The Cleavage Corner: it’s where we banish inappropriately dressed Gym Buddies who are having a hard time keeping their lady bits to themselves. Yes, it’s a real corner on our weight floor and yes, we actually use it. The Cleav Corner was established one day when I was testing out a new running skirt at the gym – while I loved the skirt (still running in it 3 years later!) – I did not so much love the attached mesh undies. Let’s just say that while the large open weave made for great breathability it did not make for great coverage. A fact I discovered as we dropped to the floor to do abs only to have Allison scream and throw her sweat towel over my legs. With mirrors on one side, the cardio floor on the second and the track on the remaining two, it was quickly established that if I wanted to get my abs in that day, I’d have to squish into the one corner between two machines and aim my business at the one square foot of blank wall in the whole place.
Since that day of hilarity, Gym Buddies have been sent there for all kinds of modesty infractions (wedgie picking is a popular one) and today was Allison’s turn, thanks to an, ahem, inadequate sports bra. Bras in general are tricky contraptions but sports bras up the ante by adding “compression” on top of cups, wires, hooks and slippery fabric. I was reminded of this when I found this delightful e-mail in my inbox from my oldest friend (oldest, as in she’s known me longer than anyone outside of my immediate family – a rare gift and one I do not thank her for enough!):
“Some of the [sport] tops I see have different strap configurations than my sports bra. I rarely see bra straps hanging out on other runner girls yet I don’t feel like the built in bras are supportive enough for even my tiny little “founts” when I’m running. I always tell my sisters that I should not have been born first! I do not know how to be a girl. How does one manage her straps?”
First: “founts” is the best euphemism I have ever heard for lady lumps (haha I just made a euphemism for a euphemism!). Second: Bra straps are very political.
Who can show what and how much of it is allowed to show and in what context is so tricky that I’m surprised gyms don’t provide more guidance in their new member welcome packets. For instance, many of my group fitness instructors that are women wear just the sports bra alone as their top. There are also a few super fit girls that follow suit. And yet a few months ago when an older, less fit woman took off her long-sleeved tee in the middle of class to reveal nothing but a tiny blue sports bra, the general consensus was “not appropriate”. Of course this pales in comparison with the day a woman did an entire step class in just her black lace Playtex 18-Hour.
For the rest of us though, the issue isn’t whether or not to wear only a sports bra but whether or not any of the (sometimes multiple) bras we are wearing should show. Sports bra manufacturers, with the exception of Enell, seem to assume at least part of their product is going to be on display – why else have all the cute colors, fun patterns and decorative stitching? While mine are normally tucked out of site (it helps that my favorite sports bra is The Handful* and its thin cross-back straps hide under almost every top), I’ve also been known to use my bra as one more layer:
Sometimes I even use the bra straps – again, this is The Handful but with the straps crossed in front instead of in back – as part of the outfit, like this:
Not everyone feels the same way though. One gym friend who asked to remain anonymous (you see how political boulder holders are?!) said tersely, “Visible bra straps are tacky. Period.” When I asked her about the girls who wear only the sports bra as their top, she shook her head and muttered “no comment.” A nearby personal trainer added, “I just don’t want to hear them complain that all the men are staring at their chest.”
Of course it’s not just our upper halves of the hourglass that can send us to the Cleav Corner, as explained by Brooklyn Decker in the February edition of Self (sadly they don’t have the full article online and I already gave away my copy so I’m going to have to paraphrase) when she advises girls to “find a really good pair of leggings” (she owns 10 pairs of her fave Reebok brand) because shorts make you focus on all your imperfections and expose all your goodies (said in true Gym Buddy style!) when you lay down on the weight bench.
I have to say I agree with her. Years ago, when all I did was run I had an admirable collection of Nike tempo track shorts but these days 90% of the time I’m either in pants, skorts or my go-to workout bottoms: the 3/4 length capri legging. Not only do they hide my goodies from every angle but the compression helps my legs when I run and – yes, I’m going to say it – the black is slimming. I love my black leggings so much I own 4 different pairs. And I even prefer them to shorts when I run! Shorts have that weird habit of getting caught between my legs and riding up when I run, giving the impression I’m wearing brightly colored briefs made out of parachute material. Nothing takes your mind off your race like trying to yank your shorts down to a respectable level every 10 steps. Men, incidentally, do not get off the hook with shorts either as I have seen way more than necessary of several men stretching in split shorts (those racing shorts that are slit up to the waistband to allow for greater leg movement).
