(Sports) bra sizing!! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ And how to find ... - Bridge to 10K

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(Sports) bra sizing!! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ And how to find the best fitting and most supportive bra.

roseabi profile image
roseabi
β€’62 Replies

Hey ladies!

Last night I listened to a podcast interview with a woman called Laura Tempesta, owner of a website called bravolution.com. She is the only woman in the USA to hold a Masters degree in lingerie design, and she is working to revolutionise the world of bra design! Her TED talk is below, it's entertaining!

I found this all extreeeeeeeeeemely interesting and thought I would share.

Did you know that what you probably thought about bra sizing is all wrong? Did you know that (for example) a 34A, 32B, 30C, and 28D all fit EXACTLY THE SAME BREAST SIZE???

The Bravolution website is not selling anything, and it has a wealth of information about how to find the best-fitting and therefore most supportive bra.

The podcast I listened to is focused on sports bras specifically (the TED talk is more general), and it is also entertaining, but you should note: I listened to it through an ear bud and I was nearly deafened a few times because the interviewer, Kelly Roberts, kept SHOUTING! I like Kelly, but she is LOUD!! So be warned πŸ˜‚

podnews.net/podcast/im1f

Here's the website - it is American so some of the sizing info may be slightly different, but the basic idea is that you work out your size roughly, consider some other factors, and try things out for yourself. And basically, don't put up with a bra that hurts you!

bravolution.com/

And here's the TED talk. I have a slight issue with what Laura says about changing your bra every year - given the price of sports bras this is unrealistic for many people and I take it with a pinch of salt! Still a good talk though.

youtu.be/GrxJ-9_qXeM

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roseabi profile image
roseabi
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62 Replies
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CandyCool profile image
CandyCoolGraduate10

Apparently it is the most important item of clothing for women runners after shoes! For those of us who are still rather well endowed it’s a priority πŸ€ͺ❀️

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply toCandyCool

It was interesting on the podcast Laura says that bras actually have a lot more in common with shoes than they do with garments! They are basically equipment.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10β€’ in reply toCandyCool

I certainly couldn’t run without mine. One of the reasons I didn’t run when I was younger was because the sports bras were rubbish.

β€’ in reply toCandyCool

Even when you're not well endowed it's important. I have an AA cup (don't know if the sizes in Belgium are the same as there) and when I run without my sports bra, I feel those tiny lumps jump around a lot and it absolutely does not feel nice! It's even kinda painfull. So yes, a sportsbra is indeed the second most important thing for runners.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

I’ve only got lidl ones 😁

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

If they fit you and support you they are cool! I ran two marathons in two weeks in the same pair of Lidl shoes 😊😊😊

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toroseabi

They had some lovely run shoesπŸ™‚πŸ‘. I think their running gear has fallen away since their last bumper bundle of 2018

alpacagirl profile image
alpacagirl60minGraduateβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

Ha, ha - so have I! Actually I feel my cheap Lidl sports bra is fine as lidl ones probably don’t need quite so much scaffoldingπŸ˜‚

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toalpacagirl

I’ve got at least half a dozen Lidl ones (maybe more ☺️)

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10β€’ in reply tomisswobble

πŸ˜‚πŸ˜†

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

It was a pun 😁

It’s true though. Lidl jobs for me. Some stupid prices abound!

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply tomisswobble

Oh yes, sorry!!! πŸ˜‚

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply toroseabi

I've got really lidl ones...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toroseabi

Me too, but a very broad back ! ( which has been useful, when I worked, along with board shoulders and a sense of humour)!!!!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

πŸ˜πŸ‘

You run em off! πŸ˜‹πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ Saves a fortune in scaffolding 😎

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply tomisswobble

Seriously is that true? My boobs are smaller than when I began running, out I assumed that was because I am becoming ancient!

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Running makes me lose weight all over, boobs included!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toroseabi

Well I am certainly a lot more streamlined!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

We lose fat from our fattiest bits first πŸ™‚.

My big butt was the first sure sign that the weight was shifting. One chap quipped that he would miss the total eclipse that occurred whenever I bent down 😁😁😁😁☺️

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10

I agree with CandyCool vitally important piece of kit. I’d never replace either a sports bra or everyday bra without going to a specialist shop and being fitted, same as trainers. I ignore the actual data on the label and always do a test by jumping up and down🀣

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toGrannyhugs

That is so public spirited of you, I bet they love you coming and entertaining everyone:) xxx

Grannyhugs profile image
GrannyhugsGraduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

πŸ˜‚ I do draw the line at jogging round the storeπŸ˜‚

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toGrannyhugs

😁😁😁😁

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

😁😁😁😁

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

πŸ˜‚πŸ˜†

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2

So I've just recently done a bra update. For my town bras, I booked an online M&S free sizing thing which was really good actually. In the past I'd been (as a treat) to Rigby and Peller and I remembered a few things but learned some more this time and exaclty that about changing cup and size means you end up with something similar. It seems that getting the sizing right with wired bras is most important so as not to damage tissue.

