Well, that last one is an interesting question. The only physiological reason I can think of that would make your chest sweat more than the rest of you is that you have on a bra AND another top, or maybe two, of some sort. So your chest is warmer than the rest of you, and is therefore sweatier. Plus, maybe your running top is a bit looser than the bra, so it has a chance to dry off more readily. At least, that聮s my theory, and I聮m sticking to it.
Hind’s Vent Mesh Sports Bra
Hind’s Vent Mesh Sports BraYou don聮t mention which specific Patagonia bra you聮ve tried. If it wasn聮t the Women聮s Active Classic ($34; www.patagonia.com), you might give it a try. It has light underwire and gets generally high marks for support. Another popular choice is the Shock Absorber MultiWay Sports Bra ($46; www.shockabsorber.co.uk). Yeah, the price is a bit steep, but Shock Absorber lets you calculate how much support you need based on cup size and activity, then purchase one of four support levels, from a little to a lot. Lastly, Hind聮s Vent Mesh Sports Bra ($34; www.hind.com) has received high marks in the wicking category, thanks to the company聮s proprietary dryLETE fabric. And the mesh panels across the sides and back allow for maximum ventilation.
I obviously had to do a little homework to answer this one, and I came across a leading women聮s magazine whose editors had recently tried several sports bras. Their top picks were the Friction Free Seamless bra by Champion ($36; www.championusa.com) and the Ultra Sport Bra by Hot Chillys ($40; www.hotchillys.com).
Lastly, this will sound silly, but you can always spray your chest with a little antiperspirant. I mean, why not? It works on armpits, and it works on feet; surely it can work on other places, too.
Get more advice from the Gear Guy as he picks this season聮s top gifts in You聮ll probably find a few things to put on your own wish list, too.