What’s your take on the great bra debate – to be seen or not to be seen? And how do you gird your loins – shorts, capris or other? To protect your modest opinions, I’ve created a handy poll (if you read this through a reader or e-mail, click through to my site to see):
[polldaddy poll=4944253]
*Nope, not paid to promote them! I don’t even get free bras from them! I just really love them. Best sports bra around for smaller-chested ladies.
Ahh, the underwear faux pas – yes, I’m totally guilty of several – although NOT on purpose!! After spending a horrid 15 minutes in poor-fitting shorts on the treadmill, I once cut my workout short because of all of the issues. And let’s not forget all the times that I have worn a shirt I *thought* was perfectly fine but then realized I was flashing the entire gym when I got down to do planks or push ups or did any sort of bending over. . . sigh. I am desperate to find a pair of CHEAP but decent undies that I can wear that won’t move around! Seriously, any rec’s are welcome! Wedgies are always an issue with almost every pair I own.
In my defense, I totally trash any clothes once I realize they aren’t working. I also don’t judge people who have had their own wardrobe malfunctions. Of course, having had plenty of my own, I’m pretty understanding! 😉 I could care less if someone is picking their undies or adjusting a bra strap or whatever. If someone is wearing bad support or a bad pair of shorts, I make the choice not to look (though sometimes I admit, it’s hard!). It happens – you’re at the gym to move, so it makes sense that some foundations would move, too.
My sports bras peek out even if it’s a little, but I use them as another layer–they are made to peek ;), but not to be worn by themselves! I make sure my bras cover my chest passed the cleavage area, but have enough students coming to my classes strutting their ample bosoms with little to no support [you can’t hid double Ds in a spaghetti strapped tank top!]. Those are the days I wish I had a badge of fashion police, so they could be put away for life! 🙂
Okay, so I work at Anthropologie (in the fitting room) so I spend my days (apart from the 15+ hours spent at my college) telling women what’s okay… what’s not okay… that it’s not them that’s the problem – rather the clothing… bla bla bla
this may surprise, but you know what I’m going to say?
You’re wearing work out clothes. you’re working out. Sports bras are athletic bras. If you’re participating in some form of athletic activity then… it’s good you’re wearing one (though I do love some of the sports top with built in bras — as long as they’re good quality and haven’t been overly worn to the point of not being supportive – even for a barely B) and does it matter if it’s showing?? No.
Look at runners… They run sometimes in running bras without tops (I know I did when I was in my running heyday and I was not the only one out there doing that)
I personally LOVE that strap look that you donned while leading the turbo kick class
Now, where do I draw the line? If you’re not engaging in physical activity then don’t show off your sports bra – I think that’s when it becomes decidedly tacky. Then again, I also feel the same way about athletic gear or lounge wear in general — if you’re not performing some form of physical activity (including walking) it really does not belong on your body.
btw: I post on Wednesday’s at Recovering Inspirings… and this week’s post by me was inspired by you (or a post by you) – not as eloquent, but definitely inspired by.
Oh and I’m a Nike Dri-Fit shorts girl… and yoga shorts (which the type I get are pretty much like leggings only shorts – and with a rollover waist — I guess like biker shorts)
I also have a lot of compression tops with built in bras and sports bras…
I don’t even really need a sports bra (seriously, the handful? probably too much), but I don’t see anything wrong with wearing it to workout. Under a very specific set of circumstances – its hot, you’re super sweaty, its really cute, you have the appropriate body (Sorry, but as lame as it sounds I subscribe to the “spandex is a right, not a priveldge” rule), etc.
I didn’t vote for this, but I do want to see photos of the cleavage corner!
Yes! I agree with right and not a privilege as well!
Oh, and Is it wrong that I kind of want to make a tightie-whitie bra now?
When you’re exercising, you’re exercising, if a bit of the strap shows, it’s not a big deal. (Also, I have to wear a bra underneath the tank, and the sports bra is quite larger than that tank, so it’s gonna show. It’s more modest than wearing only the tank, and it reduces the jiggle, so I don’t think it’s inappropriate for it to be showing.)
Here’s the thing: there’s sports bras that are meant to be seen, and sports bras that aren’t meant to be seen. Choose accordingly, and don’t mix them up. I can see how you’ll get a better workout if you take your shirt off and just wear a sports bra without the shirt, but that was my clue to get a sports shirt instead of wearing a regular tee. I think it’s all context: if you’re at the beach, sports bra only while on the skating paths or running is OK, but at the gym or through the park, wear a shirt.
