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Original poster

How hard is it to buy a sports bra these days!

44 replies

MorningRant · 23/09/2021 09:13

Sorry I know this is a real first world problem and I should be grateful I've nothing bigger to be cross about this morning.
But OMG how hard is it to buy a sports bra?
Our local department store closed, no sports shops by us stock decent brands, have ordered a total of 8 from Bravissimo and Shock Absorber after online chat with their staff, none of which fit and it takes weeks to get the money back.
(Breastfeeding so really need proper support and fit.)
How does anyone manage to actually buy one?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 23/09/2021 09:53

I like boobydoo for sports bras

Original poster
MorningRant · 23/09/2021 10:11

Thanks, just having a look but getting frustrated because the size filter doesn't work and they don't have my (perfectly average) size in anything I click on...

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 23/09/2021 10:18

What size?

inkhopper · 23/09/2021 10:19

M & S have a decent selection, Not sure if their changing room is open again yet but you can try on and then return if they don't fit.

FTMbg · 23/09/2021 10:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PurpleDaisies · 23/09/2021 10:46

I second booby doo. I bought multiple sizes and was refunded for the ones that didn’t fit within a couple of days of them getting their items back.

SillyLittleBiscuit · 23/09/2021 10:51

I get from www.maaree.com - they're pricey but the best I've ever worn. They offer an online fitting service. I didn't use this, I went by her measurement guide and a tape measure.

Original poster
MorningRant · 23/09/2021 11:16

Thanks for listening.
M&S didn't have my size in anything high impact in the shop.
34C or D probably, shock absorber said go up a band size in the ones I tried but then were all too big on the band 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 23/09/2021 11:28

Maybe you’re wearing the wrong side bra. I was buying my normal size in shock absorbers and then I realised I needed a smaller band in regular bras.

dementedpixie · 23/09/2021 11:30

I put 34C into the search bar

www.boobydoo.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=34c I like panache ultimate underwired and couldn't find the right fit with shock absorber

dementedpixie · 23/09/2021 11:31

What do you measure under your bust? That's your back size

Slacktacular · 23/09/2021 11:33

I’ve just got one from Runderwear who size by band and cup. Found it exactly true to size and so comfy. More comfy and easy to get in and out of than my old Shock Absorber and pull on styles. I hate it when it’s an actual workout to get the dang thing on!

Original poster
MorningRant · 23/09/2021 12:52

Measure 29" under bust.
The Runderwear and Maree ones do look very nice. I have a bit of a mental block on spending over £50 though, especially as once I get running/stop breastfeeding it might soon be too big. In the good old (pre-baby) days I was ok in an £8 Lonsdale from sports direct but sadly they no longer cut the mustard. I think I have spent more on bras and nursing vests than all other baby costs added together! Maybe I should start a sling library for boobs where you can rent bras by the fortnight until your size changes!

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 23/09/2021 13:05

Sounds like you need a 30 back then
What do you measure around the fullest part of your bust?
Each inch difference between under and over bust gives the cup e.g. 1" = A, 2" = B, then its C, D, DD, E, F, FF, etc

dementedpixie · 23/09/2021 13:06

Sounds like you need a smaller back and larger cup which is why you can't find one that fits well

emmathedilemma · 24/09/2021 13:15

I hear you! I've lost track of how many i've bought or ordered and had to send back. I don't even have big boobs and the "high support" ones that still have bounce factor is ridiculous. I tend to wear the Nike cropped top style ones as they fit but they're a bugger to get out of when sweaty! I run with a backpack a lot of the time so I'm really cautious of the ones with clips and metal fastenings in case they chaff.

ShinyMe · 26/09/2021 17:23

I'm huge, and have always really struggled with bras, and have been very picky about buying sports bras. It was always a mega hassle. Normally I'd try Debenhams and John Lewis, but our JL closed down recently too, and Bravissimo is miles away.

The other day on a random whim, I bought one off the rack in Sainsburys without trying it on, and was amazed to find it fits PERFECTLY and is really comfortable.

This is the one I got:
tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/p/Active-DD%2B-Black-High-Impact-Flexiwire-Sports-Bra-/136216679-Black?searchTerm=:newArrivals&searchProduct=

I've never had one with a wire before, but this one is really good.

Original poster
MorningRant · 27/09/2021 21:38

Thanks for all the empathy and tips! I am at last the proud owner of a shock absorber that fits and that I dare to try running in.
It's actually only taken 2 weeks (plus a few weeks browsing and shop hunting before that), £383 of orders and £8 postage on returns.

Please someone bring back department stores before I change bra size. Thank you.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 27/09/2021 21:41

What size did you end up with?

callingon · 27/09/2021 21:46

Oh god I’m currently working up the emotional fortitude to spend £58 on a lululemon sports bra - they really are the best ones I’ve found for running with boobs. Side note but I actually found some sports bras to have a negative effect on my running cos they sort of squashed my boobs down and made it harder to breathe, whereas the lululemon ones push them up and out of the way. So it also gives you great cleavage which may/may not be a bonus!

GoWalkabout · 27/09/2021 21:51

I'm happy with my shefit, it is front fastening and the shoulder and back straps adjust via velcro so you can get a perfect fit. Its a bit alarming to get into the first few times but it's a breeze now. The zip has little covers but still a bit bumpy so show under clothes is my only complaint.

Ichangemynameagain · 27/09/2021 21:55

You need to measure yourself properly before you start trying on bras. If you're 29 inch under the bust, then you're not a size 34. You need a 30.

Original poster
MorningRant · 28/09/2021 11:49

@dementedpixie

What size did you end up with?
34D. Which fits according to the email they sent me of how to check, and feels secure non bouncy like I could run in it. Ironically enough, the size I have been most recently wearing for normal bras and the size I would have ordered originally if they hadn't said to go up a band size.
OP posts:
Original poster
MorningRant · 28/09/2021 11:56

@Ichangemynameagain

You need to measure yourself properly before you start trying on bras. If you're 29 inch under the bust, then you're not a size 34. You need a 30.
I did measure myself. I may sound pretty stupid but would like to reassure you that I can confidently and accurately operate a tape measure. In this particular case the old Plus 4/5 formula, on me, for this brand, this bra, is accurate. For any other model, bra, god knows. People like bravissimo refuse to tell you what size to buy from measurements, because there is no such thing as a single size you are across manufacturers, because they all just make it up. Which is why we need department stores, or to hope they keep making the same bra forever and our size never changes.
OP posts:
Jennyw12 · 28/09/2021 17:25

I assume its easier now but I ordered online during lockdown. Tried a sports bra on when it arrived and got totally stuck. Size was probably wrong but I was home alone so what do you do?