What to Buy Fitness Gear The 12 Best Sports Bras For Big Breasts, Tested and Reviewed The days of doubling up your sports bra are over. By Esmé Epstein Esmé Epstein Esmé Epstein is a fitness and health enthusiast from New York City, who tackles health, commerce, and product reviews for Health.com. She is an avid road biker, often seeking products to supplement her training and help her perform her best. health's editorial guidelines and Jennifer Amoako Jennifer Amoako Throughout her career, Jennifer Amoako has covered a wide range of wellness and lifestyle topics, including creating a less toxic home, gluten-free recipes, and plus-size living. She is a freelance writer and editor that has written for several publications and blogs, as well as shared her expertise through brand collaborations, podcasts, and workshops. health's editorial guidelines Updated on April 29, 2024 Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD Medically reviewed by Renita White, MD Renita White, MD, is an obstetrician/gynecologist at Georgia Obstetrics and Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia. Her areas of expertise include fibroids, irregular vaginal bleeding, abnormal pap smears, infertility and menopause. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews What Look for in Sports Bras for Large Breasts Our Testing Process Products that Did Not Make Our List What to Know About Sports Bras for Large Breasts Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Brian Kopinski An ill-fitting sports bra can ruin a workout and reduce your level of physical activity due to discomfort. Sports bras that roll up, lack support, or dig into sensitive areas are not only uncomfortable, they can also inhibit breathing. For women with larger breasts who often layer more than one bra for added support, this is especially troublesome. A study suggests that respiratory function may be impaired when restricted by a tight-fitting sports bra. According to bra fit expert Kimmay Caldwell, sports bras are vital when protecting your bust during physical exercise. It’s important to wear a sports bra that provides proper support without causing breast pain or discomfort. With expert guidance, we tested 19 sports bras during high- and low-intensity workouts and evaluated each one for fit, support, comfort, adjustability, quality, durability, and value. We also had a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy. What Look for in Sports Bras for Large Breasts In addition to getting professionally fit-tested, these are our top considerations when investing in a quality sports bra for big breasts. Style According to Caldwell, the two most common types of sports bras for larger breasts are compression and encapsulation. Compression sports bras hold the bust tightly against the body, keeping it in place so it doesn't bounce around. Encapsulated sports bras contain molded, structured cups. Encapsulation sports bras with wide shoulder straps are preferable for women with large breasts to wear during exercise to minimize bra strap pressure and discomfort. Other variations in styles include: Over-the-head vs. Hook-and-eye closure: Stretchy over-the-head sports bras usually offer some compression but no adjustments in the back. Hook-and-eye closures, which are similar to those used on regular bras, offer different rows and columns of tiny closures to keep the breasts in place. Racerback vs. Criss-cross vs. Straight: Because racerback and criss-cross straps intersect, the straps don't fall down when you're moving around. The triangle shape that a cross creates is the strongest shape in engineering. Alternatively, straight-back or vertical straps are similar to everyday bras. Underwire vs. Non-underwire: Underwire in sports bras, whether on the inside or outside, is a great encapsulation tool. However, non-underwire bras provide a more comfortable fit, with less poking. Level of Support There are three categories of support: low, medium, and high impact. Low impact means that the sports bra doesn’t have firm materials, making them ideal for exercises like barre and Pilates. Medium support offers some structure and is great for workouts where you might bounce a little bit, like spin class or hiking. High-impact bras are made of the firmest materials and have the most coverage. The straps and bands on high-impact bras tend to be thicker and help the bust stay in place. These types of bras are ideal for high-impact exercises like running and CrossFit. Adjustability The main forms of adjustability for sports bras include stretchiness and adjustable straps and bands. Caldwell says her favorite types of adjustable bands are similar to regular bras but are thicker and wider to lift up the underbust. A hook-and-eye closure with 3 or 4 hooks will provide a custom fit for your band. The back band is especially important because it provides about 90% of the bra support. There are also different ways to adjust the straps, which include sliding straps, slide-and-hook, and velcro. Caldwell suggests opting for wide straps with built-in cushion. She also loves non-slip sliders, which grip and help the straps stay in place. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra at Amazon ($36) Jump to Review Best Budget: Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra at Amazon ($47) Jump to Review Most Support: lululemon All Powered Up Bra at Lululemon ($39) Jump to Review Best for High-Impact Activities: Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra at Barenecessities.