Sports Bras for Large Busts: My 4 Favorite Styles

As someone with a large bust, it has been a struggle to find sports bras that fit, reduce bounce, and don't destroy my shape. For years, I have researched sports bra to find one that provides all three. One will fit, but my breasts are to my navel. Another, it gives great shape and lifts up my girls… until I begin jogging or jumping. And so many will offer the support and reduce bounce but mash my bust into a solid mound of flesh. Can't a grown-ass woman with big boobs work out with comfort, support, and look good doing it?

I shared my experience with a virtual bra fitting with Bravissimo a little while back. Bravissimo focuses solely on bras, swimwear, and other apparel for women with large busts. Perusing the Bravissimo site, I saw they had a broad range of sports bras for large busts. I saw brands I recognized, some new to me, and even that Bravissimo has their own line of activewear. I scheduled another virtual fitting to see what sports bra for large breasts their expert would find perfect for my body.

This post may look familiar, I republished it because I find the content relevant right now, and wanted to update it with current information and products.

The Importance of Finding The Right Sports Bra For Large Busts

Especially as I have gotten older, I've come to find the importance in finding a quality sports bra for my large bust. When I am contained, controlled, and feel confident in how I look, I can focus on my workout instead of my body. There's nothing worse than having a wardrobe malfunction mid-workout, and I've been there. Shoving side or underboob back into the bra, yanking straps back up to my shoulder, having breasts in the way of my bicep curls, or actual pain from bouncing have hindered my activity.

For high impact exercises, one needs a high impact sports bra that holds in breasts and keeps them in place along with the body as it moves. The larger one's breasts (and the more those breasts have experienced gravity, weight fluctuations, breastfeeding, and life in general) the more there is a need for compression, coverage, and design specifically to hold softness in place as we jump, jog, and bounce.

We all deserve to feel comfortable and confident when we choose to move our bodies, and have the workout gear to achieve that. And over the years of researching bras and hearing from the Wardrobe Oxygen community, I have learned that we large-busted women find different bras to be perfect for our fitness needs. So when I considered what sports bras I'd feature for this review, I factored in not only what I need for my activities but what you all may desire too.

How Can You Tell If Your Sports Bra Fits Correctly?

First things first, when fitting bra shopping for a high-quality sports bra, especially for large breasts, you need to know your bra size. Smaller busts may be able to wear a bra sized in the same manner as a top or pair of leggings, but to get a well-fitting bra for a large bust, you're going to want to know your measurements.

There are many tools on the internet to help you measure your bra size at home. I recommend the Subreddit A Bra That Fits and ABTF's measuring guide to find your bra size. Both of these resources are much more reliable than a generic size chart that brands regularly feature. But what has really helped me to find bras that truly fit my curves is through a bra fitting with a bra expert.

These days, finding a skilled bra fitter is difficult. Department stores and boutiques have cut hours and with it, cut the talent. I have now had two virtual bra fittings with Bravissimo and have found them so helpful in not just finding my bra size, but what styles of bras are best for my unique shape.

Bravissimo virtual bra fittings are free, and take place over Zoom. I have now worked with two different Bravissimo bra fitters; one in a UK store and one in the NYC boutique and both put me immediately at ease, were so knowledgeable, and were able to figure out my bra size without a tape measure or touching me in person. I did remove my top so the fitter could see my current bra and how it fit, but I didn't feel uncomfortable or exposed (even one time the fitter took her top off too so we could be equal!).

A few tips for ensuring a great fitting and great performing sports bra:

• If you have the right size sports bra, it will fit snugger than your favorite everyday bra, but will not cause bulges or restrict breathing. Sports bras stretch out with use and when sweaty, so better snug than loose when purchasing.
• The cups of your sports bra should be smooth and contain the entire breast (no quad-boob cleavage or spillover into the armpits).
• If it's an underwire sports bra, the wires should lie flat against the body.
• Adjust the straps to where you can fit a max of one finger between them and your shoulder. Again, sports bras should have a snugger fit than a traditional bra to ensure the best performance.
• Before you take the tags off a new sports bra, do a bit of movement. Swing your arms around, do twists, and make sure the bra stays in place. A sports bra should be almost an extension of you, and stay in place no matter what movement you make.
• I also recommend jogging in place or doing jumping jacks to ensure you're getting the support you need for the level of impact in your activities.
• Match your support level to your activities. For low-impact, compression-style may be suitable. For medium-impact or high-impact, encapsulated cups and a bit of compression will do the trick.