When I went to a gym, there was a dress code: always wear a shirt, never just your sports bra, and the shirt can’t have holes in them. No body judgements, no double standards for men vs women (but…dudes have boobs, just in 2-D instead of 3-D), no debate.
I agree! I’d never wear a bra by itself – I always wear mine under a top. I NEED to wear a heavy duty sports bra if I’m doing any high impact exercise. The straps on mine are wide. If the sports top is a vest and happens to have tiny straps, then people will just have to deal with my bra straps being on show. There is no way I can not wear a sports bra – my comfort and the well-being of my rack win every time. 😉
Absolutely! If it’s acceptable to wear it by itself (and I think it is, though I’ll never do it), then it’s acceptable for the straps to show. For a big-boobed woman, like me, the straps are wide, and the bra goes up higher than for smaller-boobed women. I could wear a t-shirt and be all covered, but then I’d be too warm. But I live in San Francisco, people would hardly cringe over a bra showing, there’s better things to shock, such as people walking around in thongs with whip marks on their butts, and a leash around their neck. Or the sad tourists thinking that it’s summer, and freezing in their shorts.
Ok, so I was totally one of those tourists!! My dad is from the Bay area and we went back to visit family. I thought June in California = hot beaches. All I brought were shorts and tees. First thing we did when we got there was buy me a jacket, lol!
I work out in an Enell bra (thank you Oprah !), which is so ugly it should never be seen ! But as an “F” cup it is the only bra I’ve ever found that works for me. I love it ! I work out at home by myself so I’m not particularly dressed up. I tend to wear daggies – old baggy clothes.
There is a gym near where I work and I must say that having – erm – larger ladies walk back to the office in sports bras and shortie shorts is almost enough to put me off my chai latte. I’m a larger lady myself but some things just shouldn’t be seen ! My bosses boss used to go running at lunch time, when we were at our old office. Our office was semi-underground so our windows were looking up at ground level. He used to finish his run then pull up his T-Shirt right outside our windows to wipe the sweat off his face. Seriously there are just some things you don’t want to know about execs ! Although that’s not as bad as when I walked in on my boss using the urinal in our Unisex bathroom – door locks – seriously he needs to learn how to use them !
Mmmm, my answer stems from my love of lululemon. Their workout shirts with built-in bras are totally insufficient, and frequently low cut. So, I buy sports bras, and then wear them underneath the lululemon shirts with the built-in bras, that frequently match my capri-length legging, which are the only way I “gird my loins”. I will say that if my boobs were…oh 3 cup sizes smaller than a DD, I think the lululemon shirts would be more than sufficient for my chest to provide support, because they do enable me to wear ONE sports bra, instead of two. The underneath sports bra also provides extra coverage, because even if there was enough support (and there isn’t), they’re so low-cut that half my chest would be showing (which is not okay), and thus my underbra is a multi-function support/coverage item.
I do not approve of the just sports bra look. I just don’t. Luckily its not that common at my gym, and I make an exception for hot yoga, because it’s hot in there. I do not mind at all seeing someones bra at the gym. I actually don’t even mind a ton in public, I just don’t think you should see it at work.
Can I say that I love “The Ten Commandments”, and how it’s shown so frequently at Easter-time??! They may actually use the phrase “gird your loins” in that movie, I’ll have to watch tomorrow and check. Yeah, I own it. On DVD. I think I need a better DVD collection.
I can see the point that sports bra’s do offend some people but heck, they don’t even look like a real bra (some of them).
This is exactly why I like to exercise at home. No people getting offended.
Pah. If you’re working out, you’re working out, and if your sports bra is on show, so be it. There’s only one thing I don’t wear in the gym, and that’s the tops of sports teams. I used to wear them – after all, they’re built for athletes, perfect for wicking away moisture etc – but it basically makes you a moving target – I’ve worn a football top 3 times in the gym, and every time it attracts quite a bit of attention and conversation, but on the third time a guy decided to come and tell me I was ‘scum’ for supporting the team I do, so I decided to save the jersey for at home workouts!
