Seeing as how I spent last weekend in Vancouver, the city where Lululemon Athletica was born, I figured I should give a shout-out to my favorite over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder, the 50 Rep Bra ($42).
I’ve tried gaggles of different sports bras over the years from more brands than I can remember — Champion, Nike, Adidas and Moving Comfort are a few that spring to mind — and by far my favorite so far has been the 50 Rep. It’s the most comfortable sports bra I’ve ever worn, for sure.
It comes in several prints (like the one I’m wearing here) and solid colors, from classic, sporty shades like black, white and gray, to spunkier shades like red and mint green.
The support this bra offers? Off. The. Chain. It easily tames my size 34D ta-tas, and this one (I wear a size 4), holds everything in place without that restrictive, binding, boob-squishing feel.
It’s actually so comfortable that I can even wear it to bed. The material, a fabric Lululemon created called Luon (a stretchy, durable, breathable fabric that feels like brushed cotton), never chafes my skin, not even after six miles on the treadmill. It also wicks, which comes in handy since I sweat buckets when I run.
I think the cut’s super cute, too. The neckline and arm holes are high enough to cover everything without showing too much cleavage/skin. Plus, the straps don’t dig into my shoulders, and I’m really pleased with the length from the top of my shoulders to my ribs.
And how cute is the back? If I felt comfortable wearing it in public without a tank top (truth be told, too much Nutella), I like to think the design of the X cross straps would give any runners around me something neat to look at.
Its one major downside: price. Forty-two dollars is a lot for a single bra. It’s not hard to find more affordable sports bras out there, and if you’re much larger than a 34D, it might not provide enough support. That’s a complaint about the 50 Rep I read a few times on the Lululemon website — that it only provides light support for bustier gals.
But I have yet to find a sports bra that fits me as well as this one does, and despite the dent the 50 Rep puts in my wallet, I think of it as an investment. If you’re around my size or smaller and want a comfortable, cute sports bra that works, it might be a great fit for you and your girls.
PRICE: $42 each
AVAILABILITY: Available now at Lululemon Athletica stores and also online
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
O Canada…
I had a blast on my last day in Vancouver. After lunch in cobblestone-covered Gastown, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and an area with a dash of European flavor, we took a quick ferry ride north.
This way to North Vancouver…
We stopped at a popular attraction known as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a guided, almost Disney-style tour along a woodland trail to a historic walking bridge built across a tall, alpine ravine. A little touristy and expensive, yes, but it provided some truly breathtaking, unforgettable views.
Well worth the cost of admission, in my opinion, which was about $35/person (US).
This trip and my earlier visit to Toronto renewed my love for Canada. I can’t wait to go back. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
P.S. One last thought for tonight’s Stanley Cup finals game…
I was looking for a good sports bra! Thanks so much for this, Karen!
You’re welcome!
What a helpful post! I always have trouble finding a good sports bra for my breasts!
Hey Antonia,
Me too. This one is AWESOME!
Props for posting pics wearing a sports bra! Girl you have more courage than I do!
Notice how I strategically don’t show my tum, LOL!
For people who are a bit more top-heavy, i highly recommend this bra:
http://www.bravissimo.com/products/lingerie/sports-bras/impact-free-sports/black/ro10bl/?criteria=sports+bra&show=16&sort=1
Totally. Awesome. It actually comes in 28 and 30 band sizes, too!
Hi Nekosan,
Thanks for the link! I’m sure a lot of the top-heavy gals will appreciate the recommendation. 🙂
I’ve been on that suspension bridge too! It was kinda scary :/
Yes! Especially when it starts rocking left and right… I was kinda freaked out and held onto the rail the entire time.
LOVE this sports bra I too buy the LULU bras and they are so worth it for D cup chicas! BTW who makes that sport watch you are wearing? I need a good one for working out!
Hi Johanna,
The watch is a ladies’ Timex Ironman Triathalon. It’s easy to read, has a nice, slim profile (not really into bulky watches) and waterproof, to boot. I’ve pretty much had it on my wrist for a year and a half.
Which Lululemon bras are your faves?
I have the tata tamer and the energy bra, they are great and like all lulu’s stuff they keep their shape after lots of washing!
