said...

Great review :)

Groomy said...

Wearing Sports Bra for running is a best choice. I also put on Sports bra and workout leggings while going to gym. These tights are quite easy to carry and give good comfort. I am really happy to experience them. Would recommend my friends too.

Laura Bush said...

Your article contains very much information about the sports bra. Your article is very informative and I liked your way to share your good reviews in this post. Fitsleeves is the best online store where you can buy Women's Workout Sports Bras Online.

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