Running bra recommendations- chafing!!

[Lowin2024]

Hello!

Ive recently started running at 40 and I’m quite proud of my efforts, managing 5k in around 30 mins. But I do get very hot and sweaty and Im getting a horrible heat rash under my boobs! Which is sticking around afterwards too. I need a supportive bra as I’m a 32DD but I also need something soft. Any recommendations? Or tips to stop the chafing occurring?

I swear by the sainsburys ones which are grey and black. I've got three and they are better than a lot of the more expensive ones I've tried. I'm a 36 F...

Have tried and tested many over the years and would recommend the Shock Absorber Ultimate running bra.

A thin layer of vaseline on the affected area should do the trick for the chaffing.

M&S sports bras are good

Right. So.

With sports bras you essentially have two different types - the underwired ones that separate/encapsulate the boobs and provide support from all sides, or the "strap-em-in" version with no wiring, that squash you down and get most of the support from the chest and shoulder bands.

I quite like the Shock Absorber Run (which falls into the second category) but given what you've said re heat rash I wonder if you might be better off with either the Panache Sport or the Freya Active which are the two best ones in the first category. I've got both and they are very good; the wiring just means they're just a bit bulkier than the Shock Absorbers - but as the boobs are separated you don't get as sweaty or chafey, in my experience.

Thank you! This is all really helpful. Didn’t even know there were two types. Mine are all sweaty Betty crop top style ones with no underwire. I’ll def look into all recommendations!

I wear a panache ultimate underwired bra for classes. They also do an unwired version. They fasten like a normal bra rather than pulling on over the head

I use this one by Casall and swear by it:

www.zalando.de/casall-high-impact-sport-bh-mit-starker-stuetzkraft-black-c4441i011-q11.html?size=90E&lang=de&otid=default&wmc=SEM490_NB_GO._7713128529_677835352_33308218703.&opc=2211&mpp=google|v1||pla-293946777986||9191205||g|c||147910107582||pla|C4441I011-Q11009000E|293946777986|1|&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwveK4BhD4ARIsAKy6pMIPrLi7hXnDfMHkFKa9hiMk6c8A4KtPjR0rD76MQMu2vjI96FZVokwaAp9kEALw_wcB

For bigger boobs the shock absorber ultimate run is game changing for support. If you are running longer distances then adding something to protect against chafing is also key. I find I don’t need it for anything under 5 miles, but above that something like body glide protects sensitive spots.

if you are running longer distances then adding something to protect against chafing is also key

I know everyone is different, but I would argue that if you need to add Bodyglide for runs of above 5 miles then you're wearing the wrong bra, or the wrong size.

The only times I've ever suffered with chafing are over very long runs in the wet (like 4hrs plus, over the moors, in rain) or when wearing bras that don't suit me (hello Enell). And I'm an E cup; went up to an H in pregnancy/breastfeeding.

I'm a similar size to you and the only bras that have never chafed for me are shock absorber ultimate run.

They're not particularly pretty or flattering but I always come back to them.

Sports direct regularly have sales, and if you keep an eye out you can get them for £20 or so.

They're a lot stretchier than they used to be so you should buy your normal size. In the old days i always had to go up a band size to even think about being able to fasten it!

I have very sensitive skin and I get chafing anytime I am moving about in wet clothes for much more than an hour, not just around bra line, but back of neck (shirt collar) and inner thighs being particularly susceptible. Having a well fitting bra makes a massive difference (I’ve been professionally fitted more than once), but some people are just more prone to chafing?

I had a squash them in type of firm sports bra and found I was getting muscle type pain. I have swapped to an underwire one and although it says it’s only medium support, it is much better for me. It is this one https://www.marksandspencer.com/hybrid-medium-support-t-shirt-bra-a-e-/p/clp60677188?color=BLACK#intid=pidpg1pip21g4r4c2

netballher.co.uk/bras-and-kit/how-to-support-your-breasts-well/ a useful guide for what to look out for when choosing a sports bra