I’ll have to try the energy bra next. I love crisscrossed straps on the back! 🙂
This is by far my favorite lulu sports bra (my closet is full of more lulu than i care to admit). back in the day all the products were local (made in canada), but now they’ve shipped their production to asia and the quality has gone down significantly. I had lulus that are 7 years old and look brand new after wearing them 5 days a week for dance, but the new production doesnt hold up as well (my 3 year old pants are looking a tad worn).
but 3 years for pants i wear multiple times a week aren’t bad!
and for bustier girls – the lululemon ta-ta tamer is your best friend!
love,
a lulu fanatic
yes! ta-ta tamers are the best supportive sport bra i’ve found!!
i buy them for 36 $ in us outlets, which is like 28 dollars cheaper than the canadian store price!
sigh… lululemon= seriously overpriced, good quality, but still…
I had no idea there were outlets for Lululemon in the US. GOOD TO KNOW!
Ooo, where are these Lululemon outlets?
I know there’s one in Orlando! I usually find the lululemon sports bras for about $28, although they’re often cheaper when big sales are going on. On Easter weekend, they were on sale for $16, I believe! If you can’t find any outlets near you, try searching on http://www.outletbound.com for locations. Good luck!!!
Thanks for the tip, Kimiko. 🙂
Hi Elaine,
What other items from the line do you like? I only have a few things — two of the 50 Rep bras, and two pairs of pants — and am on the hunt for some new pieces.
Hey Karen!
I have quite a few lululemon hoodies – in general i prefer the luon ones to the cotton ones, but i have a few of both since everything is preshrunk..
hands down my favorite is the savasana wrap!!! it says it’s not online right now but where I live there are a ton in stores. it’s basically like a socially acceptable blanket…
This reminds me that I really need to buy a sports bra! It’s no fun having to tug up bra straps every 2 seconds when I’m exercising. Thanks for the rec, although I wish these weren’t so expensive. And it looks like you had a great time in Canada!
I did! You should visit Vancouver someday!
Looks like you had a great time in Vancouver! Love the Lululemon sports bras. 🙂
I had a blast! Can’t wait to go back. 🙂
I’ll check this one out. My favorite place to order/get information from about sports bras is Title9. They have “dumbbell” ratings that tell you how well their bras prevent movement. The only “problem” I’ve discovered is they don’t tell you the name of the company all the time, and they have different names for the bras. Since I’m not near a Title9 store, I can’t go and try them on, which I would like to do, and I’ve found that often they’re bras I can find in stores near me (like REI). But, I like the philosophy of Title9, and they don’t actually mark up the prices, they’re the same as I find in stores when I track down the sports bras. My current favorite is the 3-Reasons Support Bra. They are expensive, but it’s hard to find a good sports bra when you’re a D-cup (or larger)!
Ooh! I just checked out the bra online and it looks a lot like the Moving Comfort’s Fiona Bra. Have you ever tried that one? It’s excellent, too.
BTW, how’s your mom doing? I’m thinking good thoughts for her.
That IS it! I’d just forgotten the name that Moving Comfort gave the bra 🙂 My mom is doing all right. I am heading up there for a month in a week to help, because she’s basically unable to help my dad with anything. It’s hard because the ONLY problems she’s having are with her lungs, and she’s just at the edge of the age where they don’t do lung transplants any more. Every other system and organ and everything in her body is good, and a transplant would make such a huge difference, but she’s not on that list yet. Thank you for thinking good thoughts for her (and us), it’s so scary. But I’ll be up there soon, which will be good! I’m actually planning to leave the day your MAC collection comes out, so before I go, I’m ordering EvoRevo to be delivered to their house 😀 I have it all planned out!
I wore the Fiona Bra when I had a more muscular upper body and liked it a lot. I’ll have to look into the Title 9 version (there’s one in a nearby town, so yay!).
I’m sorry to hear about your mom. I’m sure you just being around will be so helpful and comforting to your parents. 🙂 Mine are getting older too, and it’s been a hard thing to realize that they’re not always going to be around. I just wish they’d listen to me when I bug them about their health… they totally tune it out (as with most things, sigh).
Anywho, what have you been up to since school’s been out?
Technically a week ago was the last day. But, really, it was the last day with students, so I was up super late finishing grading finals last Tuesday because grades were due Wednesday morning, then I went to school to clean. Graduation was that night. I had to go back Thursday to clean more. I took a few days to rest, and went back yesterday for the last time to finish the cleaning. THEN, last night I got an email saying I am supposed to be at an all day meeting tomorrow. Uh, excuse me, everyone always talks about how nice it is to be a teacher for the vacations, but I was paid through last Wednesday. I won’t get paid again until August 15 (rather, I am not paid for anything over the summer, but I have my paychecks spread out throughout 12 months, instead of the 10 that we “actually work”).
