help! I need a running bra that doesn't rub. - Couch to 5K

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help! I need a running bra that doesn't rub.

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate
38 Replies

Any advice on a decent one that isn't too pricey? I've got a couple of USA Pro crop-top type bras from Sports Direct which were fine, but as I've increased my distances both have started rubbing me raw where my inner arm passes the seams at the side (does that make sense?). I think something that doesn't leave me friction-burnt and grumpy is probably preferable to smearing my armpits with Vaseline!

To make things more awkward, I could really do with something that comes in a 30 because of my narrow frame.

Anyone wearing one that they love/is brilliant? Recommend away!

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the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairy
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38 Replies
danzargo profile image
danzargoGraduate

I had the same problem, but with my boxer shorts! But that's not exactly helpful is it?........

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to danzargo

Haha, no, but at least I don't feel alone. Body Glide?

danzargo profile image
danzargoGraduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

I since nailed the problem by wearing ultra tight compression shorts BENEATH my ultra tight lycra running tights! You have to be a certain kind of dude to get away with such a combo, as it doesn't suit a lot of "men". But I am a 21st Century guy and don't give a flying sh** what people think! Hahahahah!!

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to danzargo

I am also pretty good at the not giving a sh** (flying or otherwise), but the idea of compressing my already lamentably teeny boobs makes me a bit sad. And I'm not sure how one would go about compressing armpit/upper arm flesh efficiently.

grannyjudes profile image
grannyjudesGraduate in reply to danzargo

no............................ lol

Thp42 profile image
Thp42Graduate

I have a shock absorber ultimate run bra which I find fab. It has never rubbed and they do them in 30.

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to Thp42

Thanks, I've been looking at those and wondering. Do they have seams that come up under the arms? That seems to be the bit that's biting me.

Thp42 profile image
Thp42Graduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

They are a double layer so all the seams on the outside aren't actually against your skin. There is one fine seam under the arm but only the thickness of the fine Lycra type lining. That is the only inside seam. Hopefully that all makes sense.

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to Thp42

Yeah, makes perfect sense and sounds great. Might invest, I reckon. Do you find the straps slip/unclip themselves at all? Some reviews seem to think this is a problem.

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

Ah, no, hang on. It's seams on the outside of my...hmm...the top of my ribcage/bottom of my underarm that are rubbing the soft flesh between my bicep and tricep. I've got a little raw patch which is a bit hideous.

Thp42 profile image
Thp42Graduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

No the clips have been fine on mine. If you didn't have them tight enough I could see it being a problem. I think Debenhams may stock them so might be worth popping in and trying on. I got mine from figleaves.

Snowgoose profile image
Snowgoose in reply to Thp42

I've got a shock absorber too. I got it from one of the big retail park outlet stores. Love it :-) if you can love unsexy underwear of course!

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate

You could try a good running shop, like Sweatshop or else the lingerie department of a good department store like John Lewis. Got mine from M&S. Good luck

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to AncientMum

Cheers, I might do that. What I really need is to say "Have you run for an hour in this and did it rub your armpits?", which I guess is not a normal John Lewis kind of question. Sweatshop might be able to tell me.

tanyag_163 profile image
tanyag_163Graduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

I got my Addidas bras from John Lewis in their sale. they are the crop top type and don't rub, but I do find they can ride up under my arms - although I think that's more to do with their age rather than a fault of the bra (lost elasticity and all)

grannyjudes profile image
grannyjudesGraduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

I run for an hour in mine, and no probs

Lovefood1984 profile image
Lovefood1984Graduate

Another vote for the shockabsorber ultimate running bra, (used for a 3 hr HM and many a training run) I've not had either of my 2 unclip and you can sometimes get them cheaper, in fact being a 30 you'll probably do quite well for sale ones. Try some on as I went up a size compared to my normal bra and the scour the net, I know start fitness usually have some on sale down from the usual £34 to around £15-20 :) happy shopping!

MrsSparkle profile image
MrsSparkleGraduate

I got mine in the sale in M&S. Mine is a 32 but I am sure they had 30 as well. it is usually the smaller sizes that are hard to get in our store, so I bought 3 at once and have found them very comfy. I wasn't even sure I really needed one, but it really does make a difference.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

My comfiest one is a lidl one! It's lovely. It's a pull on job.

grannyjudes profile image
grannyjudesGraduate in reply to misswobble

and I think lidl has running gear coming in mid October

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate

Cheers all, I shall investigate. However, just been out and done an hour's run in an insufficiently-supportive-but-non-rubby seamless thingy, and come to the conclusion that it's not actually my bra, it's just my flesh rubbing on itself. Which is kind of harder to solve. Maybe it's Vaseline after all!

