STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Kelly · Hermes

ISO top with supportive shelf bra

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

Kelly, we are build similarly, and I haven't found anything supportive enough in a shelf bra, even when worn in addition to a sports bra. However, you might be able to wear a compression tee over your sportsbra and under a workout shirt and get extra support that way. You wouldn't have to wear the workout shirt, but since compression gear is second skin, you might feel more comfortable. I love Under Armour brand, and it breathes well, so wearing it under something wouldn't cause over heating. It is a bit pricy, but lasts forever.

Boots · Gucci

I agree with GD. Shelf bra tops are pretty worthless even over sports bras. I like the idea of a compression tee in the winter, but it might be too hot to wear during the summer. Especially if you exercise outdoors or someplace without air conditioning.

I've been doing a toning class where we do a lot of jumps and work on a BOSU ball. I've been wearing a Champion sports bra that is keeping me pretty secure. There's a full mirror in front of us the entire class and I haven't noticed any jiggle or uniboob from it. I think it works as well as it does because it has the hook&eye closer on the back. I can tighten it as it stretches out, like a normal bra.

http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion/Women_SportsBras_HighSupport-Champion/CH1602.aspx

Kelly · Hermes

I looked at a compression tee and I think Boots might be right - not ideal for muggy Cincinnati summer days, unfortunately. But I'm definitely keeping it in mind for when the temps go down!

Champion doesn't make my bra size, which is a super bummer because Boots, you're the third person I've heard rave about Champion bras in the past few weeks! :(

I *did* however find a Champion tank with a surprisingly supportive shelf bra - not great on its own of course, but a welcome addition to my layer over my regular sports bra. I'm definitely going to keep searching for a better solution but this is pretty good in the meantime. I can't get a freaking picture to post but if anyone is interested it's at Target: C9 by Champion® Women's Cotton Tank w/Inner Bra - Heather Gray

(Only that specific one, though - I took all the workout tanks with shelf bras into the dressing room and that's the only one worth anything, even when I looked at similar styles from Champion.)

Boots · Gucci

Champion's website might have better options than Target. I first started wearing them when Target carried a better selection, but in the last 3 years, they seem to only carry an exclusive line from Champion (which isn't as well made as the things I've gotten from their website.) I'm a 32DD but I wear a 34D in the sports bra because they don't have a 32 band size. I put it on the middle hook (then eventually last hook.) There's usually a code floating around too.

Over the years I've tried on every sports bra carried by Target, Dick's Sporting goods, REI, wherever. Where ever you eventually find a good one Kelly, buy a couple. They seem to discontinue them as soon as I find one I like.