News Flash: Support System

For some women, bras are pretty little underpinnings meant to impress. For others, they're a practical, daily necessity. And then there are those of us (yes, I fall into this category) who despise the little torture chambers. Don't get me wrong—I completely understand their purpose, but I often get nostalgic for the days when I didn't have to wear one.

As it turns out, though, I'm not doing myself any favors by wearing tanks with shelf bras in lieu of undergarments that actually offer some support. Joanna Scurr, a British biomechanics professor, recently did a study on bras and the results were quite surprising.

When we walk, our breasts basically move the same amount in every direction, but speed that up to a jog and "more than 50% of the total movement is in the up-down direction, 22% side-to-side and 27% in-and-out." That's a lot jiggling! And you can imagine that while exercising, the movement is only amplified. Because breasts have little natural support, that makes wearing a good bra crucial, especially during your workouts. Sports bras reduce breast movement by more than 50%, so don't head out for your run or to the gym without one.

Here are a few we like, but check out our sports bra guide for the picks that passed our rigorous testing.

Workout Find: Haute Gear for Your Hot Workout from Marika

What: Chic Athletic Apparel from Marika.

Why: You’ve probably heard the sport-related names Nike, Reebok and Adidas, but have you ever heard of the name Marika? Maybe you’ve seen the Marika gear at Dick’s Sporting Goods or another sporty retailer, but if you’ve never paid this brand attention before, now is the time. Marika offers simple, but chic workout gear at totally affordable prices.

Take this pair of Perfect Crop Pants at right. For less than $40, these are a steal and in simple black, are sure to become a staple of your fave workout ensemble. If you’re looking for some pants with a looser fit, then check out the Gypsy Shorts that have a fuller leg for a more relaxed fit. You can wear them to yoga or while lounging around at home.

Or how about this cute Flower Back Bra? It has an interesting design on the back that not only looks cool but helps to keep you cool. Better yet, it will onbly put you back $15. Next time you need some clothes for your workouts but don’t have a lot of money (or just want to get a good deal), look for the “Marika” tag at the store or simply shop for this brand online. Now, you can easily and affordably look haute for your next hot workout.

Get Yours: Marika.com

SheFinds Preview: Puma Goes “Starck Naked”

What: Starck Naked Bodywear

Why: Puma has taken it upon itself to dub Adam and Eve the latest fashion icons. In a second collaboration with quirky French designer, Philippe Starck, Puma has decided that it would be better if everyone walked around naked… well not completely naked, but in a new collection of seamless lycra “second skin” called Starck Naked Bodywear.

This new line for Summer ’07 features fifteen functional, stylish and body freeing pieces for both men and women, available only in the simple colors of bone white and a chalky black. To ensure the feeling of nakedness, this new hi-tech fitted underwear is extra revealing with perfectly designed transparent cutouts in all the right places.

Check out this funny little story about the evolution of the new line. Who knew half-upright monkey men had so much style?

When: Available at select store locations already and coming soon to Puma.com.

Freebie Friday: Win a Jockey Sports Bra

Our Biggest Giveaway Yet! This week we're giving away not one, not two, but 10 sports bras for 10 lucky ladies. 

The Prize Details: The winners will each receive a Jockey Wicking Cotton Back Closure Bra, praised for its comfort, fit and performance.

Not well-endowed? You'll love the lightly padded cups that give your ladies a little boost. Average size? The cups help shape and support so you can kiss uniboob good-bye. Big and beautiful? This bra is made with high-impact, stretch cotton to minimize bouncing even when doing high-impact sports like running or aerobics. No matter what your size, the padded straps and the moisture wicking material that helps keep sticky sweat away from your skin makes this an extra comfortable bra that everyone will love.

Buy it now or enter the contest and try your luck! For more information, read the full review. 

How to Enter: You must be a SheFinds subscriber to enter the giveaway, so sign up now if you haven't already.

1. Reply to this post in the comments section below. One comment per person, please.
2. In your comment you must include your size (S, M, L, XL) for the entry to be eligible.
3. You must supply us with a valid email address.
4. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our server no later than Friday, July 20th, 2007 at 11:59 AM Eastern Time to be eligible.
5. Ten winners will be selected during a random drawing and will be notified via e-mail to receive the prize.
6. No prize substitutions.
7. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.
8. No purchase necessary.
9. Void where prohibited.
10. Click here for the full rules. 

