PIWTPITT Sports Bra Review - The Results Are In

I wrote a post bemoaning the dearth of supportive sports bras for anyone with a D cup or larger.

I had just started my new workout regimen and I was frustrated with the constant battle to keep my boobies in check while I did a jumping jack. My workouts sounded a lot like this:

"One, two, ow - my eye! Three, four, son of a bitch! Five, six - now the other one is free too?! Seven, eight - break! I need a break. I've got to put these suckers back where they belong."

Don't get me wrong, I'm always happy to find an excuse for a break during my workouts, but tit was getting ridiculous. (Did you see my Freudian slip typo there? I decided to leave it, because it's just so perfect.)

I wrote my post and hundreds - nay, a tad over a thousand once it made the front page of HuffingtonPost - came out to voice their lament as well and to offer support and suggestions for me.


I was overwhelmed by the response I got. You guys care! And you have great advice! I will always come to you with my problems. (In fact, I'm working on a jeans post right now, so start thinking which jeans fit curvy, super short girls the best - I don't want to hem my jeans or wear a shoe higher than my Crocs.)

In addition to the great advice I received, I also heard from bra manufacturers. A bunch of them.

They all offered to send me bras to try with no strings attached (which was generous and kick ass of them).

Even though no one asked me to, I decided I'd try them all out and then write a review of them because that might be helpful for someone else.

The first thing I realized about all of these bras is that it's no wonder I couldn't find a bra that worked well. If you notice, the brands I tried are fairly inexpensive. When you've got big guns to strap down, you need to spend big dollars. Big dollars makes a big difference.

Every single one of these bras cost considerably more than any other bra in my drawer, and they all worked soooooo much better.

Let's start with making sure you have the proper measurements.

I could have used the Jockey Fit Kit that was sent to me (along with a robe - those people know I like to lounge), but I'm not sure how well it works for sports bras. I like their kit, because you put your boob in a cup and it tells you what size you are. For the first time in my life, I'm a perfect 10. Also, my kids like to wear the cups on their heads. Bonus.

When I introduced myself in the post, I indicated I was a 38 DDD. I found out from a lady at Lynx, that with sports bras you need to measure your rib cage when you're breathing OUT, because you'll be doing a lot more of that when you're working out. Whoops. I'd been doing it wrong.

Sure enough, several companies sent me two sizes to try and the larger size always worked better for working out. Who knew??

I received sports bras from the following companies and I gave them a rating from 1 to 5 Boobies with 5 Boobies being the best. (Imagine the ones I tried previously like Just For Her, etc. are all 0 on this scale.):

Moving Comfort - 2 Boobies - I was very surprised by this bra. This company was probably THE MOST recommended company and I was excited to try their bra. I was so disappointed. In Moving Comfort's defense, I didn't go to a store and get properly fitted for a sports bra. They sent me one based on the measurements I gave and I'm an idiot (as Lynx taught me), so it could very well be operator error here. All I know is the cups were not near big enough to hold everything I had going on. I was spilling out the top before I even started jumping. I couldn't even complete a workout in this bra. From what I could tell, it's a very well constructed bra and it looks like it would hold up really well IF it fit you properly.

ShockAbsorber - 3 Boobies - They sent me something called the Run Bra. It was quite a contraption to get into (and out of). It was a two person job to get everything where it needed to go and get it over my head and latched up, etc. However, once I was buckled in, I stayed pretty much where I started. It was a bit too constrictive for my taste. It's designed for running and since I don't run, I probably didn't experience all of the benefits of this bra. Bottom line: I'm sure it's amazing, but it was more bra than I needed.

Lynx - 3.5 Boobies - This is the company that told me how to properly measure myself and boy, did it make a difference! This is a very nice bra and I think if you check the prices, it's the most affordable one on this list. It's a good investment. It's super lightweight and you can't believe it will perform the way it does, because the fabric is very deceptive. It's great for a lower impact work out or a fast walk, but it didn't give me the support I needed for jumping jacks or box hops. The feature I liked the best about this one was the hook at the back. When you put on the bra, it's a bit loose around your rib cage, but then you hook it in the back and everything cinches up tight and firm.

