Okay, I know I’m supposed to be the expert here, and I do try and feign knowledge about all kinds of things, but every once in a while, I have to deal with a problem that stumps me and I just don’t have the time to find a solution at this juncture. Too busy working out, cackling evilly at the folks in my bootcamp classes, trying to earn the almighty dollar, and attempting to bond with my child (who last night said to me, “Let’s play family. I’m the mommy, so I say ‘Not now honey, I’m busy! I’ll help you in a second.’” No torturous guilt on my part after that.) Anyhow, now that I’ve tried to make you pity my busy life, I’ll ask for your assistance on a very pressing matter:
What do you do about the workout-headlights problem?
Just like VPL, some of us are plagued by the pokey issue of high beams during a workout. Wicking fabric, while great for sweatiness problems, clings in such a way that it only accentuates the nip action. I’d prefer not to look like I’m pointing at people when my hands are behind my back. Also, if I haven’t lined everything up in my sports bra, I get that nice lopsided look where I’m pointing at the ceiling on one side, and a little to the left on the other.
However, I hate wearing a sports bra that looks like a Kevlar vest when I exercise. That thick, padded material just isn’t all that comfy or breathable. I’ve considered wearing a thinner bra and duct taping down the headlights, but I don’t think I’d be able to rip the tape off when I’m done. That would hurt.
All you fellow sufferers out there, what do you advise? Any sports bras that toe the perfect line between thin yet substantial, without being corset-y? (I did write about sports bras before, BTW, but just not for this issue.) Should I just let go of my fear and permit the lights to shine brightly in the faces of my poor gym partners? And by the way, if you take that a step further and say anything to me about going sports-bra-less, I will immediately dismiss you as a kook.
Share your bounteous knowledge in comments or e-mail, and I will love you forever.
When I train others, I wear a bra that conceals the highbeams, but allows my skin to breathe (trainers do a lot of sweating while working ya know). Great bras cost some $$ too so don’t go cheap. When I exercise I just talk myself into not caring because there is nothing on the market for this problem that I know of at the moment. (It’s hard enough not to worry about ass sweat.)
MG
April 6th, 2007
Alright, here’s the advice from an extremely small-chested but still nippled ex-dancer: those little circular Band Aids. Yup, I know it sounds weird, but that’s what we used. They now come in a texture that is more like fabric and not latex. They go right over the nipple and keep the puppies flatter and out of sight. I wouldn’t keep them on all day, however. We used to smack them on before performances.
That said, I don’t really care about my headlight action any more. Maybe I’ve just lived in the East Bay too long, nursing both my babies in public and all. I think headlights are kinda cute. They show you’re awake, and paying attention
Therese
April 7th, 2007
quite honestly, I’m so busy worrying about whether other people are looking at my fat ankles, stretch marks or belly that boobs are the least of my worries. I imagine everyone is too busy worrying about themselves to really notice what you don’t want them to notice… Unless, of course, you’re really hot looking. In which case most of us just hate you already for looking so hot when we look like heavily perspiring hogs. Or maybe that’s just me.
mj
April 7th, 2007
I absolutely have this issue too. A dark or black sports bra or tank top doesn’t advertise what is going on like light gray or, God forbid, white. Also you can put on a dark or patterned shirt over the bra. There’s no way to cover or prevent it, so I just try my best to camouflage it.
Meghan
April 7th, 2007
just trying to find a sports bra that fits well and keeps the girls from bouncing is hard enough! I never even thought of the headlight issue. Something new to think about! Thanks Kelly!!
renee
April 8th, 2007
Kelly and friends of fixation,
I just started checking out your website and have been inspired and entertained and well, downright giggling this time. As a former lifeguard, I can attest that there are those of the ilk to “point out” - pun intended - their concerns in this area. Lycra suits are the best at exposing or advertising hard nipples. Adult swim classes were the culprits - “are you cold?” - smirky smiles by men to which I would instinctively peer down at myself further drawing attention. My command presence, a term I know well now that I am a peace officer, crumbled. My confidence, well, thanks guy. I was much younger than and less confident in general. Now I don’t care much. “You have nipples that a baby will love…” I was told on occasion, and since my baby making years have ticked away…sigh. I likely won’t get that feedback from a little one.
Take it from a cop. (and a cool one, I hope! ) Revel in your breasts’ freedom of expression and freedom overall. Kevlar sucks. It is heavy - although technology has improved the weight since I started out. It binds you - your natural ability to twist as the body desires is restricted - your rib cage and all the bigger and smaller muscles that we take for granted are stifled leading to kinks and injuries and chiropractic visits. My last sharing so as not to belabor this is that Kevlar does not breathe ! If you sweat as much as I do, I spend my shifts ignoring the sweat dripping between my breasts who are screaming to be free and trying to ignore the dripping into my bell button. In the summer or when I was on bike patrol, this annoyance was 100 fold. So, Ok, I say - when the opportunity to allow your breasts to be free and express themselves - let it be…
Mary
April 9th, 2007
oops…two typos. It was early ! Belly Button and younger Then. Don’t want people to think I am a dumb cop, and yes, I have been called that…
Mary
April 9th, 2007
I didn’t have to worry about this issue until I got pregnant. Like most women, I wasn’t satisfied with what I had and WANTED to my headlights to shine. Once I got pregnant, I was thrilled to always look cold. Never really give it any thought when I am working out. None of my sports bras are padded but the material is either thick enough that it’s not an issue or I am reverting back to my pre-preggo days.
Shari
April 9th, 2007
I know this entry is a jillion years ago in internet terms, but I just thought I’d mention that if it really bugs you, you can get those nipple flowers to stick on. They work, they’re not bothersome, but they’re also a continuing expense. (But so are tampons, so hey. If it’s important to you….) Dancers sometimes use “boob-eez”… they’re a re-usable version made of silicone. Very comfortable. Not affiliated. Just grateful.
Deanna
June 30th, 2008
The only think I have found is that you really need a bra that fits without being too snug. And wearing dark colors (as mentioned before) is another way to sort of mask the issue.
Women's Bras
June 2nd, 2009
How do you wash your sport bras? I hand wash mine after a few wearings (I let them dry out completely in between workouts), but even using woolite, they don’t seem to really be clean. (based on smell)
running sports bra
December 17th, 2009