Good luck!

Congrats to the winners: Melinda, Elizabeth, Cynthia, Erica, Sarah, Christine, Edna, Jacquie, LC and Jaclyn!  

Freebie Friday: You Could Win a Champion Sports Bra!

What: Today is the first installment of our new Freebie Friday feature. Comment each week for your chance to win a cool beauty, sport or fashion find! This week’s prize? A Champion Vapor Seamless Sports Bra. It’s definitely one of the Best Sports Bras around and now you get a chance to have one all your own.

Here’s how it works:

1. To enter, reply to this post in the comments section below with the size bra you want to win. (S, M, L, XL?)
2. You must supply us with a valid email address. One comment per person, please.
3. The contest starts now and entries must be date stamped by our server no later than Friday, June 15th, 2007 at 11:59 Eastern Time to be eligible.
4. One winner will be selected during a random drawing and will be notified via e-mail to receive the prize.
5. No prize substitutions.
6. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.
7. No purchase necessary.
8. Void where prohibited.
9. The full rules are located here.

Good luck!

UPDATE: The winner of this Freebie Friday is Margery Y. Congratulations to her and thanks to everyone else for playing!

Deal of the Day: 20% Off at Bare Necessities

What: Take 20% off almost everything during the site-wide sale at BareNecessities.com. Four days only! Sale ends 06.11.07.

Why: Head over to Bare Necessities and browse their collection of luxurious sleepwear. With the heat of summer approaching fast, there’s no better time that the present to find something comfy to sleep in that keeps you cool, but doesn’t skimp on style.

We love Betsey Johnson’s Crinkle Chiffon Babydoll (shown here) knocked down to $46. It’s sexy, sunny and perfect for a hot summer night. We’re also fond of this Oscar de la Renta Bamboo Blossoms Chemise on sale for $40. If short, sweet and sexy is a little too high maintenance for your lifestyle, try this P.J. Salvage Stripe Tank and matching Drawstring Pant, both of which are 30% off and totaling only $60.

Get these fab finds and more at Bare Necessities.

HEADS UP! These are some super steals you don’t want to miss:
* Shoes.com Saturday Sale. Save up to 60%.
* Get 20% off at ShoeMall.com with code HOTSALE.
* Take 10% off any purchase at Shoebuy.com.
* PacLoot is on! Spend $50 now and get $25 off you next purchase.
* Get free shipping with any $25 purchase at Prescriptives.com. Use offer code FSSCJ at checkout.

Sports Bra Find: Marathon-Approved

What: The heavy-duty Champion Vapor Sports Bra.

Why: We run—a lot—which means we go through running shoes (we swear they last way less than 500 miles a pair), water bottles (ever forget a sports drink in your car for a few days?) and sports bras (we just have a hard time finding one that works).

Enter Champion Vapor Sports Bra. With a wide girth, you can still breathe, but with the high-impact racerback style, you don’t sacrifice the girls to do so. The fabric is great too; it blocks more than 95% of UV rays and dries quickly…which isn’t something we can say about those just-stepped-in-a-puddle running shoes.

Price: $40

Get Yours: BareNecessities.com

Get the full story on bras with our guide to the Best Sports Bras.

Sports Bra Find: Right-Size Support

What: One of Moving Comfort’s Bestsellers, the Melbourne Bra.

Why: You’re a 34A, a 38C, a 32D—not a small, medium or large. So why are sports bras—which are supposed to to provide more support than the average undergarment—such a one-size-fits-most affair? Unlike many of the contenders, Moving Comfort’s Melbourne bra is made to specifically fit B and C cups between a 32 to 40 band. The molded powermesh cups offer better support and a more beautiful appearance under your clothes whether you’re doing low- or high-impact activities. Plus, thanks to the Coolmax lining, your properly-supported ta-tas will stay sweat free, too. Sorry, but now you have to think of another reason to avoid the gym…

Price: $34

Get Yours: REI.com

There’s more of where this came from. Check out SheFinds guide to the Best Sports Bras for the full lineup of editor and reader favorites.