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Original poster

Running bra for bigger boobs!

31 replies

Numberfour · 19/02/2009 08:04

I am not sure if this is the right topic for my question to be in....
But I was wondering if anyone could recommend a bra for me to use for running. I am at the very least 3 stone overweight and have always been heavy on top. Running in a normal bra is completely out of the question because it is just too uncomfortable.

Any suggestions please??

OP posts:
mankyscotslass · 19/02/2009 08:07

I always used to go for the Shock Aborber bras, they have different levels of support for diffeent activities and norkage.

At the moment though I am using a M&S sports bra as my funds were limited. It does the job ok, but I am only powerwalking and doing weights at home.

harleyd · 19/02/2009 08:08

shock absorber sports bras are fab

Original poster
Numberfour · 19/02/2009 08:11

thanks, manky. my funds are extremely limited too! i will have a look at M&S, thanks. i used to have an underwire sports bra from them years and years ago and it was great.

I have looked again for the underwire one but no luck.

OP posts:
mustrunmore · 19/02/2009 08:12

I've got a shock absorber and its not bad, but tbh the only one that I've ever thought 100% did the job was a nike crop bra. I've had it about 10 years now and it looks manky as hell, and they dont make them anymore . I was gutted when i had ds2 and it no longer fitted me, but now I'm back in it I'm so glad! The crop-top type are far more supportive than ones that just look like bras imo, as long as they are thick not a flimsy material.

Louise2004 · 19/02/2009 08:23

Shock Absorber

Just make sure you have a good measurement done occasionally, which makes all the difference! On the recommendation of a colleague I found the service at Peter Jones to be very good (M&S were rubbish), although I can't make it there very often. They were also very good in their recommendations of the different types of bras.

fishie · 19/02/2009 08:25

bravissimo i've got the freya active one which is great value but cannot be used on first hook setting as there isn't enough material underneath and hooks dig in.

don't go to m&s their bras are just not well enough made.

mileniwmffalcon · 19/02/2009 08:33

bargain shock absorber here - have bought from this seller, no problems. make sure you get the right impact level - running needs more support than anything else. iirc it's minimum level 3 for smaller cup sizes, 4 for larger.

i found it helpful to read the reviews on the different models at boobydoo before buying on ebay.

mileniwmffalcon · 19/02/2009 08:36

chart here tells you which level you need.

Gorionine · 19/02/2009 08:44

Oh numberfour, thank you for starting that thread! I am quite big and have started running, so far I Wear my swimming costume on top of my bra to keep things in place! I just had a look at the links from fishie mileniwmffalcon they seem really good and affordable too! Thank you everybody!

Dilettante · 19/02/2009 08:53

mustrunmore, agree that crop top type bras are more supportive than other sports bras as long they are thick - Sportjock do a good one, very thick material.

Personally though I have found what suits me best is to wear one of the crop bras over a normal underwired bra. Really no movement at all and great for running.

fishie · 19/02/2009 08:58

i started in a very firm solid underwire bra, but once i started going over 5k there was chafing

over 10k it is extraodinary the amount of movements you make so anything that can rub you will.

101handbags · 19/02/2009 10:41

Totally agree with the replies here - it has to be Shock Absorber all the way, I do dance DVDs several times a week and my norks don't budge an inch.
As a previous poster said - avoid M & S as they are not at all supportive. I ordered a load and took the whole lot back. Get to Debenhams or Figleaves for Shock Absorber.

Nontoxic · 19/02/2009 10:46

I second what Dilettante said - thick cropped bra with a normal underwired underneath.

I bounce all over the place in Shock Absorbers, even grade 4, and this is the only way I can entertain running.
(Actually, I haven't been since someone told me you shouldn't run if you're over a C cup.)

rolandbrowning · 19/02/2009 11:28

Nontoxic, I'm in trouble then, I'm a J cup

Would recommend shock absorber too, go to bravissimo if you can to get fitted.

verygreenlawn · 19/02/2009 12:48

Shock Absorber with a cropped bra top over the top.

Or if you are seriously serious about no bounce at all - the Ennell. Sizing is very very specific and the bra is very very tight so it can really take a lot of getting used to. But I guarantee you no movement at all.

For chafing you need lube - try wiggle I've got some from there.

verygreenlawn · 19/02/2009 12:52

Sorry, Enell even.

FlorenceAndtheWashingMachine · 19/02/2009 13:53

I also recommend Shock Absorbers, but in particular the type which is underwired (with a special wire that doesn't dig in, or bend out of shaoe and washes really well). It is truly marvellous!

I got mine for £6.99 reduced from £29.99 at TK Maxx and it is even better than the non-underwired Shock Absorber that I had before.

Good luck. I have also recently embraced running and it is definitely the thing for shifting weight. Try to get proper running shoes if you run for more than 20 minutes - I was given this advice at the gym and my legs feel so much better now when I run.

Salleroo · 19/02/2009 14:13

Shock abosorbers no 4 is the only way to go if you need support. The money you will waste spend at M&S you will only have to spend again later getting a proper bra. They last forever so 25-29 squids is a good layout for a bra and as FATWM says, keep your eye out in TKMaxx and you'll get them cheap.

FlorenceAndtheWashingMachine · 19/02/2009 17:19

Sorry, I can't resist posting this link. I find it quite terrifying!

www.shockabsorber.co.uk/bounceometer/shock.html

FlorenceAndtheWashingMachine · 19/02/2009 17:56

Sorry, you have to click on the bounceometer under 'extreme' for the scary bit!

verygreenlawn · 19/02/2009 18:08

I see what you mean! The side view is especially scary in a DD for me.

Can I just add one thing about bras - no matter what the label says I would always hand wash and leave to air dry. Even the best quality ones can get a bit saggy after repeated washing and drying.

Dilettante · 19/02/2009 18:30

Sorry but I think that bounce-o-meter doesn't reflect reality at all in my case...it is MUCH worse than that

I think as well it's not just cup size but the shape of your boobs. Mine have gone totally floppy since BF. Meh.

Millarkie · 19/02/2009 18:53

I have had Shock Absorber which have been good, and currently have the 'Impact Free by Royce' bought from Bravissimo which is more 'crop top' style and also very good.

Miyazaki · 19/02/2009 18:56

I don't think the shock absorber is tough enough - I have an ennell one from boobydoo website. Is fantastically ugly, Oprah approved and my boobs really do not move.

verygreenlawn · 19/02/2009 19:05

My DH calls the Enell the f*kin'ell due to it's size and the fact that it looks more like a surgical garment than a bra. Works though!

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