bra fit facts & features....by laura

July 08	August 08	September 08	October 08	November 08
December 08	January 09	February 09	March 09	April 09
May 09	June 09	July 09	August 09	October 09
December 09

July '08 article

Alright ladies…it’s sports bra time!! This portion of the website will be dedicated to everything Sports Bra related. A different bra will be featured every month in addition to bra and breast facts that your mama didn’t tell you. But before we jump into straps, cups and sizing…it is time for BREAST 101!!!

Each breast sits on top of your pectoralis muscles on top of your rib cage. They are made up of milk ducts, glandular tissue and fat. The breast is attached to your chest by the Cooper’s ligament (oh the things they didn’t teach in high school health). Ligaments are what connect bone to bone at your joints…think about your knees, hips and shoulders. Ligaments are tough and fibrous and are designed to hold things in place. If they were stretchy and flexible, knee caps and arms would be popping out all over the place. Ewww. So what is this ligament doing in my breast? Holding it up!

But Laura, if the Cooper’s ligament is holding up my breast, why am I terrified that my boobs will be at my knees when I’m sixty?? Simply put, body parts wear out. We are not designed to last forever. The Cooper’s ligament will stretch and lengthen over time due to age, breast-feeding, high impact activities and gravity. The result is a not-so-perky rack in our dotage. That is where a great sports bra comes into play. Sports bras are designed to hold the breast in place during activities. The less your breasts move, bounce and pull on those ligaments, the better for your breasts.  Not all sports bras are created equal and not all breasts are the same size. Here at Fleet Feet Sports, we carry quality sports bras for all types of activities and all sizes of breasts. Every staff member is trained in bra measurement and can help put you in the bra that will fit your breasts and your lifestyle. That is our FIT-losophy; finding shoes, socks, clothing and sports bras that fit your body as well as your life.

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August '08 Article

If you've stopped by the store and had a look around, you've probably noticed the multi-colored balls that sit next to the sports bra wall. Maybe you picked one up, tossed it around, and…if you're a guy…promptly dropped it upon hearing that you were holding the weight equivalent of a breast. Say what?? That 6 pound ball represents one single size DD breast?? No wonder my wife hates to run…or wears 3 sports bras.

Breasts vary as much in size as they do in weight. The balls that we display are just an average. The size A ball weighs about 3oz, B is 7oz, C is 21oz, D is 4 pounds and DD comes in at a painful 6 pound average per breast. That is 12 pounds of extra weight strapped to the chest of a well endowed woman. But every breast, from cup size A to DD, needs to be supported for a pain free run. This can be accomplished with one…count that again…ONE sports bra. Not two, not three, but one well fitting sports bra.

Sports bras come in three basic categories: Compression, Encapsulation, and some combination of the two. Compression bras essentially squish the breasts to the chest to hold them in place. These bras are usually best for size A and B cups, and some smaller C's. Encapsulation uses 360 degree support around each breast to minimize movement. These bras are geared toward the C and D crowd. And the combination bras do some squishing and some around the breast support and can be found in many different sizes by many different labels. Now, when we start getting into implants, it's a whole different bra game. The same rules do NOT apply so be sure to let your sales associate know that you have implants before you start the measuring process.

With many different bra styles and support technology, how do you choose which bra is the right one for you? Well, at Fleet Feet Sports we will measure you, talk you through the different bras, and help you pick the right one for you. Stop by the store and talk to a sales associate today.

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September '08 article

Let me introduce you to the ENELL sports bra. This bra is a lot of material, a lot of hooks, and a whole lot of support. If you measure out at a DD or DDD, this might be the sports bra for you. It is a bit intimidating to look at. Compared to the tiny, frilly 32A's, this bra is a monster of fabric. But don't let that deter you. Like most things that scare us, this bra just needs a little understanding.

The fabric and hook-and-eye closures will hold your breasts in place and minimize movement. The girls will be compressed and covered and your chest won't be flying out all over the place. The thick shoulder straps won't dig into your skin and the criss-crossed stitching in the back promotes better posture. The bra is made of moisture wicking fabric that will keep you cool even though you're wearing more material than you're used to.

