Now that Jon and Kate are finally divorced (the 8 went with Kate – I’m guessing the Judge was a Dr. Suess fan), the country can now focus its collective attention on more important matters. Like my boobs. That’s right, I just told everyone to stare at my chest. Being a very modest person I’d normally never say such a thing except that a) I need advice and b) I feel like everyone pretty much is anyhow.
Having lived 90% of my life having nothing even glance-worthy much less stareable on the top half of my body, I always find myself in an odd place when I’m nursing. See, when you’re pregnant your knockers get humongous but nobody pays them much mind because your tummy is getting all the attention with its crazy limb-producing shenanigans. But now that my stomach has downgraded to Deflated Sharpei, my new rack has taken center stage. And it is formidable.
On one hand – or two hands rather as that is what Gym Buddy Lisseth used to feel me up as she exclaimed at the top of her lungs, “Boobs look good on you!” (something only one of the female Gym Buddies can get away with) – it is awesome to finally have some curves. And since, as we’ve previously discussed, my hips are here to stay for the milking duration, it’s kinda nice to have some jugs – in the literal dairy sense – to balance out my bottom half.
The problem is that I am not used to being big chested. I am learning that there are things a girl has to do to wrangle those doggies. How do you normally well-endowed women do it?! For instance, a cute Nike top that looked perfectly decent pre-baby made quite a spectacle in my TurboKick class. The modest v-neck had somehow mutated to a va-va-voom v-neck, something I had failed to notice as I hadn’t bothered to jump up and down in front of a mirror before leaving the house. (Note to self: in the future always jump up and down in front of a mirror before going out in public.) It only took about 5 seconds into the warm up before I was wishing sports bras came in turtleneck styles. (A sports-bra Dickie!) There was much tugging and adjusting, not to mention a near miss with a black eye. I think I’m sticking with t-shirts from here on out.
Another big-boob consideration besides the slutification of every top you own (and also the front hem is annoyingly two inches shorter than the back) is the sports bra problem. As any woman will tell you, an a-cup chest can get away with wearing crappy-but-oh-so-adorable sports bras but anything bigger needs more than a $10 Target bra. One technique is to double-bag, layering one (or more) bras over the other until maximum compression is achieved. This can work but it’s not terribly comfortable especially on your shoulders, not to mention the added laundry. Your other alternative is to just hold ’em down with your hands – you laugh but I have seen more than one female Gym Buddy use this technique.
Enter KAOS Technical Clothing Systems to the rescue with their superhero sports bra! They offered to let me test drive their new RFI sport bra* and I figured my girls could definitely give it a run for its money. Sadly the running part didn’t go so well. While the bra held up great during my 30-minute leg blasting circuit (more on that workout to come!) it let me down (hee!) on my run. Thanks to the smart placement of the seams on the shoulder straps – on your back rather than right on the top of your shoulder – it is the perfect lifting bra. Doesn’t dig in at all no matter how many barbells you balance across your shoulders. (Ha – listen to me talk! In my case it was barbell, singular.) But to get the support I needed for my laps around the track, I would still need to double-bag.
What to do? I have heard from large-chested girlfriends that the Enell is the go-to sports bra. While it is about as ugly as they come – I’m pretty sure this is what my Grandma wore in the 40’s (shiny!) – it definitely looks as if it knows its way around a jiggly part. It’s the school marm of bras, strict but effective. It’s also $64.00. That’s a big chunk of change for a girl who once bought 3 sports bras on clearance for $2. It might be worth the money if I were planning on spending the rest of my life lactating but as soon as the Jelly Bean weans, well, let’s just say I won’t be needing the Enell anymore.
So ladies help me out! What’s your sports bra solution? What shirt do you wear to keep your PiYo from going porno? Anyone else seriously irritated by the shoulder seams in sports bras? And how many times can you write the word bra before it starts looking funny and you can’t remember how to spell it anymore?
