Help preventing welt from workout bra

kat999 · 07-10-22, 10:30 AM

I just got this really nice workout bra from Athleta; it was pretty expensive (I had a gift card), and it provides excellent, high-impact support. The problem is it has a front zipper that I didn't realize dug into my upper abdomen, and yesterday I got a welt from it when I did a 5-mile jog. While it didn't break the skin or anything, it resembles a bug bite and is kind of painful and definitely unsightly. I like the way the bra supports otherwise, and it's actually fairly ideal for running as opposed to other activities that wouldn't really require quite as much firm support as this one offers (and, really, I don't want this level of high compression when doing something like yoga or dance or weights or whatever). So long story short is I do want use it, and I do want to use it almost exclusively for running.

I need some kind of small pad I guess or bandage or product that will a) not slip right off when I get sweaty; b) fully protect this little area of my upper abs (the bra is pretty long on me, basically); and c) makes this whole thing much more comfortable.

I think part of the problem is that occasionally I am more bloated than at other times, and so I imagine the zipper wouldn't even always be in constant contact with my skin, but right now it is, so I need it to stop.

Ideas welcome!

Vantreesta · 07-10-22, 02:07 PM

Maybe try moleskin? We use it on our feet when hiking to prevent rubbing and blisters.

I have a few zip front bras that I bought for jumping rope bc I need more support for that than for running. I wore one on a run once and had a similar problem to yours but mine was at the top of the zipper. Thankfully I don't need that much for running so I just wear them for jumping.

kat999 · 07-10-22, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vantreesta

Maybe try moleskin? We use it on our feet when hiking to prevent rubbing and blisters.

I have a few zip front bras that I bought for jumping rope bc I need more support for that than for running. I wore one on a run once and had a similar problem to yours but mine was at the top of the zipper. Thankfully I don't need that much for running so I just wear them for jumping.

Oh, that's a good idea! Yeah, this one's problem is the bottom of the zipper, it's like the fastener part itself is metal and hard and protrudes out of the fabric. :/

I'll definitely try moleskin, and maybe even put a piece on me but also a piece on the zipper fastener, too.

Vantreesta · 07-10-22, 07:47 PM

Hope it works for you!

bfit · 07-10-22, 08:49 PM

Is it like super bad chafing? If so, a product like Body Glide might work, or you could even try just good old Vaseline first. Just smear some on the skin that gets sore before you go running. It will prevent rubbing of the zipper directly on your skin.

bzar · 07-11-22, 05:16 AM

maybe you could hand sew a piece of fabric that covers the metal part that touches your skin? if this is the "separating zipper" type (like on a hoodie jacket) you could sew it to one side so that the zipper could unfasten.

another idea is wear another bra underneath. VFers have described wearing 2 bras for adequate support.

this is unfortunate that an expensive bra would do this!

buffmama · 07-11-22, 08:04 AM

Not what you asked but you could try to return it explaining why. A good company would do right by you. Perhaps call customer service first.

prettyinpink · 07-11-22, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buffmama

Not what you asked but you could try to return it explaining why. A good company would do right by you. Perhaps call customer service first.

I would do this. Athleta has an excellent return policy. It can be worn for a workout and still returned if it’s within 60 days.

kat999 · 07-11-22, 09:41 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ordered some moleskin and Body Glide, and I'm thinking about if I can wear something underneath that would help. I can't really sew, but that suggestion would work for others.

I'd hate to return it because I do really like it otherwise. Part of the issue is my own tummy, which is my goal is to flatten

If that happens, this wouldn't even be a problem. haha

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07-10-22, 10:30 AM
kat999 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ohio	Help preventing welt from workout bra I just got this really nice workout bra from Athleta; it was pretty expensive (I had a gift card), and it provides excellent, high-impact support. The problem is it has a front zipper that I didn't realize dug into my upper abdomen, and yesterday I got a welt from it when I did a 5-mile jog. While it didn't break the skin or anything, it resembles a bug bite and is kind of painful and definitely unsightly. I like the way the bra supports otherwise, and it's actually fairly ideal for running as opposed to other activities that wouldn't really require quite as much firm support as this one offers (and, really, I don't want this level of high compression when doing something like yoga or dance or weights or whatever). So long story short is I do want use it, and I do want to use it almost exclusively for running. I need some kind of small pad I guess or bandage or product that will a) not slip right off when I get sweaty; b) fully protect this little area of my upper abs (the bra is pretty long on me, basically); and c) makes this whole thing much more comfortable. I think part of the problem is that occasionally I am more bloated than at other times, and so I imagine the zipper wouldn't even always be in constant contact with my skin, but right now it is, so I need it to stop. Ideas welcome! __________________ peace.tranquility.calmness.serenity

07-10-22, 02:07 PM
Vantreesta Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Snowman Land :)	Maybe try moleskin? We use it on our feet when hiking to prevent rubbing and blisters. I have a few zip front bras that I bought for jumping rope bc I need more support for that than for running. I wore one on a run once and had a similar problem to yours but mine was at the top of the zipper. Thankfully I don't need that much for running so I just wear them for jumping. __________________ "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." "God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am." "You can't run from your problems. But you'll both feel a little lighter when you get back." ~New Balance shoe ad You don't have to be fast, just keep moving forward. Note to self: You don't get to complain about things you won't work to change! Word for 2024: Accomplished; Word for 2023: Grounded; Word for 2022: Consistency; Word for 2021: Mindfulness

07-10-22, 07:47 PM
Vantreesta Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Snowman Land :)	Hope it works for you! __________________ "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch." "God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am." "You can't run from your problems. But you'll both feel a little lighter when you get back." ~New Balance shoe ad You don't have to be fast, just keep moving forward. Note to self: You don't get to complain about things you won't work to change! Word for 2024: Accomplished; Word for 2023: Grounded; Word for 2022: Consistency; Word for 2021: Mindfulness

07-10-22, 08:49 PM
bfit Join Date: Nov 2005	Is it like super bad chafing? If so, a product like Body Glide might work, or you could even try just good old Vaseline first. Just smear some on the skin that gets sore before you go running. It will prevent rubbing of the zipper directly on your skin.

07-11-22, 05:16 AM
bzar Exchange Moderator Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: PalmTreeVille	maybe you could hand sew a piece of fabric that covers the metal part that touches your skin? if this is the "separating zipper" type (like on a hoodie jacket) you could sew it to one side so that the zipper could unfasten. another idea is wear another bra underneath. VFers have described wearing 2 bras for adequate support. this is unfortunate that an expensive bra would do this! __________________ ~jeannine Miyagi: Wax on, right hand. Wax off, left hand. Wax on, wax off. Breathe in through nose, out the mouth. Wax on, wax off. Don't forget to breathe, very important. [walks away, still making circular motions with hands] ~ Pat Morita, The Karate Kid, 1984 disclosure: in the years 2002-2004 i had a professional relationship with a distributor of fitness videos; see profile.

07-11-22, 08:04 AM
buffmama Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New York	Not what you asked but you could try to return it explaining why. A good company would do right by you. Perhaps call customer service first. __________________ Happiness is when my fur baby shares the sunny spot on the mat.

07-11-22, 09:41 AM
kat999 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ohio	Thanks for all the suggestions. I ordered some moleskin and Body Glide, and I'm thinking about if I can wear something underneath that would help. I can't really sew, but that suggestion would work for others. I'd hate to return it because I do really like it otherwise. Part of the issue is my own tummy, which is my goal is to flatten If that happens, this wouldn't even be a problem. haha __________________ peace.tranquility.calmness.serenity