The Enell is not a dainty bra. I have seen a lot of large breasted women pass over this bra simply because it is not pretty. Please keep in mind that we fit our sports bras the same way that we fit our shoes, according to proper stability. So if a sales representative suggested the Enell, give it a try. Remember, running isn't a fashion show. And when it comes to sports bras, the goal is to keep your breasts from drooping to your knees.

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October '08 article

You may be one of the many women out there that has chosen to get breast implants. Hopefully you are happy with them…proud of them…have a new swagger in your step…but you probably don’t go shouting from the rooftops that your breasts are not real (if you do, well rock on sister!)

If you have implants and are preparing to buy a sports bra, you need to tell your Fleet Feet sales associate that your breasts are not real. You may blush, laugh, and feel like you are disclosing very personal information…but you gotta tell us. There is a different measuring technique we use and we want to get you into the best bra fit possible.

Something to keep in mind; larger breasts will droop faster than smaller breasts, and augmented breasts are no exception to the rule. If you’ve chosen to go up a cup size or two, you need to amp up the stability in your bra. This means that if you are trying on bras at Fleet Feet and we come at you with a lot more fabric and maybe some under-wire…you can’t run screaming into the night. You may be used to teeny tiny stretchy sports bras but that wont cut it if you’ve gone from an A cup to a DD. Trust us…we’re paid to know these things.

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November '08 Article

Before detailing another bra, I have to take a step back and mention a horror that I see and hear about almost on a daily basis. Ladies...I thought we were past this. I thought you all understood! Where did I go wrong?? I blame myself. I was unclear. Well, let me lay this issue to rest. It is not...I repeat...NOT okay to wear a sports bra over an everyday bra and pass it off as good support. And while we're at it: two crappy sports bras do not equal one good sports bra.

Oh Laura, come on. I've been doubling up on my sports bra for years and never had a problem, it's the only way the twins stay put, I don't want to spend the money, you're trying to confuse me with logic, blah blah blah. Why on earth would you wear your everyday bras under some stretchy elastic mess not even fit for a prepubescent girl and expect it to support you?? Simply put, you are forcing your bra to do something that it is not designed to do. Everyday bras are made for sitting, standing, walking and looking pretty. They are not designed for running and should not be abused as such.

So you say you haven't had any problems wearing a sports bra atop your pink push-up. But just like your feet get used to being crammed into pointy shoes, you may have just gotten used to the grooves in your shoulders, the pain in your back and chest, and the amount of movement that is stretching your Cooper's ligament by the bounce. And honestly...anyone that tells me they feel more comfortable in two bras than one hasn't tried on a quality sports bra...or is lying. The straps are too thin and dig, the under-wires are not properly cushioned, the material doesn't breathe, your chest gets sweaty and hot and things rub and poke and cling. Still sound like fun? Can anyone honestly tell me they feel comfortable in their make-do bra combo?

Now, the exception to the rule. I understand that some of you ladies with very large cup sizes (E's, F's, G's, etc.) may need to try bra combinations because your breasts are so large. And I'm talking two high quality sports bras. Not something off a bargain rack stretched on top of something made of lace. But for the majority of us, cup size A to DD, band size 32 to 44, we can run, skip, and jump in ONE good sports bra that fits. And Fleet Feet just so happens to carry those sizes!!

But why are sports bras so darn expensive? The Enell costs $60! That's crazy talk! Believe me, if I could sell amazing sports bras for ten dollars, I would. Heck, I'd give them away if it meant that I'd never have to pass another runner and see her chest flying all over the place. But I don't price bras and like most things that we purchase, the higher the quality, the more expensive it will be. Side note: This rule applies to shoes as well. If you're buying your shoes for $40, chances are you aren't getting a quality product. And when it comes to your feet and your chest, good support and stability is worth it. You are worth it!

