Advice pls : how to wear workout wear - YouLookFab Forum

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Advice pls : how to wear workout wear

Isabel

Veteran

I am not kidding. LOL ! I have started to exercise more regularly now in an effort to gain back some bone mass lost through the cancer treatments. Though I already had some "workout" gear from the Live Strong Program, I bought some new things that are lighter and more comfortable for me to walk and bike in ( and they are super cute ) during the warmer weather. The problem is that I have no idea how to wear this top. Do I wear a sports bra underneath ? Pasties ? I was too embarrassed to ask the lady at Dick's Sporting Goods. : (

But I knew that my sisterhood would be there for me. : )

Thank you in advance. ( I got a purple one and a green one like the one below. I sized up to have them fit a little looser because I feel like I am overheating. The two back panels are mesh. Very nice and breezy ! )

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Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from MsMary

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I never wear workout gear without a bra, even when they have a built in bra- but that's because I need it. If you feel like it has adequate support for you (keeping in mind you're going to be exercising in it), then go without. If not- wear a sportsbra with it.

Carla

Veteran

Okay! This kind of fashion/gear I know!

Workout tanks like the one pictured, usually have a snug fitting internal bra-like part sewn in at the straps, but separate at the bust (fitting over and under the bust, and holding the girls snugly in place) while the tank then is a second layer that meets the top of your bottoms.

Some tanks have the bra part be more a part of the tank, like a sports bra with a longer part under the bust that goes to the top of your bottoms.

If the tank does not come with a build in bra, it is usually considered a 'singlet' and hangs loosely from the body, providing coverage, but no support. You will need a sports bra with this type of garment.

If it is a nice soft tank that clings to your body without any support, or a loose fitting shelf bra...it is then not real workout gear, but rather sporty fashion. You want a snug fit in your gear, to keep the girls in place and prevent friction on sensitive parts.

If you are working out, expect to sweat, and embrace it. Good 'ole sweat marks on your back, around your neck, and arm pits, and under your bust. Get out of your gear as soon as you are done. DO NOT get into the habit of lounging around in it!

Showing a little nip is par for the course with these type of close fitting high Lycra items. If it bothers you, go for a busy print vs a solid colour.

Carla

Veteran

BTW, congrats on your comitment to a fitness routine, and have fun putting together your workout capsule.

Adelfa

Veteran

Isabel, I don't know your build, but for a lot of women built-in bras just don't do the job. If you're one of these, then keep in mind that visible sports bra is considered fashionable layering. Get one that contrasts with your top in a nice way.

Isabel

Veteran

Thank you both so much ! Chewy ( nice to see you ), I am pretty small in the bust area but after reading Carla's post, I realize I need a bra !

Carla, thank you so much...wow, it is complicated. LOL. After reading your post, I now know that I bought a couple of "singlets". Since I still have some issues on the side of my breast surgeries, there is no way that I can go without a bra ( even in the privacy of my basement on the treadmill ). I think it would hurt a bit with no support at all. And I didn't think about friction. Again, my skin is a bit sensitive, extending a bit to the under arm, due to the radiation...I do have some very comfy tank sports bras that I wore with some workout tanks during Live Strong. My other, 2 old tanks do have a built in bra, but they feel so heavy and hot to me. I really liked how lightweight these tops are and they are the first racerbacks that I have owned. But they have no inner lining at all. That appealed to me but then I had no idea what to do about it. I might have to re-think sizing though and size down to avoid the friction. I will try them own again tomorrow now that I am educated on the fit. These need to be multi purpose for me because I also need to do weights and some yoga...but now I know what to look for. YAY !!!!

Thank you both again !!!

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I have no advice but what cute tops!
Kudos to you Isabel forsticking to the fitness routine!

Isabel

Veteran

Adelfa, thank you. I was concerned about how to wear an "appropriate " looking bra with these. I am very small breasted, but I need the support because of the surgeries. But now I realize it can be fun and competely visible. I saw a great, polka dot one at Dick's . I am going to go back for it. I may fall over while planking or need to stop and rest during my walk, but I am going to look cute ! : )

The bottom one is labeled "hypercool" so that might work.

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Gabrielle

Thank you, Runcarla. That was incredibly helpful.

Two thoughts. I do tend to leave my workout clothing on after a workout. Is that a problem?

Second, I do show a bit of nipple. I am terribly self conscious about it, but I made the decision years ago that I would not not work out because of that issue. However, any thoughts on the subject from forum members would be very welcome.

Gabrielle

Isabel -- did you see that Christy did a running gear review a few days ago. I found her suggestions very helpful. You might want to look at her earlier post and maybe even contact her for suggestions. Although her recommendations might be a bit pricy, I have frequently found that paying more for an item that will be used over and over again pays off in the long run.

Carla

Veteran

Gabrielle, sports bras in general provide a lot of compression to keep things in place during activity that is more vigorous than day to day routines. Ofttimes the straps compress down on the soft tissues between the shoulder and the neck as well as around the chest and torso. Constant pressure on the nerves can sometimes result in temporary parethesia or numbness (impingement). If you ever experienced temporary numbness or tingling in your arms or hands while wearing this type of garment, the reason is because of the pressure on nerves running from your neck, to your shoulder and down your arm--from the shoulder straps.