Here’s another bit of food for thought: is it offensive to have parts of your sports bra showing if your chest is something akin to a plank of wood? LOL
I really have no need to wear a sports bra as I have nothing there but I do like to wear them for the sense of security so-to-speak. That being said, I also like to wear tank tops when I lift because sleeves irk me, so I often have the top of my sports bra and my straps showing. I have never given it a second though though… I wonder if I offend people? Not that it would stop me if I did. I also look so angry when I lift I think it might distract from the bra issue. HAH
As far as sports bras alone are concerned: I have never seen a woman in my gym doing it but I have in others when I am away from home. Personally, I don’t like it. I don’t care how fit the person is, I think it is a “look at me! look at me!” statement. The only time I DONT mind it and will do it myself is while exercising outside on a hot day – I would do that naked if they wouldn’t arrest me for it.
There are two sides of my brain. And they have each taken a side.
I truly want to wear a t-shirt. Problem solved. If I do yoga, it’s of the Josie half naked variety in my own bedroom. (with a sports bra on, that’s as nekkid as Mr. Survival can take)
Let other people wear what they will. Just point all wardrobe malfunctions to Cleavage Corner and away from me please. Some people want to hear what their loud music is saying and not hear our own thoughts here. (I may be tempted to document unfortunate choices of yours, but do what you will)
I think it’s okay if they peek out a little bit, but you have to make SOME effort to keep them covered. For example, I have some tops that are racerbacks and some that are straight tank style, and I also have sports bras in both styles. I make sure to wear the same style bra with the same style tank top, so if it does peek out, it’s only a little. I think it’s tacky to wear, for example, a racerback tank with a straight tank sports bra.
I think sports-bra-only should be saved for SUPER buff people with perfectly skinny tops… and even those people can be mocked for being showoffs by choosing just a bra. Really, you’re not going to get a better workout with just a sports bra than by throwing on a snug tank top over it. If your argument is that a t-shirt is too baggy, then stop wearing baggy t-shirts to the gym!
(Okay this is SUPER late, but I’m just reading through pretty much all entries, ever XD) While I don’t work out in just my sports bra because I’m a baggy-tees kind of girl; I would prefer sports bra-only, to tank top. I have giant hips and a much smaller waist so every time I wear a tank top it rides RIGHT up. The bunching material around my ribs is really aggravating. If my shirt is see-through, so be it, You WILL see my sports bra. *fingers crossed I get to the day I feel comfortable in just a sports bra*
I have to wear a gigantic ugly Ennel, which covers more of my body than other piece of clothing I own. OF COURSE the straps show, they would show unless I was wearing a turtle-neck sweatshirt. Generally I wear a tank top over it, but there is simply no hiding the bra; it covers me essentially from neck to waist. It’s hard for me to imagine that it would somehow be immodest to wear ONLY this very-concealing garment. It’s bigger than a lot of other women’s entire T-shirts 🙂
But I agree with the other commenters that “When you’re working out, you’re working out.” This is a situation with other priorities than fashion, and to some extent, than modesty. If you are covering the parts of your body required by law, then it’s not really any one’s business what you’re wearing. Women already have enough body-policing and 1000 ways we’re made uncomfortable with our bodies – let’s not add to it by obsessing about something as minor as a sports bra, and discouraging even more women from exercising and going to gyms.
When I work out – I go to work out. I know my straps show sometimes and sometimes I use the bra as a layer under a deeper v shirt and it shows. I need a heavy duty sports bra and the thick straps don’t always hide completely under my t-shirt. Oh freaking well. I also think that if you can wear the sports bra by itself – then DO IT. Whatever makes you feel good and confident in your workout w/o actually showing T and A is what you should wear.
The gym I used to belong to had a dress code – sports bras were not to be worn alone. I think that’s a good rule for the gym, that way no one is going to be uncomfortable.
As far as sports bra straps showing, I have no problem with that. As others have said, you are there to work out. Dress so that you are comfortable and supported. If that means your straps show, so be it.
I tend to layer as well and I usually try to pick pieces that will work together, but that’s just a personal preference. Since I work out at home in my basement, there is no one around to care anyway. 🙂
There’s another category you forgot to “cover”. Nipples. How about the women who don’t really require support, but wear their shirts so tight you can use them as a biological thermometer?
Plain white, shiny fabric is the worst offender, while wild floral prints are great for nipple-camouflage.
i HATE when people only wear a sport bra to work out. even at my fittest (which was pretty ripped) i ALWAYS wore a top over it. i guess good for those people who feel confident enough to go without, but it is definitely not for me!
I’m a Lululemon Addict and not very busty, so I’m good with their tanks that have built in bra’s (with removable cups in for nip coverage always in) or a Flow Y bra under a Cool Racerback which stays pretty well hidden. I like to buy the bras in fun colours since the front bit sometimes peeks out like you have layered 2 tanks.