UPDATE: The lovely (and small-tata’ed, by her own admission) MizFit is reviewing the same sports bra today! AND they gave her one to giveaway (what up with that, KAOS? I want to give one away!) so if you want to try out the KAOS – and according to the Miz, it is the *perfect* bra for small girls – head on over to her site and enter the contest!
*Legal stuff: KAOS sent me a free bra to try out. I was not paid by them or any other company for this post. Nor do I have any relationship with Enell.
I am plus-sized and big-boobed (the two don't always go together), and I love Champion. I watch for sales and get mine for around $25 each. I have some I prefer for less impactful sports, like walking, and others that provide more support for jogging.
Despite my size (double D), I have never worn 2 bras and don't think I ever will. I am not sure that would actually provide the support that one decent sports bra will.
I have never understood how they can call those miserable excuses for fabric at Target, Wal-mart, and other stores "sports bras." What kind of sports can anyone who actually has boobs play in them? And why can't I get the support and jiggle-reduction I want in a sports bra that isn't black, white, or gray? Or disgustingly ugly like the Enell ones? I want cute colors and patterns too, even if they're hidden by my t-shirt!!
I've got a fairly sizeable chest (hehe), but I still manage to get away with the Target Champion bras that are $15 each. I always go a size smaller than I normally would, so the compression probably helps!
Sara – SO true about the lack of colors & styles. It's like the bigger the size, the less options you have. Thanks for the tip about Champion.
Katherine – My normal bras are size XS so I've been wearing those and while they do snug 'em in nice and tight, they give me a ridiculous amount cleavage, lol!
it's a temporary problem. The other day after I got dressed and my small bra was full of wrinkles, I said to Troy, "My children have ruined my breasts, just look at them!" Then he checked me out up and down and replied, "Where?"
I like the bras that have the shelf under them, custom fit style like Cameo. They have drop flaps too, so great for huge nursing moms. I wear them all the time, and lovingly refer to them as my straight jackets. Except now, when I need to shop in the little girls section. I USED to have a nice rack in high school.
Ugg, I'm in the nursing phase too. And if I don't have a good support, I end up with mastitis. The ol' milk ducts don't like to be jarred around! I need a good thick band underneath. My favorite is Champion also. Afterwards, I'm back to the spaghetti strap cheapos lol!
oh, and I forgot to mention I love the large sports bras at Academy: they have fabric on the top layer that looks like a regular tank, in white, black, and gray, so it looks like a cami under your shirt and hides the cleavage in those wrap tops! Can't nurse in them, but great for working out…and smaller sizes after weaning!
Oh how you torture us teeny gals. It's just not fair I tell you. I would totally love to be hired to go around and nurse everyone's kids if I could burn 800 calories a day doing it and get huge knockers. Sigh.
No help here. I buy my amazonian 38Bs at H&M- the only place that recognizes that just because you have lats does not mean you have boobs. Thank goodness for my swedish brethren.
Regarding your quest for the perfect plus-sized sports bra, I'll quote the biggest genius of this or any century "well, good luck with that". (that would be spongebob, but you knew that)
I can't help with advice simply because my bras are from La Senza in Canada or ridiculously expensive from boutiques because my rack, while deceptive, is rather large. If I'm wearing the right bra, it doesn't look that big but it's big enough to NOT fit into the cheaper bras.
My advice would be to splurge on a good bra (or two) and wash it after every workout so it covers you (hee hee) for a while until you deflate and don't need it anymore.
Deflated sharpei is the most hilarious term for post-baby saggy skin belly, and I remembered it while getting in the shower of my extremely-well lit in-laws bathroom. Oh the stretch marks.
GIGGGGGGGLING.
great minds think alike and next time we should coordinate.
