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Support system for bigger breasted women
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My amazing wife is getting ready for her second triathlon next month, and she is wanting some help and ideas on breast support. Clothing wise, she is starting from scratch. How much support does a women's tri top give? Is there a certain type of sports bra or swim top that works well, breaths and drys appropriately? She says her swimsuit alone isn't supportive enough for the run either. Any help is greatly appreciated!
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Re: Support system for bigger breasted women [mmbackpacker] [ In reply to ]
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Tri tops are designed for lean women with small breasts. As a woman who is neither lean nor small breasted, I have never seen one that I would even consider trying on. I will give the caveat that I might not look as put together as some women when I race, but here is what works really well for me. I think there can be a bit of fashion pressure in triathlon, but I would rather wear something that is comfortable than trendy.

For the swim, tri shorts and a black sports bra. Personally, the only sports bra I will wear is the Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra. It is expensive but worth every penny. Just be sure to take off the stupid outer label on the band because if the band rolls, it will chafe like mad. I have no limitations swimming in this (although I have never done more than a HIM). The black is completely opaque when wet. Add a wetsuit as needed. If your wife has the body confidence, she could just wear this for the entire race. I have seen women race in bikinis, so as long as she is comfortable, that is an option.

In T1, I throw on a bike jersey. I know people who swear that this will slow them down, but my transitions are always some of the fastest in any race. I can already have the pockets loaded with gels and snacks, plus I like having my shoulders covered in the even of a crash, and I like the sun protection. If it is a short race, I wear a jersey that I can also run in, just be sure that there is nothing in the pockets or it won't be comfortable.

T2 for a HIM--I change the bike jersey for my favorite running tank. This takes about 5-10s. It takes longer to spray on sunscreen and reinforce the body glide.

That brings me to another issue. If, like me, your wife has skin that chafes easily, some sort of protection is necessary. I love Skin Sake. It stays on all day and does not come off in the water. Body Glide is also a good standby, but it is more water soluble.

Wish her luck for us.
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Re: Support system for bigger breasted women [mmbackpacker] [ In reply to ]
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Almost any decent brand technical fabric sports bra will work - it will come down to personal preference and comfort. I raced for years in Sugoi racer back sports bras and I'm a D or C (depending on training levels). Nowadays I prefer Moving Comfort, but also wear Champion.

Tri tops with a built-in shelf bra do NOT work for me. Some women my cup size like them, but I sure wouldn't want to run in one. :-)

AP

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"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS
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Re: Support system for bigger breasted women [mmbackpacker] [ In reply to ]
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I have a similar problem and have been on the hunt for a properly fitting bra that also dries quickly. My normal running bras (Juno, Moving Comfort by Brooks) don't dry quickly enough which is problematic in terms of chafing and comfort.

I have found two that work fairly well for shorter races: Orca Core Support Tri Bra and the Zoot Performance Tri Bra. For sizing purposes, my usual size is a 34DD and I wear mediums in both bras. I think that Title 9 and Her Room could offer other alternatives, but this is a start.
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