For bottoms, I always choose shorts since I get way too hot in pants/crops. I can’t wear the short shorts as they ride up, so my fave is Lululemon Still Shorts. They are knee length, and I get them hemmed to mid thigh. These are the only shorts that don’t ride up when I’m running! LOVE THEM!
I don’t mind straps showing or using sports bras for layering if the bras are cute. I have cute, pretty sports in fun colors that I layer. And then I have industrial strength bras for running that I do not show. I’ve never found a built in bra top that had enough support for anything involving cardio. I’m only a 32C, but I cannot stand any bounce. I think it’s because I was a 32a before the bfing and bounce was never an issue.
I prefer people to keep shirts on. I find it distracting. There is an older woman in one of my zumba classes who always strips down before the class is over and I try to keep her out of my line of sight. Mostly I don’t notice what people are wearing unless it’s extra cute or completely inappropriate.
On a side note, there is a woman in my body combat class who comes in full hair and makeup and wears a cardigan until she’s warmed up. She leaves the class looking equally put together and I leave the class red faced and dripping sweat. I’m mystified by her.
I’m pretty sure my sports bra straps always show — the straps seem to be so close to my neck that unless I’m wearing a turtleneck, you are going to see the straps! I don’t see the issue in seeing straps. I wish I were brave enough to only wear a sports bra, but I’m not. There are a few women who wear only sports bras and shorts at my gym and it doesn’t bug me too much. Some of them have really tight bodies and some of them don’t. If they feel comfortable, go for it.
I’m a capris lover as well, or when I run outside for long distances I wear longer compression style bike shorts. I’m sure I look like a huge dork, but my legs get too warm in capris or pants and regular shorts ride up.
I’m a zumba girl and we have all sorts of crazy outfits for class. Lots of the Zumba bras are made to be shown – since so many zumba lovers slash and cut their tanks. I also don’t mind if the super fit girls are rocking just a sports bra. I get inspired by their abs and then workout harder! One of my goals is to be able to feel comfortable dancing in just a sports bra by the time I go to the zumba convention in July.
Also, thank you for turning me on to the Handful bras. I love them!
I have DDs . I wear 2 sports bras under a tank and not only do both bras show, but I ALWAYS have cleavage. I guess I could wear a crew neck T, but eew, how uncomfortable would that be? I always wear crop leggins or sometimes full lenth if it’s cold enough and I’m not doing any cardio. I’m sorry if my cleave offends anyone, but I’m just trying to get my fitness on and not die of heat exhaustion at the same time. I do wear Lulu though, so at least I look cute
I’ve always been jealous of the women who can pull off just a sports bra. I don’t mind seeing it, but I don’t plan on ever dressing like that myself.
I really want to like capris, but i’m so short they end up looking like floodpants on me. So I usually just wear the standard running shorts. I found some by New Balance that don’t make me look like I I was just nailed in the crotch by a baseball, I think it’s the fabric it’s made out of.. I tried the running skirt, but tI haven’t found one where the shorts underneath don’t ride up, making me feel like I’m exposing my butt to everyone.
Did a woman really do a step class in a playtex bra? that is too hilarious. I have tiny (TINY) lady lumps and I still would be uncomfortable doing that.
If it’s in the gym, I don’t mind seeing straps so much. I’d rather someone JUST wear a sports bra than wear a shirt over it where the straps show tho…to me there are many different styles of bras out theregGet one to match your shirts. All the ones I have that I wear under shirts don’t show,. It’s a “thing” for me. Because my gym doesn’t allow “just” sports bras I don’t anymore, but when used to go outsidfe or I’m at home I’ll wear it no prob. Since I’ve shrunk my boobage has too, so I can make do with whatever. It’s kind of nice atually. I used to flop all oer the place without a good sports bra. Now it’s not so much of an issue.
I’m partial to the yoga tops with the curved neck and sort of T back…I couldn’t fall out of those even if I tried. 🙂
I second the leggings thing tho. Shorts are too…um…open for floorwork. There are a lot of guys at the gym with workout shorts that…aren’t doing their job. I don’t want to see that on an empty stomach 🙂
Really girl stuff but I do get offended if girls do not have well protecting bras to keep their chests. I hope they wear really tight one as not to move while they perform aerobics. 🙂
Being a larger-chested woman, I usually can’t help but have bra bits peeking out from underneath my tops. I NEED a good, sturdy bra, and most sport tops simply don’t offer complete coverage. I can’t wear t-shirts, because I teach, and the dress code doesn’t allow them for instructors. And, at the end of the day, I’d rather have my bra-bits peeking out than my booby-bits. (I think some women who are smaller up top don’t really understand that we really can’t help it, and it’s a choice between two evils.)
