tmmgeekette

This may sound like a really ridiculous question and for that I apologize. (No I don't)

Up until 2-3 weeks ago I never exercised long enough to care -or be forced to care- about this issue so I just really don't know. What kind of bras or sports bras do you ladies use for exercising/cycling that handle sweat well? I know "sports bras" exist, but I HATE those one-size-fits-all chest bags because they make it feel like I'm wearing a bag around my torso and the girls have been let out to play in the same oil wrestling ring. You can actually feel the sweat dripping down in there too. I hate it. Regular bras aren't good either because when you're sweating bucket loads they soak it all up and by the end of the ride they're drenched and it's as tho the bra was the moisture catchall for the entire body. There's no wicking, no ventilation.

BTW, I did try to search for this topic elsewhere but all I could find was something about bicycle bras (whatever that is).

Nermal

No idea, but let me bump it up for you.

Jadesfire 

I've found these to be very comfortable and supportive, and have ordered several. I'd get a darker color as the white ones tend to stain quickly (though that might have more to do with the ph of my sweat).

Edit: I usually need an underwire for support, but it's unnecessary with these.

Hardrock23

No help here, sorry...But I can't stand those either. I kept buying them last year, wearing them once and never again. I'm still using a couple of my regular ones for cycling until I (if I can) find something else...they aren't any better, but at least they're more comfortable.

mwalsh5757

I'll be really interested to see what the men wear, if any own up to it at all!

cb400bill

In case you didn't know, we do have a woman's only forum. If you're interested in joining, please send a private message to Forum Administrator Siu Blue Wind.

FBOATSB

All I ever read throughout these forums is that NOTHING shall be worn under kit. High tech moisture wicking fabrics indeed.

FBOATSB

He, he, I was just going to my post my prediction of a move there by the time I get back from a ride. Que the juvenile pics....

rgconner

Clyde pride: I wear a Castelli mesh undershirt to deal with the sweat around the Manboobs and the Dunlap.

Dunlap is almost gone, but Maboobs are still a problem.

tmmgeekette

Hah!! I actually looked for a women's sub-forum here but didn't see one so I figured I'd pose the question to men with boobs as well. I know they're out there.

MRT2

The Manzier.

tmmgeekette

Pffft... yeah, ok. Riiight. Suuure!! There's no way I'm leaving the house without a bra underneath whatever outfit of the day I'm wearing. No kit, on it's own, could possibly dream of providing the kind of support MOST women need up above.

tmmgeekette

And the first truly helpful result comes from a man. I COULD wear one of these shirt under the bra. And then something else on top. I know it sounds silly but it might just fix my problem.

Jadesfire, thanks for the link but those are pretty much like the ones I said feel like bags. Those offer no separation of east from west. I can't stand the skin on skin and oil slick that happens inside of those when I sweat a lot.

I guess I'll just start looking at bras online then and find some regular thin ones. Last time I ever looked at sports bras they were all pretty much the same. I don't think they've changed much so I'll just have to deal with regular ones. You'd think some manufacturer would have created REAL bras made of moisture wicking material.

rgconner

Other option, now that I think about it: I used to use antiperspirant to achieve the same effect before I found out about the mesh undershirts.

It was not 100% effective, but it might work in combination.

P.S. Nothing is silly if it WORKS.

Jadesfire 

Yeah, I know what you're talking about and I do have the same problem. But this is the solution I've found so far, and there is also some separation offered inside. However, I am also open to new suggestions, so I'll be keeping an eye on the thread as well. Good luck with the search .

Hardrock23

I didn't think they offered any of that style either, but once opening the link Jadesfire posted, and going through the "products others viewed/bought" list (the ones under the product info at the top, and at the bottom of the page that scroll side ways) I saw that they did make some regular looking and nearly regular looking bras that offer wicking and such (separation, clasped or zippered, wired/wireless, padded/unpadded, etc.). Might be worth looking into. Champion, Syrokan, Under Armour, and especially Maidenform make quite a few. I can link some if you look and don't find any. It'd be nice to see some of these types in stores, but I haven't seen any yet...or possibly overlooked them somehow.

tmmgeekette

Yea, you're right. I also found these. Need to find cheaper ones tho.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mois...sSSEsU54eq5BM:

tmmgeekette

Fyi, a google search for moisture wicking bra results in mostly crap bras but if you dig deep you will find some nice but expensive ones. Khol's has a sale on a couple that look good, tho. FYI.

https://mobile.kohls.com/product/prd-...rwire-6567.jsp

Hardrock23

That's a much better price (sale price)! I'll have to stop by Kohls and see what all they've got. This one seems to be in-store, if I'm reading things right.

outashape

I hate sports bras. They are too hot, there is too much material. When running, the smaller sizes get smaller on the rib cage, but still allow bounce. When cycling, I just use regular (non cotton) bras. They are much cooler. I sometimes wear the razor-back jersey which has the bra built in, but no support.

TaywuhsaurusRex

I have an old Nike medium compression sports bra that I used a lot while dancing, now sometimes cycling. It's not so snug as it used to be, but it certainly does a good job of keeping the girls in place. Flat stitch seams, a little bit of padding, and pretty good wicking capabilities so it isn't too terribly warm. I originally got it at Dick's Sporting Goods years ago, a quick online search says they still have some pretty comparable bras.

a1penguin

If you ride long rides, there won't be anything dry on your body. Except your socks. I like sports bras rather than regular style bras. But these generally don't provide as much support if you have larger body parts to support. Although I noticed more hybrid style bras that are sports bras with cups, which should offer more support. Avoid anything cotton.

Take a look at the specs for bras that are sold as "cycling bras" and "running bras" and read some reviews. I just buy the inexpensive ($15) sports bras at Marshalls/TJMaxx. Looking at Women't Athletic and Sports Bras, that Moving Comfort looks like it offers a lot of support.

If you google "what is a running bra" "what is a cycling bra", you'll find some articles that might help you find one that you find comfortable.

Craptacular8

I ran before I started cycling. Nearly any of the running specific sports bras will avoid uniboob, handle sweat, and avoid chaffing. You also have to determine your tolerance for pain. Some of the running bras I've picked up feel like they could cut me in two....they have far more compression than I find comfortable for long runs or rides, lol. I've also had good luck with a sports bra I picked up at victoria Secret. It has stretchy normal looking straps, etc. If you go with their brand, word to the wise, pick black, neutral etc. The fucia/red colors bleed when you sweat, regardless of how many times they've been laundered.....

I've also had good luck using the cheapy Danskin brand sports bra available at walmart.

indyfabz

You have never seen a thread and or read a post about something like a base layers? Comes up regularly. I sometimes wear one, especially when touring out west. Mornings can be a bit nippy. A base layer is perfect for starting out, especially if you start out in some hilly country. Love my Rapha wool base layer. Yes. I said the "R" word.

wphamilton

My wife uses sports bras that she buys at Kohl's I think, some kind of synthetic with no wires or padding. That's all I know about it, but at least it's a place to start.

I don't exactly have man-boobs at 155 pounds, but when I started jogging I was recovering from a collarbone and it was somewhat painful. I used a tight compression shirt - I think some weight lifters like those - and it helped immensely.