The rule of two: If I've fit you for a sports bra you probably heard me talk about the rule of two. You should be able to fit two fingers snuggly between your shoulder and your sports bra strap, and two fingers between your band and your chest. Now go put on your sports bra. Take two fingers, hook them under the shoulder strap and pull up. If you're bra stretches to your ears then you need a new sports bra. Take two fingers and hook them under your chest band. If your bra stretches so much you could fit your fist in there...or another pair of boobs...you need a new sports bra.

Ladies please...stop making do, stop putting up with bras that don't support you, stop strapping yourself down with multiple bras, stop making me wince every time I run by you and see your breasts about to take flight. I am not above begging. PLEASE come into the store, try on a quality sports bra and feel the difference.

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December '08 article

An anecdote: I have two crappy sports bras that I keep around for one use and one use only…working. I wear these bras in the store where I walk, sit and stand. I marvel at their stretchy nature, laugh at the memories of trying to run comfortably while wearing one, and give myself a pat on the back for being thrifty enough to put them to use after realizing they are useless.

So I was at work, prancing around in my blue sports bra, fitting people for shoes without a care in the world. And then it happened…that horrible HORRIBLE moment when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and your world changes. I thought I looked good, sporty, and spry. I thought wrong. That bra, kept only to save a few bucks, that I faithfully hung dry as not to damage the already pathetic support, was allowing my bosom to dangle so far south that I had to call Miami to see how my nipples were doing.

Why on earth didn’t someone tell me??? See people, this is what sends me chasing after runners on the local track, and approaching strangers on the street (yes, I have done both). When I see boobs bouncing painfully, I feel morally obligated to inform the individual that there is a solution. If only someone had said to me “Laura, your boobs are making a run for the boarder”, I would have solved this problem much sooner.  My embarrassment was so complete that I bought a sports bra right then and there, the Champion Shape T-Back. I’m two hours into wearing it and my self esteem has returned…sort of.

What exactly is a T-back bra (or racer back if that’s a more familiar term)? The bra straps connect in the back and give you more freedom of motion through your arm and shoulder. And you never have to worry about the straps falling down.

This is a high support bra, which is hard to get from something you pull over your head. But this one is doing an excellent job of holding me up. It combines compression with some encapsulation. The bra has a snug chest band and each breast is supported with structured cups. It is designed with a seam running down the front of each breast. This seam, combined with a small amount of padding in the cups, is great for hiding nipples if that is a concern.

Now before everyone gets all excited, this bra is designed for the A through C cup crowd. A’s and B’s can run comfortably as can a small C cup. A larger C cup might like this bra for walking or yoga, but not so much for high impact sports. As with all things, try it and see if you like it. And remember, if your sports bra is a few years old or has been washed over 52 times, you probably need a new one.

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January '09 article

Happy New Year! And what better way to start the New Year than with a new sports bra and a resolution to keep the girls above the Mason Dixon line! (How many euphemisms can I come up with for drooping breasts?) To help you reach this goal, Fleet Feet has brought in a brand new sports bra called the Grace by Moving Comfort.

The Grace is a nifty little racer back bra with a zip closure in the front (for those of us that don’t like dealing with the hook and eye closure or struggling to pull something over our heads). The zipper is padded with an extra flap of material so nothing with chafe. It also features Coolmax, a breathable mesh material that is designed to wick that sweat and keep you dry. The Grace is a high impact bra making it perfect for running. So what makes this bra stand out in a sea of support? The A/B, C/D, and DD sizes are all designed with their specific cup size in mind. Let me walk you through it.

The A/B bra has it all; the zipper, the Coolmax mesh, the racer back. But it also has a pocket in front of each cup for a prosthetic. Now, I can be a bit vapid at times and wondered (out loud) why someone would want to run with extra volume on their chest. The bra was designed for those women that have had a single mastectomy (the removal of breast tissue usually because of breast cancer or as a preventative measure). A woman with one breast would use a prosthetic breast in her everyday bra, but sports bras are a different story and no one wants to go running around looking lopsided. And no one should have to avoid their favorite activity because they feel self-conscious.