I recently found a top from Lucy that I LOVE: it’s extra-long and has complete coverage at the top. The only problem is that I get a bit of “side cleavage:” yes, the way the top is cut allows for the girls to peek out through the sides, so I have to wear a bra with more coverage underneath. And it shows. Tacky? Maybe, but A LOT less so than having them spill out every time I lie down in front of a roomful of clients. And since I teach Pilates, 3/4 of the class is done lying down.
(And I know I’ve mentioned the issue with some male clients showing up for class in running shorts. REALLY don’t need to see that!)
Finally, I think that if men are allowed to work out shirtless, then women should feel free to workout in a sports bra. So I guess the debate then becomes about whether it’s appropriate in a gym, where guys usually have to keep their shirts ON…
OK, as a doctor I’ve obviously seen it all 🙂 However, the fitness center is not the place for too much of it!
I can’t comment on the bra debate, but I did once wear a brand new pair of running shorts with a liner that was like sandpaper, and the next few days were not fun and that is all I’m going to say about that!
Yeah, I love capris and hate shorts for all the same reason. I do think it’s tacky to not wear a shirt over your sports bra in public. I feel like it embraces the whole gym as a meat-market thing, even if it’s not meant that way. Straps are fine though.
Such is the joy of having small boobs. I can get away with the built-in support without adding any on top of it! Then again in the rare circumstances that I DO need to double-layer, I have no problem with visible bra straps: I wear my gym gear JUST to the gym and to be honest I don’t really care what anyone at the gym thinks — I’m there to work out!
Anyone going to the gym to …gasp… exercise?
Thinking about it though – is it more appropriate to clip kettlebells or discs on a weight belt for weighted pull-ups? And is it the same for men and women? 🙂
I, personally, do not have a problem with bra straps or sports bras as tops. In a perfect world, only fit people would wear the bra without a shirt, which is why I won’t sport that style myself for a LONG time or ever depending on when I get to that point of comfort.
For myself, my straps show but my sports bras are in bright, fun colors. At least no one has to see flesh, beige or white bra straps from me when working out! I get warm easily, so I’m usually in a tank top and capris. I’m on a mission to find running shorts that won’t ride up for this summer, though, and am open to recommendations!
I remember the days of wearing a sports bra as a top to play tennis! But then I had babies, breastfed, and now wear a SIZE L. Yeah, you read that right. I’ve yet to find the perfect sports/nursing bra to strap down a watermelon. The Enell comes the closest, but I wouldn’t wear it as a top…
Whew I’m glad you did this poll! I was worried I was a tacky gym goer for occasionally showing pieces of my sports bra, but phew, 50% of respondents said it’s ok. I feel better now.
Charlotte, I love your blog! It’s such a funny wonderful way to view a healthy lifestyle.
Strangely, I wrote about flimsy gym bras on my post today too! One of my points not covered yet in your comments is that if you are a regular gym goer, you will eventually end up face-to-face with prospective business clients, it has happened to me many many times! My husband has hot-tubbed with our city mayor–at our gym! So if you need to represent your business well, you always want to dress in a way that makes you proud of yourself in front of anybody.
If any of you have time, please check out my blog at: affectionforfitness.blogspot.com
So far, I don’t have too many readers, except relatives and friends. Thanks!
To each their own. If you can do it & not fall out all over the place – why not – many are more than a bathing suit top. I wear a top over mine but depending on the top, some of it will show.
As for bottoms, I sweat too much – mid thigh UH shorts – the tighter ones so you can’t see up the leg!
I totally agree that built in bras never have enough support. I don’t care if my sports bra peeks out of my workout gear as long as it’s doing it’s job (covering everything and keeping it in place). Sometimes I wear two sports bras, especially on long runs or I end up with chaffing – not at all fun.
As for wardrobe malfunctions – I have had quite a few. My favorite being with a pair of yoga capris that I bought without trying on. I got to the gym, changed and walked out into the brightly light gym, only to have my gym buddy tell me that the back of my capris were see through. Apparently, despite fitting correctly, the fabric wasn’t as black as I thought and red undies weren’t the right choice for those pants. I spent the rest of the hour with my sweat jacket tied around my waist.Needless to say, they went to goodwill the next day.
