Walking Gear and Clothing The 10 Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts of 2021 Find your best support system By 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 Emily Stone Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on December 30, 2020 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall Updated on April 08, 2021 Print Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell / Getty Images Our Top Picks Best for Yoga: Lululemon Free To Be Elevated Bra at Lululemon Designed for yoga lovers, it features a pocket for removable pads so you can customize the fit how you'd like. Best Overall: Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra at Zappos Feel secure in all the right places with this pick that features a seamless underwire frame for a bounce-free fit. Best Low Impact: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra at Girlfriend.com This full-coverage option is made from sustainable materials, is ideal for low-impact activities, and doubles as a crop top. Best Budget: SYROKAN Women's High Impact Sports Bra at Amazon This full-coverage, racerback-style bra features front-adjustable straps for a fully customizable and truly comfortable fit. Best for Running: Brooks Jubralee Bra at Fleetfeet.com Crafted to meet the intense, physical demands of running, its adjustable straps deliver a chafe-free fit. Best High Impact: Panache Underwired Sports Bra at Amazon This stabilizing bra features dig-free straps and molded cups that individually shape and support each breast. Best for Larger Than D Cup: Elomi Energise Full Figure Sports Bra at Nordstrom Unpadded, underwire cups individually lift and separate to provide the highest degree of shape and support. Best Plus Size: Nike Bold High-Support Underwire Sports Bra at Nike.com This Nike classic delivers best-in-class lift and support with a sporty, fashion-forward design. Best Design: Natori Gravity Sports Bra at Amazon It looks like a fashionable layering piece, but it performs like a high-impact sports bra—the best of both worlds. Best Front Closure: Adidas Women's Ultimate Sports Bra at Amazon This high-impact, wireless bra features a front zip closure, taking the hassle out of peeling off sweaty layers post-workout. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for FAQs Why Trust Us Those blessed with large breasts know the struggle of finding a sports bra that fits properly. And you're not alone—80 percent of women walk around wearing the wrong size bra. But when you know which features to look for, shopping for a sports bra in larger cup sizes doesn't have to be entirely aggravating. From encapsulated cups that individually support, lift, and separate the breasts to substantial underbands to cushioned and adjustable straps, there are bras out there that will meet your needs successfully. Here are the best sports bras for large breasts on the market. Best for Yoga: Lululemon Free To Be Elevated Bra Buy 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 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. 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 The 6 Best Sports Bras For Yoga Best Overall: Wacoal High Impact Underwire Sports Bra Buy On Zappos Buy On Wacoal-america.com 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 Feel secure in all the right places with this sports bra specifically designed for larger breasts. It features a flattering scoop neck front with close-set, wide straps that won't slip or dig into your skin. To change up the look, the adjustable straps can also be converted into a criss-cross style. 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 the girls cool and comfy. Fabric: Lycra and nylon | Cups: Underwire frame with lined, unpadded cups | Straps: Wide, adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 42H Best Low Impact: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra Buy On Girlfriend.com Buy 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. Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles and Spandex | Cups: Built-in support underband; no cups | Straps: Wide racerback design | Sizing: Up to band size 60 Best Budget: SYROKAN Women's High Impact Sports Bra Buy On Amazon Pros Great for jogging Excellent lateral support Soft yet supportive fabric Cons Runs small Not as stylish as other options This SYROKAN sports bra is a high-quality, budget-friendly pick for fuller busts. Unlike most bras, the design allows you to adjust the straps independently and discreetly without taking off the bra. The bonded, front-adjustable straps help you find a truly customized fit and feature a hidden hook-and-loop closure, which is a total game-changer. The sports bra is designed for shock absorption and motion reduction with a full-coverage fit and a wide underband construction. What's more, the bra’s molded, padded cups maintain their shape even after strenuous workouts. Sporting a racerback design with mesh inserts, this bra keeps you dry and cool while you exercise. Fabric: Polyamide, Spandex, and polyester | Cups: Wide underband with molded, padded, full-coverage cups | Straps: Bonded front-adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 44F Best for Running: Brooks Jubralee Bra Buy On Fleetfeet.com Pros Provides plenty of support without underwire Keeps you dry and comfortable Minimizes side-to-side movement Cons Runs small Compression creates "uniboob" look The Brooks Jubralee is specially crafted to meet the intense, physical demands of running. This fully-adjustable encapsulation bra delivers a highly compressive and supportive fit that's tailored to larger bust sizes. Seamless, contoured cups support each breast with an additional inner sling, which helps to separate, shape, and lift. What's more, it's made from a soft, moisture-wicking blend of polyester and spandex for superior comfort on long, sweaty runs. This flattering cut features a scoop neckline with an open back. The bra’s signature feature is its bonded front-adjustable straps, which deliver a chafe-free fit and offer full customization. Additionally, hidden side and underbust support help to minimize bounce and side-to-side movement. Fabric: Spandex and polyester | Cups: Hidden underbust support and seamless, contoured cups with additional inner sling | Straps: Bonded front-adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 44F The 10 Best Sports Bras for Runners of 2021 Best High Impact: Panache Women's Underwired Sports Bra Buy On Amazon Buy On Barenecessities.com Buy On Nordstrom 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 "uniboob" 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. 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 14 Best High-Impact Sports Bras of 2021 Best for Larger Than D Cup: Elomi Energise Full Figure Sports Bra Buy On Nordstrom Pros Side and back support prevents spillover Convertible style Underwire design minimizes discomfort Cons The 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. Fabric: Nylon and elastane | Cups: Molded underwire cups with unlined, unpadded fit | Straps: Adjustable design | Sizing: Up to 46O The 9 Best Sports Bras for Small Chests of 2021 Best Plus Size: Nike Bold High-Support Underwire Sports Bra Buy On Nike.com 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. 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 Buy On Amazon Buy 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 everyday and medium-impact activities like Zumba, spinning, and hiking. 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 11 Best Sports Bras of 2021 Best Front Closure: Adidas Women's Ultimate Sports Bra Buy On Amazon Buy On Dick's 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 stubborn 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. Fabric: Polyester and elastane | Cups: Super-soft underband with lightly padded, molded cups | Straps: Generously padded, adjustable X-back design | Sizing: Up to 48E Final Verdict Panache’s Women’s Underwire Sports Bra (view at Amazon) features built-in molded cups that significantly reduce bounce and movement while you work out. It fits like a classic bra and delivers a smooth, lifted shape. For those searching for a classically cut, open-back style, the Nike Bold Sports Bra (view at Nike) features a clean, crisp, and flattering design. Constructed with a sturdy underwire and thick, adjustable straps, this bra offers premium support and bounce protection. 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 Jenette Goldstein, Founder, and CEO of Jenette Bras. 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 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, 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. “If you feel more comfortable you’ll work out longer,” says Goldstein. She 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. FAQs 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 Fitbyburke.com. “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 sorts-specific laundry detergent which 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. 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Looking to start walking off the weight? Our free guide offers tips, workouts, and a printable schedule to help you get on the right track. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article 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. 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. doi:10.1186/1746-1340-16-1 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.