Sports bra issues

emmies_123
emmies_123 Posts: 513 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
When shopping for my first sports bras the only ones I could find were all "Adjustable inserts" for padding. These refuse to stay in place, and I spend time before and after my workout fixing them so they don't deform. They will roll up at the edges and i have to shift them along slowly using pinching motions so that they uncurl and get back in the general area I need them.

Is there any way to avoid this? I am trying to get in and out of them without affecting the padding as much, but there is only so much maneuverability with this type of garment...
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Replies

  • emmies_123
    emmies_123 Posts: 513 Member
    Sports bras with padding were literally all i could find, and they do help provide support. I haven't seen any slits to remove them, will look closely tonight.

    I went through 6 different stores to find something with enough support in my size. I found a grand total of 2 that felt right. Not a fun thing to shop for =(
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    emmies_123 wrote: »
    Sports bras with padding were literally all i could find, and they do help provide support. I haven't seen any slits to remove them, will look closely tonight.

    I went through 6 different stores to find something with enough support in my size. I found a grand total of 2 that felt right. Not a fun thing to shop for =(

    have you tried on line?
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    edited August 2018
    emmies_123 wrote: »
    When shopping for my first sports bras the only ones I could find were all "Adjustable inserts" for padding. These refuse to stay in place, and I spend time before and after my workout fixing them so they don't deform. They will roll up at the edges and i have to shift them along slowly using pinching motions so that they uncurl and get back in the general area I need them.

    Is there any way to avoid this? I am trying to get in and out of them without affecting the padding as much, but there is only so much maneuverability with this type of garment...

    I'm not sure where you live, but I usually get Champion bras and they offer several with built in padding. Unfortunately, the least expensive bras will most likely be unlined or inserts.

    Would sealing up the insert sleeve with fabric glue help? The key is making sure you don't create a chafing point while trying to fix something else! If you can't fix it, I would agree just toss the inserts. Maybe wear a patterned tank or something like that over it if modesty is the issue.

    ETA: There are some great bras on Amazon as well.
  • emmies_123
    emmies_123 Posts: 513 Member
    kimny72 wrote: »
    Well now I'm confused. How are they adjustable inserts if there's no way to get them out? What dark sorcery is this? :lol:

    I guess because they shift around in the front. I could push one all the way to the opposite side, etc. and they shift up and down. Maybe there are slits somewhere that are very well hidden.

    I did see some champion by me but there weren't any in my size. I ended up getting "Zelos" as it was on sale and actually had a size that provided support AND I could clamber out of afterwards without injuring myself. Couldn't find any sports versions with the back hooks, although my mom claims they exist...
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    Wow, who knew. God forbid something as basic as bras should be uncomplicated :naughty:
    I always buy a bunch, then try them on at home and return most, if not all!
  • Panini911
    Panini911 Posts: 2,325 Member
    edited August 2018
    What kind of stores did you go to? I have never seen a sports bra with an insert :P I just went shopping for another one on Monday! I hit running stores though.

    this is my favorite right now https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_gb/rebound-racer-sports-bra/350037.html
  • DeserveVictory
    DeserveVictory Posts: 133 Member
    All of the bras I’ve seen have a little opening on the sides so the padding insert can be taken out. Doesn’t yours have this? What country are you in? I’m a DD (or DDD or E 🙄) and have found the best bras at Lululemon, and Sportchek. Sportchek carries all of the regular sports gear here (from running to mountain climbing) and all the usual brands (Adidas, Nike,etc). I found their line of Brooks bras to be the best (the straps adjust in the front!!). Have you tried a sports retailer? I find the bras in the regular bra stores (including Victoria Secret) and clothing stores are garbage and can’t handle larger breasts and activity.
  • emmies_123
    emmies_123 Posts: 513 Member
    I'm not quite as well endowed, I'm only a B or C depending on shape of cups, which made me a "L" and apparently the same size as every other woman in my area.

    Stores: Wal-mart, Target, JCPenny, Belk, Dillards, and Kohls. The only store to have some in my size that were supportive enough was Belk =/ All the stores had plenty of "S" or "XL " and bigger.