Types of Sports Bras For Large Breasts

There are many types of sports bras on the market, and many that come in sizes for large busts, but don't support much more than the occasional tree pose or morning walk. For this post, I am focusing on the styles of sports bras that can handle medium- to high-impact activities. If you're interested in more options for lower impact activities (or just want to scan through more options) I have a post about the best bras for large busts that have a handful of good sports bra options in there as well.

Compression Sports Bras

A compression sports bra compresses the breasts against the torso to restrict movement. There aren't individual cups, and such bras usually have wide straps and a front closure to ensure a snug fit. You will find such compression sports bras to often have a zipper and/or Velcro front closure; the most popular compression sports bra for large busts is likely Shefit.

Compression sports bras are great for high-impact activities as well as for reducing the projection of the bust/minimizing size. They are also great for sports where you may be upside down or in positions where a traditional bra may cause you to spill out. However, some do not like compression bras because they're not known for separating the breasts. Some don't like this “uniboob” effect; also lack of separation can cause chafing or a rash between and under large breasts, especially when sweaty.

Encapsulation Sports Bras

Encapsulation sports bras support each breast individually. Encapsulation sports bras will feel more familiar as they will be similar in design to your everyday bra. That doesn't mean they lack support, on the contrary. An encapsulation sports bra will have more customization with adjustable straps, multiple hooks on the band to adjust size, and can be bought by bra size instead of apparel size.

Encapsulation sports bras are also great for high-impact activities; such bras have come a long way in the past couple of years. Encapsulation sports bras also define each individual breast which may be a silhouette you are desiring. However, some do not like encapsulation bras because they often look more like a traditional bra instead of an activewear top.

Combination Sports Bras

If you can't decide whether you desire compression or encapsulation, you don't need to choose. There are several combination sports bras on the market that both support each breast individually and compress the bust. One combination sports bra I tried was the Glamorise Custom Control. With interior cups, this bra has a separate front panel that can be adjusted to provide the compression you desire.

The Best Sports Bras For Bigger Cup Sizes: My 4 Favorite Styles

As someone who is over 40, has a large bust, and likes a range of activities, I have tried literally dozens of different sports bras made for bigger cup sizes. When I had my virtual sports bra fitting with Bravissimo, I didn't expect the fitter to suggest any style of bra I hadn't already tried. I was pleasantly surprised and some of them have become new favorites!

When it comes to a sports bra being a win for me, I want it to handle medium to high impact exercises like bootcamp classes, Peloton bike rides, Brazillian Jiu Juitsu, hikes, kayaks, and such. I desire a bra that gives me a nice shape, and I really like a pretty bra that can be worn on its own like sports bras for smaller-busted folks. I shared all this with my Bravissimo fitter and she was able to share not only which bras would be the best choice for me, but even which band size and cup size would be the best depending on the brand and style.

Some of these styles of sports bras I've worn for years, some I've only owned and loved for a short amount of time, but all perform really well for my frame and activity needs. For reference, I am 5'3″ tall and usually wear a size 14 in apparel and a 36 F in bras. My favorite supportive sports bras for large busts:

Panache Wired Sports Bra

The Panache Wired Sports Bra has been recommended to me by so many of you in the Wardrobe Oxygen community but I looked at the style and thought it too stiff and bulky. When my Bravissimo fitter also suggested it, AND I saw that they had a highlighter yellow one on sale, I was game. I really liked how this bra looks like activewear, and not lingerie. My fitter suggested my regular 36 F size.

Panache is an award-winning UK intimates brand that specializes in D plus lingerie. A family run business that started in 1982, Panache encompasses the intimates brands Panache, Cleo, Sculptress, Panache Swim, and Panache Sport and offers their sports bra in a wired and non-wired option.

The Panache Wired Sports Bra is available in band sizes 28-40 and cup sizes D-J. With gel-encased wires, cushioned straps, and a padded hook and eye closure in back, this bra is comfortable and supportive. I appreciate the molded individual cups for separating the breasts for shape and structure, and the hook on the back of the adjustable straps to be able to turn the bra into a racerback.

I have now worn this bra to Brazillian Jiu Juitsu, for Tabata rides on the Peloton, and a session on the elliptical and the weights at the local gym and find it comfortable, supportive, and stylish. The molded cups do make it a bit stiffer than many other sports bras, but I appreciate the lack of “headlights” and chafe resistance for activities that brush against my chest. The Panache Wired Sports Bra is a hit for me, as I know it is for many of you looking for sports bras for large busts!

Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Bra

I had no idea that a sports bra for large busts could be wire-free and still be supportive. I also didn't think a compression bra would give me any shape. When my Bravissimo fitter suggested the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Bra from Champion to me she laughed at my skeptical side eye. But my Bravissimo virtual fitter suggested I try it and reminded me that if she was wrong, Bravissimo had free returns. She wasn't wrong; this is a supportive, stylish, and comfortable compression sports bra for those of us who are well endowed!