At least while you are nursing we hit both ends of the spectrum.
love,
Tiny Tatas
I'm a 36C and 5'1", and I run all the time. So, and I use old high-impact Gap Sports Bras. They work REALLY well, unfortunately Gap no longer sells them. I have at least 8, so they are lasting years – but once they are gone I will be sad and low…
I have one Enell bra I use for emergencies only. It works more or less. Basically, it smooshes the ladies together into one large mass, that is very unfeminine. The seam down the front is also a bit medieval. But, when I'm in a pinch the Enell pinches back… in a good way.
First of all, it's definetely worth spending the money on a good sports bra. You don't want those baby's sagging, and they will without good support right now!
I use New Balance running bras. Right now they're a little tight (my usual D's are probably getting closer to E's now that I'm in week 36 of pregnancy…I just keep shoving them into the old bra's)
My girls don't move at all in them. They do give the uniboob look, but it's worth it for the extra support I need right now.
For shirts, I use my old t-shirts that I have around from various things I've done…many of them are falling apart, but the benefit of a home workout is that no one else sees 🙂
Anyhow, while you have them, I'd buy a couple boob shirts to show them off, may as well enjoy them while you have them!
I have nothing Charlotte since I have very little in the boob area! I made that comment to Miz today as she was testing out the Kaos for small boobies! Wish I could help! If I had $$ I might invest in getting a large B or small C cup. I know people disagree with that but being small & at 52, they still sag no matter how small.. well… wish I was more help!
I'm a 34D and I LOVE my Enell bra! Yes, it's ugly, but it's always under a shirt so that doesn't bother me. I bought mine for $37 on ebay and I no longer have to fear jumping jacks 🙂
the fact that this post is unaccompanied by pictures both baffles and saddens me.
Ok,so if I start out at a 36D, what am I going to be when I nurse? I hesitate to even imagine it!
I've never double bagged. I found some good bras at Champion (and yes, they only come in black and white). I've tried and tried to find real supportive sports bras at Target, but none of them stand up to the jump around test. CitySports sometimes has them, but they discontinued a bunch of their heavy duty bras (ugh!). What you could also try is to wear a sports bra with one of those shirts that has a built in bra. One by itself isn't going to be enough, but sometimes both together can work.
As for the boob-tastic clothing, yeah, that can be a problem. Every single top I try on has to go through the boob-tastic test, where I determine whether it's tastefully sexy, or way too in your face.
I have new respect for big-chested girls. (Before I only had envy. Lots of envy.) I'm a 34B so I could work out braless and feel fine–though a little embarrassed. Hope you find the super strength bra you're looking for. And thanks for teaching the flat chested what it's like to have boobs.
I know that Oprah has devoted an entire show to finding the right bra! I gotta admit, it's a women thing and try as I might, I can't truly understand it. However, for all of us men out there, THANK YOU for making the effort!
Visit me?
I could write a dissertation on this topic 😉 For total cheapness, I agree that Champion does the best job, but only for low to medium impact.
Moving Comfort's Maia is what I've used for years, from D to DD (sigh). Underwire, separate cups, with a nice overlay of fabric that keeps spillage under control. The only bra (that I can afford!) that takes me through a full vinyasa without letting my breasts suffocate me in down dog. You can get them for around $25 (half of retail) on sale at REI, Sierra Trading Post, etc.. I recommend buying one and washing it nightly. Heck, wear it in the shower.
Life's too short to strangle yourself with two bras – don't do it! And forget anything that mashes them into a uniboob, those never work.
Oh, here's a nice thing to think about – women's homeless shelters always need plus-sized stuff. You can donate it when you're done and make someone's day.
Hilarious post.
I hate to bounce. So I double-bag with two hefty heavy-duty expensive underwires. When running, I have to put a huge bandage underneath in the center of my chest where the underwire rubs, or I end up with a huge welt.
I used to wear a tight fitting leotard on top of a sports bra, which helps with the up and down, but in summer particularly it's a pain.
Good luck with the wrangling!