    I will have to search closer on the sides and see if there is a slit to take them out, maybe it is folded over so I couldn't obviously see it. I have considered sewing them in place, but I'm worried about piercing damaging the pad and making it worse.
  • squeaker87
    squeaker87 Posts: 82 Member
    I’m personally a fan of Victoria’s Secret sports bras. A little pricey but worth it.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    Try old Navy?
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    I'm in Canada. I get mine at La Vie en Rose. https://www.lavieenrose.com/en/bras/type/sport
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    edited August 2018
    Unfortunately I have to deal w/ the moving pads as well, but it's usually only ever an issue right after washing. Mine all have slits that I can stick my fingers in to move the pads around. If yours doesn't then... that's just stupid. Mine don't move around during my work out or anything. I wish they made bras with pads that weren't removable. I like having the pads because I'm so flat chested that it gives the illusion that I have boobs.

    I've heard a lot of people really like Old Navy active wear. Every time I go to TJ Maxx (or Marshalls) they have tons and tons of active wear including bras (in my size too, M or L)
  • DeserveVictory
    DeserveVictory Posts: 133 Member
    emmies_123 wrote: »
    I'm not quite as well endowed, I'm only a B or C depending on shape of cups, which made me a "L" and apparently the same size as every other woman in my area.

    Stores: Wal-mart, Target, JCPenny, Belk, Dillards, and Kohls. The only store to have some in my size that were supportive enough was Belk =/ All the stores had plenty of "S" or "XL " and bigger.

    I will have to search closer on the sides and see if there is a slit to take them out, maybe it is folded over so I couldn't obviously see it. I have considered sewing them in place, but I'm worried about piercing damaging the pad and making it worse.

    Personally, I avoid any sports bra with a generic size (S, M, L etc) like the plague. Our bodies are so different there is no way something so basic is properly supportive and reliable when doing anything active. Unless you happen to be built the same way as the manufacturer's model was...

    My sports bra requirements usually include:
    - specific sizing: at least different cup sizes if not a cup size and a band size
    - hook closure: a solid elastic that I've pulled over my head is NOT going to stay in place while exercising in my experience
    - adjustable straps (I don't even understand why bras are made without adjustable straps!) because I want a more secure fit for biking and less secure for chilling on the couch.

    Do you have an REI in your area? Thats where I would go because you know their products are intended for physical activity. I love this one https://www.rei.com/product/110033/brooks-juno-sports-bra
  • elsie6hickman
    elsie6hickman Posts: 3,864 Member
    Look on Amazon. I just bought two and it seemed like they had a lot of styles to choose from. I have large breasts, so I was able to find sports bras that would give me support.
  • FL_Hiker
    FL_Hiker Posts: 919 Member
    I have the same problem... so freaking annoying!!!! Why don't they just sew them in place?!
  • mk2fit
    mk2fit Posts: 730 Member
    Champion on Amazon!! Good prices and they come in band/cup sizes. (No inserts) Good luck!
  • mochapygmy
    mochapygmy Posts: 2,123 Member
    DeserveVictory wrote: »
    Personally, I avoid any sports bra with a generic size (S, M, L etc) like the plague. Our bodies are so different there is no way something so basic is properly supportive and reliable when doing anything active. Unless you happen to be built the same way as the manufacturer's model was...

    My sports bra requirements usually include:
    - specific sizing: at least different cup sizes if not a cup size and a band size
    - hook closure: a solid elastic that I've pulled over my head is NOT going to stay in place while exercising in my experience
    - adjustable straps (I don't even understand why bras are made without adjustable straps!) because I want a more secure fit for biking and less secure for chilling on the couch.

    Do you have an REI in your area? Thats where I would go because you know their products are intended for physical activity. I love this one https://www.rei.com/product/110033/brooks-juno-sports-bra

    This all of this. I will second someone's recommendation of Brooks/Moving Comfort bras. Most will have hooks as well. They are pricey but don't skimp on a good sports bra.

