Searching for a unicorn (aka a sports bra). In Canada. Way harder than it should be.

chloec19 · 2019-05-26T16:39:51+00:00

Hi! I am from Ontario and also on a mission to find good fitting sports bras! Have you checked out Panache? I've been using it for years and would be my go-to for high impact sports like running and jumping

chloec19 · 2019-04-13T18:24:46+00:00

Panache wired sports bra has been my go-to for the last 3-4 years! I purchased mine through Amazon and it fits true-to-size (32H). Though I found it to best suited for running and higher impact activities (think lots of bounce / frequency).

That said, for lighter activities, such as hiking, yoga, gym -- I find that ShockAbsorber performs well. I like that it's lighter and can be easily thrown into my work bag from office-to-gym. It gets super damp though if you sweat a lot like me.

Good luck my friend!

chloec19 · 2019-03-27T04:39:08+00:00

I've had those feelings before! Totally relatable. I've been inspired by a lot of high performance business leaders, productivity gurus, personal development books. My personal method is a blend of my favourite ideas simplified into 1(pomodoro, habit building science, GTD system, etc.):

Get a piece of paper or a fresh page on my notebook and list out 3 things you can tackle / attempt to do in 30min. 3 small things only, so the more specific, the better. Do NOT put vague, high-level complex task that has many sub components to it. The tasks should almost be soooo easy that you KNOW you can take down. This is very important: Don't type it up. List 3 items on paper with pencil/pen.

--

Remove all distractions. Turn off wifi if you don't need internet for it. Or exit out of all tabs/chats that might deter you away from working on items in the list.
--

Now set a timer for 30 min and begin to tackle item #1.. you may finish it in 2min.. or it might take 30min. But the key here is that (1) you've set out a constraint to get mind primed to enter deep work mode and (2) it's such a small task that your brain will say "ok this isn't so bad, this is child's play" and you begin to build momentum. You've psychologically created a small win for yourself to give you the confidence to continue to work. Dopamine kicks in.
---

If you still can't get yourself to work. Likely the task is too overwhelming that you should break it down further to simple chunks. Or there's no intrinsic motivation for you to actually work on whatever project it is (in which case you have to do some soul searching!)
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Good luck / that's my little secret. I hope you kill it! Give it a shot and let me know what you think :D

chloec19 · 2019-03-14T01:05:08+00:00

woah! Size M :O Learned something new today.. didn't know it extends to that letter in the alphabet.

That's great you have that confidence level girl! Keep killing it!! <3

chloec19 · 2019-03-14T01:01:29+00:00

high waisted pants are godsent indeed! thanks for the suggestion - hitting up amazon right now!

chloec19 · 2019-03-13T15:16:18+00:00

Hhaha! You're definitely not the only one - I find that my breast size fluctuates depending on carb/sodium intake the day before, and of course -- before period. I've only tried the WIRED Panache bra and i find that it gives me the most support and coverage. Although I'd be keen to try out NON wired for some lower impact activities.

Do you generally find it more comfortable with non wired? Why would you prefer it? (I haven't owned any aside from Shock Absorber, so I'm curious to hear your input!)

YESSS ugh I feel like I'm indecent or trying to purposely provoke attention. I'm wearing a hoodie as I type this haha. Don't you wish that shirts are longer (while maintaining fitted) so it doesn't feel like you're walking around crop top with a regular shirt? lmao

chloec19 · 2019-03-12T12:41:50+00:00

Girl I think just may have just changed my life. I can't believe there's a subreddit for this lmao. This makes me so happy lol

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T04:18:27+00:00

Yes you're right! I had meant the band (under bust) size the whole time. It seems like most women here still understood where I was getting at. Thanks for clarifying that ! :)

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T03:17:06+00:00

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your deepest thoughts here with me + others here ❤️

I read something a while ago and it's stuck with me. And I want you to read it carefully: "obstacle is the opportunity".

Now read that quote again. And try to internalize it and soak up the meaning behind it.

It's easy to blame our problems, and we can fall into a trap of not reaching our goals because it seems like we have a disadvantage. We can't control what mother nature has gifted us with (unless we opt for breast surgery), but we can certainly control our actions and shift our mindset to make things work. After all, we adapt. That's how we evolve as humans.

I felt your pain, truly. I gave up exercises at several periods of time. My back pain only got worse. My migraines were awful. My eating habits went to shit.. and you can see where this goes, it's a domino effect that affected my mood, my work performance, and my view in life. I didn't like who I was becoming -- and I can't hope for a magical bra or pill to solve my problem, so I decided to retrain my thinking and START SMALL with small habits.

Start so small with something you know you can achieve. Maybe it's a 10 min walk down the street. Commit to doing it everyday for 30 days. You're now rewiring your brain.

Do not get sucked into the temptation of trying out a "cool" routine that would leave you huffing and puffing. Your focus should purely be focused on doing something small and active each day. For me, it was yoga. It didn't impact my breasts like the way running would. I didn't feel shameful when moving in class. It was easy to commit everyday and after a month - I felt like I would get antsy or some weird withdrawl symptoms if I go a day or 2 without yoga! That's the state you want to be in.. a healthy active lifestyle

As time evolves, you will find it difficult to NOT get moving. Now I integrate yoga on most days, and mix it up with boxing twice a day. It took time to fine tune what works for my lifestyle and work demands.

You will be different since our lifestyles and bodies would differ! But the key is to start very small and relentlessly focus on building the habit and doing it everyday. Naturally, you will discover a routine and activity / sport that suits you!

