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

[MorningRant]

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?

There are often local specialists who can help with fitting and buying sports bras. A friend travelled to Stevenage to get fitted properly, it's made a huge difference to her. If you're anywhere near there I can send you the details!

As you're breastfeeding I would recommend encapsulation bras (eg Panache under wired) over compression like Shock Absorber. My personal choice is Panache and I tend to by from an online shop called Poinsettia, however unless you know what size you want it could be tricky.

@Jennyw12

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?

Another reason why department stores are needed! Hope you escaped unharmed.

I like triumph

@ScrambledSmegs

There are often local specialists who can help with fitting and buying sports bras. A friend travelled to Stevenage to get fitted properly, it's made a huge difference to her. If you're anywhere near there I can send you the details!

As you're breastfeeding I would recommend encapsulation bras (eg Panache under wired) over compression like Shock Absorber. My personal choice is Panache and I tend to by from an online shop called Poinsettia, however unless you know what size you want it could be tricky.

Thanks, unfortunately I'm over 150 miles from Stevenage! I tried a Panache of some sort or other but it was too big and didn't come smaller, at least not from Bravissimo.
I searched and asked around as I thought there should be some advice for sports bras for breastfeeding but couldn't find any. I shall be so upset if I go and get mastitis after all this! I just assumed I was safest with non-wired.

@Jennyw12

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?

I was totally stuck. Had to wait for DH to come home. He found me asleep on the bed!

I am now the proud owner of four ASICS sports bras - are run 50km a week and have saggy average sized post kids boobs (once big and beautiful 😩) - love them

Sorry- just saw you are breastfeeding- my mistake

Have a look at the BOB page on Facebook (boobs or bust) they have a really good fitting calculator with extra tips for nursing mums etc. They also have links to bra retailers such as brastop.com and their own discount shop.

I’ve finally found two from marks and spencer. I am quite large and wanted to do parkrun and nothing was holding everything comfortably- ordered two online and miraculously they fitted and hold everything rock solid!

I go to sportsdirect in the local shopping centre, or order from them or Amazon online. Or M and M direct has some good bargains.

I have some of these, I think they are fab, so comfy Next

@HelenRu

Agree with OP that we need department stores but they can still be a problem I got stuck in a sports bra in a local store. Couldn't see an assistant and there was no-one in the other cubicles who I could ask to help. What do you do in that situation?

Hope someone turned up to rescue you. This is clearly a common problem! I wonder how many women around the world are stuck in sports bras right now awaiting assistance.

I do apologise if what I linked is not what you're looking for.

To be fair, apart from huge stores department stores were always crap for sports bras.

Wired is fine when feeding.

Still searching for sports bra nirvana!

I don’t rate shock absorber as they wash badly and the fabric goes hard, can rub where the logo is and hooks break.

Runderwear in is comfy but expensive and (for and above) v padded, so no good in hot weather or rooms.

It's more expensive than I remember but I bought this sports bra after having a boob job in France. My doctor actually wrote the brand on his list of things I needed to buy. It's 100 times easier to get on than a shock absorber and despite feeling less sturdy it's the only bra that doesn't make my boobs hurt after running.

www.laredoute.co.uk/ppdp/prod-324488758.aspx?dim1=3&dim2=7

I managed my first jog, and it was worth all the time, energy and money spent. All's well that ends well.
Thanks for all the input and ideas, there are more sports bras in this world than I could ever have imagined. Happy shopping you all, and stay safe trying them on. 😊

@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.

But sports bras are tighter. I think you need old style measurements for them.