I am also a big-boobed (DD) runner and swear by Title Nine's selection. Half to full marathon running in the Three Blessings and not a lick of chafing or uncomfortable bounce. They aren't cheap, but in running, I really only needs good shoes and a good bra….so to me its well worth the money to have the girls be happy. Title Nine have others with varying degrees of smoosh- so depends on the size and activity. My cousin (pre-nursing DD, so imagine) wears the "Last Resort" for running and workouts…she says that it isnt what you want to wear around everyday but it keeps everything in place…and thats a lot of "everything". Just my thoughts…
I second what Julia said….I LOVE, LOVE my Moving Comfort sports bras for running!! I was a 38 DD, now a 36D from losing weight and these are the BEST that I've tried! No double bagging.
It's been all about the boobs lately! I just posted about my boob dilemma last week ;o) I have to wear two during a run (and don't even have very big boobs)and am sick of it. I think I need to buy a smaller size to hold them down better…
Oh boobs.
"The modest v-neck had somehow mutated to a va-va-voom v-neck"
I miss those days!
I'm 34 DD/F and like the underwire bras from the Victoria Secret VX line (they are sports bras, should be online if your local store doesn't carry them). Also, recently discovered the Moving Comfort Bras (Amazon has them if your local running/fitness store does not). I have both their Helena and Fiona and I love them both. I'm a runner adn there is no bounce problem.
Much thanks to all the ladies who are on the well-endowed side who commented. I've been struggling with trying to find a sports bra that works well for the past 6 years or so….and failing.
Lululemon's sports bra's suck, and I've tried a variety of others too. Generally I go for the the double bra if running, otherwise I just go with one. And I will agree that downward dog sometimes strangles me.
I'm going to try the suggestions made above…hopefully I still have time to ask my parents to get me a couple of them for Christmas.
Oh girl! Be soooo happy this is a temporary problem. I am a 34 DDD, F…G…I don't even know! I have to go to a specialty store to buy all my bras. They don't come in my size in regular stores. And they are over $60 for sports bras and regular ones too. Spending the money is worth it to keep them under control though. I also double up with a cheaper sports bra over the expensive one for running. Like you said, normally modest shirts on other girls look super slutty on me. And I get really embarrassed because I'm pretty modest. Wedding dress shopping was interesting to say the least, you buy the size that fits the boobs and alter the rest of it down two or three sizes! My mom had a reduction after she had kids and it would be tempting to do the same. Although my husband loves them, so that is the one good thing. I cannot even imagine how clown-like they would be if I have babies…oh lord!
-MW
32C, so not ginormous but I do a lot of running. To be the lone voice of dissent, I didn't think Champion bras held my boobs well, but mostly because they gapped at the bottom. (I know…I needed a smaller size, but then my freakish shoulders were too far away from my boobs and they'd pull the bra up anyway)
I really like my Nike bra (not sure which line, purchased at Ross for $7.99).
Basically I go with anything seamless that seems to be made from super industrial spandex material (like rubber bands, turned into cloth).
If you're not gonna go for the Enell (and I TOTALLY understand!), go for Champion. Especially one with an underwire. They work quite well. (Coming from one who has used the hand-cupping method while wearing an inferior sports bra.)
Can I grouse for a sec? I once read a quote from a yoga instructor who complained about large-breasted women wearing revealing tops to yoga classes. I would LOVE for her to read the first part of your post!
WE HAVE NO CHOICE!!!!!! (Oversized t-shirts ride up when you're in headstand. Either way, SOMETHING is gonna get revealed!)
I run with (floppy) 34Ds and live in the Champion Double Dry Action Shape sports bra. They're reasonably priced (often on sale for $20), high cut in front to reduce up-bounce, have velcro-adjustable shoulder straps, and fasten in the back without having to go over the head. I seriously HATE getting trapped in a sweaty, binding sports bra trying to wrestle it over my head after a run.
