I have observed some creative conversations about whether barefoot runners should be bare in other respects while running. Some suppose that if a runner is running “smoothly,” as barefoot running is specifically known for, there is no need for any other supportive clothing. Some are simply trying to find a balance between chafing and temperature regulation. I find that a good sports bra is important, even for my small busted self.
It has seemed in the past that the assumption is that only women with “well endowed” bust lines have any real issues of this sort. A little experience in running any sort of distance will quickly teach you otherwise. Even my husband regularly uses duct tape over his nipples if going more than a few miles. Since he almost always begins with a shirt on, and works up quite a sweat, after a few miles, his nipples can get quite raw from rubbing. I have seen the results of this after his longs runs even when he is his leanest and meanest. The protection of the duct tape to the nipples is even worth the chest hairs that it rips off when removed later. He hardly yells at all when he removes it, but then he is the strong silent type. However, to make sure you are getting the correct idea, he tears about 1/2 square pieces, one for each nipple. He is NOT wrapping it around his chest!
Duct tape is less appealing to me. In fact, I have never tried it as an option. Call me squeamish, if you will. I have been on a life long search for a comfortable, functional, AND feminine bra.
Comfort means a few basic things to me:
1. Not too tight – I want to be able to breathe!
2. Not too loose, which leads to chafing
3. Moisture wicking fabric
I guess that makes me like Goldilocks.
Up until about a year ago, the hunt was discouraging. Then, I found a wool blend bra. The fabric felt SO much better than the rubber-like band polyesters blends that I had been wearing. Somehow, this fabric and design gave me support without leaving me feeling like I couldn’t wait to get unwrapped at the end of my run. You might be surprised to know that this is frequently my favorite running bra in the summer, sometimes as my only running “top.” The wool doesn’t retain moisture, but helps to draw it away from my skin. I will probably get another of these bras soon, but plan on trying one from smartwool this time. The one I have is from icebreaker.com, but they aren’t selling exactly it any more. I have done a lot of wool sock shopping at smartwool and always been very happy with their products, so am likely to try one of theirs soon.
Then, just a month ago, I got a Title Nine catalog in the mail. I browsed their sports bra section and was intrigued by the reviews on their bras. PLUS, they had bras for small busts that seemed like they might attempt to work with what shape I have, instead of taking the easy way out and compressing it all. I bought two bras and am very pleased with both, so let me tell you why –
I wore the Form First Bra – A/B cup size for a 6 mile run its first time out. I do know better than to test new clothing on my extended runs. It is the first back hook closure sports bra I have ever tried, and I was concerned about sores. Bottom line, once I had the bra on, I gave it not one thought during my run and there were no raw spots afterward. It was perfectly comfortable. A couple days later, I ventured to wear it during a 13.1 mile (barefoot) run. I had a very minor amount of redness from rubbing in my very middle very lower front, right where the lower band of the bra sits. It was less rubbing than I have gotten in the past from my rubber-band bras. I had forgotten to put vaseline there, which would have helped.
The second bra, with the catchy name She Be Fierce, was more difficult to put on. The cross-back straps make it so that I have to put it on front first, and then hook it behind me with some contortion of the arms. Still, it was very comfortable once I had it on. I also ran 6 miles while wearing it and was never distracted by it or wishing I could readjust something. Both bras have cups that are constructed so that there is no issue with nipples showing through.
It might be time to get rid of all my stretched out and unfashionable sports bras now that there is real hope of a better world of sports bras. With the hours I am spending running lately, and the promised sun of the spring and summer months, sports bras will be a standard in my clothing repertoire. A bit of comfort and fun in running clothing design just makes the body feel a bit more spry!
