For the ladies, I'm in need for a decent quality sports bra

[pinkbow]

I'd like proper support for my girls and I didn't want to spend a fortune on a sports bra but I don't want to buy one that doesn't do its job so please let me know which ones are the best when running as I'd like to feel more confident.

[Hidden]

I got mine from Matalan for less than a tenner. I find it comfy but then i'm a fairly average size up top (B cup)

[pinkbow]

thanks, it's perfect as I myself am a 34B

[PamJK Graduate]

Sorry I haven't got an answer (I normally buy Shock Absorber but then I am about a EE) but I couldn't resist saying that I've never heard, ahem "them", being referred to as "my girls" before! LOL!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

I'm not too big in that department (36B) and buy mine from Primark, they do very good ones for about £8.00. Their seamfree pants are good too, pack 3 pairs for about £5.

[TJFlute in reply to Oldgirl]

I also got mine form Primark and they're holding up well (so to speak!)

[flumplette]

I too have a "shock absorber" and it is excellent though expensive. D cup so I need support!

[Hidden]

I got mine about 4 years ago from a sports shop in Sweden, but I would like a second one due to laundry-type situations. Any other shops that do them? I'm not sure we have a Matalan and am not a big fan of Primark.

[eveshamgal Graduate]

I'm having problems as well. Being a bigger lass a lot of the sports bras don't have the back size needed

[cr70 in reply to eveshamgal]

I have the same problem, and I have used Rows Bra Hooks Extender. It work really well.

[lycranotlikely Graduate]

I got mine in M&S. Two in a pack. marksandspencer.com/Pack-Hi...

[lycranotlikely Graduate in reply to lycranotlikely]

Forgot to say how comfortable they are...they have the breathing sections as well as lovely broad shoulder straps

[Tiger79 Graduate]

I have shock absorber and a panache one that is really comfy and no mono-boob. Lol

I'm a 34F tho (according to latest sports bra) and so need a decent one

[josnaps]

i can throughly recommend the shock absorber 'run' bra... It is the only bra that lets me forget about my 32D 'girls'. Before this bra I would get easily distracted with the ache.

You can get if for just under £30, I know it's more expensive, but well worth the money in my opinion... I have two black ones and I see there is a limited edition pink and purple one that will be mine soon!

sheactive.co.uk/catalogue/2...

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to josnaps]

I endorse this 100%. I have just got the purple and pink one as I have mostly purple and pink tops and love, love, love it!!! I have the black one and the turquoise and pink one too and you dont move an inch with them.

After shoes the next thing to splurge out on is a good bra, its really worth it to keep the muscles well supported. Its a fact 'your girls' move in a figure of eight motion when running so you need something that will hold them tight but are not restrictive as too tight and they can affect your posture and breathing. You cant go wrong with the shock absorber run bra.

[Legion Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Ditto. I simply couldn't run without my Shock Absorbers (I have a turquoise/purple one and an older white one) and my Brooks running shoes. I think lack of a proper bra for my DDs is the reason I decided years ago that I simply wasn't built for running. Happily, I now know better.

I also noticed yesterday that Sainsburys were selling running bras for £8. I brought one home but having tried it on I don't think it would be supportive enough for me to run in (might be okay for smaller cup sizes). I'm trying to decide whether to return it or keep it for less active wear, as it is quite comfortable (if a bit mono-boob-ish!).

[mother_of_3_boys Graduate]

Hi, if you buy a bra and it doesn't feel supportive enough try putting on a really tight vest top (imagine something Pam Anderson might squeeze herself into ). and then put your usual running top over that. Works a treat.

[Sunshine_PT]

My advice would be to invest in a well fitted sports bra such as shock absorber. It's money well spent. You should have no double bubble, monoboob or chafing. Don't scrimp on a cheap version, not worth it

[KernowKate Graduate]

Shock absorber my recommendation too... Really works well and very comfy... Good luck

Kate

[runningwild Graduate]

Shock absorber 'run bra' for me as well, so comfortable and nothing going astray! Also I'd recommend getting measured (John Lewis, v.good) as I'm a different size in it from my 'normal' bras. I've seen them on ebay and Amazon cheaper than the usual price.

[ktaylor217 Graduate]

I had a panache one which was great (my girls were huge as I was breast feeding). Never tried a shock absorber but having read this thread I'm going to look at them!

Whatever you get make sure you get it fitted properly!