For running bras I have now invested in Rundewear having tried a friend's bra and yeah they are expensive but they hold you in really firmly and so I think it's worth it for me (DD/E).

Last week I saw a lady running braless and I nearly got my friend to stop the car...

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toCouchpotato2

I got measured at M&S about a year ago, 38a, perfect fit and really comfortable. Bought the same size, same description bras online a couple of months back, they’re about 1cm smaller in all the measurements. For my build it works on a run as what little is there is firmly held in place but for everyday it’s just annoying and uncomfortable.My nearest branch is an hour away, not sure if I’ll bother going back, I’ll just do trial and error again at TK Maxx, their bras are usually prettier too.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply toYesletsgo

Sizing varies between bras annoyingly. What you could do is line up the bras you have and do an online consultation (with other brand bras too) if you wanted:-)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toCouchpotato2

Mine are all Runderwear :) x They do last too!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply toOldfloss

First time you put them on it’s a bit oppressive but they work!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10β€’ in reply toCouchpotato2

Ah, that’s answered the Runderwear question! 🀣 Maybe I should try them.How does anyone run braless (apart from men of course!!)?!!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply toTailChaser

I was quite surprised really!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Interesting. I bought my shock absorber and everyday bras at a well known dept store, and they don’t measure anymore. It is purely by looking at you and then comparing one bra with another. Perfect fits but the sizes shown are completely different.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10

Thanks for this roseabi, I’ll definitely give that a watch.

Like CP2, I had my best sizing done at Rugby & Pellar before I got married. They do everything by eye, I went down 6inches around my back. Went to M&S about a year later and they used a tape measure, and it was totally wrong. It was a long time ago so hopefully they’ve updated the way they’ve measured since then. I now go to Bravissimo and they’re similar to R&P in the way they β€˜measure’.

I use Shockabsorbers which have been a wonder. The Running Channel recommended a Maaree bra which I’d love to try but at Β£64 a pop I don’t want to risk not doing it’s job as I’d expect. Unfortunately I give them quite a battering so they only last about 6 months each. That together with the number of miles I’ve been putting into my shoes this year, whoever said running was cheap must have been a man!!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply toTailChaser

Ah yes i got asked to measure my chest at m&s and then they say add 4” which doesnt work at all. The lady who Ihad realised that and just went by eye and trying different ones on. Good to know about bravissimo!

Re sports bra, if you try rundewear there is a pack of 2 which makes the overall cost not so excessive. Definitely prices by men though

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10β€’ in reply toCouchpotato2

Bravissimo own brand sports bras are really too CP2, I use them at the gym. They have a big selection of all sorts of bras.I was wondering about Runderwear bras. Do they actually keep everything under control??! They got a good review in Runners World but I do like to play safe with the Shockabsorbers.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply toTailChaser

Yes nothing moves at all! I also did other brands first but when i tried it on for a run I couldn’t go back. There are sales on regularly.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate10β€’ in reply toCouchpotato2

Thanks. I think I may give them a go. I often get a discount code from Strava challenges too πŸ‘

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate10

Every year? Pah! I still have the one I bought during C25K. I recycle my sports bras in much the same way as my shoes - running to cycling to pilates!!! However, there is getting to be quite a queue!

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate10

Thanks, @roseabi. I am in the midst of a frustrating search for a new sports bra, so this is incredibly relevant. πŸ‘πŸΌπŸŽ‰

There is a question about sports bras today on C25K. Maybe you could copy this post to there? Bet it would be very welcome! πŸ˜ŠπŸ‘

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply toGranspeed

Yeah I saw the post and responded to it, maybe I'll repost over there... 😊

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10

There's a great segment on radio 4 More or Less from 13th June on bra sizing. Very interesting.

I always wear Freya active. I couldn't get on with Shock absorber bikini clips.

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply toSpeedy60

Yes! It's interesting what they said on the More or Less programme that the "80% of women wear the wrong bra size" statement could not be verified. Laura Tempesta starts off with that statistic in her TED talk, but I can't find mention of it on her website, so perhaps she's dropped it!

