Dragonwing Blog
Black Friday Deal on Girls' Sports Bras
We've got a terrific Black Friday deal on our best-selling sports bras for girls -- and you don't have to wait until Friday to enjoy it! Wouldn't you rather spend the time enjoying your family -- and delicious Thanksgiving left-overs?! 
From now through Sunday, November 29, buy any 2 of our bras -- The Racer, Keyhole, School to Sport, Half-Tee, or Mesh Racer -- and get a third bra* absolutely FREE!As always, shipping is free. We're committed to girls getting the perfect fit, so take a moment to measure and check the size chart. We know girls of all ages come is all sizes and shapes, so our sizes are based on measurements, not on age. * Put any three bras into your shopping cart and apply promo code 3BRAS to purchase and receive the lowest-priced bra absolutely free. Offer good through 11/29/15 only.Promo Code = 3BRAS
Sighted at Girls' Soccer Tournament
Like most sports parents, I can't tell you how many miles I've traveled to and from girls' soccer tournaments since my daughter started playing. While the fields, highways, and hotels may begin to look the same, I never fail to get a jolt of excitement when I spot one of these:
One of our Dragonwing girlgear magnets on the back of a mini-van next to a soccer field!
As my thanks for reading our Sideline Chatter blog, I'll send a magnet to any reader who writes to request one. Just email me with your mailing address.
One of our Dragonwing girlgear magnets on the back of a mini-van next to a soccer field!
As my thanks for reading our Sideline Chatter blog, I'll send a magnet to any reader who writes to request one. Just email me with your mailing address.
My Road to Recovery
As a fencer, I love Dragonwing clothes because they keep me comfortable when I’m doing intense workouts. Unfortunately, I have not been able to do what I love lately due to a knee injury. In May, I was told I have a condition called patellar tendonitis. Basically, it’s an overuse injury that, when aggravated, leads to inflammation of a tendon in my knee. Considering that I play a sport that requires lots of leg work and strain on my knees, you might see how my injury could be a serious setback.
Because swimming is a low impact form of exercise, I could do it for as long as I want without injuring myself any further. In fact, the swimming helps speed up my recovery because it develops many of the muscles that I don’t use as much when I fence. My chiropractor and physical therapist give me stretches and exercises that will eventually get rid of my tendonitis. I do these exercises with them and every day at home. About three times a week, I will go to my fencing club and take a 20 minute one-on-one lesson with my coach where I do mostly arm work with some light footwork and no lunging. I’m determined to get better as soon as I can so that I don’t have to worry about my knee when I am older and my injury could be worse.
Even though I’ve been spending a lot of time doing exercises and physical therapy, the hardest part of my recovery process is simply not being able to do the sport that I love. I’ve been fencing for five years and have never gone this long without fencing.Luckily, the summer is the slowest time of the year when it comes to tournaments, as the number of national level tournaments is very limited. I normally do lots of training over the summer, but this time I took a seven-week break from my sport and focused on my recovery. I spent a few hours almost every day with either my physical therapist, chiropractor, or swimming trainer. Here I am doing plank exercises on the porch -- in my Dragonwing Racer Sports Bra and Chill Weight Capri Leggings, of course!
Because swimming is a low impact form of exercise, I could do it for as long as I want without injuring myself any further. In fact, the swimming helps speed up my recovery because it develops many of the muscles that I don’t use as much when I fence. My chiropractor and physical therapist give me stretches and exercises that will eventually get rid of my tendonitis. I do these exercises with them and every day at home. About three times a week, I will go to my fencing club and take a 20 minute one-on-one lesson with my coach where I do mostly arm work with some light footwork and no lunging. I’m determined to get better as soon as I can so that I don’t have to worry about my knee when I am older and my injury could be worse.
Making the Most of Summer's Last Days
Hello Dragonwing friends!
Recently my rock climbing team had a friendly - and super fun -- competition hosted by our gym. I ended up taking 5th out 10 people, which wasn't my best but still good.
Summer has been flying by way too quickly. By the time you read this, I'll be back in school! I've been shopping like crazy getting school clothes and supplies, but I'm most excited to wear my Dragonwing Racer Sports Bra because it's the most comfy one I own!
I made the best of my last days of summer break by climbing more and enjoying swimming and hiking. A couple of weeks ago, I invited a friend to go camping with my family and do a 12 mile hike. We both loved it! We passed 3 beautiful lakes and a bunch of mini waterfalls on our way to the top.
This summer has treated me so great that I'm fine with it ending because there's not much I didn't accomplish. Until next time, when I'm in school!
What were some of YOUR favorite summer memories? Leave a comment!
