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Original poster

Running bras - cheap and big

33 replies

Zaphodsotherhead · 23/05/2018 14:31

I've recently got back into running again (very slow and steady). I needed some new gear so I went to Primark (I have very little spare cash) to buy some running bras. I'm around 38DD so I bought a couple of 14/16 running tops and the cup size is no way big enough. I shove my boobs in and yank it down under my boobs but it sort of rides up so my underboob is showing by the end of the run.

Being fairly large of boobage I need a tight fit so they don't bounce and swing around when I run, but I need a bigger cup size so they aren't squeezed out all around. Anyone got any good places I can get a running bra that will actually, you know, fit? Bearing I have only pence available to spend.

And if anyone sees an old lady flailing past with a kind of boob belt on - give me a wave.

OP posts:
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applelolly · 27/05/2018 11:02

sorry, meant can all be cheap, not actually free!

applelolly · 27/05/2018 11:02

I agree dangermouse you really only need to spend the money on a good bra and decent running shoes. tops/leggings/shorts can all be free. And once you've bought the stuff actually partaking in the sport is free (unless you get addicted to entering races then it all adds up again LOL)
I have been back running since Jan after a 5 year break. I started at 40D , then 38D and now 36 C (I have more weight still to loose)
I have bought tops and leggings from primark but wouldnt really trust them for running bras. Also at 38d I was buying size xl /18 tops from primark.
I find the shock absorber bras the best , I do as others have suggested and check out online for good deals. I recently got one in last years colours fairly cheap of amazon.

Spanglyprincess1 · 25/05/2018 14:22

G cup and feel your pain! God a good high impact running bra from Sainsbury's of Ann places. Freya is a good bet too but much more pricey but you can get sales stuff

Original poster
Zaphodsotherhead · 25/05/2018 14:16

I agree that most of the gear is cheap - I don't really care what I look like but I do want to be comfortable, hence the boob problem! Also the trainers, but I can get away with cheap trainers as long as I don't mind them constantly getting ripped/wearing out (I run a lot of cross-country routes).

But I do need my chest well strapped down, or it hurts.

OP posts:
dangermouseisace · 25/05/2018 14:13

It’s not all bad zaphodsotherhead (best name ever)

I spend the most £££ on road shoes and bras. My other clothing is cheap as chips, and my trail shoes are usually around £50 from sportsshoes as I know what I like. Sometimes I look like a running bag lady but I don’t care. T shirts are usually the free ones from races (most of which I’ve just marshalled for, not actually run), or as cheap as possible from outlet shops, sales or cheap shops. I hardly have to buy them lol. Trousers/shorts similar- decathlon are great for cheap running clothes. I can’t see the point in paying £80 for some capris when you can get some for £8. Socks are mainly karrimor from sports direct. Once you’ve paid out for your boobs and feet the rest can be fairly cheap.

Original poster
Zaphodsotherhead · 25/05/2018 12:52

It's just the sheer cost of it all! It's a bit like 'poor people aren't meant to run'. I've got cheap leggings to run in, and a pair of Primark cycle shorts, and I've got an offcast pair of my daughters trainers (which are now falling apart, but I really can't afford to buy another pair). It's the tops that are the sticking (or wobbling) point.

They want us to get fit, but if you are already larger there seem to be lots of inbuilt preventatives! I live in a lovely rural area with quiet roads and bridlepaths to run on and I run with my dog, but I dread anybody seeing me flopping about half in and half out of my clothing!

Thanks for all the tips - I shall investigate further.

OP posts:
KatharinaRosalie · 25/05/2018 12:21

Honestly those crop tops that are sold as sports bras are criminal. If you have anything more than a handful, they offer no support whatsoever.
I also vote for Shock absorber Run. I find it fits small and I need to go up a back size from my Bra Intervention measurement.
If you're otherwise size 14, OP, you probably need 34 band bras, not 38.

AnguaResurgam · 25/05/2018 06:20

It's the same method

(Not the same bells and whistles)

KirstenRaymonde · 24/05/2018 23:54

@AnguaResurgam no it’s not, the boob or bust one has a calculator that pints out an answer for you

MoreProsecco · 24/05/2018 20:48

Agree Bravissimo are good, but very expensive & never seem to discount.

I personally feel, if you are busty, that you must get professionally fitted. I tried buying sports bras online & it really was a waste of time. Ended up returning them all, despite being a consistent size in a brand.

