Sports bras are a big deal in my world. I basically wear one all day, everyday since I live in workout apparel. As a 32D (well, last night I found out that I’m not exactly a 32D) who runs and does plyometrics in front of groups of people on a regular basis, I’m extremely picky about my sports bras.
The biggest issue I struggle with is fit. Most sports bras aren’t made for small people with a large chest. The ones that are don’t always give me the amount of support I prefer, they just don’t fit right or aren’t flattering enough to wear with a racer back tank top. I’m always on the search for a better fitting sports bra that provides more support.
Last night, I was invited to the New Balance store near Union Square for a sports bra fitting session with the woman who designed their new line, NB Psyche. She took my measurements and declared me a “tweener”. By her definition I’m in between band sizes 30 and 32 (maybe that’s why a good fit is a challenge).
The NB Psyche line includes 9 new styles of sports bras, designed to fit every woman. Seven out of the nine styles are high-impact, while the other two styles offer medium support. The sizing ranges from 30A to 44E. Most styles have adjustable straps, and adjustable bands.
Five styles were selected for me to try on based off my measurements. Immediately I was impressed by the construction, quality and feel of each bra. I tried on each one hoping to find a new, better fitting, more supportive bra than the one I currently run in.
While jogging in place and staring at my chest in the mirror of the dressing room, I was delighted to find a few of the new styles could potentially work well for me.
My only issue is because they don’t currently make a bra for a 30DD (no surprise there!), I had to put the closure on the last set of hooks to get the desired fit. Which may mean that once the bra stretches out the fit may no longer be as desirable.
Upon first wear, based off the construction and fit, the NB Psyche bras have the potential to replace my Moving Comfort Rebound Racer. I was short on time, so I didn’t make any purchases last night, but I plan on going back to pick up a few of the styles I tried on.
My two favorites from the fitting were the Shockingly Unshocking for running and the Seamless Genius II for everyday wear and low impact workouts.
Have you ever had a professional bra fitting of any sort? What did you think?
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post in any way.
Diana says
I have the exact opposite problem; I am like a 30A/B! Haha. I’ve been to sports bra fittings before and found that the one’s I’ve been wearing are too big and not many small sizes either. My least favorite part of sports bra shopping is finding one that is low coverage (b/c I don’t need it), doesn’t have irritating seams, but also has thick enough fabric for col mornings.
Jess says
I also think that the size small bras (not the ones that go by size) aren’t small enough around the band to fit any size 30 band size correctly.
RunnerGirlEats says
I have the same issue (small frame, large chest) and am on a never ending search for a good sports bra. I am getting professionally fitted next weekend to hopefully find some options. Ill have to check out NB though!
Dori says
I was invited to this event but couldn’t make it! I have had a professional bra fitting and my size is so ridiculous that they have to alter every bra I buy since bras don’t come in my size. As for sports bras, I have a tough time as well. I did find one Lululemon sporta bra that fits and supports me well for running but they discontinued it. I’d like to try the New Balance line but like you, they don’t make my size. Worth a try though! I like that they are trying to cater to more people.
Jess says
You should definitely try them on. I feel like even though they aren’t perfect, they have the potential to be better than the one I’ve currently settled for.
Cecilia @MommiesRun says
My problem is a wide but flat chest. I wear a 34 B but sometimes I think I’d be more comfortable in a 36 B. Oiselle has some new sports bras that I’m dying to try but I don’t think they have bigger cup sizes yet for you 🙁
Jess says
I really wish companies would realize that we don’t all fit into their limited sizing. I do think NB offers a wider range of sizes than most running companies.
Jen Correa @ Mom's Gotta Run says
Wow. I absolutely need a fitting and a good sports bra. While I am “average” with a 34B-ish size, I find that so many sports bras are either too loose or too tight. Some of just too chaffy (is that a word?) I definitely would like to try this line and find the ones suited for my frame.
Amber says
I am with Dori in that Lululemon discontinued my favorite sports bra too! I just gave their All Sport Bra a try and I like it but I don’t know if it’s love yet. I’ll definitely give NB a try! Their TaTa Tamer does the job but anything over 5-6 miles and it’s chafe city.
I do think it’s telling that everyone who has posted here (myself included) has issues finding sports bras that fit. What is up with that!
Jess says
Seriously!
I do really like the All Sport Bra for non running related activities, but it doesn’t give me enough support for running.
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner says
I wear a boring old Target sports bra every time I go running…. I don’t particularly have much to hold in place (haha) so I just keep it simple and cheap. I should probably go get fitted sometime though!
Carly @ Life in Training says
You need to try the Natori sports bras! They are seriously amazing. I am a 34D and I am a runner and have *never* had any issue with this bra. Also, they don’t give you uniboob.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I think the only time I needed a B was when I was pregnant… I’m a little envious. 🙂 But I really love the handful bras, so comfy and with removable pads.
Jenny says
I just started using the rebound racer. I wanted a racer back style vs traditional style. I am. 32dd or 32ddd. And usually they are a traditional strap style and I just wanted the racer back style. I will be curious how you like them as you use them more. I agree I like lululemon bras but they provide very little support except if I am just hanging out at home or maybe yoga or Pilates. It isn’t even enough support for spin, barre or walking. Thanks for the great review.
Lois says
I have the exact same problem! Small frame, large chest….Been looking for the perfect sports, (and regular), bra forever. I just don’t understand why they can’t offer more options to small framed women when it seems like this is an issue for so many! Also, I prefer cotton and not the “performance” fabrics. That is almost impossible to find. I do pilates/yoga, so I’m not so much in need of the support, as in the fit!
Skey says
Athletic companies are probably headed up by men. Which is probably why most female atheltic wear-gear-whatever is so generic and we all have so many freakin’ issues meeting our needs. That being said… 🙂 I hadn’t bought any sports bras in….. 8 years or more? A month or two ago I went on a massive hunt. I bought a couple of different ones. As a 30A woman, I have come to like Adidas Techfit (I think). The small is like…. SMALL. It’s been a trick to get the thing on. But I don’t have as much cup-wise to support, so while the band is perfect (to me), there may not be enough room for the girls for some. Most of my issues stem from the elasticity of the bra itself being off (stiff, loose,”smash,” inconsistent, etc). My bf doesn’t quite understand why I am so picky with my gear….
Carly says
Shock Absorber bras. I wear a 30E. It will change your life. No movement. Hard to get used to the way it clasps at first, but so worth it.