Summer has been flying by way too quickly. By the time you read this, I'll be back in school! I've been shopping like crazy getting school clothes and supplies, but I'm most excited to wear my Dragonwing Racer Sports Bra because it's the most comfy one I own!
I made the best of my last days of summer break by climbing more and enjoying swimming and hiking. A couple of weeks ago, I invited a friend to go camping with my family and do a 12 mile hike. We both loved it! We passed 3 beautiful lakes and a bunch of mini waterfalls on our way to the top.
This summer has treated me so great that I'm fine with it ending because there's not much I didn't accomplish. Until next time, when I'm in school!
What were some of YOUR favorite summer memories? Leave a comment!
5 Back-to-School Tips for Active Girls
The start of the school year is filled with anticipation, excitement, great promise, and sometimes anxiety. What will my teachers and classes be like? Will I make new friends? Will my “old” friends still be my friends? And, when transitioning to a new school, will I fit in? 
At Dragonwing girlgear, our mission is to empower girls in sports and in life. Building connections, feeling confident inside and out, and making routines and transitions as smooth as possible can help get the school year off to a great start! Here are our 5 back-to-school tips: 1. JOIN A TEAM OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, IN OR OUT OF SCHOOL. Being part of a team is a great way for girls to make friends, stay active, reduce stress, improve mental health, and develop lifelong skills – like teamwork and resilience -- that are the benefits of sports participation. 2. CHOOSE CLOTHING THAT GIVES GIRLS COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. The start of school, particularly for girls whose bodies are changing, can be a time of hyper self-awareness. Research shows that girls are starting puberty, marked by the start of breast development, significantly earlier than 15 years ago, sometimes as young as 8 or 9 years old. Regardless of when they first need a bra, girls want something comfortable that provides enough coverage so they don’t feel self-conscious and fits them just right, so they can move and play with confidence. Girls and parents alike want a first bra to be age-appropriate, not the padded or plunging bras of Victoria’s Secret, Target, and other retailers. A well-fitting, comfortable sports bra, like our Keyhole and Racer sports bras, or a sports camisole with an inner layer, like our Un-Tee Sports Cami, is often the best choice. 3. MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO SPORTS EASY, QUICK, AND COMFORTABLE. The start of the school year and fall sports season means girls – and parents – need to make quick transitions from school to practice or competition. Need to change clothes in the car or on the bus? Concerned about modesty while changing out of school clothes and into sports gear? When getting dressed in the morning, choose base layers (aka “undergarments”) -- like our sports bras, camis, and light compression shorts -- that are cool and comfortable under “regular” school clothes and make changing for sports quick and easy. No need to completely undress; just take off school clothes and pull on a sports jersey and shorts.
At Dragonwing girlgear, our mission is to empower girls in sports and in life. Building connections, feeling confident inside and out, and making routines and transitions as smooth as possible can help get the school year off to a great start! Here are our 5 back-to-school tips: 1. JOIN A TEAM OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, IN OR OUT OF SCHOOL. Being part of a team is a great way for girls to make friends, stay active, reduce stress, improve mental health, and develop lifelong skills – like teamwork and resilience -- that are the benefits of sports participation. 2. CHOOSE CLOTHING THAT GIVES GIRLS COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE FROM THE INSIDE OUT. The start of school, particularly for girls whose bodies are changing, can be a time of hyper self-awareness. Research shows that girls are starting puberty, marked by the start of breast development, significantly earlier than 15 years ago, sometimes as young as 8 or 9 years old. Regardless of when they first need a bra, girls want something comfortable that provides enough coverage so they don’t feel self-conscious and fits them just right, so they can move and play with confidence. Girls and parents alike want a first bra to be age-appropriate, not the padded or plunging bras of Victoria’s Secret, Target, and other retailers. A well-fitting, comfortable sports bra, like our Keyhole and Racer sports bras, or a sports camisole with an inner layer, like our Un-Tee Sports Cami, is often the best choice. 3. MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO SPORTS EASY, QUICK, AND COMFORTABLE. The start of the school year and fall sports season means girls – and parents – need to make quick transitions from school to practice or competition. Need to change clothes in the car or on the bus? Concerned about modesty while changing out of school clothes and into sports gear? When getting dressed in the morning, choose base layers (aka “undergarments”) -- like our sports bras, camis, and light compression shorts -- that are cool and comfortable under “regular” school clothes and make changing for sports quick and easy. No need to completely undress; just take off school clothes and pull on a sports jersey and shorts.