    My only beef is that REI doesn't carry the larger sizes of sports bras and I am busty for days. even at my smallest weight.
  • Noreenmarie1234
    Noreenmarie1234 Posts: 7,492 Member
    I can't stand sports bras with removable pads. They move around and come out or get scrunched in the wash. I only buy non-removable padded ones now, lol.
  • apullum
    apullum Posts: 4,838 Member
    I would also recommend Brooks/Moving Comfort bras. They don't have any weird pads that move around, they're easy to get on and off, and they should work for your size. Try a local running store, even if you aren't a runner, if you'd like to check out bras in person. They often carry this brand.

    For bustier people who want a good sports bra with a standard hook style closure, I always recommend Panache. I've been running in their bras for years. I love them so much that I started buying the brand's everyday bras as well.
  • shabaity
    shabaity Posts: 792 Member
    Best advice I was ever given was if you splurge on nothing else buy good quality bras. These are usually name brand but a good bra shop usually has it's own brand(s). Second get fitted some place that has a bra line you like cause within the same brand the sizes are usually true though all the styles so even if they dont carry sports bras in store you should be able to order them. This is how my busty self found a bra I could kickboxing in.
  • rheddmobile
    rheddmobile Posts: 6,840 Member
    edited August 2018
    I've found that if you happen to be the right size, which I am, the high impact Avia Walmart bras are very similar to much more expensive Brooks bras in terms of support. The seams are in the same place - they are basically a cheaper clone of a Brooks. They lack the adjustable straps and the hook, but I dislike the hook anyway, and the straps happen to be the length I need. And the cups are lined but don't have sliding padding. I'm a 36 / 38 C cup in regular bras and a L fits me, so it sounds as if we are close to the same size. If the issue is that no stores near you have the correct size in stock, you can get one online in 2 days. Send it back if it doesn't work! For fifteen bucks instead of fifty, it's worth trying before you splurge on Brooks.
  • emmies_123
    emmies_123 Posts: 513 Member
    I will definitely keep an eye out for some of those brands.
    Did a google map search last night and I do not even have a "Dicks" near me, or Castela, or REI (Had one of those in the state I grew up in though). So when I need a new one I will def be amazon searching. Didn't do that in the first place as I had never shopped for a sports bra before and had no idea what size I would be in the tighter material.

    Update: I found the opening to remove the padding, it was very well hidden. Small slit right next to the hemline on the side, with a little flap of cloth covering it like you sometimes see on pillow cases.
  • HilTri
    HilTri Posts: 378 Member
    Funny you bring this up! I have Under Armour sports bras which I love but they have the slits and removable inserts. I got so tired of the inserts coming out in the laundry, just last week I sewed them all in place. I used my sewing machine and stitched a short seam on both sides of each insert to keep them in place.
  • Noreenmarie1234
    Noreenmarie1234 Posts: 7,492 Member
    HilTri wrote: »
    Funny you bring this up! I have Under Armour sports bras which I love but they have the slits and removable inserts. I got so tired of the inserts coming out in the laundry, just last week I sewed them all in place. I used my sewing machine and stitched a short seam on both sides of each insert to keep them in place.

    I may have to do this, great idea!
  • CharleyRose1236
    CharleyRose1236 Posts: 137 Member
    I've been using Lonsdale sport bra and I'm so impressed!! They are so comfy and really good support. I usually wear them all the time even when I'm not working out.

    I got them on sale but even the full price wasn't that bad. I would highly recommend them. 😊
  • divcara
    divcara Posts: 357 Member
    Try Athleta. They are good about fitting/helping. And have a give it a workout guarantee so if you don't like it, you can return, even if you have worn it for a workout.
  • Sallyw2004
    Sallyw2004 Posts: 124 Member
    Maidenform Sports Bra DM7992!! I hated sports bras until I found this one. It says it's designed for low impact activities, but I can do jumping jacks and all sorts of high impact stuff in it and never give a second thought about it. It's designed like a regular padded bra and super comfortable and flattering. It's convertible and you can easily make the straps uncomplicated like a traditional bra that has a back closure. It washes well and holds its form. Kohl's has them on sale now and they have a great return policy, so you can just get a full refund if you try it out and don't like it for any reason.

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