If I’m at bikram, i just wear a thin strapped sports bra on top, because it’s hot and because being able to see more of my body means I can make small adjustments to the postures as needed. When I’m at crossfit, usually I’ll layer the thin strapped sports bra under a top with a built-in shelf because we run and I like the extra support. I’m not huge chested though, so I don’t have miles of cleavage on display, I see some women wearing the same bra type I wear, but it’s much less modest.
I think bra straps showing is fine- who cares? You’re at the gym, not high tea. And I think wearing just a bra is fine if you’re smaller-chested and the bra is cute and designed to be shown. If the gym has a dress code, that should be respected though.
Honestly, I’m really surprised at how many people in the comments seem to think that wearing a bra on top is only ok if you have a good body, or are thin. I say if people have a problem with your body, it’s just that- THEIR problem. It’s crap, and it’s yet another way of saying that people who are overweight are not as good as people who are thin.
I’m usually quite pleased if my “over the shoulder boulder holder” starts peeking out a little bit from my top because it means at least I must have been putting in a bit of effort! Shorts for me every time. Can’t stand the feeling of anything on my legs when running. Agree about the riding up problem though. What I don’t understand about it though is that sometimes they ride up every 20 strides and sometimes not at all. Think I’ve decided that Skorts maybe the way forward…………..but with extra “non-mesh” knickers!
Im from New Zealand and we have a real problem with women wearing leggings as gym pants. You know, the type that are designed to be worn as stockings…they bend over to stretch or while doing body pump etc and that fabric, its pretty see through. Horrifying. Especially with g-strings (thongs).Now thats a faux pas!
Totally beyond the visual propriety (or impropriety) of gym attire is the issue of hygiene, which I don’t think anyone has commented on. The gym I go to has a policy that says something to the effect of keep all body parts covered that come into contact with shared equipment. So, no short shorts if you’re going to use the weight bench or sit in or on a weight machine, no sleeveless tops if you’re using the biceps curl machine, etc. I also take exception to sweat splashing around and dripping on the floor, for example during a high impact martial arts workout. So for hygiene reasons I prefer to go with more covered up than not. On the other hand, I do like the Zumba tops and abs look, and maybe someday I’ll feel qualified to appear in the gym attired like that (not any time soon, sigh . . .). 🙂
I ran in high school and college, and you could see most of your sports bra right through your singlet. Some school uniforms were actually just like a two piece sports bathing suit. Maybe it’s from being inundated with viewable sports bras for 8 years, but I really don’t see an issue having a sports bra visible or even working out with just that. I do usually throw a tank top over mine, but you can definitely see the straps.
I do hate the mens racing shorts though. I’ve seen a bit too much from time to time…
As I get older, I display less and less when I work out–I used to whip off my T-shirt and display sports bras with impunity, but I wouldn’t do so now. When I see people running along my local “rails to trails/exercise track” in summer, I don’t mind at all when fit people of any age pare it down…the girls inspire me to work harder, and the guys…well, let’s just say I don’t mind taking a peek! As other people have commented, it might not be appropriate in other situations, but if you’re working out, what’s the big deal? What actually offends me more are people just baring all when they’re at the grocery store or a restaurant or even at church. For example, I’m not sure that “Daisy Duke” shorts are appropriate for anyone of any age…and yet when summer hits people of all ages, shapes and sizes will be baring all. Sometimes I really miss Morocco, where I lived for two years and the only people letting it all hang out were the tourists…
I think as long as YOU are comfortable in what you’re wearing, rock on. I most often rock the visible straps because the built in bras are SO not enough for running or anything jostling.
That being said, I’d rather not see your lady/man junk, but if it’s hanging out, I’ll probably just giggle to myself and then look away because my momma told me it’s not polite to stare. However, I WILL blog about it later. 🙂
I really can’t believe that some people would think it’s inappropriate to show sports bra straps. Seriously I’m baffled. As long as I’m not going somewhere nice I don’t even care if my regular bra straps show. It never occurred to me that it might offend someone.
As far as sports bra only? I think it depends on the bra and how well it fits. Personally, I find women with tight mid-sections motivating and love it when they rock the sports bra. But I definitely think tube tops are a bit much! 😉
You know I’m a fan of the Handful, too, and you’ve reminded me I need another. I already have two but it’s the bra I want to wear ALWAYS (even under my non-workout clothes).