The C/D and DD bras are designed for larger breasts so these bras have a powermesh back liner to amp up the support. A side note: if you’re shopping for bra’s and the A cup is the same exact design as the DD cup…BACK AWAY FROM THE BRA! There should be some difference since there is a difference in the size breast they are supposed to be supporting. If they all look like something that could double as a slingshot (all stretch and no support) please walk, or run, to your nearest Fleet Feet.

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February '09 Article

The Bounce Test: If you’ve tried on a sports bra at Fleet Feet, then you’ve probably been asked to do the bounce test…and you might have been a wuss about it. You probably rocked up and down on your toes a few times and felt satisfied that the bra would support you. But that isn’t a good comparison to running…or walking for that matter.

Think about it. When you walk and run, your body is propelling some hundred plus pounds forward through space, boobs and all. Body parts are bouncing upwards and, thanks to gravity, back down again. It’s a bit rough on the twins, which is why we strap them down in the first place. So when I ask a customer to do the “bounce test” and they merely shift their weight…forgive me if I laugh.

Jump! Jog in place! Hop from one foot to the other! Do something to move your body more than just an inch. If the girls stay put, you are good to go. If your breasts bounce painfully to and fro, then it’s time to try a different bra. We have a wide selection so don’t feel discouraged if the first bra doesn’t do the trick. I will pull every bra in the place if that means you find your perfect bra fit.

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March '09 Article

The Myth of the Built In Bra:

When I hear the words “built-in bra”, I have a built-in response. I automatically wince. Never…ever…in my short little lifespan…have I ever encountered a “built-in” bra that has any substantial support. So far, the tops that I have encountered are fairly decent…if you’re an A cup.

But for the rest of us B’s, C’s and bigger, the built-in bra just doesn’t cut it. Bra’s get most of their support from the band that goes around your ribs and the built-in bras provide you with a lovely band of elastic right in that area. Support? I think not! Sports bras rely on the band, the straps, compression and encapsulation. Show me a top that has all of that technology and I’ll be willing to run in it.

As it is, fashion has not quite caught up with bra technology. That’s not to say you should shun every shirt that flouts built-in bra technology. On the contrary, I love my built-in bra tops. Just know that you will have to wear a good sports bra underneath it all.

For the A cups out there, make sure you are still doing the bounce test in these types of sport tops. The goal is to minimize movement. If you’re still moving, please pick something else! There are a ton of sports tops out there of all different styles, colors and sizes. There is no reason that you should be purchasing something that doesn’t fit and doesn’t support.

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April '09 Article

Sports bra’s are not made of titanium…or ceramic alumina borosilica fibers (the stuff used on space shuttles…yes, I looked it up). It’s polyester and nylon and lycra and spandex and other various wicking materials that are not designed to last forever. It isn’t rocket science…it’s a sports bra and some day you’ll need to buy a new one.

How do you tell if your sports bra has had enough? Well, when it no longer does its job. Do your breasts bounce more than they used to? Does your chest hurt after you run? Does anything rub when it didn’t used to rub? Is it ridiculously old? Do a bounce check every now and then to see if the bra is still good. Just like shoes, if you start to hurt, time for a new bra.

After much internet research, there is a general consensus that a good sports bra should last anywhere from six to twelve months, 52 to 76 washes, or about a year. I don’t replace my bras every year, though it probably is a good idea. If they are still holding everything in and doing their job, I figure I’ll keep wearing them. Now, this does NOT give you permission to wear some frail scrap of fabric that you’ve had for ten years because you’ve formed some emotional attachment to your bra. Treat your breasts like the lovely appendages they are, reward them with a new bra every now and then and they’ll do their job by staying in place.

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May '09 Article

How to care for your sports bra:

Sports bras can get a bit pricey and none of us want to be replacing them every five minutes. So here are some tips to extend the life of your bra so you wont bust your pocketbook…or your boobs!