What a girl wears under her uniform can help her feel confident and play her best. Undergarments that are comfortable, fit great, and provide appropriate coverage empower girls to play the sports they love without being distracted by droopy straps, bras or shirts that ride up, or bunching shorts.4. PLAN AHEAD FOR COOLER WEATHER. While it may be hot and humid now, the arrival of cool, fall weather always seems to surprise us. Afternoon practices and games – or the trip to and from school -- can quickly turn chilly or downright cold. A pair of leggings and a long-sleeve top under sports gear can keep a girl athlete warm, agile, and in the game. Moisture-wicking fabric is a must, so the sweat moves away from the skin and girls stay dry and warm. When shopping, consider the sport as well as the fit. Many soccer girls love our Capri-length Chill Weight Leggings because they don’t interfere with shin guards. 5. THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A GIRL NEEDS ON HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WON'T FIT INTO HER BACKPACK OR GYM BAG. She carries these treasures inside herself: a spirit of adventure and curiosity, a desire to learn and tackle new challenges, and a sense of confidence in herself.
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A slightly revised version of this post originally appeared on the Sports Mom Survival Guide, a great resource for parents of young athletes with tips, ideas, and recipes.End-of-Year Thanks in a Poem!
A VISIT FROM DRAGONWING *
'Twas the night before the game, when all through the town
Not a suitable girl's sports bra or shorts could be found. So a Mom who was fed-up with the lack of quality and fit, Decided she could make something new - and with grit.She knew in a moment that athletic girls she must serve,
For girls are our future -- from that goal she'd not swerve.
With superior gear that met their high standard of play, Girls could compete without distraction -- hooray!Now, soccer! Now, lacrosse! Now, hoops and volleyball! On gymnastics! On skiing, on skating & all! To the top of the conference! To the top of the league!
With Dragonwing girlgear, there's no goal we can't achieve!
This Mom keeps on making stylish, high-performing gear
So sports girls everywhere can play with confidence and cheer.
You can hear her exclaim, as year ends (it's not a dream),
“Happy Holidays to all. Thanks for being part of our team!" with best wishes and many thanks, MaryAnne Gucciardi Founder & CEO
* with apologies (and thanks) to Clement Clarke Moore.
"The Most Comfortable Bra Ever"
Elise's daughter plays soccer and volleyball and is already a big fan of our Keyhole Sports Bra. But now she has a new favorite: our seamless Racer Sports Bra for girls.
Discover the Dragonwing Difference yourself & check out The Racer:
- Super fine yarn and double-layered coverage ensures support, comfort, and coverage.
- Wicking fabric keeps moisture away so you stay cool and confident.
- Shoulder straps provide support and don't droop.
- Soft, snug bottom band won't ride up no matter how far you reach, stretch, throw, or run.
- Tag free and seamless so there is no chafing
- Made in the USA.
"The Racer bra was a huge hit - she said it is the most comfortable bra ever."
Discover the Dragonwing Difference yourself & check out The Racer:
- Super fine yarn and double-layered coverage ensures support, comfort, and coverage.
- Wicking fabric keeps moisture away so you stay cool and confident.
- Shoulder straps provide support and don't droop.
- Soft, snug bottom band won't ride up no matter how far you reach, stretch, throw, or run.
- Tag free and seamless so there is no chafing
- Made in the USA.
Rock Climbing Comps & Coaches
Wow, time has sure flown by! It's hard to believe that this is my sixth blog post as a Dragonwing girlgear Ambassador!
For the last month, every weekend has been filled with rock climbing competitions. My latest competition was super fun even though I had a cold, which left me with little energy. In that comp, I managed to flash my top 5. A "flash" is where you climb to the top of the wall with no falls or other attempts. As you can see from the photo, I'm still wearing my Un-Dee Mini Workout Shorts!
A couple of weeks ago, I had a little meltdown at rock climbing class. I was doubting myself, thinking "I can't do that" and "I haven't progressed." Eventually I shed a couple of tears. My coaches were so helpful and supportive and really helped me through that horrible mental block. They are amazing.
The weather here in Colorado has started to get chilly, but that doesn't bother me. I love the cold weather because I can get into a fuzzy blanket and drink hot chocolate! Another reason I love winter is because I love skiing and snowboarding. I have been a snowboarder for a while but last winter tried out skiing and loved it! I'm looking forward to more fun in the snow this winter.
Leave a comment and tell me about your favorite winter sport or activity.
A couple of weeks ago, I had a little meltdown at rock climbing class. I was doubting myself, thinking "I can't do that" and "I haven't progressed." Eventually I shed a couple of tears. My coaches were so helpful and supportive and really helped me through that horrible mental block. They are amazing.
