I'm a busty woman myself, and I love to work out (Turbo Jam, anyone?). But stabilizing my chest during high intensity workouts can be challenging to say the least. So I started my quest to find the perfect support in a DDD sports bra. Here is what I found.
There are two types of sports bras on the market right now. One is the compression type, which you can find anywhere. This is the type of sports bra that most women wear. They are cheap and they work, but only if you are a C cup or smaller. I've worn this type of bra myself and I have found that while it helps, it does not stabilize my chest as much as I'd like it too.
That is where the other type of sports bra comes in. This is one that uses the "divide and conquer" method. Unfortunately these are more expensive, but in my experience they work way better for larger busted women (D & up). They keep your breasts still like other sports bras can't.
Here is an example of this type of sports bra.
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Shock Absorber Women's Extreme Support Sports Bra Top #4490 List Price: $60.00 Average Rating:   |
Description
This Shock Absorber crop top has level 4 support, designed with lined cups and an internal sling system. The wide straps are padded and adjustable in length and the back features two fastenings, each with a two hook closure.
Features
- polyester, polyamide, elastane
- Adjustable straps and hook and eye closure
- Zoned mesh for breathability on back
- Machine wash on warm, delicate cycle Wash with like colors Do not bleach Do not tumble dry Iron on low temperature Do not dry clean
- Made in Morocco
Reviews
This bra works fantastic for my workout needs. I run, and my breasts don't bounce. I also do high intensity aerobic classes (like boxing and boot camp) and still have the stability I need! As I lose weight, I will buy another one in a smaller size! I am in love!
This bra is wonderful for about the first 10-15 minutes I'm wearing it (I mean NO BOUNCE WHATSOEVER), but then the fabric starts to stretch out and that leads to too little support. If you work out for longer than 10-15 minutes, you will lose support and by the end of your workout it will be no better than a $10 sports bra you can buy at Target. In addition, the support for activities in which I raise my arms (like jumping jacks) is just not there. It's fine for a couple of minutes, but then the fabric stretches and by 5 minutes in, jumping jacks are no longer an option. In addition, I like to air dry my bras to increase their lifespan, but with this bra, if I don't dry it in the drier it doesn't really snap back into place, which again leads to too little support. I'm afraid this is going to lead to a pretty short life for this bra. If you're planning to go for a 10-15 minute run and then dry this bra in the drier every time wash it, then you will be pleased with it. However, if you work out for longer than that or do jumping jacks or like to air dry your bras, you may want to look elsewhere. As other reviewers mentioned the bra is awkward to get on. You have to slip it over your head like many other sports bras, but then once you get it on you also have to hook it closed in the back (like a regular bra). It's pretty awkward for me to put it on then reach behind me to hook it. Luckily I usually work out with a partner, so I can get that person to hook it for me. It's not that I can't do it myself, it is possible. It's just that it's very awkward and time consuming to try to do it myself. I did not have sizing issues like many other reviewers. I wear a 36D/DD and it ran true to size for me. It is tighter than other sports bras I have, but not uncomfortable. It is tightest under my arms. In my opinion, this bra was not worth the cost. For $50+ I expected a bra that would support me throughout my entire 60 minute workout. In addition, I expected a bra that I could easily put on by myself. Also, for those interested in where items are made, this company is based in the UK, but the bra is made in China. My true ranking would be 2.5 stars, but as that's not an option, I'm rounding up to 3, because at least I get 10-15 minutes of decent support.
This bra stood up to 6 hours a week of being tossed around a judo mat, and repeated washer and dryer cycles. The only mild discomfort from this bra was from the hook and eye closure and bra rings and buckles in back: they can poke if you land hard on them, but they've never come undone no matter how badly I was losing at judo. As with all clothing, size is critical, and this product scales up to large sizes without sacrificing performance. If you're big and don't want to be bouncy, this is the bra for you.
This is the best running bra that I have ever used!!! I usually wear a 38/40 DDD and I ordered the 40F...it fits perfectly..It attaches in the back and fits snug (which is how a running bra should fit). The material is very sturdy and doesn't cut into the skin anywhere. I will definitely be getting more of these.
If you are looking for a non-jiggle bra look no further. I have even taken up running since buying this bra, it is that solid. My only comment is to be aware that it runs a little small in the band width. I take a 32E but it is definitively a lot tighter than my normal bras.
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This type of sports bra will divide your breasts and hold them still separately. The best of these always comes in real sizes (38 DDD) and not small, medium, and large. This will give you the best support.
Another thing that you will want to pay attention to is style. A lot of women like to exercise in just their sports bras without a shirt, so style is important. The bra above by shock absorber is a great bra for that, but there are others that look like regular bras and those you need to wear a shirt over. The choice is really up to you. Just be sure that no matter what type of weight training equipment you are using or what type of exercise you are doing you get a good supportive bra.
You can get great support in a DDD sports bra and nearly eliminate bounce!
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