Sunday 24 February 2008

The Double D Review: Bendon Sport Max Out Sport Bra

I am what they call a "well-endowed woman." I don't run without at least one, sometimes 2, sports bras. These are not those cute, multicolored things you see super fit women in the gym running in with no top on. These are industrial strength, Grandma-style, major squasher over-the-shoulder boulder holders. Needless to say, I take my sports bras very seriously.
When I was packing for this trip, I sadly discovered that only my least favorite sports bra was clean. I have 2 of these, and for whatever reason one fits better than the other, so there's always the chafing one that sits around for desperate times. I often will wear it on a short run, but I'll wait 2 hours for a clean one before wearing it on a long run - normally. But I didn't really have that luxury since I was on my way out the door, so I'd resigned myself to major chafage and made sure the Body Glide was in the bag.

I stopped at City Sports (big sale!) to check out the running shoes, and I did something I never do - I bought a sports bra off the rack - no trying it on, no ordering from an internet site with bra support ratings, nothing. And I fell in love.

The new object of my affection is the Bendon Sport Max Out Sport Bra. ($55 - when you're built like me, you pay for quality. No $10 Target specials here.) It's got a racer back, with hooks below. This makes it a bit tricky to put on (and take off), and when I first put it on I thought I'd made a huge error - it was tight and there was no way I was going to get it over the boys, I thought. But once strapped in, it was seriously the most comfortable bra ever. About 5 miles into the run, I started feeling like it had come unhooked in the back, but the racer back was still holding things in. Turns out I should have hooked it a little tighter, was all - as I was moving it just wasn't against my back any more. But because of this, it started to slide down my rib cage a bit - there's a pretty good gouge in the shape of the underwire on one side. I'm pretty sure that's my fault, though. When I got home, I had a bit of a struggle getting the now soaking wet bra off due to the racer back, but my back doesn't hurt, my breasts don't ache, and I'm totally planning to add this to my rotation.

Pros: Available in a store! Great support. Racer back design will be great in summer. Wicking.
Cons: Difficult to put on/take off. If you don't get it hooked exactly right, slippage leading to chafage. Not cheap.
Double D ReviewSM Rating: 1 1/2 cups.

Update: If you've found this post via search engine, be sure to check out my updated review of this bra post-marathon.

4 comments:

Bill Carter said...

Hi Megan

I was cracking up laughing reading this post and will admit to feeling a little guilty. It just can't be fair to have to run with those things and My God we men are fortunate not to have to deal with that. My wife tends to be a little bit well endowed herself and I will pass the info on or maybe even do a little shopping for her myself.

It is a very unfair world indeed!

Sending you apologies and guilty feelings from Michigan.

Nancy said...

Hmmmm, I resemble these remarks. :P

I've never tried these. However the sports bra, in my case, is as or more important than the shoes. Have you ever tried Enell? It feels like a straightjacket, works like a charm.

I may have to try this one. I'm so glad you linked back.

Unknown said...

Also a convert to this bra, I bought one off the rank at Bendon Duty Free leaving Sydney two years ago. I never thought I could run before I bought this bra (and I still wear a bra over the top when I go long distances or do a spin class). Ladies, if you have large breasts and long to run, look no further. A C-J.

Ashley Schulte said...

I absolutely love my Bendon sport bra and am a size 34DD, but cannot find another one! Please help! I've looked online and they're all most always out of my size or the style that I've worn. I got it at a shop, quite randomly, just because they were going out of business. Now I want to purchase more.