As most runners know, the benefits and comfort of a well-fitting sports bra are as extreme as the discomfort of a poor-fitting one. The right sports bra provides support, structure, and you can almost forget you’re wearing it. The wrong one can cause chafing, bouncing, and back pain. Large-breasted runners have even more to think about thanks to potential neck / back strain and increasing bouncing.
When you’re shopping for a sports bra—especially with larger cup sizes—the goal is to find a supportive model that moves with you, but minimally enough that it doesn’t rub or create friction. Finally, you want to make sure it doesn’t feel suffocating through the band or have any pinch points.
Dr. Owen Legaspi is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist based in New Jersey, and we checked in about the specificities of shopping for a sports bra for larger cup sizes. When it comes to the importance of a supportive bra, Legaspi says: “Large-breasted women are predisposed to having rounded shoulders and an increase in kyphosis, a forward-leaning posture.”
He explains that this affects the lumbar curvature, which can be a cause of low back pain, especially for runners.
This makes a supportive, well-fitted sports bra even more important. Overall, we recommend looking for a sports bra with comfortable, durable fabric, wide straps to avoid digging into skin, a cross-back design for added support, molded cups, and wicking properties.
Best Running Bras for Large Breasts
- Best All-Around: Brooks Dare Crossback 2.0 Bra
- Most Effective Compression-Style Sports Bra: Under Armour Infinity High-Impact Sports Bra
- Most Adjustable: Adidas TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra
- Most Versatile: Brooks Drive Convertible Run Bra
- Best For Super Sweaty Runs: lululemon Run Times Bra (High Support)
The Expert: I am an avid trail runner, cyclist, climber, and hiker with a decade of outdoor-industry writing and field testing experience. I wear a 36D bra, and I’ve had to figure out (through trial and error) the best bra for activities with varying degrees of impact. I wear a different sports bra for most activities and understand the difference in support needed for cycling versus running versus multi-day trips. I also wear sports bras daily, as I find them more comfortable than regular bras. The sports bras I’ve tested and chosen have a range of support and styles for different activity levels and body types.
Lifestyle and fitness writer Stacey Freeman contributed to research and sourcing for this article.
What to Consider When Shopping for Sports Bras for Large Breasts
Sizing
There’s no universal sizing for sports bras, so check the manufacturer sizing charts and measure yourself to start your search, but know that it’s not an exact science, and the bra that feels right is the best option regardless of what the tag says. If you’re ordering online, it doesn’t hurt to order a few sizes and keep the one that fits best. Otherwise, we always recommend trying some on in the store.
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Balance Support and Comfort
Sports bras made for larger-chested people tend to be high-impact, which can feel uncomfortably constrictive. The best sports bras for larger breasts will balance wide shoulder straps, chest band, and molded cups to provide support without pinch points.
Closures and Adjustments
Yanking a sports bra over your head can be difficult after sweating, and most larger-sized sports bra models offer a front zipper or a hook-and-eye clasp in the back. The hook-and-eye makes the bra easier to take on and off and also allows for a customized fit. Both of these features help prevent the sports bra from getting stretched out during dressing and undressing as well. That said, we’re big fans of simplicity, and have several over-head models tested and featured.
Ventilation
Even though we love sports bras for daily wear, they also serve a key purpose for workouts, which means breathability and ventilation is critical. Look for a wicking, odor-resistant fabric, sweat-resistant bands, and ventilation in the form of mesh cutouts or strategically placed ventilation areas.
Compression Vs. Encapsulation
Compression and encapsulation are the two ways to keep breasts from moving around during a workout. Compression bras function as a band that flattens the breasts to keep them immobile. The challenge is finding a bra with a band that isn’t too tight. Encapsulation creates stability by keeping the breasts separate and stable in individual cups.
Compression bras are the more common of the two designs and work well for women with smaller breast sizes. As cup size increases, compression bras can create a uni-boob or result in less support as the breasts sag over the band.