The Patagonia Active Sport 24/7 bra isn't bad either: high cut in the front, adjustable straps, and fastens in the back. It has more give than the Champion and the shoulder seams rub a little so I normally save it for Spin class.
I've tried the Moving Comfort Maia bras, and they just don't fit me for some reason – too much give in the cups. Sports bras, like regular bras, are YTMV (your titties may vary), IME.
I like Lululemon built in bras in my yoga tops. I also wear them jogging on the treadmill. It isn't quite as high impact as cardio kick in regards to jumping or whatever, by I have large breasts (now down to a D, have been as big as a G). I have tried most everything and these are about as comfy and supportive as anything. You can order online, but each top style fits very differently; I would recommend a trip to a store if possible. Some made me look like an adult film star, others had just the right amount of vavavoom, and others were covered up enough that my mom bought some, so YMMV.
Victoria's Secret has a line of sports bras that they rank for support… I was a 34C-D before… now that I have joined the lactating club, I am a 38DD…
Oh Emma! I have sung that same lament many a time (and will again soon)!
Niki – so true about the mastitis! I seem to get it at least once with every kid so i gotta watch it.
Deb – surely you jest! While I am glad that I am able to nurse my children, i can't say I love it. Besides, you can always just shove a grapefruit down your top;)
I wear a 34D, run quite often and have finally found bras that work for me! I love the Moving Comfort Dori bra, and the Moving Comfort Larkin bra (link below). I only buy them from Sierra Trading post with my 25-30% off coupons, and get them for ~$15! LOVE these bras!
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1406C_Moving-Comfort-Larkin-Sports-Bra-For-Women.html
Heather – all new moms should avoid any brightly lit area with a mirror! Esp. while naked!
Patricia – So true! I should just enjoy them while I have them:) After all, I won't be this boobtastic ever again!
Jody – LOL! It is so true that small boobies can sag too – boy do I know that from experience!
Britneysmurf! Ebay!! Yes!!!
Never say diet – I will be emailing you pictures of my boobs shortly. Happy Hannukah!
Lethological – yes, I'm going to have to remember to "test" all my tops now. Egads.
Tracey – I'm an a when I'm not nursing! So I've def. gained a lot more respect for our larger-chested sisters:)
Julia – Ok, I'm convinced! I've got to go check out the Moving Comfort line now!
And Julia – what a GREAT idea to donate them to a women's shelter. I will wash them first;)
Anon – I am intrigued by this "Last Resort" bra! I mean, just the name alone…!
Pensguys – Yep, am heading over to Moving Comfort stat!!
Missy – oooh! Heading over to your blog now to check out your rack!
bjbella – Seriously?! You really miss it? Huh.
Anon (2) – I didn't even realize Victoria's Secret did sports bras! Will add to my list:)
M – let me know if you find one you love, please!
MW – Well, some girls get smaller after nursing! So maybe it will help you?
linteater – Yep, I'm a 32c/d right now. I know it's not HUGE huge but it feels big on me, lol! And I love love love Nike pants so I can imagine their bras are good too.
Azusmom – Seriously? With all the skimpy stuff people wear to yoga, the instructor was bothered by the tops?! Yoga is like the one class you can be practically naked for and it's ok. Nothing is worse than having your shirt go over your head when you are inverted!
AlexisW – thanks for the link! And now I'm giggling imagining someone getting trapped in their own sweaty bra. You're right – it could happen!
Emily – I haven't had much luck with built-in bra tops, even when I'm flat! Although I've never tried a lululemon one so perhaps those would be better!
Steele – another vote for Moving Comfort!
38DDD here, went to 36H or 36I depending on manufacturer after 1st kid, and stayed there. Preggo with 2nd now.
Can't help you if you can fit into any "bra" Target sells. There are options for you, I just don't know what they are since they are not big enough in the cups for me. As another posted suggested, try Title 9.
Enell is the way to go for running, jumping, bouncing with my gals. Yes, they can be expensive, but they last for ages and are comfortable. Ebay and other retailers do have them discounted occasionally.
