Fitness Gear Apparel The 8 Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts of 2022 The Wacoal High Impact Sports Bra is the best match for comfort and support By Emily Stone Emily Stone LinkedIn Emily Stone is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. She writes about fitness and health products across all of the Verywell brands. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 16, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and nutrition and exercise healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, PT, DPT LinkedIn Erin Pereira, PT, DPT, is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy. 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Those blessed with large breasts know the struggle of finding a sports bra that fits properly. “If you feel more comfortable, you’ll work out longer,” says Jenette Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Jenette Bras, so finding the right bra is important. Reviewed & Approved The Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra goes up to size 42H, has versatile strap configurations, and a combination of style and support to make it our top pick. The Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra is a good choice if your workouts are low-impact. When you know which features to look for, shopping for a sports bra in larger cup sizes doesn't have to be frustrating. From encapsulated cups that individually support, lift, and separate the breasts to substantial underbands to cushioned and adjustable straps to breathable fabric, there are bras on the market that will meet your needs successfully. When reviewing sports bras for large breasts, we evaluated each pick for the style and padding of the cups, the style and configuration of the straps, and the fabric. Here are the best sports bras for large breasts on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Yoga: Lululemon Free To Be Elevated Bra at Lululemon Jump to Review Best Low Impact: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra at Girlfriend.com Jump to Review Best High Impact: Panache Underwired Sports Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Larger Than D Cup: Elomi Energise Full Figure Sports Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best Plus Size: Nike Bold High-Support Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best Design: Natori Gravity Sports Bra at Amazon Jump to Review Best Front Closure: Adidas Women's Ultimate Sports Bra at Dick's Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Why Trust Us Best Overall: Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra 4.8 Courtesy of Zappos View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Pros Comfortable enough for casual wear as well Provides both definition and support Can style the straps several ways Cons Underwire can come up and away from the body Lacks cup padding Who else recommends it? Good Housekeeping and Byrdie both picked the Wacoal High-Impact Underwire Sports Bra. What do buyers say? 79% of 150+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. Designed specifically for larger breasts, the Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra, thanks to its solid support and comfort, is our best overall pick. It features a flattering scoop neck front with close-set, wide straps that won't slip or dig into your skin. The adjustable straps can be converted to a criss-cross style for even more support. For an easy and custom fit, the bra fastens using a hook-and-eye back closure. This high-impact sports bra is designed with a seamless underwire frame, which stabilizes the chest for a bounce-free, lifted fit. Meanwhile, molded, two-ply seamless cups deliver a smooth and rounded shape. Made with moisture-wicking fabric and mesh sides, this bra keeps breasts cool and comfy. Price at time of publication: $72 Fabric: Lycra and nylon | Cups: Underwire frame with lined, unpadded cups | Straps: Wide, adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 42H Best for Yoga: Lululemon Free To Be Elevated Bra Courtesy of Lululemon View On Lululemon Pros Buttery soft fabric Smooth and comfortable fit Equally flattering and supportive Cons Limited to low-impact activities Limited size range Lululemon’s Free To Be Elevated Bra is adorable and strappy yet manages to provide plenty of coverage and support. At first glance, the bra looks like a classic racerback bra, but turn it around and find an artfully designed strappy yet supportive back that you’ll want to show off at the studio or during your next virtual yoga class. The bra is designed for yoga, delivering light support for DD/E cups. For those who prefer a pad-free fit, there’s a pocket for removable pads. Meanwhile, Lululemon’s sweat-wicking, four-way stretch Luxtreme fabric fits like a second skin. It moves and stretches with the body and, with the help of Lycra fiber, retains its shape over time. It’s also buttery soft and cool to the touch, delivering a smooth, flattering fit. Price at time of publication: $52 Fabric: Sweat-wicking, four-way stretch Luxtreme fabric | Cups: Pockets for optional, removable cups | Straps: Wide design in front, strappy yet supportive design in back | Sizing: Up to 40E Best Low Impact: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra Courtesy of Girlfriend Collective View On Girlfriend.com View On Nordstrom Pros Comfortable Supportive and not constraining Hides appearance of sweat Cons Less structure than other options No cups or padding Striking the balance between a bra and a crop top, the Paloma Sports Bra delivers a full-coverage flattering fit with a classic scoop neckline. This versatile racerback style features a built-in support band for a snug, held-in sensation. The low-to-medium impact bra supports daily activities, as well as lower impact fitness, like pilates, yoga, and walking. The soft, breathable fabric is super sweat-wicking for a comfortable workout. Girlfriend Collective’s sustainable fabric is made from 79 percent recycled plastic bottles and 21 percent spandex. Price at time of publication: $46 Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles and Spandex | Cups: Built-in support underband; no cups | Straps: Wide racerback design | Sizing: Up to band size 60 The 10 Best Sports Bras For Yoga of 2022 Best High Impact: Panache Women's Underwired Sports Bra View On Amazon View On Barenecessities.com Pros Smooth and shapely look and feel Effectively reduces bounce Breathable mesh keeps skin cool Cons Underwire tends to pop out Lacks side coverage The Panache Women's Underwire Sports Bra is designed to fit like a classic bra, delivering a lifted, bounce-free bust. Unlike other sports bras, which strap down and compress the chest into an unflattering "uni-boob" shape, the Panache sports bra features molded, seamless inner cups that encapsulate each breast, delivering a smooth, shapely, and bounce-free look and feel. Wide, cushioned shoulder straps provide a comfortable, dig-free fit. Complete with a hook-and-eye back closure and adjustable convertible straps, this bra can be customized to your personal fit and style. It’s made of 48 percent polyamide, 38 percent polyester, and 14 percent elastane, and it comes in a wide range of prints and colors. Price at time of publication: $70 Fabric: Polyamide, polyester, and elastane | Cups: Wired underband with molded, seamless inner cups | Straps: Wide, cushioned, adjustable, and convertible design | Sizing: Up to 40M The Best High Impact Sports Bras of 2022 for Any Workout Best for Larger Than D Cup: Elomi Energise Full Figure Sports Bra View On Amazon View On Nordstrom Pros Side and back support prevents spillover Convertible style Underwire design minimizes discomfort Cons Hooks in the clasp lack durability Cup fabric loses elasticity over time The Elomi Energise Underwire Sports Bra delivers a non-compressive, unlined, and unpadded fit for high-impact activities. The molded, underwire cups individually lift and separate each breast, offering optimal shape and support. Meanwhile, vertical and horizontal seams add visual interest and help define one’s shape. This sports bra boasts a seamless side and back support panel to keep things smooth and tight while avoiding any spillover. Made with moisture-wicking nylon and elastane, the Elomi Energise bra also keeps skin dry and comfortable. The underwire does not extend to the center of the bra, so there’s no painful poking. And it features adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye back closure with an additional J-hook fastener that allows the bra to convert into a racerback style when desired. Price at time of publication: $67 Fabric: Nylon and elastane | Cups: Molded underwire cups with unlined, unpadded fit | Straps: Adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 46O The 12 Best Sports Bras for Small Chests of 2022 Best Plus Size: Nike Bold High-Support Underwire Sports Bra Courtesy of Nike View On Amazon View On Dick's Pros Plenty of support Very comfortable Great for high-intensity workouts Cons Adjustable straps aren't short enough for petite women Has a slight "breaking in" period The Nike Bold Sports Bra delivers premium support for the most intense workouts. Featuring molded cups with a sturdy underwire and thick adjustable straps, this bra keeps the girls upright and locked in place. It’s made from a super-soft material with a stretchy elastic bottom band for all-day comfort. Featuring Nike’s signature Dri-FIT technology, the bra keeps you feeling cool and comfortable. This classically shaped bra features a scooped open back, which fastens with a thick-banded, supportive hook-and-eye back closure. It’s made from soft polyester and spandex material. Price at time of publication: $75 Fabric: Polyester and Spandex | Cups: Molded cups with a sturdy underwire | Straps: Thick and adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 44G Best Design: Natori Gravity Sports Bra Nordstrom View On Amazon View On Nordstrom Pros Cute enough for casual wear Solid support Perfectly shaped Cons Heavily padded Not ideal for running The Natori Gravity Sports Bra delivers the comfort and simplicity of a T-shirt bra with the high-impact support of a heavy-duty sports bra. This fashion-forward pick features a two-in-one layered design resembling the look and feel of a cami worn over an everyday bra. The front of the bra features dual straps that come together at the top of the shoulder to form a sleek and fully adjustable single back strap. Constructed with a hidden underwire, the bra delivers maximum motion reduction and support. The contoured light foam cups deliver a smooth, sleek appearance with a molded CoolMax outer cover for added shape and style. The stretchy elastic bottom band and side mesh paneling keep the body cool during sweaty workouts. This bra is ideal for both every day and medium-impact activities like Zumba, spinning, and hiking. Price at time of publication: $72 Fabric: Polyester, Spandex, and nylon | Cups: Hidden underwire with contoured light foam cups | Straps: Dual front straps and single, fully adjustable back straps | Sizing: Up to 38G The Best Sports Bras For Every Kind of Workout Best Front Closure: Adidas Women's Ultimate Sports Bra Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's View On Academy.com View On Adidas.com Pros Easy to put on and take off Breathable, sweat-wicking fabric Comfortable enough for all-day wear Cons Limited size range Runs slightly small The Adidas Ultimate Sports Bra delivers maximum support and comfort for all your training needs. This high-impact bra features a super-soft underband with generously padded, adjustable X-back straps. Plus, the zip-front design makes the dreaded chore of taking off a sweaty sports bra a breeze. This wireless design features plenty of lift without pain from poking underwires. It comes complete with lightly padded, molded cups for comfortable all-day wear. The bra is constructed using Adidas' sweat-wicking Aeroready technology with a breathable power mesh overlay. It's made of 79 percent polyester and 21 percent elastane interlock. Price at publication: $65 Fabric: Polyester and elastane | Cups: Super-soft underband with lightly padded, molded cups | Straps: Generously padded, adjustable X-back design | Sizing: Up to 48E How We Selected the Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts To select the best sports bras for large breasts, we researched, read reviews, and analyzed specs for dozens of sports bras from the most trusted apparel brands, including Lululemon, Nike, Girlfriend Collective, and more. We also consulted experts, including a founder and CEO of an apparel brand and a stylist at an apparel brand, for their expert input on what to look for in a quality sports bra for large breasts. When selecting our top picks, we prioritized options that encapsulate each breast rather than compressing them to the chest wall for a more flattering and secure fit. We also looked for options with sturdy, supportive underwire and made of breathable materials. Bailey Mariner / Verywell What to Look for in a Sports Bra for Large Breasts Cup Style For D cups and above, look for styles with molded, encapsulated, contoured, or underwire cups for the highest degree of support. Similar to a classic bra, some sports bras use flexible underwires to help lift and shape the breasts. An underwire bra will support each breast individually and help limit movement. Closure Sports bras can come with multiple closure styles, including pull-on, front-closure, and back hook closure. “Anything you pull on over your head is going to give you compression only and is not going to do the job for full-bust gals,” says Goldstein. She says that while the pull-on bras might be comfortable, front-closure and back-closure sports bras will provide maximum hold and stress distribution. Padding Most sports bras provide support through compression, but if you have larger breasts, Goldstein says you need full encasement of each breast to control movement from all angles. Bras that include built-in padding or removable cups not only offer a smooth and rounded shape—helping to avoid a “uni-boob”—they also provide additional modesty. Straps For larger breasts, it's best to avoid bras with slim, fixed straps. Goldstein recommends finding ergonomic straps that offer a high level of support—typically thicker straps that you can adjust to fit your build and comfort level and evenly distribute your weight. Straps with cushioning also help prevent chafing. Fabric If you’re wearing a sports bra during a workout, it will get sweaty. And if you don’t choose one with a moderate level of breathability, the material can trap moisture which can lead to skin irritation. Sports bras made with sweat-wicking fabric will pull moisture away from the skin while keeping you comfortable. Goldstein recommends looking into performance textiles—fabrics that provide functions such as odor resistance, moisture repellency, and more. Mesh, polyester, and nylon are also good options because they provide ultimate breathability and airflow. Frequently Asked Questions How are sports bras supposed to fit? Most of the support for sports bras comes from the band, so a snug band that anchors to the body and doesn’t ride up is the key to support, according to Laura Burke, Intimate Apparel Stylist at Fit X Burke. “If you reach around your back and can pull out the band more than an inch, then you need a firmer band,” says Burke. “Also, make sure all the breast tissue is in the cup, and you are not relying on super tightened straps for lift.”Look for sports bras in your bra size (not small, medium, or large) for a more custom fit. Can sports bras flatten your breasts? A tight-fitting sports bra may flatten, or compress, your breasts temporarily, but that also helps to keep them out of the way and restrict movement. However, some sports bras are not designed to flatten but are shaped more like regular bras and actually encase and support each individual breast. “The secret to a good sports bra is compression and encapsulation,” says Burke.“Encapsulated cups offer support and separation, one boob per cup, and will help each breast stay where it’s supposed to be.” What's the best way to wash a sports bra? If you want to extend the life of your sports bras, handwashing them is the most gentle option. Of course, you may not always have the time or inclination to do that, and machine washing them will give them a thorough cleaning.To wash them in a machine, first, place your sports bras in a mesh lingerie bag to avoid having them get tangled with your other clothes and to keep removable pads close by if they get loose. For best results, use a cold water setting and wash with a sports-specific laundry detergent that is designed to remove sweat and lingering odors from athletic wear.Although many sports bras can be thrown in the dryer on a low setting, letting them hang dry will make them last longer. How much does a quality sports bra for large breasts cost? A quality sports bra for large breasts will cost anywhere between $46-$75. While cheaper options do exist, they likely won't last as long, and they may be made with materials that offer less support than pricier options. Higher-priced options also exist, but it may not be worth paying the higher price unless you're splurging for a specific style or brand name. The cheapest sports bra on our list is $46, while our top recommendation, the Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra, was $72 when we published this list. Why Trust Verywell Fit Emily Stone is a sports bra fanatic. She especially loves Lululemon’s Free To Be Elevated Bra. It provides support and coverage, and it’s trendy and looks great with workout tanks. She also loves the fit and feel of Lululemon’s super soft and sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric. It fits like a second skin, eliminating any unwanted gapping, and lays smoothly on the body. 2 Sources Verywell Fit 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. The Best Sports Bras of 2022, According to Our Testing. Good Housekeeping. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/clothing/bra-reviews/g27395588/best-sports-bras-for-support/ The 15 Best Sports Bras for Every Type of Workout. Byrdie. https://www.byrdie.com/best-sports-bras-5181481 Additional Reading Wood K, Cameron M, Fitzgerald K. Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: a correlational study. Chiropr Osteopat. 2008;16(1):1. 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