Bras for Busty Runners

I asked Ashland-based trail runner Bethany to review a handful of 1073786_10200841705178086_229255002_orunning bras for this Spring/Summer.  Having a larger chest comes with its own set of problems when we’re talking about running comfort.  I facilitated the ordering of the bras and was thoroughly confused with the different sizing from each company. Guys, you may like buying gear, but be thankful we don’t have to deal with this!

She was provided these by URP with zero expectation of positive reviews. The words are all her own.  If you’re considering purchasing any of these products, please consider using the Amazon links provided. It’ll drop a few nickels into our bucket and keep the site and podcast as ad-free as possible. Thanks!

 

TheNorthFace Bounce-Be-Gone ($32)

TNFBBGsideFinding a sports bra that limits the pull of gravity when performing high-impact sports can bedifficult, especially for us well-endowed women. Bouncing can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. So with a name like Bounce-B-Gone I was excited to give this sports bra a try.

 

The fabric is compressive, breathable and supportive. It has a wide elastic hem at the bottom to keep the breasts up. The style is razor back, which also helps to defy gravity. The bright color is a benefit for safety and cuteness.

 

While this bra does limit the bouncing, it does not reduce it as much as I would like a bra with this particular name to do. Being a 34 DD and wearing a medium sized sports bra still allows gravity to have quite an effect while running, letting the girls have a mind of their own. While it fits around the torso under the breasts, it does not on the sides or the top. Overflowing was a factor causing constant adjusting and chafing while running.

 

I think it would benefit The North Face to provide bra sized that come in conventional bra sizing instead of XS-XL. It would be more practical for all athletic women.TNFBBGBack

 

LIKED:
  • Fabric
  • Wide elastic hem
  • Razor back
  • Color
  • Washability
DISLIKED
  •  Sizing (XS-XL)
  • Misleading name (ha!)
  • No adjustable shoulder straps
  • No adjustable back closure
QUALITY: 5/5
COMFORT: 3/5
PRICE: 4/5
LOOKS: 4/5

 

Buy it here.

 

LuluLemon Booby Bracer ($68)

Luluback

LuLulemon has always been a great company for women athletic wear. Over 80% of my gear comes from them, and I have been very pleased with their products. This bra is definitely designed for the bustier ladies of the world. When I first received the Booby Bracer I was surprised by the fabric. They call it “Luxtreme: a sweat-wicking, four-way stretch fabric that’s cool to the touch and fits like a second skin – this technical fabric offers support and smooth, low-friction performance.” 

 

I went for a 6 mile run in this bra and it did a great job supporting my breasts. I did not experience any chafing, nor did I have to adjust myself at any point during my run. It has adjustable straps for the shoulders, as well as an adjustable back closure. For long distance running and high-impact sports, it’s important for bustier women to be able to make adjustments when needed. It is also easily washable and did not stretch or shrink.

 

lulufrontWhile the fabric is very cooling, smooth, and seamless, it is however, extremely constricting. Even though I was able to adjust the back and the shoulder straps, sometimes I felt like I was suffocating. This was not due to sizing. The bra fits, but the fabric is not very forgiving. While the bra is supportive and keeps everything in place, it is not the most flattering. Instead of lifting and separating, it seems to just compress, giving a “uni-boob” look. Even with multiple adjustments the bra just doesn’t make the chest look very attractive.

 

LIKES:
  • Sizing (34DD) 
  • Seamless
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Adjustable back closure
  • Support
  • Cool & breathable
  • Washable
luluarmup2DISLIKES:
  •  Constricting 
  • Not flattering
  • Price
QUALITY: 5/5
COMFORT: 3/5
PRICE: 3/5
LOOKS: 3/5

 

Buy it in your local running store or here online.

 

 

Moving Comfort Maia Bra ($27 on sale)

Prior to receiving the Maia sports bra, I had never even heard of the company Moving mcsideComfort. I really have been missing out. This is one of the most comfortable, supportive, and flattering sports bras I have worn. I’ve went for several runs and it has never disappointed. It supports, moisture wicks, breathes, and is comfortable at the same time. It has adjustable shoulder straps and back closure. It also has built in underwire which helps to keep the breasts up and in place. I have washed this bra many times and it has always kept it shape. The coverage is such that there is no chance of spillage or over flow.  I’ve never had to adjust myself during a run while wearing it.