I have fairly large girls (C cup), and I have found that a sports bra with adjustable straps is helpful. It's a matter of cinching the hammock, so to speak. The downside is your cleavage inches its way up to your chin with the tightened straps. That calls for either a higher necked top, or watching the men at your gym's heads swivel as you pass by. Oh well…
I usually double layer. I find if I wear a sports bra that has decent support (I've got a couple of champion ones that I really like), then I can wear another one that doesn't have to be as heavy duty over top (or one of those sports tops with built in shelf bra) and I'm ok.
I'll echo AlexisW's vote for the Champion Double Dry. I love the bouncelessness (is that a word? Oh well, it is now) when running and the ease of removal while still wearing a shirt. I also like that the back and straps are adjustable. The only thing I don't like is it doesn't wick as well as advertised. Champion has specials with two-fers and free shipping all the time.
I'm pretty sure I'm an A. So, yeah, no help there, heh. I gotta say that I really appreciate my small-chested genes when it comes to exercising… it would be HARD to workout with big boobs.
I wear a 42DD, and I've been very happy with the Glamorise Sport Max bra (less than $30 on JMS.com). It has front hooks, so it's easy to get on & off, and I've found it to be very comfy and supportive. It's the only bra I will wear for running and triathlon, although I use some of my other ones for other activities. No chafing, either. The only downsides are that it's not attractive (if that's an issue when you're running), tends to look somwhat "uniboob", and with the front hooks is probably not a good candidate for those who like to wear their sports bra on its own as a top. Oh, and only available in black and white…would like having a tan option. (I also tried the Glamorise Magic Lift Plus Active Support Bra; it worked for me for lower impact exercise and general use, and is less "uniboob", but I've had it chafe my shoulders when running.)
I tried the Champion bra, and it works well for low impact and is comfy, but doesn't work for me for running.
Opinion of a larger girl with a larger bust (DD):
exercising means t-shirt. I've never even considered anything else. I wear a cheap sports bra from Target under it, which has always worked fine for me, but maybe it's because I've always had a larger bust and don't think of the bouncing as uncomfortable so much as just a side effect of jogging. One big-girl trick I use while jogging that is similar to the barbaric grab-and-hold you mention is the slightly more subtle "Arm-support" method, in which you bend your arms a bit more than you naturally would while running, and literally place them close to you angled it, so it provides a pseudo-bosom-shelf. It probably looks ridiculous, but it feels natural.
On the plus size, I have read that exercising bra-less actually helps reduce boob-sag (technical term, I know) in the long run. I have no idea if this is a true fact or wiki-type fallacy.
I have always been a big chested gal. During the height of my gymnastics days I was a 34B. It's pretty much the ONLY place I had fat on my body. I'm a 36D now, and I have one 40 dollar underarmour that is WONDERFUL, but considering I need at least 3 for running per week, I just double bag the other days. The bouncing is no issue, but the chafing? My cleavage aint so pretty when I'm regularly running over 5 miles per workout.
Oddly enough, during DDR I just use a cheapie target bra. You know, with all the jumping and hopping… I don't know how but I won't question it.
I'm on board with the Champion Double Dry, too. (On sale for $31.50 @ Kohls right now, I might have to order another!) I actually went up to someone after class one day and said, "So, you've got big boobs, what kind of sports bra do you wear?" LOL It was the one she recommended and I have to say, I love it! I have, however, been double bagging it lately just because…well, just because. LOL
And DARN IT!!! I knew you saw me holding onto my boobs in Turbo the other day.
38DD since high school… I used to double-bra before they started coming up with better technology. Title 9 is the best (with dumbell ratings!) The 3-reasons support bra has gotten me through many a spin class & it comes in great colours! The brand is Moving Comfort & I think they call it the Fiona. Not sure why T9 renamed it… It does come with some uniboob issues, but I'll take that over megabounce any day.
