Best *bra* for riding+regular life.

[Hunter's Rest]

Ok. Totally horse related -- I need some new bras.
The issues are:
a) straps that fall off the shoulders when riding (or walking. or breathing.) and
b) the totally crap-made foam 'push-up' lacy things that you get from VS do not 'hold' you well enough for riding or any activity (including breathing.)
I have a sports bra, so don't suggest that - it is a tight, zip up number that, while it certainly does the job holding things in place, it is bloody uncomfortable after a while and it's not pretty or flattering. Flattening, more like it.
I want something pretty, a little lacy or at least not industrial strength teflon like the sports bra, that will lift and, um, squish (my barren-broodmare chest seems to be migrating east-west, rather than north-south -- this is another uncomfortable issue with boobs-under-my-arms while I'm trying to ride).
I usually just get the Victoria's Secret lacy things that claim to lift and enhance cleavage, but I've found the most recent ones (catalogs - too lazy to go all the way to a retail store) don't fit right nor are they very nice. Just cheap stryrofoam triangles that don't help at all.
Any suggestions? What department store, say, has good quality undergarments, or, does anyone have another catalog they recommend? I want industrial strength hold plus nice enhancing for those tank-top days just around the corner. :o)

[equusvilla]

My fav... a good fitting underwire bra with an old fashioned barrett holding the straps together inbetween my shoulder blades!

push-up bras ..push my girls "out" when I ride....making it look like I have 4...trust me - NOT PRETTY!

Sports bras don't have the support of an underwire ...and just smash...

and no -wire means no support to me.

[Bluey]

Have you tried using two of whatever kind you like?

That works for me.:)

Title Nine has some that work fine and look ok also.
They are having a sale just now:

http://www.titlenine.com/

[*JumpIt*]

I usually wear a underwire bra and then a comfortable sportsbra over top to keep everything in it's place.

[mroades]

I cannot wear underwire, the pain is excruciating. I havent found one yet..and I too have the east west migration going on...LOL

[cranky]

I can't imagine riding, or doing anything at all active in anything but a sportsbra. I like Nike myself, maybe you should to try a few more to find one that's comfortable for you. Or not. I used to wear the zip-front types and never found those particularly comfortable, to be honest.

If a sportsbra really isn't for you, look for a regular "full-coverage" style (forget demi-cups and all that crap) with a racer-back. At least that way your straps won't be falling down constantly. Can't imagine a regular bra will help diminish the bounce factor much though.

[patterson]

I've been very pleased with Target's Gilligan & O'Malley line. Even the heavily padded, super-lift ones ( I'm a full-fledged member of the underendowed club too:lol:)are reasonably comfortable and the straps stay up OK when you ride. Also they're well-made enough to thrown in the washing machine and cheap so you can have lots of them. Pretty enough, although not luxury-level detail, obviously.

Having said that, I ride in the Champion sportsbra that Target also sells--super comfortable and not one of those mono-chest models, so doesn't make you look completely hideous when running errands after.

VS is junk, IMHO--doesn't last, doesn't flatter, and I can't even imagine what it would be like to ride in. Also overpriced for what it is. Better to get a few really beautiful things on sale, if that's what you like (it's not my thing) and the rest at Target.

[goodhors]

Sports bra is designed to flatten you a bit, to prevent any bounce. Breasts need to be held firmly in place, for best performance from you, physical stability for them. Bounce leads to tissue breakdown. Saw a lot of that when folks started running or riding braless years ago. Went from perky to flat and sagging without a bra, over all those miles, running or riding.

So what size are you OP? Smaller sizes can get away with some things larger sizes can't imagine doing.

Personally, I can't feature riding with low-cut, demi-cup, pretty bras at all. Skinny, elastic straps bouncing, cutting into your shoulders. Watching the riders in the practice ring shows who has good underwear or not. My riding instructor pointed out the need for a bra that held you in place many years ago. NOT flattering when your chest rises, falls and bounces up again. You don't see the soccer ladies bouncing as they race across the field. They wear supportive, probably very flattening, bras that keep their breasts quiet while the rest of the body is in motion.

Sometimes you do need the double bra, even if you are not large. Horse you ride gives you "extra motion" with the big stride, sitting trot, SUSPENSION, which needs to be stopped. Being flattened is better than coming out over the top. Less distraction for any judges!

There are various makers, which allows a better fit for all our different sizes. You might want to get measured first, see if you still take that size you usually buy. Bodies change, may not be correct size anymore. Try on more than one in "your size" to find maker differences.

I don't like underwire at all. Would have holes in my skin after a very short time wearing any of them. Daughter likes them though. Shop beyond the horse catalogs. Get High Impact rated stuff. Best Form sells on line, many choices, inexpensive. I hate Champions, almost useless for support, and pricy. The Title Nine stuff mentioned above has had great reviews here on COTH, lots of variety of makes. Sports bra does flatten you, that is what is needed for high impact riding activities. Again, doesn't allow bounce, for tissue damage, sagging breast tissue later on.