Some sports bras come with underwire cups, others with molded cups. It’s personal preference, but molded-cup bras have become more supportive in recent years, and can feel more comfortable with less material and a welded design that offers support without increased tightness.
Fit
A sports bra should be form-fitting, but not too tight. Fit your sports bra by moving your breasts so they are sitting squarely in the cups and aren’t pushing out the sides. There shouldn't be too much excess space where the top of the cup meets your chest. Next, adjust the straps to leave enough room for one finger to fit under the strap. If bra straps hug the shoulders too tightly they can cause maceration, a breakdown of the skin caused by sweat and other moisture.
The underband should sit level at the front and back without riding up and shouldn’t feel constricting around the chest—an easy way to gauge this is if it leaves an indentation after your workout.
How We Selected
Testing on the road, trail, and during daily wear was the name of the game for choosing these sports bras. Secondhand anecdotes and reviews don’t cut it when it comes to apparel that can make or break your posture / comfort / compression levels, and all of these bras have been vetted during hikes, runs, long bike rides, backpacking trips, and general daily wear.
To choose these, we looked for a variety of both encapsulation and compression styles, as well as different closures and support levels. Just because they’re for larger chests, it doesn’t mean they have to be completely compressive, and sometimes a bit of support is all we need. We aimed for enough of a variety that people will have something to choose from regardless of activity level.
Pros
Highly odor-resistant- Wide, molded bands for comfort
Cons
- No adjustability, so fit has to be accurate
Created specifically for runners, the Brooks Dare Crossback Bra is an encapsulation-style bra built with a seamless design and feather-weight compression band below the bustline. It’s made with a sweat-wicking DriLayer HorsePower fabric and strategically-placed perforation for ventilation.
It’s one of the most comfortable bras I’ve ever worn.
Brooks is now on its updated model of this excellent bra, and while it has the same style and support, the brand reduced the strap sizes across the back and made the band sleeker around the bottom of the cups. It’s still a good amount of material, but it’s so light and wicking that the style matters less than how comfortable it feels.
I wore this bra every day for 23 days during my 486-mile Colorado Trail thru-hike, and it never lost its shape or felt constricting. And it barely smelled bad at all, I swear.
Key Specs
| Closure | Pullover |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 30A/B-40DD/E |
| Material | 63% nylon, 37% spandex |
2
Most Effective Compression-Style Sports Bra
Under Armour Infinity High-Impact Sports Bra
Pros
- Available in four colors
- Highly wicking
- Good all-around coverage, including top and sides
Cons
- Can be tough to get on and off
- Can feel too compressive for long periods of time
This is one of the most supportive, high-impact sports bras from Under Armour. It might look like a lot of material, but if you’re looking for a high level of compression and customization, this is a great option.
It has customized fit options thanks to the adjustable cross-back straps and three hook-and-eye closures in the back. Molded one-piece padding provides additional support, and mesh panels offer breathability. The main body of this bra is made with UA’s HeatGear technology to keep you cool and dry during sweaty sessions.
Since this bra uses compression for its support, it does feel tight and can be a bit much for all-day wear.
Key Specs
| Closure | Hook-and-eye |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-3X |
| Material | 100% polyester |
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3
Most Adjustable
Adidas TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra
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Pros
- Highly adjustable
Cons
- Can be difficult to put on
This high-support sports bra is made to withstand even the hardest-hitting workouts, from track intervals to a HIIT class. Made of recycled polyester and elastane, it has a scoop neck and four hook-and-eye closures in the back for a high level of security and adjustability.
The adjustable shoulder straps can be converted to a racerback style for added support, and Adidas’s Aeroready technology keeps you cool and dry. This bra comes in standard sizing with conversions for cup sizing, so you can size correctly for anything from A cups to DD-F cups.