Intelliskin - 4.5 Boobies - I love this one too. This one has a bit more jiggle and juggle than the Enell, so no jump roping for very long without a break to stuff everything back inside in this one. Why I love this one though is the support it gives you. I like to wear it all day long. It's a little different than a bra in that it covers a lot more skin. It keeps everything in place and really holds you tight, but not uncomfortably. It's supposed to help your posture, but I didn't notice that it did much when I slumped over a computer. They sent me the one that zips up the front and the one that goes over your head. I know I said I hate wriggling out of a sweaty bra, but this one isn't hard to wriggle out of and the zipper front one didn't give me as much support as I'd like. The saddest thing about this one is that I've lost it somewhere. It will turn up and when it does I'll greet it like an old friend.

Enell - 5 Boobies - This bra is a beast! You get absolutely no breaks to readjust when you wear this bra. This one can jump rope, jump on boxes, run in place (probably run around the block, but I wasn't going to try that), and hold everything in place PAIN FREE. Did you hear me, big boobed ladies? PAIN FREE. As in no pain. Nothing flops and smacks around. It was a miracle. I wasn't sure I was going to like the fact that it hooked up the front. I'd joked about catching extra skin in a zipper and this seemed similar. However. The fact that it hooks up the front is awesome when you're hot and sweaty after a workout. You don't have to dislocate your shoulder getting the damn thing off of you.


When I'm done with my workouts (or just a long day hunched over my computer) there is nothing better than the feeling you get when you release the girls. Am I right? That whooosh feeling you get when they are freed is probably one of my favorite feelings. But the thing is, you can only walk around so long free-boobing it before they start to flop around and bother you. That's why I was so excited when I received the BreastNest in my mail box a few months ago. I describe it as having my breasts cupped in a loving and supportive, yet soft, embrace as if by a lovah who does not expect sex. It's glorious! It's a tad low cut for me to really wear out in public, even as a layer, but it's fabulous to wear around the house and sleep in. I've been known to throw on my Jockey robe over it and pick up kids from school, though.

So there you have it. My sports bra review. I hope that you've found this helpful!

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37 comments:

Heather in FL said...

Very interesting! And very cool that you got to try so many. Like you said, the ones you were trying were less expensive. You can't mess with your boobs... they deserve the best support, which can be pricey. But you found your perfect mate!

Unknown said...

I have three MovingComfort bras for running. When fitted correctly, these are awesome bras. Well worth the money.

Grammar Parrot said...

The Shock Absorber is best for my 40DDDs for running, but yeah, getting it on and off without dislocating your shoulders takes practice. I'd like to try the kit you got and would be interested to know their measuring instructions. I've yet to find a bra that fits based on the manufacturer's instructions.

Lizzi said...

Dangg. I bet I can't get that last one over here. I need a new sports bra. Ah well. I shall have to do my own shopping.

Shinianen said...

I know your pain - my sister is bigger busted. I'm fortunate enough to fall into the "average" (b/c) range, so I can get by with some budget options. I posted a blog about it awhile ago here: http://shinianen.blogspot.com/2013/06/holster-girls.html

Runaway Circus said...

Thx for sharing! I really look forward to the jeans post! I'm ubër-short and curvy...always on the hunt for decent fitting jeans, especially dark washed that I can dress up for work in real estate. And I don't mind getting mine hemmed (@ a fabulous 4'10" tall, I have to hem just about everything.) But I've found a great tailor (actually markets to men and formalwear) and only charges $10-12 a pair for jeans and slacks.

Liz said...

Great review! I have a similar problem with sports bras so I may try the Enell the next time I'm shopping for one.

stephaniegiese said...

Well, I'm off to buy an Enell...

Tomi said...

Enell's only fit up to DDD's? I'd love to find something for my H's. :/

Mediocrates said...

40F here... I wear a really expensive regular bra...then I get a two sizes too small super cheap at Wally World sports bra and wrestle into that over the top of it. Bonus: This also counts as my warm up.

Monica said...

Jeans comment in case I miss the post somehow--Old Navy Sweetheart in Short length. Straight leg. Best luck is to order online. I'm 5'2" and I don't have to hem or roll these puppies up at all. Length is perfect for flat and lower heeled shoes. Somehow their not bad even with heeled boots. I tried one pair in the store and promptly ordered 3 more online.And pair of skinny jeans to wear inside my boots.

Unknown said...