I love my Title 9 frog bra. Attractive? Not so much. The ultimate in stabilizing power? Oh, yes. I hate that pully, stretchy feeling in my chest mid-bounce when the bra isn't so good. In the frog bra (did I mention that it's not attractive?) I run and jump without even noticing that I have boobs. It's the best (but I wear a top over it.)
I'm a 32E, and trust me, it is not as fun as it sounds.
Its hard enough for me to find a regular bra in my size, much less a sports bra. If you're like me and have a tiny ribcage, options are limited.
But I've come to the conclusion that there is no need for a fancy or expensive bra. Just double up on the sports bras (like I always have). I can't wear v-necks or tank tops or I become eye candy.
Until I can afford the reduction, and as a full time college student, its double or no gym for me.
I 2nd the Moving Comfort suggestions. I'm technically an H cup but didn't realize that before I bought my Moving Comfort in a DDD but it's amazing how it smashes the girls in and holds them rigid.
I work at a gym and get to watch all the misfortune's of women and what we all have to deal with. It amazes me when I see random old ladies come in and work out with NO bra's! AHH! But right now I have a Nike bra that is fabulous. I bought it when I was pregnant, but I still love it and it supports my saggy aftermath! Although I haven't found one like it again, its kind of soft and silky, very nice to the skin.
I also am well endowed (and would happily give them away permanently). I ran across a bra on sale for $20 at REI, bought it, wore it and bought another. Maia Moving Comfort. It's not pretty but really seems to do the job for me. It does have 2 layers, so maybe its doing the job of 2 bras? Anyway, can't beat the price and I use it for lifting, running (but I don't run alot), calesthetics, etc.
So far I have continued to "double bag" (OMG too funny–I am now stealing for eternity!) my "loaner boobs." The boobs have become more tame 10 months later, so I could probably not be so protective but I don't want to end up holding them with my elbows if I end up needed the extra support.
I was a 38C who became a 38DDD during pregnancy, unfortunately they never went away after I stopped nursing. I run and Crossfit and as another poster already mentioned, I swear by Title Nine sports bras. They have many styles and levels of support from $ to $$$. Good Luck!
I have an average to large rack (36C) that does become incredibly annoying at the gym. In my hunt for the perfect sports bra for under $30 I found the C9 by Champion Yoga Cross Bra With Removable Cups. The individual cups give added support and the overall tightness of the bra keeps them in place, I swear by this bra now! As a side note, I buy mine a size smaller (medium) than I probably should just for added support. Bonus: it's not too tight to be suffocating. Oh and I find them at Target for about $17 :] Good luck!
Title Nine is the best place I've found to shop for sports bras. I bought one of their frog bras a few years ago and it helps hold my (ahem, large) chest in place, even when running and doing high-impact aerobics. It would be a good choice for nursing mothers– it's a compression bra so I'm sure it would fit even if you lose inches in your bust after the baby is weaned. And it's reasonably priced around $33.
I have been known to take a long, wide ace bandage wrap and wrap my chest. No, I do not mean bind them where you can't breathe or look like you bacame an A cup overnight. It will give more confidence as you workout knowing you aren't hitting the ceiling. I also know from nursing that it can be "PAINFUL" if your breasts are full of milk and they bounce. I have swore to never do a jumping jack again because of this. I truly thought I pulled my chest wall muscles once when I was nursing and did a jumping jack. Operative word being "a", because I have never done one again.
I am current a 42H, and not nursing. I get my bras from a website called http://www.breakoutbras.com. It's a good website, with a decent selection in nursing bras, decent prices, and also great selection in larger sizes. Maybe not in all the fun colours, but hey, at least I can find one in an H cup there! When looking for one for exercising, choose one that has a moderate to high or high support level. That's what I shopped by last time, and it's a great indication. There's also a great guide on which size to buy, based on the different brands, since some aren't North American.