I often wear my sports bra (similar to the one pictured above) for 3-4 hours at a time, but I get out of it as soon as I can after the workout.

If you have any scarring due to any type of surgery about the chest area, you want to avoid seams that might chafe. A product like Glide (looks like a deodorant) can be applied to hot spots. My son uses them on his nips to avoid chafing when he runs in a loose singlet. When I remember, I put some where my swim straps or tighter singlet chafes my neck.

You may be able to get away with gentler support for some activities, walking, yoga, but you will want max support for anything vigorous like running, or a boot camp style class.

Don't forget pool work! Swimming or water exercise classes are fantastic for all types of folks.

Kim

Veteran

You are right about being small busted and NOT going without a running bra. It wicks away moisture and LOCKS us small girls into place too. Much more comfy for running, no bouncing.

I wear a sports bra with any workout gear I wear, and I usually don't mind the straps showing. I even buy fun colors so they can enhance my outfit. I've even gone as far (on really humid summer days) to use my sports bra as a running top.

I too have nips that stick out at the slightest breeze it seems so I always wear the padded kind of sports bras for modesty sake, even under singlets and tanks. I've been know to remove the sports bra pads (they are big and roundish) and tuck them over my breasts and under my snug tank if I'm not running and not worried about wearing a separate bra to lock out the "bounce" (Like when I do weight training) Just not comfy with the "sticky outy" look! LOL

And I only wear black workout bottoms. When I sweat (and I embrace it like RunCarla said) I look like I've peed my pants! Black shows it the least so that's what I wear when working out in public. LOL

Good for you for getting back at it! (And looking cute makes you work out harder and longer! LOL)

Anonymous

I always layer tanks over a sports bra, even the tanks with the built-in bras. (I cut those out when I can.)

Yay for looking cute while you work out!

Isabel

Veteran

Thank you Gabrielle, Carla ( again ), Kim and ALicat ! I just knew that you guys would get me straight on this. I am so lucky to have this place.

Gabrielle, no I did not see that regarding the review. I will search. I agree regarding the prices. I got some bottoms at JC penney that I love ( and have already used several times ), but I found that I really can't cut corners on the tops. And, I don't want to because of the breast issue. Luckily, Dick's Sporting Goods was very reasonable and the tops have really good reviews and are brands like Nike and Reebok and Under Armor with good reputations. I get really sensitive about the whole the nip thing too if I exercise outside or at the YMCA.

Carla, thank you so much again ! You have also solved the problem of my chidren having nip problem with sun shirts. I am going to buy some Glide.

Kim, great tips ! Thank you. I will actually try that. Again, I had not given thought to the wicking of the moisture. But that is definitely something that I want. I do many things at my house like free weights, bands, and the balance ball for push up against the wall and so on...but I don't want nip action when my 11 year old son is around. LOL

ALicat, thank you so much...you have been so supportive throughout this whole thing. I really like the idea of cutting out those shelf bra things. That will work so much better for me !

rae

(website)

Veteran

Carla has you sorted! IME the sport bras can show whenever and however; everyone just wants to be comfy while sweating it out. A girl I used to cheer with wore three sport bras at a time because she really needed the support and those industrial underwire sport bras hadn't come out yet.

Adelfa

Veteran

A good friend swears by these to extinguish the headlights:

http://www.amazon.com/Nippies-.....TF8&q

Isis

Veteran

I always wear a sports bra, even under tops that have a built-in bra.

Sometimes I wear 2 compression-type bras if they are old.

I also am of the opinion that nipples are OK when working out. I don't bother with extra pads, just try to reduce friction.

Have fun with your workouts Isabelle!

Classically Casual

Veteran

Hi Isabel, just stopping by to say how great it is that you've begun exercising!
And I'm all for visable sports bras under sport tops. I'm not large busted either, but I find just about any exercising uncomfortable if I'm not in a sports bra, even bike riding. I've been accumulating bike gear this spring (thanks to much good advice from the ladies here), and the technology is amazing.
There's attractive gear with SPF 50, that wicks, feels good, won't ever smell bad, and does just about everything except pedal the bike. I hope you have as much fun in your new gear, Isabel.

Marley

Veteran

Oh Isabel! I''m so happy that you are able to work out! Yeah! You go girl! AND, IMHO - your sport bras should be seen (at least the straps) when wearing your tank - that's the fun of buying sports bras in all different colors/patterns and then pairing them up with different colored tanks. Also, I am a huge fan of those nipple covers that Rae mentioned - although I've never used that brand. I have bought them at Victoria's Secret and at Rampage - and you can use them over and over again (I mainly use them when I'm wearing my swimsuits.) Have fun dear Isabelle - and you go girl!

MsMary

Veteran

So excited that you will be joining the Workout Sisterhood!

And I'm just chiming to say I am a huge fan of Moving Comfort sports bras.