 

While there are more pros than cons, there are a couple complaints I do have. It is true that the Maia bra has adjustable shoulder straps, however the adjustment allowed is very limited. You are only able to adjust the shoulder straps by a few inches. It would benefit me more personally if I had a couple more inches of freedom. While I would feel comfortable going out in this bra without a shirt, because it lifts and separates, it also reminds me of what an older lady would wear. Don’t mcbackget me wrong, it has an attractive fit, but while wearing it I do not feel like a young sexy woman. It is a very conservative practical sports bra.

 

LIKES: 

 

  • Sizing (34DD)
  • Supportive
  • Breathable
  • Flattering
  • Comfortable
  • Adjustable shoulder strapsmcside2
  • Adjustable back closure

 

DISLIKES:

  •  Freedom of shoulder straps
  • More mature (old lady) look
QUALITY: 5/5
COMFORT: 5/5
PRICE: 5/5
LOOKS: 4/5

 

Buy it here.

Mountain Hardware Women’s Mighty Power Cooler SportsBra ($45)

mh sideI tend to love products from Mountain Hard Wear. They are usually attractive and of good quality. However, this sports bra is not the caliber I would expect from this company. The fabric is soft and comfortable, but extremely flimsy. Even if a woman had smaller breasts, this would not provide the support that is required for high-impact sports such as running. The sizing comes in XS-XL, and I did my best to guess what would fit me, so I ordered a medium.  While it does mostly contain the breasts while standing still, unfortunately the bra severely underperformed with any sort of high-impact movement. I could not run more than a mile in it, I might as well been running bra-less. The only thing going for it is it’s breathability, cute color choices, and soft fabric.  I only wore the bra a few times and washed it twice and the seams were already ripping. I was highly disappointed in this product.

 

LIKED:mh back
  • Color
  • Soft fabric
  • Breathability
DISLIKED:
  • Quality
  • Sizing (XS-XL)
  • Lack of compression
  • Lack of support
  • No adjustable straps
  • No adjustable back closure
QUALITY: 1/5
COMFORT: 2/5
PRICE: 2/5
LOOKS: 4/5

 

Buy it here.

 

TheNorthFace Stow-n-Go ($42)

TNFSNGpouch

A sports bra that doubles as storage can be a girls best friend. In need of a GU on your afternoon running/hiking adventure? This bra is the perfect place for those little packets of joy. Don’t know where to put that iPod? Place it in the center storage pocket for easy access. The Stow-N-Go comes in a color blocked pattern, which is a popular fashion these days. The bright colors are not only cute, but they act as a safety factor as well. The wide strap on the bottom keeps the ladies up and not sagging. The fabric is soft, comfortable, and breathable.

 

This bra would work best for women with an A/B cup. Being a 34DD and having to find a size of a bra that fits, but only comes in sizes ranging from XS-XL can prove to be difficult. Referencing their sizing chart I did my best and chose a medium. While the medium fits well around the torso under my breasts, it did not fit around them. I was constantly adjusting myself so that I was not overflowing on the top and at the sides. Any sort of up and down movement and my boobs were flying everywhere. Going for a TNFSNGstretchrun any longer than an hour caused chaffing where the lining hit the top of the breasts.

 

The North Face has attractive quality attire, but if they want to accommodate women athletes of all sizes they should make sports bras that come in normal bra sizes.

 

LIKED:
  • Front center storage
  • Color
  • Washability (didn’t shrink or stretch)
  • Fabric
DISLIKED:
  •  Sizing (XS-XL) TNFSNGback
  • No adjustable shoulder straps
  • Lack of adjustable back closure
QUALITY: 5/5
COMFORT: 3/5
PRICE: 4/5
LOOKS: 4/5

 

Buy it here.

 Got questions? Bethany will pop into the comments occasionally and answer anything ya got.

Please use real name. Anonymous comments will be deleted. Thanks.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.