My fitter suggested for this style, to go with a US 38G and I think that was a good call. The Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Bra is snug (it is a compression bra after all), but comfortable. And so lightweight and breathable! I have never before found a sports bra to accommodate my chest and be so lightweight. This style of bra from Shock Absorber is available at Bravissimo in band sizes 30-40 and cup sizes D-HH; Bravissimo has it in 3 colors and I of course was into the Pink/Yellow option.

I had sworn off compression bras for being too heavy and complicated; this bra made me a convert. I don't find this bra from Shock Absorber as high impact of support as Panache, but the breathability makes it a great choice for Peloton bike rides and cardio that gets me super sweaty, and water activities like kayaking and sculling. It dries super fast and feels like nothing even when wet. Again, I like how it looks like a piece of activewear and can be worn on its own.

The only issue with the Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports Bra is it's a beast to get into. The back has two hook and eye closures. I found the most success starting with the bra around my middle, closing the top hook and eye closure in front, then spinning the bra, putting it on, and then hooking the bottom closure. Once on, it was comfortable and I found it easy to get off. If you really need no bounce; this is also a bra you can wear over an encapsulation bra for extra support.

Freya Sonic Sports Bra

I cannot write a post about the best sports bras for large busts without sharing my favorite for about a decade: The Freya Sonic Sports Bra. Great shape, comfortable, good support, not too restrictive but enough jiggle prevention to do most any level of fitness activity. I wear a 36F in this bra and since I already own three of them, when my virtual bra fitter suggested it, I passed on getting another and focused on new to me styles.

The Freya Sonic Sports Bra is an encapsulation bra with underwires and padded individual cups for shape, support, and “headlight” reduction. I appreciate the padded straps which do not dig even for high impact activities.

The Freya Sonic Sports bra comes in band size 32-38 and cup size DD-H. With a hook in back to change the straps into racerback, this is my favorite bra to wear on the bike, but also under activewear tops because it gives great shape and disappears like a traditional bra.

Other Notable Sports Bras for Large Busts

Yogi Underwire Sports Bra

A common favorite among the Wardrobe Oxygen community is the Yogi Underwire Sports Bra, so of course I had to mention it. It comes in band sizes 32-40 and cup sizes B-I, with 9 versatile color options to choose from. With hidden unwire, encapsulated cups, compression, and foam lining, this sports bra is recommended more for mid-impact activities. With this sports bra, you can also convert the straps to a criss-cross style if you find that more your style.

It does have a 3 column, 3 row hook with an eye back closure so you can confidently work out without having to worry about any spilling or readjusting. Plus, this sport bra has moisture-wicking stretch microfiber—a bonus!

Simone Underwire Sports Bra

Wacoal has many best-sellers, and this full-coverage bra is one of them. It has a more divided look for those who aren't huge fans of the “uniboob” shape, but it doesn't suffocate your breasts and make you feel like you're wearing a sports bra that you can't wait to take off.

I for one appreciate the molded double-layer cups and cushion outside underwire for both a trusty hold and chafing prevention. The Simone Underwire Sports Bra comes in band sizes 32-42, cup sizes C-I, and about 5 colors (typically 6 but one color is currently sold out.) Even with the 3 column, row hook, and eye closure, this sports bra is comfortable enough that you may even forget you have it on.

LIVI High-Impact Wicking Underwire Sports Bra

A few years back, I posted a survey for the Wardrobe Oxygen Community to share the best plus size bras and underwear, which you can check out here. In this post, Lane Bryant ranked as a top contender for brands that have the best sports bras for large busts.

They have plenty of fun and unique styles on their site, but the high-impact wicking sports bra is among one of the favorites for sports bras for large busts. This bra comes in band sizes 36-48 and cup sizes D-H, with just 2 options (but there's nothing wrong with a solid black sports bra!). People love this bra for the adjustable elastic straps, molded cups, underwire support, curved bottom-band, and power mesh. The fabric is also moisture-wicking and quick-drying, convenient if you hit the gym before you have other plans. Have you tried this bra? I'd love to know your thoughts.

I cannot stress enough the importance of getting fitted before starting your journey to find the best sports bras for large busts. You should be fitted every year, as breasts change size and density due to weight fluctuation, activity changes, health, gravity, and time on this planet. It is not unusual to find you need a different size for your sports bras instead of your regular bras. A great fitting sports bra will make your activities all the more enjoyable, and I hope this list proves you don't have to sacrifice shape or style for the support your deserve.

If you have a favorite sports bra for large busts not mentioned here and you think it's a great option for us grown-ass women, do share it in the comments!