No, they fit much larger than that. I wear an H and actually wear one of the smaller Enell sizes.

Monica said...

They're* (a complete typo I promise! I'm so embarrassed! )

Unknown said...

I second Monica's recommendation on the Old Navy Sweetheart jean!! I am 5'1" and my size is a 10 when I am 135-145ish lbs. I have long legs for my height so I get the normal length, not the short length. But the jean itself fits so well, and that is hard to find for my short and curvy frame. I have been wearing Old Navy jeans for years and they last forever. Their tops don't work when you've got boobage like we do...but the pants are stellar.

BJ said...

you should try the elomi energise. i'm a g cup and love it. the girls stay corralled and no worry about floppage. it's pricey (i paid $80) but so worth it. as a girl who only gets new bras about every 3 years cuz of cost this bra is by far the best. hand washing and line drying this bra has not changed shape. even the couple times it's been in the dryer it still holding up

Jennifer Kay said...

I have struggled for so long to find the perfect sports bra so coming from a large busted person herself, I may just have to try the Enell...I know you said you didn't measure perfectly but how did the size differ from your normal everyday bra? I wear 38F but I'm not sure what that translates to in the sports world. Thank you! dishesinthedryer@yahoo.com

Seaexplore said...

My nursing bra is an elomi. LOVE that thing!

Dana @ Kiss my List said...

My girls are tiny so I can wear an $8 bra from Old Navy. But I know this post is helpful, because a (nonblogger) friend of mine posted a link on FB to it! I'm a fellow Bloppy Blogger, so I felt super cool when I saw her link, because I kinda know you. That's the first time my blogger life and my regular life have collided!

Sara B said...

I'm wondering which model Moving Comfort sent you. They have a few and I have one that's definitely more supportive/better fitting than the other ones. It has an underwire and more molded cups. That's the one that's really great.

meechla said...

There really is no better freedom than releasing the girls. I always want to yell "Freedom!" like Mel Gibson in Braveheart.

Unknown said...

Lizzi--the Enell bra is available thru Title 9 Sports, online. I use one of these for horseback riding. A must even though I'm just a C.

Unknown said...

Okay...I'm intrigued...but I have to ask...do all of these turn your two big boobs into one enormous boob right in the middle of your chest? I'm a 40 DD.

I too have written about bra issues: http://psb1969.blogspot.com/2013/08/pretty-bra-phenomenon.html

I believe those of us who are well endowed are doomed to increased support issues.

Herndonmom said...

I'm an H and I wear Enell - they have their own sizing system (1,2,3,4,5,6) so follow their directions and you will be locked and loaded!

S said...

The Enell sports bra rocks! I've been using them for years. They were one of Oprah's "favorite things" several years back.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I am familiar with that warm up!

Jen said...

Thanks for posting about the Breast Nest. I usually arrive home and "release the hounds" as soon as I enter the house. The girls now have a little piece of heaven here on earth.

Kiernla said...

Looks like we might have to go with a custom fit from Enell (34J here)

Casey @Waffling said...

I am part of the big tittie committee and I have learned that bras with cups combined with a tank with a built in bra fixes me right up! I actually really like the VS one I have right now. If a bra has no cups, it has no hold in my world

Jamie Miles said...

Gosh. I'm so old I remember when I first started running and I used a regular bra that I just synched up the straps real tight. I'm not well-endowed but glad you found the right bra to keep you moving in comfort.

Azaliah Yadinah said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Azaliah Yadinah said...

How well did they wash? Were they hand wash only, or can they be put in the washer without falling to bits? If they do go in the wash, do they need a pansy cycle, or can they take a beating? Do they need one of those lingerie meshes? Must they be hang dried or can I stick em in the dryer? If I can stick em in the dryer, do they gotta be low heat or can I bake em?

Nancy Lee said...

I have battled for so long to locate the ideal games bra so originating from an extensive busted individual herself. I know you said you didn't gauge superbly yet how did the size contrast from your ordinary regular bra? By the way, I'm comfortable with velcro fastening bras.

Richard ALLAN said...

Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for.
best maternity bra reviews

Short Stir-Up said...

Lee jeans, petite cut, like $30 bucks at Kmart. Great for my large badonkadonk, but small(ish) waist.

Chup Chap said...

Bombsgell bra Victoria Secret
Best bra i have ever seen lovely

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