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best for Low-Impact Activities: Natori Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon ($132) Jump to Review Best for Running: Natori Yogi Sports Bra at Amazon ($72) Jump to Review Best Investment: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra at Knix ($89) Jump to Review Best with Cup: Athleta Advance Bra at Gap.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra at Amazon ($69) Jump to Review Best Sweat-Wicking: Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra at Amazon ($66) Jump to Review Best Overall Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra Amazon View On Amazon $36 View On Zappos View On Champion.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It With molded cups, wide, adjustable straps, and a hook-and-eye closure, the Champion Spot Comfort Full Support Bra is an ideal choice for women with big breasts. Its custom fit and high-quality feel make it a great value for the price. The first thing we noticed about this bra was how easy it was to put on. Each strap is infused with gel cushioning and has sliding adjusters, making the bra comfortably snug for maximum support. The material is soft with sheer mesh in the cleavage area for breathability. We’re still wearing the Champion Spot Comfort Full Support Bra on a regular basis. After washing it multiple times, there has been no sign of pilling or wear and tear. This is the one if you’re looking for a versatile, gold-standard sports bra. It's Worth Noting The thick straps may be visible when worn under sleeveless shirts. Product Details Available Sizes: 34C – 42DDDMaterial: 76% nylon, 24% spandexAdjustability: Adjustable, gel-infused, sliding strapsClosure: Cushioned, three hook-and-eye closures Best Budget Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra Glamorise View On Amazon $47 View On Walmart $38 View On Barenecessities.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It The Glamorise No-Bounce Camisole Sports Bra offers support, modesty, and affordability. As the name implies, this bra withstood our high-impact workouts while keeping everything in place. The wire-free, reinforced cups lifted our bust while the built-in camisole gave us peace of mind. We didn’t have to worry about accidental slips or excessive cleavage. Moreover, the bra’s padded, hook-and-eye closure added adjustability without gapping. The only area where the Glamorise bra underperformed in our testing process was the feel. The fabric blend was slightly scratchy during our initial workout, which led to a little bit of discomfort. However, the fabric softened up with wear and washing. This supportive sports bra is perfect for medium to high-impact exercise and it quickly became a staple for our workouts. It's Worth Noting The fabric lacks spandex making it more rigid than other bras we tested. Product Details Available Sizes: 34C – 50JMaterial: 70% polyester, 25% nylon, 5% elastaneAdjustability: Adjustable, sliding straps Closure: Three hook-and-eye closures Most Support lululemon All Powered Up Bra lululemon View On Lululemon $39 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 4.5/5 Comfort 3.9/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It With a combination of silky fabric and sturdy construction, the lululemon All Powered Up Bra provides best-in-class quality and support. There was no spillage or gapping out of the sides, top, or underboob. This bra was easy to adjust and is available in a broad range of sizes for an ideal fit. Made for moderate-intensity exercise, the All Powered Up bra’s sweat-wicking fabric didn't hold onto odor and was fairly breathable, even during sweaty workouts and long hours of wear. It also provided equal lift and compression to hold our breasts in place, while also allowing them to bounce naturally and not feel too confined. It's Worth Noting It’s only available for purchase through lululemon. Product Details Available Sizes: 32A – 42GMaterial: 71% nylon, 29% elastaneAdjustability: Adjustable sliding strapsClosure: Three hook-and-eye closures Best for High-Impact Activities Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra Amazon View On Barenecessities.com View On Panache-lingerie.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 3/5 Adjustability 3/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It The Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra is no joke. It provided serious support when we tested it out during high-impact activities. The wide straps can be worn traditionally or converted to racerback for extra support. The 3-row hook-and-eye closure and sturdy construction lift the breasts and prevent them from moving, keeping everything in place during HIIT workouts, jumping, or running. We love that this bra has flat seams and creates a smooth silhouette. Since it holds everything in place so well, we would not recommend this bra for lounging or sleeping. The underwire may leave marks on your skin or become too constrictive if you wear it too long. But if you’re looking for ultimate support for workouts that include jumping, running, or other high-intensity exercises, this is the one. It's Worth Noting The bra may feel a bit bulky on a smaller frame. Product Details Available Sizes: 28B – 40JMaterial: 49% polyamide, 36% polyester, 15% elastaneAdjustability: Adjustable sliding strapsClosure: Cushioned, three hook-and-eye closures Best for Low-Impact