Monday, February 13, 2012

The search is on for cute sports bras

I am an average sized girl but I am cheap.  I can't stand how much running clothes cost, or any clothes for that matter, and so I most likely own the cheapest sports bras on the planet.

Since I am currently refusing to spend a bunch of money on bras, I usually resort to going to Target and picking up the Champion sports bras.  The problem with those bras is the size small is too small around and then the medium is too big in the breast area.  Which leads to my problem...

(ignore all the sweat, I seem to sweat just as much in the winter as the summer)

Especially on long runs, my left side seems to chafe really bad with the Target bras.  Last week, I ran 14 miles and really cut up my skin.  Then on my next recovery run, I reopened the scab and when I got home I noticed I bled all over.  Not exactly the thing you want to see post run.


In all my years of playing sports, I have never had a problem with chafing until I started wearing these bras.  I just want a bra that fits - I want to keep the girls locked and loaded.  I like my sports bras tight because I don't like things moving around.

I think I need some new sports bras.

Sports Bra Criteria -

1. Lots of support - I just like things tight I don't know why, but not super tight around my rib cage because I need to breathe.
2. Colors - I don't want white.
3. Price - Target bras appeal to me because they are $14.99 (or less!)
4. Easy access - I like being able to go to a store and by my bras instead of online.

So there is my dilemma.  Now time to get on the hunt for some cute, affordable bras that wont leave me scared!  Where do you get your sports bras from?

21 comments:

Marlene said...

Ouch! I had to toss a couple of bras last year that were cutting me pen during long runs.

I need to try them on so I will only buy mine in stores. Moving Comfort has become my favourite brand, but they are pricey - $50+. You really cant find a sports bra around here for less, so I try to buy with sales or coupons.

misszippy said...

That is definitely a dilemma! I am lucky b/c the Champion bras work beautifully for me.

Teamarcia said...

The Handful clearance bras are $28 w/free shipping--they are fab, although still pricier than Champion. Otherwise I get Nike ones when they're on clearance +20% off + free shipping at the Nike website.

Anonymous said...

Ugh! I've had many bras that chafed my ribs under my pits. Chafing is never fun.

I run in Moving Comfort bras too, and love them. They have bras for all sizes, and they're really comfortable. They're definitely more expensive than Target's, but I picked up three and have gotten way more use out of them than I did with my Target bras.

Rena said...

I use the sports bras from aerie. When they are on sale, the price isn't too bad, maybe 20-30 range. I really like the champion bra that I got from Dicks, but that was definitely 30 bucks. I had a hard time getting myself to buy it, because it was expensive.

Nurse Becky said...

I like the Frog Bras at Title Nine (online unless you live in one of the areas that has a store). You DO NOT MOVE. At all. They have blue and black, so some color. But, if you use them too long (like your boobs grow due to being preggo or anything like that....i speak from experience) you get chafing too. I had to retire mine because now post-preggo, they don't fit. In fact, nothing fits.

Being Robinson said...

OUCH. i actually found that my favorite sports bras are the ones from GAP. they fit wonderfully, and are moisture wicking and smooth inside, i've never had a problem with chafing with them. i can't remember how much they are, but i'm thinking in the $30 range?

~*katy beth*~ said...

i have the same issue! cant wait to see all the responses so i can find some no ones too:)

Kim said...

I buy the Targer Champion "Shaper" bra, which is $19 and has a bit more support - seams down the middle of the cup. I still bleed and scab if I don't lube up though!

JCP Xersion sells cute ones, but not sure how effective they are.

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

This is prob not what you want to hear, but I Think spending $ on a good sports bra every year is important. I have several that I Rotate through and have to buy new ones once or twice a year.

My favorites have been... moving comfort (you can find them at REI), Nike (at various locations but the Nike store has lots of options) and Brooks (my local running store). Most of my sports bras have been $35-45. GOod luck with your search. It's important to try lots of diff styles on.

Christine said...

I usually go with the cheap Target ones and luckily they work for me. I also went to TJ Maxx, they have brand items for cheap. Good luck!

Christy @ My Dirt Road Anthem: A Runner's Blog said...

I am a huge fan of Handful bras, but they are only good for high impact for A/B sizes.

Ouch on the bleeding! Hope you find a bra!

Amy said...

Ouch! That sounds painful. I know they aren't cheap, but I've lucked out on a couple of Lululemon sportsbras on sale, and I love them. I also like Gap Body sports bras, and they are usually cheap and a good snug fit for me.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Ouch, that sucks that you have been chaffing. I have never had that problem w/ target bras thankfully!

I actually did a presentation on sports bras (and work out wear in general) for our January women's networking event. Lululemon has great ones, but they come w/ a hefty price tag. A good medium-price range brand is title nine. I hate spending money on things like this, but i also remember to think of the 'cost per use'. I mean, if you consider the fact that you will wear it at least once a week, it kind of makes it seem less expensive!

Good luck! Hope you find something that works and fits your budget!

Kristin said...

Surprisingly, my favorites are from Old Navy! Cheap, supportive and wicking... not to mention great colors. I personally like them better than my expensive ones from Nike or EMS.

Unknown said...

There are sports bras & then there are running bras. Choose a running bra that is labeled as high impact or maxium impact. If you have medium to large boobies, go a size smaller to ensure there's no chafing. I went through 4 "sports bras" before I figured this out. I found the Champion 360 high impact. I love, love, love this bra. My girls stay in place. There's no wiggle room & most importantly no chafing. Good luck :)

Nicole Orriëns said...

I just wear my regular bras! I hate the tightness of 'real' sports bras.

Mom's Home Run

Elizabeth said...

Sorry, I cannot help you in the price department! I am rather busty so I have to shell out the dough to get a bra that provides true support without squishing the girls too much. :-)

Meredith said...

Check out the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sales. I'm not sure what size you would need (probably XS) because I wear a large and have a DDD chest. I should wear one of those crazy high impact sports bras, but I just can't afford it and most of them are so "supportive" (read: tight) that they're too small. The VS bras, however, really keep me in place and prevent me from having pain when I run or jump. They're pricey when they're not on sale, but I've bought all mine at the semi-annual sale for $10.

Lisa said...

I buy Champion sports bras from Target for your 3rd and 4th points so I'm not going to be a lot of help. I read a good review for Old Navy sports bras recently, but haven't tried them myself.

Page said...

I wish I had a better recco for you but I use Target bras, but not that exact one. There are some bright colored ones with thinner bra-like straps I like. If you have a small chest, try those out.