The title9 bra IS the Fiona, so if you know the Fiona, you know the bra 🙂 The next one I want to check out is the 7 Wonders Bra on the title9 site, but the 3-Reasons are working well for me at the moment.
Hi Karen,
I’m genderqueer (kinda transgender) and I like to bind my breast down. So I wanted to know how well this compresses, you know, the breast down. I’m sorry if this is an uncomfortable question…
Hey E,
I have 34D/DDs and I would recommend an Enell sports bra for you. It’s kind of funky looking, but it makes me look almost FLAT. KInd of awesome. I have a friend who is transmale and I recommended it to him; he looks fantastic in it.
As an aside It was the only bra I ever ran in, until I found the Moving Comfort Juno bra. Which is probably only about 90% of the Enell’s support, but so much cute under tank tops, etc. I ran a marathon it in a few months ago with no hitches. Lulu bras don’t offer enough support.
E,
The lululemon tanks don’t really compress at all actually (none of the ones i own do)
Hi E,
This one doesn’t really flatten me out. Maybe try something like the Moving Comfort Fiona Bra. I’ve worn it before and it seems to flatten out the chest area and hold everything in.
Thanks everyone! You’re all so helpful!
I need a new sports bra. I’ve forgotten how great they feel. Thanks for posting this, Karen!
You’re welcome, Chris! 🙂
of course I have to ask what you were wearing on your lips in the first pic!?!
Hi Lexi,
That’s MAC Evolution Revolution Lipglass on top of MAC In Synch Lip Pencil. 🙂
WOOT! SO glad you made it to the bridge! And seriously you must be reading my mind…I have been on the hunt for a good sports bra and I have to check this one out. Thanks K-Dawg!
Hi Elle,
This bra should keep you nicely supported during your boxing lessons!
I live in sports bras and this one looks like it’s worth checking out. I’m totally loving the back! Thanks for showing this!
You’re welcome. Johanna (one of the readers in the comments above) also recommended the Lululemon Energy Bra, so that might be another good one to try.
you look so gorgeous with nude lips!
Thanks, Claudenka! 🙂 I’m wearing MAC — that’s Evolution Revolution Lipglass on top of In Synch Lip Pencil.
Thanks for the tip! Looking for some cute new workout clothes for some motivation
Sure thing. 🙂
Ooh, I love this! I’m pretty cheap about my workout gear (Target!) but maybe if I splurged a little more, it would make the whole exercise experience a little less of a chore. I love this kind of post, please continue with the fitness theme every once in a while!
Sure! I’m trying to get in shape (a process that never seems to end, LOL!), so I’ll try to throw in a few more fitness posts. 🙂
I love love love shock absorber sports bras, holds effortlessly through my zumba and aerobics, with 4 levels of support (from lighter support to say, yoga classes and full support for full cardio and runnings) – but might as well give LULU a shot
By the way Karen, I must say you look better and better each day, your skin glows!
Hi Gala,
Aww, thanks. That glow is MAC face makeup — Strobe Cream, Studio Sculpt Foundation and Careblend Powder — doing it’s thang! 🙂
I’ve never heard of Shock Absorber bras, so thank you for the rec.
I want to know what that first picture of food is…
That’s the crab salad at Chill Winston in the Gaslamp district.
One of my favorite jackets is from Lululemon. I love how the zipper has a little flap of fabric to precent it from chaffing my chin, and the thumb holes are really cute. I don’t have a Lulu sports bra, but I have some gym tops that have built in bras in them and I think that the support they give for my small chest is good enough 🙂
OH, you just reminded me about my Lululemon running jacket! I got one a few years ago and love it. You’re so right — the little details make all the difference.
Your photos are making me all nostalgic (photos of Vancouver, not your sports bra)! I really want to return :). It’s such a wonderful city.
I’m really happy with a sports bra I got a few years ago from Victoria’s Secret, surprisingly. It’s held up really well. Of course, this may be more of a testament to the fact that I should get off my lazy butt more often rather than how good the bra is, but we’ll ignore that possibility for the mean time, lol. Sadly, VS doesn’t carry the brand anymore, which is particularly annoying because I wear a hard to find size (32C :/). I may check out this one when it’s time to hunt for a new one!
It really is! It reminds me of a more mellow SF. I would love to live there if it didn’t rain so much. When did you visit?
Can’t believe you’re the same size as I! You look so much smaller. I couldn’t wear anything without a wire.