Activities Natori Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra Nordstrom View On Amazon $132 View On Zappos $74 View On Zappos $74 Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 3/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 4/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It From strength training to power walking, the Natori Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra provides the perfect amount of support, comfort, and style. We loved the variety of colors, and the moisture-wicking mesh paneling is functional and visually appealing, providing a substantial lift. We appreciated the thick, two-row hook-and-eye closure's adjustability. However, the thin straps began to dig into our shoulders, and the sliders loosened after a few hours. The Natori Gravity Contour Sports Bra was as supportive as wearing two bras without the bulkiness and excessive heat. The double layers make the bra incredibly light and comfortable. We were pleased that the quality remained the same after multiple washes and hours of wear at the gym. It's Worth Noting This bra runs a bit small. We recommend sizing up. Product Details • Available Sizes: 30–36 B–DDD, 30–34 G, 38 B–DD• Material: 85% polyester, 15% spandex, mesh: 90% nylon, 10% spandex• Adjustability: Adjustable sliding straps• Closure: Two hook-and-eye back closure Best for Running Natori Yogi Sports Bra Bare Necessities View On Amazon $72 View On Herroom.com View On Barenecessities.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 3/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It The Natori Yogi Sports Bra will be your new favorite running bra, providing the right amount of hold without the jiggle. We noticed how amazing it felt to move around in this bra. It was extremely supportive, but not constricting. The fit was perfect, with no chafing, rubbing, or gapping. The fabric was also great quality—the ideal mix of silky and soft, with no stretching or pilling. Instead of the sliders common on most bras, we had to unhook the strap and then slide the metal hardware into one of 16 adjustments. We preferred the straps in the crisscross configuration because they were most supportive for medium—to high-intensity workouts when worn that way. It's Worth Noting This bra is lightly padded and the tall side seams have boning. Product Details Available Sizes: 30-36 B-DDD, 30-34 G, 38 B-DDMaterial: Body: 85% polyester, 15% spandex; Cup Lining: 100% PolyesterAdjustability: Adjustable slide-and-hook strapsClosure: Three hook-and-eye back closures Best Investment Knix Catalyst Sports Bra Knix View On Knix $89 Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It We love that the Knix Catalyst Sports Bra provides a luxurious sports bra experience. The fabric is soft and thick yet breathable. The molded cups separate and support breasts while creating a flattering silhouette without the dreaded “uni-boob.” The straps and band are wide and easy to adjust for added comfort and maximum support. We felt comfortable and secure running and jumping in the Knix Catalyst. The high-quality construction and compression make this bra perfect for all impact levels—particularly high-intensity workouts. If you tend to run between sizes, it might be a good idea to size up for this design. Overall, based on the lightweight feel and durability, this bra is worth the investment. It's Worth Noting The bra starts out tight right out of the package and may feel a little uncomfortable at first. However, it loosens comfortably over time. Product Details Available Sizes: 28A – 42FMaterial: 59% nylon, 41% spandex; lining: 86% nylon, 14% spandexAdjustability: Adjustable sliding strapsClosure: Five hook-and-eye back closures Best with Cup Athleta Advance Bra Athleta View On Gap.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 3/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It The Athleta Advance Bra has molded cups to keep the breasts in place during HIIT workouts with a secure and tight fit. The moisture-wicking, quick-drying material conforms to the body and provides excellent support. We felt confident wearing this bra, and the high neckline made us feel even more secure. The wide straps crisscross in the back to form a V shape, which took a bit of maneuvering to get on. If you experience mobility issues, this may not be the right option for you. Otherwise, we think that the Athleta Advance Bra is worth the effort. It’s well-crafted, durable, and has the best encapsulating cups for larger breasts. It's Worth Noting It may be challenging for some people to put this bra on. Product Details Available Sizes: 32B – 44DDMaterial: Not listedAdjustability: Adjustable sliding strapsClosure: 2 hook-and-eye back closure Best Adjustable SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra SheFit View On Amazon $69 View On Shefit.com $75 View On Fleetfeet.