Toonlou24 profile image
Toonlou24Graduate

I wear a sick absorber thing too. Ha ha!!! Shock!!!!! Not sick!!!! Bravissimo is a great shop to go if you've got one near you. They will do you a fitting and know what they are talking about!! Had no pro sports with mine, once it's on!!!

LadyP33 profile image
LadyP33

Shock absorber ultimate run for me too.... Fantastic! Never rubbed at all, but ensure you get the right size.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

I get that rub too but now I tend to wear an integral bra/top combo which is really comfy but sadly I don't have big tits so I can get away with that!!!! good luck on your mission...

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to ju-ju-

Yeah, I'm pretty pancakey myself, but they do jiggle and distract me. Reckon it's probably good to steady them with something!

My absolute favourite is m&s extra high impact with a front zip. They are quite snug, so they may have one that fits you. I totally understand your problem, i used to get two big rashes, on my ribcage, under my arms, where the bra stitches were ( cant recall the brand)

My Mrs swears by Shock Absorber ones, where I use a good old Primark one. Yes I'm a chap, but I do have a bit upstairs that needs supporting ~ medical reasons, not JUST fat!! Honestly!!

The Shock Absorber seems to do all she needs of one for running, and she claims it's comfortable.

hydrogirl profile image
hydrogirl

i use a black puma one - pull on with racer back - i find the racer back bras have a more of a scoop so dont rub as much on ur arms (if at all). i got it from sports direct- its my fav one!

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate

I was wearing a nice running vest by USApro when it was hot, which had a brilliant bra built in, but now it's cooler I wear an Avon One Bra with the padded bits taken out. All the supermarkets seem to have similar style bras to this one - they're really smooth and just stop everything moving around. Like you, I haven't got big boobs but I'm 49 and what little boobs I've got are better when they're not wobbling around all over the place.

Mamma_Mia profile image
Mamma_MiaGraduate

M&S High Impact for me - I got mine a couple of years ago when they first launched the range. I went down a cup size to ensure that my more-than-copious "airbags" are sufficiently supported. The straps unclip so it can be worn normal style, or racer back style if you put the straps across your back (though I've never tried that!). Not cheap, but no rub either .... and there's enough flesh around for that!!!!! ;)

IndieWaif profile image
IndieWaifGraduate

I'm a 30 back size too and I've got three nike bras that are all great and don't rub at all. Having said that I've just ordered a couple from Decathlon to see how I get on with a slightly cheaper option! decathlon.co.uk/progress-cr...

My sister says Sweaty Betty is great for sports bras: sweatybetty.com/bra-guide/ but they are on the pricey side....

Treemouse profile image
TreemouseGraduate

I used to use the Shock Absorber bras until I saw a video of me running, and I realised that I had far more bounce than is desirable... in fact, I would go as far to say that my boobs moved a darn sight more than my feet! I now have a panache sports bra, and in my opinion, it's better and more comfortable. I am a 32 DD and no problem with chafing seams :)

ebay.co.uk/itm/Panache-Spor...

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to Treemouse

That's good to know. I've a feeling those are reduced at sports direct, too. Would you say it runs big/small/true to size? HATE ordering bras online because it's so hit and miss!

Treemouse profile image
TreemouseGraduate in reply to the_tea_fairy

I would say that they are true to size. The Shock absorber bra I found a bit of a faff to get on, and the elastic started to go pretty quickly. This Panache one is easier to get on and supports me better when running; it also feels better than my usual bras. They come in some quite funky colours too, if you don't like the black, white and grey :)

the_tea_fairy profile image
the_tea_fairyGraduate in reply to Treemouse

That's good to know. I've a feeling those are reduced at sports direct, too. Would you say it runs big/small/true to size? HATE ordering bras online because it's so hit and miss!

Maysie1 profile image
Maysie1Graduate

My wife has a Shock Absorber Run one, to replace the last Shock Absorber which was a bit too tired (as they do wear out of course), so that must mean they are decent enough. She is a 32DD and has no problems with it at all. She also has one of the Brooks Juno 'running top' bra's which she says is fine, but very hard to get on and off.

Both came from the Sweatshop who were brilliant and I am pretty sure they have a 30 day exchange deal, so if it doesn't work for you just swop it for another one that does.

MarlyParly profile image
MarlyParlyGraduate

I have Shock Absorber too and no probs yet, running at 30 minutes, we'll see how long it lasts as I up speed/distance by the end of the decade;)

grannyjudes profile image
grannyjudesGraduate

love my shock absorber, I managed to get it on ebay for a tenner, but was dead lucky. Getting it on and off is a workout but worth it

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