I’m with Kara from Mama Sweat…. I want to wear my Handful bra everyday! I have four and I love them so much I could marry them.
During cross-country season (August-October) we ran outside in the heat of the day (3:30-5pm). Our coach said we could take off our shirts, and just run in our sports bras, and I did because it was so stinkin’ hot, but I never felt OK about it. I always felt immodest, but the other girl never had any qualms about it. At track practice, since there are more guys and we’re not out running in the woods or the roadside, the farthest we go is cut-out shirts and tank tops.
I do it out of necessity, but my sense of modesty bothers me sometimes.
I’m a big fan of the Handful, too, mostly because of the name b/c that’s really all I have to put in there. I have only one but am now struck with a sudden desire for another one after all this sports bra talk. Speaking of which, nothing bothers me about a sports bra – straps showing, by itself, whatever (ok, that’s a lie – if it’s going to show, it should at least be in pretty good shape). I did, however, marvel at the girl in my gym who was preening in front of the locker room mirror, adjusting her sparkly little thong so that just the right amount of strap was peaking above the brim of her capri leggings with equal measure all the way around before making her grand entrance onto the gym floor. Impressively attentive to detail, that girl.
I could not give a toot about whether or not people can see my sports bra or I can see theirs. I have so many other sources of awkwardness to worry about at the gym. If someone ever said soemthing about this to me at the gym I would laugh at them, but I do wear some kind of shirt over my bra.
Shorts ride up. Awful.
(Charlotte since you got your rlovely re-design my PC and laptop both crash or slow down to crazyiness when I open your blog. It makes me sad. I can’t read all the comments or I’d be here for an hour. I use IE. )
Honestly, I have to say that I had no idea this was even an issue. I see sports bras in whole or in part all over the place and it never even occurred to me that it might be considered a faux pas. For me, personally, it’s pretty much always showing at least a little. I wear racerbacks (which seems to be all I can find that will work for my ginormous rack), and even if I wear a regular shirt over it (instead of tank tops), the straps are usually peeping out the neck hole, anyway. So, thanks. Now I’ll have a complex that someone might be offended by my peeping bra. Ha ha!
On a related note! I would totally accept any tips or recommendation for a good sports bra that can manage a big rack without the wiggle & the jiggle when you’re, you know, MOVING. Thanks! 🙂
Gracious, I couldn’t care less if someone’s straps or showing or even if the whole bra is. I’m with those that are surprised that people find it offensive. As long as things are covered, who cares? It’s for working out, not dining at a fine restaurant. (Though of course if your gym has rules about it, they should be followed, that’s only polite.)
Being able to see into a guy’s too-revealing shorts is different – things AREN’T being covered, in that case!
A few months ago I was doing plie squats and happened to glance in the mirror as I did, only to realize that you could almost see everything I owned (thank God for decent underwear!). I now wear leggings without fail on leg day and if not those, a pair of those boy short knickers under the shorts to prevent any future…..mishaps :/
I tend not to wear “bra” bras to the gym. I usually do the double crop top style bra (but then my hours of cardio are lucky to hit an hour a week and boobies don’t bounce much in the weights room thank goodness!) I’m happy to show a peek of strap or if someone is really ambitious I suppose they could peer in through the armful of my tank top for a slightly closer look but given the coverage my “bras” give me, they’d be wasting their time 😉
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people who “hate” people who only wear a sports bra .. well… they need to get a life. Really – it bothers you THAT much? If you are focused on what other people are doing… than you are not working out that hard. Or you’re just a nosy busy body who judges people who do not conform to YOUR social code. Which reminds me… I need to buy a new sports bra for my run 🙂
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I am going through this quandry currently. I am an average size 10, with 34C/B top. I wear the UA sports bras and usually under a tank top. I don’t care that the straps show, I’m there to workout not makeout (as I have mantraed to my daughter), BUT it does get hot in they gym, especially when they are having AC issues. My body is not perfect but not overwieght. I will run in just my sports bra if I am at home because I am just pouring sweat. But at the gym I am not so sure this would be appropriate. Could it just be that I am 42 and believe it is inappropriate to just strut in your sports bra at the gym regardless of shape. I have seen other ladies run in just their bras and I can see the guys “pass by” to get a look. Ugh. I don’t want that attention but want to keep cool. Guess I will just stick to my sports bra and tank tops and be happy.