GailXrunning profile image
GailXrunning

Sizings - agghhhrr! The bane of my life! Sizing up or down is never straightforward. Sizes rarely conform to measurements.

I do love my Shock Absorber though. That was researched by a woman at Portsmouth Uni:

shockabsorber.co.uk/our-res...

At least, finally, we have sone good brains investing time in this subject. Look forward to checking these links!

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toGailXrunning

Had a look at the Shockabsorber site, the idea of my girls traversing a 4 cm figure of 8 at every step is quite worrying πŸ˜³πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

GailXrunning profile image
GailXrunningβ€’ in reply toYesletsgo

We need to know these things. I mean, do you think that energy swirl of eight builds up further momentum? 😬😱 And I’m just recalling playing with skipping ropes at school.πŸ˜‚

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10β€’ in reply toGailXrunning

😱indeed!! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toGailXrunning

😁

Mck8 profile image
Mck8

Hi I am a bra fitter and the one thing I always tell my ladies is they could be a different size in different styles and makes and a sports bra is the most important bit of exercise kit they will every buy as a woman and it needs to fit perfectly and minimise bounce when running. I see so many ladies bouncing so bad that they must hurt after there run it took me months to find the perfect sports bra and to be honest it’s over a year old and still does it’s job perfectly.

My advice get a bra fitting and don’t panic if it’s not the size you think you are it’s just a size the important bit is that it does the job and is comfortable 😊

roseabi profile image
roseabiβ€’ in reply toMck8

I have seen a couple of women out running recently, about whom I thought OUCH!!!

Mck8 profile image
Mck8β€’ in reply toroseabi

πŸ™ˆ it’s so uncomfortable to 😭I forgot to take my sports bra once when doing an exercise class 2 minutes in I had to stop it was so painful and BOUNCY lol xx I would have had a couple of black eyes πŸ‘€ if I had continued lol

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

Thanks you!!! I have found my perfect for me... So important to find the right one. I could not wear anything with fasteners or zips so for me a seamless support bra is great.

Getting in and out of it is fun... and when I inadvertently sent for the wrong size ( brain fog) last month.I nearly dislocated my shoulder getting out of it, when trying on! :)

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply toOldfloss

Omg one of my friends said she likes putting her sports bra on!! I was like, no. When I’m nearly done i sometimes realised it’s inside out and have ti start all over again

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

🀣 That sounds like my recent experience! What a nightmare the search can be. 😱

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply toOldfloss

Or when you can’t get out of the darned thing cos you’re so sweaty.

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate10

I spent ages finding a sports bra that works for me. I spent all my adult life with 2 backs - hardly worth bothering with a bra- except in those first few days after I had my babies then once they started feeding it was back to next to nothing. 🀣Then came the menopause!!!!! And I ended up with 36DDs. I tried every sports bra I could find and then my daughter found one that suited her ( she’s a 30E!!) and recommended it. It’s the front loading / zip up /lime green and orange one by Shockabsorber -ended up having to go to the 38DD size but it does the job beautifully. And I bought 2 more ( another lime and then a red and navy one) to rotate them while one was in the wash.

During lockdown I sneaked a fair bit of weight on and I know am considerably larger around the bosom!! But I am in the largest size for my sports bra!!!they don’t make a larger size in that style. So annoying!! The weight is coming off very slowly but it is more of a workout getting into my β€œtoo small β€œ bra than the actual run nowadays.

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2β€’ in reply tolimberlou

I think rundewear go to H, have a look x

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10β€’ in reply tolimberlou

I had two beautiful M & S front fastening ones but they got too big for me as I kept running beyond C25k. Happily they were rehomed via Freecycle

Benben21 profile image
Benben21

Bravissimo has been mentioned and I'd reiterate it. Initially, during lockdown, I bought a sports bra online and it was hopeless. They *are* expensive, so when lockdown lifted I went for a fitting and - of course - I'd got the sizing wrong. The same bra in the correct size is a revelation! So get a fitting: it's too important. I'll always go back to Bravissimo now, but any retailer which offers specialist fittings should be fine.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate10β€’ in reply toBenben21

I had a fitting in John Lewis. Like many women, I had been wearing too big a chest size and too small a cup. I hadn't really thought about the fact that cup size isn't fixed; it's just a ratio of the chest size.

Golf2106 profile image
Golf2106

Has anyone tried the maaree bras. I think that’s how you spell it?

acountrycabbage profile image
acountrycabbage60minGraduate

Thanks for sharing roseabi, definitely sounds worth a watch πŸ™‚

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