Ok, I'm having a problem: When I started running, I just wore regular t-shirts. When I started in on longer distances, I switched to a moisture-wicking t-shirts. The problem is that my nipples get rubbed raw with these shirts on long runs. Anyone got a suggestion for a type of shirt to deal with this?
Technical fabric is definitely the way to go on a long run, but you need to make sure that the shirt fits and is not to lose/tight, this can be very tricky finding a shirt that is the right size. Also weather plays a big part, the hotter and more humid, the more chaffing is an issue. Regardless, go out and by yourself a nice tube of petroleum jelly. *serious face on* Just rub some on your nips prior to the run and you'll be fine, and if you get any chaffing down below, just give the boys a good lubing up.
On days where a shirt is required and I anticipate a little nipple rub, I have a pack of these very small band aid squares that stay on really well(band aid spots or something like that). Can be a slightly more painful experience if you have hair like me. Vaseline(or bodyglide) doesn't work for me, but that is probably the most common course of action against the infamous nipple chaffage.
Patagonia makes performance grade shirts from wool, so it's not that weird artificial stuff. It's expensive, but bomber. Comes in 4 different weights I believe. Their capilene is dynamite as well (for hot-weather running I'd go with CAP1).
I use under armour (or similar) shirts for when I run and have been doing good with this type material when running. I did have to try a couple various brands to find one that works.
I use thick foam tape (3M's microfoam) cut into small squares..... it's latex free (important for me) and sticks well enough to stay on but still comes off the chest hair fairly easily at the end of the run. I've also used duct tape (like when I did the half marathon this spring) but that WILL take your hair off. A lot better, though, than some of the red badges of courage I saw from some guys toward the end......
I've been wearing compression tops purchased from Target (Champion brand). They cost ~$15 and I have not had any issues since I switched from more loose fitting shirts. I have also lost 40 lbs, which helps as well. My man boobs don't tend to move around as much, and the compression top helps to keep everything in place.
I will have to admit that after running a marathon, I had a bit of rubbing going on, but did not realize it until I felt the burn in the shower. Much less than I woudl have expected if I had worn a loose shirt.
1. shirtless running is the best recommendation - easy for me to say since i live in AZ
2. tbh has it right though, if i do wear a shirt i wear compression gear made for baseball or football players and have never had a problem. it fits snugly so there is no movement/rubbing. both adidas (techfit) and nike (nike pro) make some great gear.
*bonus* nike also makes compression shorts which i have always used under my running shorts (& cut out the man-panties if they are built into the short). again this gear is made for other sports but i've found it eliminates chafing in your legs as well. nike has finally incorporated these thigh length shorts into their newest running shorts finally too!
I had the same problem. Some of those dri-wick fabrics are quite abrasive and the worst part of the run was when I got in the shower afterwards and all the salt got washed onto the raw nipples. That was literally the most painful part of my day. I switched to under armour shirts that are TIGHT fitting. Also, I bought some body glide. The under armour shirts are available at a number of places but I get mine at REI. Body glide is also available there. Either one alone helps A LOT. The combination of the two and it's not a problem anymore. Good to have a conversation like this here - non runners neither understand nor want to hear about this! TMI for them....
A friend had that problem. He swears by the little small, circular bandages. He claims they work well, and you can wear what you want to wear. He didn't have to replace his running tops.
went with bandaids on my long run Saturday. (still haven't been to the store for some body glide) I had put some vaseline on, but as I warmed up and stretched, already felt the pain, so went with the bandaids.
New here but felt compelled to answer this post. The answer to your prayers are Nip Guards (swear I couldn't make that up). The link's attached here and they work great. Word of caution - you may need a little shave job as these things will stick through the most rugged of workouts.
Shirtless is great too but if you can't or don't want to go that way then these are the next best thing - far superior to tape and band-aids.
I think you should wear a shirt. I believe the bandages will be your best bet. I could be wrong, but I doubt Body Glide (though I use it faithfully for other things) will do the trick here.
With respect to fxgbscott, who suggested Nip Guards, I think you'd be better off with 3M adhesive waterproof tape.
http://www.shop3m.com/70071215027.html
This is what I use. It's waaay cheaper than Nip Guards, it doesn't stain or otherwise gunk up like vaseline, and if you wait till you shower to take the tape off, it comes off pretty easy without much screaming. You get used to it.