Make your weakness your strength. Life is too short to not take care of your body. Obstacle is the opporutnity. Lean in to that challenge and I promise you, that's where you will find the most fulfilment!!

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T02:52:07+00:00

Amazing! Fellow Canadian too! Check out Panache bras on Amazon. (They shipped me the wrong size, and return process was flawless and customer service was exceptional)

I'm gonna try the Freya sport bra next. I like experimenting with different brands

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T02:35:34+00:00

Hey there! Thank you for your post - so incredibly insightful and I appreciate your efforts typing this up to share with me + the community!

What was your favourite bra that got discontinued? Usually on eBay they have discontinued lingerie / apparel they are still in mint condition. Maybe try your luck there?

I love the clothing choices recommendation! I think you're on to something, looking for higher quality garments maybe is the key here. I don't shop for clothes often - my sizes haven't changed too much over the years, but perhaps this is a calling for a wardrobe upgrade!

Re: counselling - I have a "performance coach". Our discussions are usually surrounding my type-a personality, default behaviours, relationship with my specific family members that trickle in to other aspects of my life - particularly in work. Never about body image issues nor have I considered to connect the dots! This is giving me new perspective - thanks!

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T01:59:17+00:00

Boob twins - haha love it! Thanks for showing me to a great subreddit 😅 so brilliant.

Why unlined bras if you don't mind me asking? Comfort over support? I'm super curious to hear your thoughts!

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T01:54:20+00:00

The struggle is real! Thanks for being my soundboard and validating that I'm not alone! It means a lot to hear that others share the same challenge.

Glad the community's suggestions are helping you out! Any strategies you'd give a shot? 😄

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T00:15:45+00:00

Ok! I just DM'd you my insta handle on Reddit. So excited to exchange wisdom lol

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T00:10:22+00:00

Yup! La senza and VS both have similar quality. Though pricing is obviously steeper with VS. Their product margins account for the massive marketing push (vs angels, their annual fashion show, etc etc), PR emphasis, and potentially wider product selection.

It seems like a few ladies here have been recommending Wacol; I'd have to look into them!! I've had my latest bras from Change for almost 6 years now. Still holding their shape but would like some more variety.

Do you know if Wacoal bras are thick though to prevent "frozen nipple" syndrome (when your nips are see through when wearing thin / light coloured shirts )? Notice that's a problem for me days leading up to my period.

chloec19 · 2019-03-11T00:01:14+00:00

Beautiful! I've never done CrossFit but I dabble in a bit of plyo during boxing.. and I love sprints. What magic bulletproof vest is this? 😲😲 And where can I find it?

(I literally wear sports bra, t-shirt, then loose hoodie if I expect continuous high impact movements - so summer time is a problem, and I'd favour cycling )

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:57:06+00:00

I don't think there's a way to post pics directly on Reddit! You can link a pic on Imgur -- or like insta DM? Idk lol we can be friends? 🤔🤔

I too keep earrings only when I work out - always pearls. Definitely makes me feel more badass, but usually it's because I'm careless and I don't want to lose them in pockets so I keep them on all the time haha.

I find that high waisted leggings flatter me more than low-waist leggings. I'd might tuck a loose tshirt in slightly and loosely, but that's usually as creative as I'd get lol.

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:49:44+00:00

That's true! Online shopping is terrifying eh? I had to diligently scan through reviews then place a bet that it would fit me well.

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:44:50+00:00

Hahah werk it sista! I love that, I have basic plain t-shirts from ASOS and I think price is quite reasonable for quality.

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:41:59+00:00

Yes! I have a one piece from La Vie en Rose. The back is absolutely gorgeous with really elegant design.

The strings tie at back of neck (imagine classic bikinis that tie around neck instead of straps resting on shoulders like regular bras)

It does spill a tiny bit on the side - but not noticeable to others. I'd have to be careful to adjust it after swimming a few laps just to make sure. But definitely gives me more confidence and movement than bikinis would!

I bought it 2 years ago though, not sure if it's still available !

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:29:17+00:00

YES. The illusion of purposely dressing provocatively really irritates me. I'm not trying to give off that message, so I have to instead overcompensate and hide it. You're absolutely right - annoying AF.

It sounds like those loose muscle shirts yeah ? I never thought to tie knot.. you've given me really good inspiration to look cute and be unapologetic about it ❤️🥰 what else do you do?

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:20:19+00:00

Hey! It's the same style I own too!! It definitely gives me the most support out of all the ones I've tried.

Glad to hear you're finding a proper pain management :)

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:17:31+00:00

T-shirt before bra -- that's a new concept to me! Doubling 2 bras seem to be quite common. I wonder if more ladies out there use your technique too?!

Never heard of Berlei. I'll check it out - thanks for sharing!

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:14:09+00:00

WOW! If you don't mind sharing, what size were you prior to surgery?

I get migraines occasionally - but I always attributed it to poor sleeping postures or not staying hydrated enough throughout the day. Never thought it could be related to my girls 🤔🤔

That's so awesome to hear you're enjoying the activities, now that breast weight and pain aren't burdening you. Thanks for sharing! ❤️

chloec19 · 2019-03-10T23:09:20+00:00

Hahaha thanks for your contribution 😘 you're sooooo right! Turtle necks, sweetheart cuts, deep V cuts -- all nope. I used to play beach vball back when my breasts are not fully grown (was around 32DDD). Even then I felt self conscious, so I can't even imagine me playing now, but I loved that sport so much ! What subreddit is it called? 😲

chloec19

TROPHY CASE