The weather here in Colorado has started to get chilly, but that doesn't bother me. I love the cold weather because I can get into a fuzzy blanket and drink hot chocolate! Another reason I love winter is because I love skiing and snowboarding. I have been a snowboarder for a while but last winter tried out skiing and loved it! I'm looking forward to more fun in the snow this winter.
Leave a comment and tell me about your favorite winter sport or activity.
New Colors of Our Best-Selling Girl's Sports Bra
Our new Racer Sports Bras have arrived! We're happy to introduce the same great sports bra -- made especially for preteen, tween, and teen girls -- in three new color combinations.
These new Racers have all the features girls love, all the qualities that have made the Racer our best-selling girl's sports bra:
- Soft, supportive, double-layered, "I-don't-even-know-it's-there" comfort;
- Sweat-wicking, antimicrobial fabric to keep her dry and odor-free;
- Seamless, tag-free construction that won't chafe or ride up;
- Made in the USA quality.
* As we did last year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will donate a portion of all sales of the White and Pink bra to the UNC Breast Center to support its research and patient care services.
- White and Pink*
- Black and Medium Gray
- White and Sky Blue
These new Racers have all the features girls love, all the qualities that have made the Racer our best-selling girl's sports bra:
- Soft, supportive, double-layered, "I-don't-even-know-it's-there" comfort;
- Sweat-wicking, antimicrobial fabric to keep her dry and odor-free;
- Seamless, tag-free construction that won't chafe or ride up;
- Made in the USA quality.
* As we did last year during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will donate a portion of all sales of the White and Pink bra to the UNC Breast Center to support its research and patient care services.
Boxes of Donated Sports Bras for Girls!
Earlier this month, we put out a call for donations of clean, gently-used sports bras for needy girls taking part in Goals for Girls wellness and education programs in India. The response from the Dragonwing girlgear community has been terrific. With each envelope or box that arrives, we are so grateful for and humbled by your generosity.
The remarkable women at Ladies Only Sports, a terrific family-owned business for active women of all shapes and sizes (check them out!), sent a big box of 30 brand new sports bras!
As I've said many times, a girl's sports bra can mean the difference between sitting on the sidelines and being able to play. Each of these donated sports bras empowers a girl to get in -- and stay in -- the game and reap the many benefits that sports participation brings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you'd like to donate, here's the information:
As I've said many times, a girl's sports bra can mean the difference between sitting on the sidelines and being able to play. Each of these donated sports bras empowers a girl to get in -- and stay in -- the game and reap the many benefits that sports participation brings. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
If you'd like to donate, here's the information:
To help, please donate a clean, gently-used sports bra (any size, brand, or color) to: Goals for Girls/Dragonwing 510 Meadowmont Village Circle, #188 Chapel Hill, NC 27517Include your name and email address in the package with the donated bra(s). As a token of our thanks, we'll send you a promo code good for $5 off your next Dragonwing purchase.
Hiking, Camping & Rock Climbing (oh my!)
The first week of July was the best of the summer yet! My sister Savannah had a horse show last week. My family and I camped at the show in our camper for the whole week! While we were there, we swam until our fingers turned into raisins. Later, we walked around the town and, of course, watched her show. After the show, we had one more day before we had to leave. On that last day, we were daring (and maybe a bit crazy) and took a hike with nothing! It wasn't a smart decision on our part but luckily it was only a half mile. My Dragonwing Half-Tee Sports Top was great under my tank top.
My Dragonwing Half-Tee Sports Top was great for my July hike in the mountains.
On 4th of July weekend, our family decided to go hiking again and be prepared. This time, it was a four-mile hike, and we ventured off into another trail once we finished the first one. That night, we watched fireworks and all had the best sleep ever. J During our trip, I was away from rock climbing for a week, and I'm so glad to have started back up again. We started the week with hangboard and a big workout. This is a great summer already! What have YOU been doing?
My Dragonwing Half-Tee Sports Top was great for my July hike in the mountains.Summer Fun
My school year ended on May 28. Our last day was a Student Appreciation Day where the students played outside and danced. I’m so happy school is out, and I've got a summer-long break from waking up early and doing homework every night.
One of my favorite parts of 7th grade was a class trip to the Wildlife Sanctuary. We got flooded super bad, but we bonded with each other a lot. One of my least favorite parts of 7th grade was PARCC testing.
But on to summer! My family is planning to spend a lot of time visiting my cousins in Nebraska and camping. As for right now, I've had lots of summer fun already -- going to the Mint and swimming a lot!
What are you doing this summer? Tell me in the comments.