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 4.8/5 Why We Like It If you want a custom-fitting sports bra, the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra is our top pick. The wide, padded straps can be worn in an X or H-back formation with Velcro adjustments. We love that this bra is specially designed to zip, cinch, and lift our bust for maximum support while still moving freely. We were impressed by how well everything stayed in place while performing vigorous exercises like running, weight lifting, and agility drills. The quality of this sports bra exceeded our expectations. It contains no wires and is made out of comfortable, breathable fabric. With proper care, it’s bound to last a long time. Remember that while the bra washes well, it needs to be put in a mesh bag to protect the quality. It's Worth Noting Though it holds up to machine washing, it’s best to wash this bra by hand and lay it flat to air dry. Product Details Available Sizes: XS – 6Luxe (A – I Cups)Material: Liner: 88% nylon, 12% spandex; shell: 100% polyester; mesh: 86% nylon, 14% spandexAdjustability: Adjustable velcro strapsClosure: Front zipper, back hook-and-eye Best Sweat-Wicking Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra Wacoal View On Amazon $66 View On Zappos $76 View On Nordstrom $76 Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Comfort 3.8/5 Adjustability 4.7/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 Why We Like It The Wacoal Simone Sport Underwire Bra is constructed of thick, moisture-wicking fabric to keep skin dry and a mesh back for added air flow so you can say, “goodbye” to sweat. Unlike most sports bras that flatten your chest, this bra accentuates your curves. The cushioned, outside underwire paired with two-ply cups, lifts and separates the bust, creating a flattering shape and extra support. Additionally, the wide straps and band make the weight feel evenly distributed with minimal spillage. We loved that the Wacoal Simone Sport Underwire Bra minimized bounce during medium to high-impact activities, but wears like an everyday bra. In fact, our bra fitting expert, Kimmay Caldwell says this sports bra is one of her favorites, noting that its smooth silhouette is perfect for when you’re playing tennis or golf and still want to feel pretty. This bra adjusts with a hook-and-eye back closure and slide-and-hook straps that convert to crisscross style. Though we found just the right length, the straps can be a bit tedious to adjust. We also thought that even on the loosest band setting, it pulled tight in the back. Considering that excessive moisture can be an issue for people with larger breasts, we love that this sweat-wicking bra offers extended sizes up to cup size I. It's Worth Noting The band runs a little tight. Product Details Available Sizes: 32C – 42IMaterial: 80% nylon, 20% spandex/elastaneAdjustability: Adjustable slide-and-hook strapsClosure: Three hook-and-eye back closures Best Size Range Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra Girlfriend Collective View On Amazon $34 View On Girlfriend.com $42 Our Ratings Fit 3.5/5 Support 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 1/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It The Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra combines all-day comfort, compression, and style. Doubling as a crop top, this longline bra provides full coverage and support for low to medium-impact workouts. We love the fun, opaque colorways and inclusive range of sizes from XXS to 6XL. The scoop neck and racerback make the design less adjustable than other picks on our list; however, it does contain a built-in support band. When we tried on this sports bra, we forgot we were wearing it. The soft, stretchy fabric is made from recycled materials to reduce the impact on the environment, while feeling buttery smooth on our skin. Even though we experienced some under boob sweat, we still recommend this bra. Our favorite thing about the Paloma is that it is very comfortable and flattering on all body types. It's Worth Noting The band and straps aren't adjustable or customizable. Product Details Available Sizes: XXS – 6XLMaterial: 79% recycled plastic bottles (RPET), 21% spandexAdjustability: Non-adjustable racerbackClosure: No closure Best for Teens Nike Swoosh Girls' Sports Bra Nike View On Nike.com $15 View On Champssports.com View On Footlocker.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Durability 5/5 Why We Like It We recommend the NikeSwoosh Big Kids' (Girls') Sports Bra for teens and tweens looking for a practical sports bra. We like that it's a basic bra without any complicated hooks, closures, pads or cups, and it doesn't need to be adjusted. It's quick for a busy teen to toss on overhead before a run, practice, or game. We felt confident, comfortable, and supported during our test runs in this bra. The wide, racerback straps provide adequate support without squeezing too tightly or digging into our body. We appreciate that this bra has two layers of swimsuit-like fabric to make the material feel thick and prevent nipple visibility. We found the fabric to be quite breathable, so the bra never got overly sweaty or smelly despite wearing it during tough workouts.Another plus for this bra is its construction. The soft band is wide, secure, and didn't ride up or chafe no matter how strenuous our workouts got. Neither the straps nor the band pinched, left marks or caused discomfort after wearing the bra for a while. This bra continues to hold up well and still looks brand new even after numerous washes—no fading, stretching, or pilling. It's Worth Noting This bra runs a tad big. We recommend sizing down if you’re between sizes. Product Details Available Sizes: XS – XL+Material: 75% recycled polyester fibersAdjustability: Non-adjustable racerbackClosure: No closure Health Health Our Testing Process To determine the best sports bras for big breasts, we spoke with bra fitter and undergarment expert Kimmay Caldwell. She is the founder of Hurray Kimmay, a platform that provides