Sport Bra recs

Glory

Hi ladies - I am in desperate need of a new bra as was evidenced in the gym today at lunch - ouch!
I have read through some of the forum posts and see that Panache, Shock Absorber and Moving Comfort are loved by a few ladies.
I need to be able to order within Canada. Locally I haven't found loads so it looks like online.
I can order the Moving Comfort Fiona. Has anyone used the size calculator with them? Would you say it is accurate?
Can one return bras?
Any advice is most welcome.

11 years ago

Shopping

13 replies

Latest reply was from cheryle (Dianthus)

Diana

Veteran

I swear by the Moving Comfort Fiona. There is another one that is arguably more supportive (Juno I think) but it does not have the back hooks, which is a dealbreaker for me. Taking off a sweaty sports bra over one's head is not at all pleasant!
I take my regular bra size. I know some people go up a band size in Moving Comfort but I personally don't think that's a good idea. Yes, it will feel tighter than a regular bra, but remember it is supposed to be that tight to provide the best support, and it's supposed to squash you down a bit to prevent jiggle.
I order bras from Nordstrom, Amazon, Figleaves, Zappos, and various other places and have never had a problem returning any of them.

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hi, Glory --- are you going to order from MEC? They stock the Fiona. I got mine there on sale last winter.

I don't think I used the size calculator. I just ordered the size I thought should work. It does, more or less. It definitely provides the needed support. In an ideal world the wires would be a bit wider and the cups a bit shallower/ stretchier, but the top panel disguises the fit issue on the cups and it holds everything in place. Keep in mind I'm really small.

I love the back closure and the adjustable straps on it, and it is really durable. Made to last.

MEC will definitely take returns on bras if they're not worn.

11 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Thanks Diana and Suz. Yes, I am going to order from MEC. They also stock them at the Running Room but there sizing is quite limited as to what is in stock.
I saw the Juno and agree that it may be higher impact but more difficult to put on.
I have tried both high impact Lulu bras but almost lost my mind in the dressing room getting them on.
I am very unsure on size.

11 years ago

Anonymous

I'm faithful to Lululemon bras. They have different styles for different body types and your specific workout requirements, and the quality , fabrication and styling is up-to-date . Prices are between $40-$60 which seems comparable to other brands. You typically order by bra size or by their 2/4/6/8 etc sizing. Their pieces typically run a size or two small - I always size 2 up on the sports bras.

11 years ago

Mona

Veteran

Have you checked Costco? I got mine from there last year and they are working really well for me.

11 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

The Fiona has a ribbed elastic band all the way around except for the hook and eye pieces. The band runs small which works for me; after I bought my bras I figured out that I was a much smaller band size than I've been buying for years. After using the loosest hook for a year or more I am now on the middle hook. I think the cup size runs TTS.

When it comes time to replace my Fionas, I will check the reviews if they still say the band runs small. If they say it runs TTS, then I will be sized out and have to go to Panache or other brand that makes small band sizes.

Can you use the Running Room to test for band size? Then remember that you go down a cup size as you go up in band size (or up in cup size as you go down in band size).

11 years ago

Von

Veteran

I have three Fiona's, they are the only sports bra I can give the 'running for hours' thumbs up to! I usually do a 36 or 38DDD-F in regular bras, and my Fiona's are 36 and 38 DDD and fit great. I tried on Panache, it's heavy duty, but it's too hot here for extra bra pads in a sports bra until the fall. I fell in love with that expensive bra though! I felt very secure, though I can't say my bounce test was better than Fiona. The one bonus is the convertible to racer back aspect.

11 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Thanks ladies - lots of great ideas.
I have tried the Champion at Costco last year but found they did not give me enough support for running/ cardio.
I haven't found a Canadian site that sells the Panache.
Lulu I can do but I am so shell shocked from my last bra adventure there when I thought I would need to call the SA 911 for an intervention to get me out of it.
I am going to try the Fiona - the Running room locally hasn't any of my prospective sizes in stock so I cannot try them out sadly.
MEC has 2 in stock (today) hahaha which are both in my prospective sizes.
Can I squeeze it in (hahaha) between making dinner and taking child 2 to ice hockey (yes, ice hockey in 34 degree temps).

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Glory I just checked mine. I realize why the fit is slightly off for me -- I ordered the best AVAILABLE size from MEC which was not my true size, but a sister size, and that's why the underwires are not quite wide enough...my actual size is 30D but I purchased 32C. As I said, the fit is acceptable in this size and the quality is superb, but next time I would order my true size. (Which probably isn't available in Canada. argh.....)

11 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Liked moving comfort when I played tennis. However for, yoga or fitness walking, in have had good luck with Elomi. A lot easier to get in and out of.

11 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Thanks again. Suz you are right that Mec doesn't carry 30D but the running room does. I called them and they are restocking in the next few weeks and the only one in that size at the moment is white. But they do have free shipping.
Once you know your size and a style you like - it is like a miracle!

11 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wow, Glory, thank you so much for that info! Next time I have to order I will try Running Room for sure. That should really help.

11 years ago

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

The Bay used to carry the Shock Absorber. I have the panache too and like one but the second one I bought rubbed the skin off in one spot. Ouch

11 years ago

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