I bought my Freya active online (EBay) after being fitted in House of Fraser. A bit cheeky but hey-ho.

Boobydoo are also good, as well as Wiggle & Belle Lingerie (as mentioned upthread).

CalmConfident · 24/05/2018 19:53

Bravissimo are brilliant- I always have the panache sports bras

Invest in your boobs!

AnguaResurgam · 24/05/2018 19:50

Kirsten that's the same method as the one already linked (the MN blog about bra intervention)

KirstenRaymonde · 24/05/2018 18:30

This calculator is by far the best bra measurer, booborbust.com

I wouldn’t get a sports bra in a dress size over a proper cup size unless you’re really small and don’t need the support

mumsnitter · 24/05/2018 18:22

These guys have good prices. Second Freya.
www.belle-lingerie.co.uk

Original poster
Zaphodsotherhead · 24/05/2018 09:11

Thanks @AuntieStella. As soon as I find a tape measure in this wreck of a house, I shall give it a try. I agree, with bigger boobs support is so important. I've always been...errr..busty, and I used to ride a lot and NEVER found a bra that could properly support me during long sessions. I'd always end up hitching up the straps or with a kind of 'uni-tit' bolster frontage flopping up and down.

I'm sure it would encourage more people to exercise (particularly those, like me, of the larger persuasion) if kit was easier and cheaper to come by!

OP posts:
AuntieStella · 24/05/2018 08:52

Do measure yourself by this method!

thebetterbracampaign.blogspot.co.uk/p/fitting-advice.html

Support comes from underneath - ie the band needs to fit properly, especially when there's going to be repeated percussive movement, and you really, really do not want +4 inches when you're going to be active.

Original poster
Zaphodsotherhead · 24/05/2018 08:39

Sorry for the delay in replying - was on a late shift!

This is all very interesting and informative, thank you all so much! I'm getting bigger as I age and want to do some more (gentle) running with my dog to stop the spread - a lot of it seems to have gone to my boobs!

I ought to be measured again, my 36/38DD bras are starting to get a bit small in the cup. I honestly thought that 14/16 running bras would be a decent size - they fit me everywhere else and hold me together, but my boobs are climbing out underneath if I move my arms too vigorously. I have the feeling that if I put my hands up the damn thing would flip up under my chin!

Food for thought. I shall check the brands you've mentioned online. But, really, Primark, I'm pretty sure I'm not XL in the chestal region....

OP posts:
MoreProsecco · 24/05/2018 08:15

Agree with sizing on shock absorbers- I'm a standard 34ff & couldn't get it fastened. That's why being fitted is so important. then buy online cheaper

AuntieStella · 24/05/2018 07:38

I think Shock Absorber is fantastic, but the sizing is weird (consistent within the brand, but different from other makes). So find somewhere to try one on, or use somewhere with a good returns policy.

Decathlon is a good place to try as well, but I've just looked at their website and they seem to have discontinued the style I liked.

The Panache (underwired) sports bra is fantastic as well, and you can often find previous season's colours quite the heavily discounted.

randomsabreuse · 23/05/2018 22:42

Amazon has good deals on shock absorber - as does wiggle. Very effective sports bra. I tend to add a compression layer because I have to compromise a little on my bra size - can get cheap from Aldi or I assume decathlon etc. S M L sizes tend to be big in the back and small in the cup although I suspect you may be more of a 32H/34G...

FrangipaniBlue · 23/05/2018 22:35

Another vote for shock absorber Run!

If you're not fussy about colour you can get some cracking deals on eBay Grin

LastOneDancing · 23/05/2018 22:15

And if anyone sees an old lady flailing past with a kind of boob belt on - give me a wave Grin

I will only buy Shock Absorber run/multisport bras and I think I've tried every make & model of running bra out there!!

I buy mine from Amazon, half the price of Debenhams etc. Worth every penny and will last ages.

QueenOfMyWorld · 23/05/2018 22:15

What do class as cheap? Next do a high support one for 28 pounds it's brilliant

KirstenRaymonde · 23/05/2018 22:12

38DD? Are you sure? Worth doing this calculator before you buy any more bras booborbust.com

Tylerschair · 23/05/2018 22:09

I get mine from M&S whenever they do an end of season sale. They usually have a good range in a selection of sizes. I'm a 32E and need industrial support so I'm always on the lookout for the sales.

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