[Justmyluck]

Ditto on what the poster about me said.

However have you ever looked at Champion's line of bra's they have ones that have underwire in them and lift and separate the girls for a less compressed look. I love their products and they can be picked up and all the major sporting good stores.

http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Categories/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion.aspx

[S1969]

So what size are you OP? Smaller sizes can get away with some things larger sizes can't imagine doing.

Amen to that. [Actually....I wouldn't really know what smaller sizes can get away with but based on how many bras are built I'm assuming a lot!]

I'm also a big fan of Title 9. They have a lot of different types and styles, and a very generous return policy if they don't fit.

This is a favorite of mine for everyday wear but is definitely supportive enough for light activities.....
http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2174&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=678&iProductID=2174

I also like this one and the straps are set in quite a bit, although it is not enough support for me to ride in (I'm a 34D); however, an A or B cup might to ok.....

http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2167&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=678&iProductID=2167

My favorite supportive sports bra, since I'm on the subject:

http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2155&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=678&iProductID=2155

Good luck!

[Trevelyan96]

My faves are in the Bali line. Good support with no underwire.

ETA: I have the double support and downtime, and they are super comfy, give good shape, and support.

http://www.balicompany.com/viewbytype.asp?cat=1&type=2

[Hilary]

Go to a specialty bra store (like Zoe's, NOT VS)

get fitted and tell them what you plan to do in the bra. It's amazing how much fit has to do with function for bras, and I used to be one of the masses who was wearing the wrong size for years.

Now I'm a convert and pay exhorbitant amounts for bras, but they do make a difference. I figure it's a bit like a saddle. You can sort of get away with one that doesn't fit, but things will rub and be uncomfortable.

[caevent]

Champion Double Dry Action Shape sports bra. The best! I'm a pro rider; this bra has proven itself in every category!:lol:

[poltroon]

A great place for sports bras is http://www.titlenine.com/

For a sports bra, I quite like the Athena bra from Moving Comfort. It is not so smashy and it stays put.

Victoria's Secret is not the place for a functional bra. High end department stores will have fitting experts, or go to a specialty bra store (not a chain) where they fit bras all day.

[Vesper Sparrow]

I have an underwire sports bra (a store brand but I think it's made by Champion) that I regularly wear for lessons but afterward have gone to the opera or a party in. It's quite comfy for everyday wear and has normal coverage (i.e., resembles a bra rather than a large bathing suit top). Although it's probably not the ultimate sports bra, to the extent that I can sit the trot (:lol::no::no:), I can sit the trot in it. (I'm a 38 DD, by the way).

[Hunter's Rest]

Oh, wow. What a lot of great ideas and some smirkers ...
I'm 36c. No bounce factor.
Hilary - that is EXACTLY what I'm looking for - a bra shop. Where does one find a Zoe's, or hte like?
I'm actually going into DC Wednesday, and have the afternoon to whittle away. BF says try Macy's (I'll be downtown, waiting to pick him up from work around 5 - 14th st. NW) so I thought I'd try that, unless someone else knows of other specialty shops in downtown DC. Perfect!
I'll look into Title 9 and Champion.
Keep the ideas coming.
I don't have 'so much' to need 2 bras, that's for certain. Its not the bounce-discomfort as much as hte fact that I have a realllllly flat chest with 2 migraters (e-w) attached to it, and it just feels nicer to have them contained and somewhat centered. Not least of which it looks nicer with them not squashed up in a sports bra.

[jubilee43]

I like this one since I can hook the back into an x for riding, I still have 2 boobs, not one and it is not an underwire. I have played polo in it and loved the fabric, coolness and ability to change it back into a regular bra by myself and without removing my shirt.The material is awesome as well.

http://tinyurl.com/c4qzry

also this place is the cheapest i have found for champion sports bras- always beats the champion site even when they have a sale!

[cloudyandcallie]

For winter riding----

The velvet bras that Victoria's Secret used to sell (don't know if they still do as I bought everyone I could find 8 years ago when they had the big Jan. sales) are perfect for winter riding.

I cracked up when some teenagers were in the crowded store for the sale, and I overheard one said "Why would anyone need a velvet bra?" They obviously didn't ride horses in cold weather.

[see u at x]

HR, my suggestion in the DC area would be Trousseau, if you're so inclined to head this far east: http://www.trousseaultd.com/ They have specialized bra fitters to help out and I've heard great reviews about them. You could also try Nordstrom's, as I believe they have bra fitters on staff, too.

I was recently searching for information online, because I have the total opposite problem that you do - I need a reduction! But until then, I need to make do with what's out there. I found this great website (http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,901,30.html) that tells you exactly how to measure fit, has a "perfect fit checklist", "bra styles to determine the perfect fit", and "solve bra fit and size problems". Some of the information on there was stuff I never knew and I realized that I've totally been buying the wrong kinds of bras. I'm sure that if you couldn't find the information you wanted there, you could probably call them to ask questions. I've ordered from them and have good luck with customer service.