Washing your sports bra: If you throw it into your washing machine, make sure it’s on the gentle cycle. Treat it like your regular bras. If it has hooks, be sure they are closed so they don’t snag anything else in your machine. Use cold water, never hot. Heat is the sports bras enemy…and all your technical clothing for that matter. You can use any detergent that you would use on your bras but if you find that they are still a bit stinky after washing, try something like Win detergent. It’s specifically designed for technical fabrics.

Hand washing your bras: Hand wash them in your sink using a mild detergent and hang dry. Or…and this is a tip I picked up at www.fitsugar.com... wear your sports bra into the shower, rinse it out and wash with a gentle shampoo. The just hang it up and it’ll be ready for use as soon as it dries (I do this ALL the time).

Never dry your sports bra: Remember how I said heat is the sports bras enemy?? I wasn’t lying! Most of these bras are made with polyester, rayon, and elastic. Basically a lot of plastics and materials that don’t hold up well to heat. Think about using a blow dryer on a plastic bag…not the best idea. So hang dry your sports bras or, if you are stubborn and simply must dry them, use the air only setting…NO HEAT!

Use these tips for washing and your sports bra should last you a year or maybe more. But remember…sports bras are not eternal. Try to get re-measured and re-fit about every year.

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June '09 Article

Lets talk about breast ptosis. That is the medical term for breast droop, and it’s what we’re all trying to avoid…isn’t it? Large breasted women are more susceptible to breast ptosis because their breasts weight more. More weight, more gravitational pull and the end result is your breasts heading much farther south much faster than some of our A and B cup friends.

But I’ve picked on the well endowed women long enough. It’s time to pay some attention to you A’s and B’s. You’re not getting out of this unscathed. Just because you’re breasts are smaller, just because they may sit higher on your chest or don’t droop at all does not mean that they will stay that way forever.

Breast tissue is breast tissue, some just have less than others. But it’s all the same stuff and the fatty tissue and the Coopers ligament will still stretch when not properly supported. All the rules still apply. It is never okay to wear an everyday bra for physical activity and pass it off as support…even if you’re only and A cup.

On a similar note (I apologize in advance to all who let their breasts roam free and will be expecting retaliation), in this runners opinion…it is never okay to go without a sports bra. It is certainly a choice. I’m sure there are women everywhere perfectly happy to run, dance, jump, skip and sing without a bra or a care in the world. In a perfect world their breasts would stay perky and lifted for the rest of their lives. This is not a perfect world. If you want your boobs to stay where they are, invest in a bra and strap those puppies down!
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July '09 Article

Alright ladies…we’ve covered a lot of material in a year. I hope you all have been taking notes. But don’t worry, if you forget anything it’s all on our website. And since it’s been a year, if you bought your sports bra when we opened you might want to think about a new one. And if it’s been over a year since your last bra fitting…or you’ve never had one…PLEASE come and see us. We can help!

This month’s article is going to be short and sweet…very sweet for those of you out there that are a DDD (or E) cup and are not big fans of the Enell Bra. It’s okay. The Kevlar vest of support is not for everyone. This is why we brought in the Calli by Moving Comfort.

The Calli is a high stability bra designed for the larger breasted women. It comes with all the amenities that we’re used to from Moving Comfort: adjustable straps, molded cups for stability, moisture wicking material, and the guaranty that the girls with stay put. We have it in one cup size and one cup size only…E. So if you’ve been shoving yourself into a DD, try going up that extra cup size and feel the difference of a sports bra that actually…you know…fits!

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August '09 article

Well ladies and gents…with an emphasis on the gents…I swore this day would come. I am hereby writing an article for the men! So, this may make a few people uncomfortable but we might as well get it all out in the open…no holds barred…no topic taboo.

The anatomy of the male chest consists of the nipple, areola, a gland located behind the two, and a layer of fat between the skin and the pectoral muscle. Guys…get to know your bodies! You should know what your chest looks like so if something suddenly changes, you can tell your doctor.

Men can develop breast cancer though they only make up between 1-2% of all breast cancer occurrences. Signs and symptoms are much the same as female breast cancer, usually a lump. The important thing to remember is if anything is out of the ordinary…a lump, odd discharge, consistent itching, changes in appears or skin color …don’t be too embarrassed to tell a doctor because it could save your life.