coaching, articles, videos, and events for women to find their perfect bra size. Then we tested 19 of the most popular sports bras from leading brands like lululemon, Champion, Athleta, Knix, among others and accessed them for the following factors: Fit and Size: We encompassed various body shapes, with cup sizes ranging from adult A to D, plus sizes, and teens and tweens.Impact Levels: We rigorously examine each sports bra at home, assessing impact levels through activities like jumping jacks and jogging.Support and Comfort: We wore the bras for extended periods, including multiple cardio workouts, brisk and extended walks, and a full day to evaluate adjustability and wearability.Quality and Durability: Throughout our testing, we closely observed how the bras endured through numerous washes and wears. After noting the design and fit of each sports bra, we performed three different types of tests: one that included high-impact exercise (a 2-minute jumping jack set or a 10-minute jog), another that included low-impact exercise (a 15-20-minute brisk walk), and a last test that required wearing the sports bras for an extended period of time. Lastly, we washed the sports bras according to the manufacturers' instructions and noted any odors and quality defects. Since a sports bra's performance can evolve over time, we're continuously wearing and evaluating these sports bras in real-life conditions, committed to updating our recommendations as we gather fresh testing insights. Products that Did Not Make Our List Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra: We liked how supportive this bra was without making us feel too caged in, but it wasn’t quite as comfortable as our top picks. Playtex Fits 18 Hour Cooling Comfort Wire-Free Sports Bra: This sports bra offered great support in the neck and shoulders, but it wore more like a t-shirt bra than a sports bra due to the lack of stretch in the material What to Know About Sports Bras for Large Breasts How do I measure myself for a sports bra? We recommend getting fitted at a specialty bra store whenever possible. A professional will be able to measure you and provide recommendations custom to your body. If this is not possible, here’s how to measure your bra size at home. To measure your band and cup size, you will need a flexible, soft measuring tape that can adhere to the curves of your body. Start with a bra on so your bust is lifted and it's possible to measure underneath the breast route. Measure around your torso from right underneath the bust, so that the measuring tape is parallel to the floor. It should never go up or down at all. Measure to the closest inch. Then take that measurement and round up to the nearest even number, because in US sizing, we use even numbers for band sizes. This number is your band measurement. Take the same measuring tape with your bra on and measure around the fullest part of your bust and your back, keeping the measuring tape parallel to the floor. Take that number, round it up to the nearest inch (maybe half an inch if you want to get really specific), then subtract the band measurement from it This number will help determine your cup size. A chart (and/or calculator) to determine your cup size can be found here. You might have also heard people talk about sister sizes. The term “sister sizes” refers to groups of bra-size equivalents that are related by cup volume. You can find your sister size by either going down one band size and up one cup size, or one up one band size up and down one cup. For example, if I measured a 34F, my sister sizes are 36E or 32G. After you find your bra measurements, trying out sports bras in your sister sizes can be can be helpful when finding your perfect fit, if a style runs a little bit loose or tight. Is it okay to wear a sports bra all day? If your bra fits well and it's not constraining you, you should be able to wear it throughout the day, according to Caldwell. However, after a good sweat, she suggests taking it off and giving it a nice rinse. Sports bras should be washed after every wear because when the salty perspiration dries onto the elastic, the band can become brittle and unsupportive. If you can’t do a machine wash, Caldwell suggests at least rinsing your bra or hand washing it with soap that is specifically meant for lace, lingerie, or swimwear. Who We Are Esmé Epstein is a fitness and health enthusiast from New York City, who tackles health commerce and product reviews for Health.com. As an avid cycler and boxer, she always looks for supportive and comfortable athletic wear to help her feel and perform her best. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit 3 Sources Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Rizzone KH, Edison B, Coleman N, Carter C, Ichesco I, Cassidy P, Chung J, Jones CMC. Sports Bra Preferences by Age and Impact of Breast Size on Physical Activity among American Females. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(23):12732. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182312732 Kipp S, Leahy MG, Sheel AW. Sports Bra Restriction on Respiratory Mechanics during Exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2024 Feb 5. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003403. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38350462. Peterson A & Suh M. Effect of Bra Style and Size on its Fit and Comfort. International Textile and Apparel Association (ITAA) Annual Conference Proceedings. 2016; 8: 1-2.