[DML]

I really like the Champion sports bra's, The ones I have have velcro shoulder straps. Gives you GREAT no bounce, I also run in these and feel nothing.
But they are a little pricey at $49 or $59. but well worth the price.

I go for what works, not how it looks.

It is impossible to have a bra that will work for riding and everyday life, unless you are an A or B cup

[Renae]

Playtex 18 Hour Bra is such a wonderful thing. It may not be the prettiest thing in your lingerie drawer but it has good support, is comfortable, does not give you a uni-boob like so many sports bras do, and is not super expensive :) No underwire, wide straps, and a wide band I think are the best things about it. Your bra's band does as much or more work towards holding the girkls up as the straps do- underwire bras with a skinny little band are worthless if you intend on actually moving and you have any chest to you at all!

[iechris]

Down here in SC, Dillards is the department store with the best bra selection. I have a Lunaire Coolmax Sports Bra that I can wear to work and also to the gym (as long as I don't run on the treadmill). I've also worn it for riding, just W/T trail rides and haven't felt like I was going to hit myself in the nose.

[DLee]

Another supporter :lol: of Champion bras. I order online as no one seems to carry them, they are the BEST.

[ThoroughbredJoe]

I think the best bras for riding are the ones made by CW-X. They are racerback, so the straps don't fall down. Instead of using underwire for support, they use what is called a soft support system which is built-in webbing into each cup. So they are a cross between a sports bra and a compression bra. Compression bras flatten you out to hold the girls in. Traditional sports bra don't have a cup for each breast, so it creates monoboob. These bras are used by marathon runners for support, and I have been using them for a few years. They are ultra comfortable -- I can't wear an underwire bra because it digs. Narrow straps also drive me nuts, in addition to the fact that they are always falling down, so then what kind of support is that? The CW-X Xtra Support Bra and Zip Bra are multi-layered for support, have a racerback, and everything stays put. Cup sizes go up to DD. My daughter is a cheerleader, and she swears by these. I also use them for riding and wear them to work. I buy them at CoolFitWear since they have discounted pricing on them, http://www.coolfitwear.com. These are expensive, but well worth it.

[silver2]

If your straps are falling down you're probably in the wrong band size- try going down to a 34D or something like that.

[Timeless01]

I have found my favorite riding bras at Target and Wal-mart (I'm a 34C). Wal-mart has Danskin. They are sports bras but have cups, so you keep your shape but dont lose your straps. They are really comfortable and honestly the best part is everything stays put but you still look like you have boobs not just a uniboob that is flattened. Target has racerback bras that snap in the front that are comfortable as well, I'll even wear them on days I'm not riding. Again, they give you your shape but the straps stay in place.

Good luck. Its a lot of trial and error, I went through a lot before finding what works for me.

[Sdhaurmsmom]

Off the rack, for big 'girls', I find Bali Satin Tracings Minimizer bra is prettygood for all but sitting trot. The straps are non-stretch, and flared at the top for support. No stretchy material in the cup:

http://www.balicompany.com/detail.asp?cat=1&col=7&styleno=3562&color=VA

For sitting trot, I wear a Frog Bra from Title 9 over that.

OR: for the two-in-one KO punch for total stabilization, the Last Resort bra (for me, it really IS a last resort, since I don't find it comfortable to wear for more than an hour or two, tops!) http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=2172&itemType=PRODUCT&iProductID=2172

[magnolia73]

I like Champion sports bras, they are neither pretty nor frilly, but have underwire, slipless straps and help avoid uniboob.

That said, if you have issues, and keep buying from catalogs, you may need to suck it up and go get fitted. My friend went to Nordstrom's and was shocked to see her 34 A's were in reality 30 D's. Low and behold, the right size bra and she went from droopy to perky. It was literally like an overnight boob job. She had heard on Oprah that most women have too large of a band and too small of a cup (hence strap slippage).

http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/style/fashion/oprahshow5_ss_20051115

[DinkDunk]

I 2nd/3rd/4th the Title Nine recommendation.

They grade the sports bra's with barbells for strength of support. Plus, they are so descriptive about them you can easily find one that goes from riding to regular life.

www.titlenine.com

[Desert Topaz]

Another fan of Title Nine. I'm very well endowed and it was there I found the bra that allowed me to stop wearing two bras while riding. They haven't had it in awhile, but they seem to carry it again the Bounceless Bra (http://www.titlenine.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=3242&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=674&iSubCat=676&iProductID=3242)

I was having horrible problems with bra sizing, and due to the rural nature of where I live I didn't have a lot of options. Several friends recommended I go to Nordstroms the next time I was near one. I did and let me tell you those ladies knew their stuff. I'm happier with my bras than I've ever been in my life. Yes, their bras are expensive but when you get up into the larger cup sizes the only way you're going to get good support is if you pay the money for it. Quality bras are absolutely worth what you spend on them. I can't believe how many years I wasted wearing stuff that wasn't.

As Tim Gunn says on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style properly fitting undergarments are the key to a great wardrobe, or something to that affect :)