Non pull over sports bra recos pls - YouLookFab Forum

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Non pull over sports bra recos pls

delurked

Veteran

I’ve needed some new sports bras for a while. I hurt my shoulder last year, and at that point I decided I would no longer wear pull over bras. When trying them on, I feel like I’m both wrenching and contorting to get them off.

I used to use a moving comfort zip front bra. I once wore it on a trip and it unzipped in the airport on me. Since then, I haven’t worn a zip up bra, but I am willing to try them again.

So - who’s got a recommendation for a sports bra that has some form of closure?

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Linda

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Are you looking for front closure? I tried one pull over sports bra last year and it wasn't cheap, but I had similar trouble with it, so it's stuffed in my lingerie drawer, mocking me when I see it. But I need pretty stout support (32F, and I do wear them for running) so I stick mostly with styles like the Panache bra below. Chantelle makes a good sports bra in a similar style. But I'm guessing you don't need that same level of size and support, so you may have more options.

ETA: the Find for the Chantelle bra -- looks like the color way I got is not available but I'm pretty sure this is the same style. Both this and the Panache are good for support without the uniboob effect.

Panache Underwire Sports Bra (E Cup & Up)

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Top Pick

3

Chantelle Intimates Underwire Sports Bra

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Top Pick

5

Toban

Veteran

I couldn't collect the find, but here's the link to my new favorite sport bra. The material is super comfy. It has a back closure, but it also has a clip to turn it into a racer back, which allows me to wear more variety in tank tops and it provides more support. It's the only sports bra that I can run in. I also like that it has separate cups.

https://www.soma.com/store/pro.....cat1005927

Anonymous

Following with interest.

Ginger

Veteran

I really dislike pull over sports bra styles, so I went looking for some back fastening last year. My size is tricky, so about the only options I found were by Panache like Janet mentioned, and also Freya. The Freya I got has a hook for turning it into a racerback.

always trying

Veteran

A few months ago I found the best sports bra I have ever had. I have tried a lot over the years and this one is, for me, the best. It is a Playtex 18 hr. sports bra. I did not even know they made a sports one, and this is the first one I had found, so maybe they just started making one. I wear a 36 C so a lot are either flattening, uncomfortable, or not enough support for heavier duty sports.

Liz A.

Veteran

Same as Janet and Ginger. My normal size is 32F/G, but I have wide shallow boobs, so I can get away with a 34DD in this style.

Greyscale

Veteran

There's a high impact Chantelle sports bra that wasn't quite the right shape for me but others love. Because it had very shaped cups, the fit is finicky, but if it fits it is both supportive and flattering. Sorry I can't remember its name.

delurked

Veteran

Janet - font or back clasp, even a zipper. Just not a compression pull on style.

I do mostly walking and other exercises that are not heavy impact, but I’ve recently tossed all my sports bras. I don’t even mind a style more like a regular bra. It doesn’t need to be coordinated or seen.

These all look like viable options to try. I like a fair amount of support without feeling like I can’t breathe, so I sometimes need to play around with sizing to make it hold everything well without constricting too much.

Anonymous

My sports bras are from Wacoal - https://www.wacoal-america.com.....170-p.html

I love it because I wear a 36DDD and it fits like a glove, gives me great support, and the straps have hook adjusters. Most comfortable sports bra I have ever owned.

Greyscale

Veteran

Oh that Wacoal one looks great. I might try that myself.

SandyG

Veteran

The Moving Comfort Fiona sports bra gets good review for fitting a wide variety of types and sizes. I bought a few last year and they work great for race walking practice and long dog walks and hiking in moderate weather. Moving Comfort is now Brooks, I see, but carries the same style.

The Title Nine catalog has a section just on sports bras and how they fit. I use it as a resource every year.

delurked

Veteran

Thank you for more suggestions. It’s never much fun to try on bras, but I’m looking forward to finding a new to me style.

Diana

Veteran

I wear the moving comfort Fiona (34dd for reference, and I find it true to size), although I must say I think the quality has gone downhill since they became brooks (in particular the elastic at the bottom on my new ones tends to want to roll up, and the fabric feels flimsier). I've been wanting to try that new balance one Liz linked to - I've heard it's a good replacement for the Fiona.

ETA: I guess the other big question is underwire or no underwire. Personally I prefer no underwire, compression, "uniboob" type sports bras for working out but if you want something with wire or more shapely, my recommendations are not for you.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Why oh why do they even MAKE those pull on sports bras? I mean, seriously!!!!!

I'm small busted and reasonably flexible and I live in a cold climate. But even I can't contort myself to get out of them properly after a workout. For heaven's sake, whose idea of torture are they???

What is wrong with a back clasp, people???

Neelie

Veteran

Lululemon makes one really good back closure sports bra. Adjustable straps and firm support. It's called the Ta Ta Tamer. Very comfortable. I had to size up one size in the band.

Here is the link to the Canadian site, I assume they have the same thing in the states
https://shop.lululemon.com/p/w.....color=0002 It says online only but I bought mine in the store...maybe that is new.

BrieN

Veteran

+1 on the Wacoal underwire bra that Danusia linked to.

Toban

Veteran

I am appreciating all these recommendations. I have been frustrated by the preponderance of back revealing tanks (see Athleta and Lululemon’s new arrivals) that highlight the back of the bra. Back closure bras don’t seem suitable for these top styles and they all need racer back styles. So those of us who need supportive bras are limited in both bra selection and tank selection right now. It seems like the needs in real life are a mismatch with the stores offerings, similar to the limited availability of clothes in the 14+ size range.

Linda

I echo Suz - I'm modestly endowed but my personal gripe about racer backs is that the straps tend to hit me in an area that makes my neck and shoulders ache - I guess I carry a lot of tension there, the straps make that worse!

And don't get me started on trying to wrestle on a pullover over damp skin after a swim! The locker room at my pool never really is *dry* so even after towelling off, clothes tend to grab and stick. I've been hunting for better things to wear under my warm jacket after swims, but the best I can find seem to be some bralettes.

I once loved Victoria's Secret front zip bras. They still do carry some, but those are pretty insanely pricey, and oftentimes the stock isn't full enough to have sizes AND prints or colors I can stand (talk about LOUD workout gear!!)