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

I have shock absorber for my 'girls' or maybe 'women' at 38HH!!!! They don't move even when running, but do look a bit mono-booby! I got my first and found it good, then was lucky enough to find 2 more at reduced price in a outlet centre bra shop so grabbed them both for about half price! Been using them for several years and all as good as new

Wish I was a neat little 34b ad could shop anywhere! Remember my first ever bra was a 40c (at 12, and Mum had been refusing to buy me one for months!) Still have passed on the genes to my eldest, ha ha!

[tantrumbean Graduate]

Primark (about £8) and BHS (£14) for me - both holding things in very well and I am a D cup....

[Anniemurph Graduate]

The only way is Shock Absorber I'm 38E at the moment so they need a fair bit of support. I look a bit uniboob, but they don't shift, chafe or ache. I bought my first at full price but bought the last on on Ebay for £14 - I think because it was red, white and blue and it was after the Olympics had finished. Result!

[Pearsey]

Sports Direct do a good bra too.

[Saruma Graduate]

Another vote for Primark, I too am a 34b and, at that size, I don't think it's necessary to go overboard on price. Primark's hold me very nicely in place

[kirble Graduate]

I use Shock Absorber Run for my E cups girlies and the fit is perfect. My only complaint is the hooks. They are tiny (probably need to be to prevent unloosening) but I invariably end up with a work-out getting the thing fastened. Whichever one you choose, when you are trying on, jump up and down! You should not feel any bounce. It should be very snug. Also as your body changes, you may need to change your bra again.

Personally, I put shoes and bra in the same order of equipment to buy but if pushed, would put the bra at the top of the list

[wilmacgh Graduate]

I've got a couple from M&S including one of the vest back styles which I find a real pain to get in and out of especially when you are sweaty and wouldn't buy again. If you like the idea of that style go for a pull on tank top type not one with hooks.

Try Decthlon too. I got one there for a tenner which I quite like and it can be 2 straps or hooked in the centre of the back.

[Olivia78]

Another vote for Shock Absorber from this 34G lady. I wear the Shock Absorber Max style and was lucky enough to find the mustard and navy one (presumably nobody's favourite colourway, but then nobody gets to see it) half price online. Nothing moves with that one, though they do look a bit shelf-like. I think the main thing is that it's a racer back, so everything is squidged tight from all angles.

I also find the hooks quite easy to do up, as long as I do them up in front then breathe in and swivel it round. I tried on a couple of the M&S bras where that wasn't possible and ended up in massive contortions and eventually failing. I'm sure there must be a way to get my 'girls' to line up neatly inside one of those, but I couldn't find it!

[pinkbow]

I love the fact that my phrase is catching on and I will see what I choose in the end. Thank you to all the lovely ladies that replied,it's nice to see that people are answering other people's questions and giving a hand when needed.

Good luck to everyone following the programme!

[CouchToHockeyPitch Graduate]

A bit late to the party but I didn't see a nod to Debenhams in the list. I used to use Shock Absorbers (which were great) until I had my pacemaker and then I found that the edge of the cup fell against the scar and was uncomfortable. I went into Debenhams and explained the problem and they were brilliant, they brought half the shop into the changing room for me and we eventually found one of their own label which was a slightly different shape but still the same degree of support and it was far more comfortable. I am a smaller cup size but very broad across my back so I use the hook extenders and it's worked a treat.

[revfi]

Have just started to run, my puppies are 40d...Tesco F&F so sports bras level 3 maximum support for £6...it kept them supported and in one place...off to buy a couple more.

[revfi in reply to revfi]

Further to this have just run in a shock absorber and I could not tell the difference, both are easy to do up, hold everything in place, dont rub and dont dig into shoulders...the difference is the price...it might be that the Tesco's ones fall apart after a couple of washes we will have to see..hope this helps. PS Am I the only one who slots my ipod into my bra when running...hubby gave me a strange look when I was fishing about to turn Laura off...lol.

[Beek Graduate]

LOL! Phone and car keys in one side. MP3 in the other. Husband saw me doing this and observed 'Hope it's not on tremble or you'll never answer it! TMI sorry!

[Hidden]

Hi how much are you thinking of spending ie budget?

wired or non?

Also what sizing you think need as some don't go up and others don't come down to certain sizes!

Elomi EL8041 which comes in quite a few colours now can be had for £25 ish at moment

That is a great one very supportive it's wired&double lined has a j hook on back of straps

Goes up to large band sizes and 'big' cups

It's designed as encapsulation bra rather than compression so your held in the cups.

They also last well if handwashed esp if not left sweaty as that destroys fabrics.