Searching for a decent running bra

Dear Answer Angel Ellen:

Why can’t I find a sports bra that I can get in and out of and fits? Even the biggest sizes of pullover bras are virtually impossible to pull over my head. I get stuck in them in the fitting room and it’s excruciating to get them off. My only remaining sports bra (it closes in the back) is going to bite the dust soon! Replacements, which are sized by band and cup size, seem several sizes too small, though I am not overweight and my chest size is average. What to do?

— H.G.

Dear H.G.: I have yet to find a comfortable sports bra. Period. But I think your problem is easier to resolve than mine. What you want is a front-closure sports bra. They’re superbly easy on/off. The inexpensive one I bought was a bust (hah!) because the front zipper stopped working after only a few washings.

But there are other higher-quality ones in a wide range of band and cup sizes. Athleta’s Zip Front model is on sale (athleta. gap.com, reduced from $59 to $19.97-$39) and comes in cup sizes up to D-DD. Others worth considering are Under Armour’s UA Continuum High Zip Sports Bra (underarmour. com, on sale for $45.97 from $65), and Old Navy’s High-Support PowerSoft model (oldnavy.gap.com, $36.99 and often on sale). Also check out models at Yvettesports.com, Soma. com and Lululemon.com.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen:

My grandson needs just pillowcases but my daughter, despite trying several sources, cannot find them sold separately. Any suggestions? They should preferably not be plain but also not floral.

— B.N.

Dear B.N.: Buying pillowcases separately — not in a traditional “sheet set” — leads to the “washcloth syndrome.” By that I mean the phenomenon that the small thing — the washcloth to match your new bath towels — winds up costing almost as much as the full-size items. So your daughter should be prepared for the shock of spending more than she wants to for pillowcases sold separately.

However, Amazon.com has them starting at two for $7.27. Discounters like Tuesday Morning, T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less and Marshalls wind up with odds and ends that sometimes include a pair of pillowcases priced for sale. But by far your daughter’s best bet is the linens section of thrift stores, where pre-owned cases are only a dollar or two. Often they’ve never been used.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: It seems most clothing items I purchase lately recommend washing before wearing on their attached label. Is this a new requirement? Why now? Are garments subjected to more harmful chemicals and dyes than previously? This just makes more work for the purchaser and after washing, the item often doesn’t look new.

— Eileen Q.

Dear Eileen: Washable garments sold in the U.S. don’t require labels that say wash before wearing. In many cases the clothing you buy here was made in another country; who knows what dyes, chemicals, etc., were used in the manufacturing process? Washing before you wear them isn’t a bad idea.

But, as you point out, even one wash can make that new garment look less appealing. I ignore those labels and you’re welcome to do the same. For me, the main reason to wash first is new fabrics can be itchy, stiff and uncomfortable, especially on sensitive skin.

Angelic Readers

For reader Anne E., who complained she could not find baking spray with gluten-free flour for her muffin baking, reader Sue H. recommends reusable silicone muffin cups: “No spray butter, oil or flour needed. Easy to clean.”

Sue likes the OXO brand (amazon.com, 12 for $11.95).

Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail. com.

ATHLETA Athleta’s Zip Front Bra.