Running bra

[Emm8]

So, this is a bit niche but does anyone have any advice/sources for post mastectomy bras for running. A bit of background...

My surgery was over 10 years ago I have tried various sports bras since but the only ones I have had and been happy with are cheap decathlon ones which clip at the back to a racer style. But they no longer sell them. I have tried specialist post surgery bras but they aren't really up to the job and are generally medium support. It doesn't need pockets but it does need to be firm support. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks 😊

[VS1975 Graduate10]

Hi Emma, my suggestion, as it works for me is to wear 2.

It’s the only way I can run. I also wear a normal bra with 2 sports over the top, it’s a real faff tho, esp when trying to get them off when sweaty, it’s like a Krypton challenge task! However it does work so I stick with it.

☺️

[Emm8 Graduate10 in reply to VS1975]

Ahhhhh I had never thought of that, top tip, thank you. 😁

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Running needs a high impact bra as a starting point and that’s for women who haven't had a mastectomy so you need to start off with that at least I would have thought, plus extra special support.

I can’t recommend any particular brand but had a look around. There is a shocking lack of choice out there so I sympathise with what I’m sure is your frustration. I found these, might be worth a look.

knockerlocker.co.uk/product...

envie4u.co.uk/products/anit...

nicolajane.com/mastectomy/b...

You could also ask at M&S as I’m pretty sure they do a style. Also, check out Shock Absorber

shockabsorber.co.uk/contact...

as they usually come out tops for high impact running bras and it might be worth you getting in contact with them directly to ask if they can recommend a bra for post mastectomy.

Good luck with your search and let us know how you get on.

[Emm8 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

thank you Irishprincess, I hadn't heard of the first 2 so will have a look. Nicola Jane are great for every day but their sports bras I think are more for low impact. Although saying that they did some surveys last year so I wonder if they have something in the pipeline. I need one that does up instead of over my head so I don't have to fight to get in on or off!!! that cuts the choice down a bit. I'll have a look at shock absorber too, I think i have looked before but never thought to get in touch with them 🤦‍♀️

Thank you and will do 😀

[Irishprincess Graduate10 in reply to Emm8]

I can’t have the ones you put on over your head. I tried it once and never again!

[Emm8 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

definitely a form of torture!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10]

I had breast cancer, I didn't have a mastectomy, I had a lumpectomy, but still need a very good bra. I always go to Bravissimo, and like the Freya range. I know they do post-mastectomy bras in pretty colours, and worked hard with BC ladies to find something that worked and still looked good. I really recommend them, and they will help with virtual fittings if you don't have a branch near you.

After my surgery, I went to Marks & Spencer, their post surgery bras came in a fetching sort of bandage colour. They were awful, and really didn't help my state of mind .We still want to look nice don't we?

[Emm8 Graduate10 in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thank you Curlygurly, I'll have a look at Bravissimo.I get my everyday bras from Nicola Jane but their sports bras aren't really up to high impact.

I found M&S to be very unhelpful after my surgery, limited range and the girl measuring me looked really embarrased all the way through. The only ones she could offer me were non surgical, so no VAT reduction!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate10 in reply to Emm8]

Yes, I found them unhelpful too, the woman fitting me covered her eyes with her hands, and turned her face to the corner of the fitting room, like my body was shameful. She tried to sell me something that was clearly too big, as well as grim colours. Bravissimo are so good, no shame there!

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I wonder about contacting Dr Liz O'Riordan, former breast cancer surgeon, currently on another go round with breast cancer herself... and devotee of exercise. Recently been showing off her new one breast sports bra!

[Emm8 Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank you so much for that, I searched for her on Instagram and have found a couple of websites, neither doing high impact bras yet but definitely ones I'm going to watch for the future 😊