The most common male breast disorder is Gynecomastia. This is a harmless enlargement of the male breast tissue…street slang? Man boobs. And it is really common, especially in teens. Sorry guys, like those years aren’t awkward enough. It should be nice to know it’s not your fault and you will probably just grow out of it. Gynecomastia is also very common it man that are overweight.

How does this relate to our store? Well, if you have gyencomastia and are trying to get into better shape you might have come across the problem of support. Breasts need support, male or female. Seinfeld came out with the “The Bro” or the “Manssiere”. Enell came out with the Male Support Vest. Now, our store does not carry the vest but we can help by measuring so you know what you need to order. We’re here to provide a comfortable environment for any man that needs extra support. No one should have to be uncomfortable while they exercise and no one should be too embarrassed to not have the support they need.

…I very much doubt that this article will result in a stampede of men begging to get fit for a Male Support Vest but hey, at least you all know it’s out there.
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October 09 Article

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!!! WOO HOO!!!!! Seriously gang, this is like Christmas for me. A whole MONTH dedicated to boobs. So lets kick it off with some basic breast cancer info that EVERY girl, teen, tomboy, woman, mother, grandmother, lady and lass should know.

When it comes to preventing and treating breast cancer, early detection is key. Become familiar with your breasts; their shape, color, texture, etc. The better you know your breasts the easier it will be to notice a change in any of the above. If you do notice any kind of change, tell your doctor. Sure, it’s probably nothing but when it comes to cancer, better safe than sorry.

Remember, you are actually going to have to LOOK at your breasts on a somewhat regular basis so you can notice changes. So get ready to bust out the mirror and get used to the way you look…without the bra…lets all blush together!

So how often should you check your breasts? A good rule of thumb would be every month or with your period. You might want to wait a few days after your period if you usually experience breast soreness during your cycle. The last thing you want to do is go poking around when things already hurt. Ladies over 40 need to be scheduling mammograms every 1 to 2 years. These checkups are crucial, especially if you are at a high risk for breast cancer.

No one is really sure what causes breast cancers, but the medical community does agree that there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. Leading a health lifestyle is your best protection; this includes maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking and excessive drinking. Fleet Feet is here to help you while you strive to improve your health. Don’t forget to check our website for information about run/walk groups, training programs and free informational clinics. Got a question? Shot us an email or pop on by the store, we are here to help..

Every man, woman and child should be getting a yearly physical. This is the perfect opportunity to mention changes in your body…breasts and all. I know these topics can be embarrassing but when it comes to your health you really do need to bite the bullet and say “one of my nipples is darker than the other…is this normal?” And it probably is but it’s always good to ask.
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December 09 Article

After my last article about breast implants, I realize that though I mention a different measure process, I neglected to describe the different measuring process. OOPS! So, I thought I’d get everyone up to speed. So if your boobs are artificially enhanced, it’s time to listen up!

When measuring for a bra, there are three important numbers to remember: the circumference of your rib cage, the circumference above the bust, and the bust measurement itself. Now, this is a very effective measuring process for real and fake breasts alike. If this is how you were measured and you do have implants…don’t worry, if you were fit at Fleet Feet then your bra is just fine.

The thing to remember about implants is that you band size will stay the same. To get the cup size, measure from the center of the breastbone over the largest part of one breast to the ribcage on the other side. 7” = A cup, 8” = B cup, 9” = C cup. You get the picture. Those that measure in between, like 8.5”, are considered a “full cup” and might have to go up a cup size depending on the bra.

Now, why is there a slightly different process for implants? Honestly, I’m not quite sure.  Perhaps it’s because implants sit differently on the chest than breast tissue. It really doesn’t matter. Bra’s are like jeans, they aren’t all going to fit exactly alike. You may be a 34C in one style and a 34D in another. The important thing is that the sports bra minimizes the movement of the breast. And remember, implants will droop just like every other part of your body. So let’s haul them to the north pole, shall we?
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