I think it’s because I’m petite… I probably look smaller in pics. But yeah, that’s my size. Anywho, I don’t think I’ve tried exercising in a bra with wires. Is it comfortable?
awesome sports bra! im currently using a convertible bra that i picked up at target. it works for my tiny tatas LOL! 🙂
Target has some cute workout gear. 🙂
uh huh they do! 🙂
the hanes ones i got are pretty comfy. ive been using them when we go out to walk. you cannot believe how hot it is here already!
It’s FINALLY starting to warm up here! It only took forever. What are the temps like out your way?
That crab salad is TO DIE FOR!!
Yes it is! My mouth waters when I think about it.
Ohhhh I’ve been looking for a new sports bra! I’ll check this out 🙂 question for you… Does it have any padding? I only ask because I don’t like my nipples (lol so weird writing this out… Lmao) to show through. Oh gawd, I almost want to erase this comment (embarrassed) haha!!
Great rec on the sports bra. You can never have too many! 🙂 That bridge looks awesome – and the Go Canucks sign was a nice touch. They’ll need to keep it up through tomorrow’s Game 7!
Their Scuba hoodies are the most comfortable hoodies evvver.
Same with their Yoga pants. <3
Thanks, lady! I’m also a 34D and have had difficulty finding a sports bra that sufficiently tames the girls. I’ve always hated running because of being larger-chested, and the feeling of boobs flying every which way is not a great one. I’ll have to check this one out!
Ha! Thanks for mentioning this particular bra–I’ve been shopping around for a new one to put into rotation, and will give this a shot.
Also, the Vancouver pics look fabulous. 🙂
Hi Karen. I need a new sports bra bad and this one is so cute. It looks great on you, thanks for the post. I too am packing D cup girls and have one question: does this bra have any cup separation or is it the uniboob type? Thanks
Thanks for the Go Canucks Go photo!
You’re welcome! Did you watch the game last night?
Yes, I did. I live in New Orleans, and there’s a group of guys from Vancouver that come into the bar where I work to watch the games. When I’m there, I watch it with them. I’m not working for Game 7, but they asked me to come out and watch and cheer with them so I’ll be there. Go Canucks!
How fun! I’m keeping the dream alive… GO CANUCKS!!!
OOo now I want to see Vancouver too! lol Although for now I’ll have to settle for Toronto – since you mention it, do you have any nice hotel there to recommend? I am totally clueless about Toronto.
Honestly, it sounds like a nice bra! I’m stuck in the camp of wearing 34DD or 34F depending on the cut of the bra these days, so it can be really difficult to find a properly supportive sports bra. I love the design in the back. So cute!
This bra kicks ass! You may need something with a little more support though. Have you ever tried the Moving Comfort Fiona Bra? It’s excellent, too.
Once you started on Lululemon, there’s no turning back 🙂 I love Capilano bridge (and the park around it), Vancouver has a bit of everything to explore. I can’t wait to go back too.
Me too! Did you have any yummy meals while you were there? I ended up going to a few delicious places to eat. I want to go back just to eat my way through the city, LOL!
I’m so glad you had a great time in Vancouver!… It’s a shame that *some* hooligans ruined our city’s reputation due to the Stanley Cup loss. *Normal-everyday Vancouverites* actually enjoy tourists and love to add to the full experience! But many people are claiming that it was pre-planned by NON-fans looking to stir up trouble. I guess, as a Vancouverite, my advice would be to never visit during the playoff nights and you’ll be alright! If you’re in the city again, don’t hesitate to email me for some great food advice (assuming you know the email that I’ve provided from posting this). I do suggest places like Trattoria on West 4th or Italian Kitchen near Robson St (I forget the actual street but it’s about a block away). Perfect Italian food from those places! Or in Granville Island, Dockside restaurant for an easy-going, simple and classic West Coast seafood fare. In Yaletown, I’d suggest Glowbal restaurant for some delicious beef or lamb dishes. The waiters and waitresses there suggest awesome desserts to go with your meal, too. =]
This colour looks so great, with the black in the back! Might have to get a pair in that design; I hope it’s still in stock…
I looove my Lululemon sports bra. expensive but worth it!!
Whew! Is it ever tough to find a workout bra when you have a DD chest. Moving Comfort is one of the few companies making a sports bra for larger chested woman, that actually work. No smooshing or flattening or uni-boob. A very comfortable bra. My only complaint is the pilling. I wish they would change the exterior material to something that doesn’t pill, BUT just having a bra to work out in is BLISS!