Key Specs
| Closure | Hook-and-eye |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-XXL |
| Material | 79% polyester, 21% elastane |
4
Most Versatile
Brooks Drive Convertible Run Bra
Pros
- Converts to a cross-back style for versatility
- Odor-resistant
- Less material across the back without losing support
Cons
- Minimal shaping
- Runs small
This high-impact compression bra comes with adjustable straps in the back that can convert to a cross-back style for added support and more freedom of movement, and it has three hook-and-eye closures for a secure fit. With support provided by its shock-absorbing technology, this lightweight, durable sports bra offers full coverage and minimal contouring without the use of built-in cups.
I’ve found this bra to be less flattering under clothes than other sports bras, but it still provides plenty of support for moderate levels of activity and the material around the back is more minimal than other Brooks models.
Key Specs
| Closure | Hook-and-eye |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 32B-40F |
| Material | 72% polyester, 28% spandex |
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Pros
- Wide size range
- Highly breathable and wicking
Cons
- High percentage of elastane can feel stiff
This bra is one of the most breathable, sweat-wicking options I’ve tried, keeping me impossibly cool and dry even on the hottest, sweatiest runs. It has moderate compression, with molded cups for a style that provides lift and support without adding too much material.
The cutouts and ventilation options prevent the dreaded between-boob sweat, and the padded, adjustable straps are comfortable for extended wear. It has a higher percentage of elastane than others I’ve tried, so it keeps its shape well but can feel stiff and isn’t my top choice for general all-day wear.
Key Specs
| Closure | Hook-and-eye |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 32B-42G |
| Material | 59% nylon, 41% elastane |
Pros
- Effective combination of stretch and support
- Minimal cross-straps still provide plenty of structure
- Smooth, wicking fabric
Cons
- Limited range in larger sizes
This is a simple, supportive bra that still looks chic despite having excellent support. Janji is a running-first company, so the size range is more limited than other sports bras. This means that those with cup sizes on the highest end of the scale might not find a good fit, but for mid-to-large cup sizes, this is a supportive compression style bra that holds everything in place during high-impact activity.
Since the brand is so running focused, the moisture management and material smoothness is top notch, and I’ve never had any chafing or rubbing even during long days outside. It has stylish woven cross straps that provide more support than they look like they would, and the 32% spandex feels like the perfect amount of support, stretch, and compression. Plus, Janji donates 2% of its proceeds to nonprofit clean-water organizations.
Key Specs
| Closure | Pullover |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-XXL |
| Material | 68% nylon, 32% spandex |
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Pros
- Light and airy material
- Blended cup and band sizing
Cons
- Top-to-bottom coverage can feel lacking
This is a small company making some of the lightest, most breathable sports bras out there. The Cirra High Impact is the brand’s wider-coverage, more supportive style, and it combines its custom material blend with sizing and fit for larger breasts.
The ultralight material is supplemented with a unique diamond-shaped pattern to provide more support to the material while helping prevent stretching, and it’s extremely wicking during high activity.
LumeSix also has a range of sizing options that includes extended sizes in the chest and band, giving you the option to create your perfect combo of band and cup. This is great for different shaped bodies, but I have found the vertical coverage to be a bit lacking, even in the larger sizes.
Key Specs
| Closure | Pullover |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XS-3XL (included combined band / cup sizing) |
| Material | 80% polyester, 20% elastane |
Pros
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Sleek design without excess padding
- Effective side support as well as frontal
Cons
- Limited size range
I’m happy to pull on a budget sports bra for daily wear, but for running, I’m a little pickier, and this bra has served me well for hikes, bike rides, and moderate runs. Champion is one of those brands that manages to design and manufacture affordable athletic gear that still functions at a high level, and this sports bra is a prime example.
It’s simple, functional, comfortable, and gets the job done. It has mesh inserts in the back in high-sweat areas that allow increased breathability, and the compression style is supportive without being suffocating thanks to the fully polyester build. This makes it somewhat bouncier during high levels of activity, but keeps it comfortable for lower-impact sports.
The simple racerback pullover style is a little longer (you can wear it as a crop top!) and it holds its shape well even after a lot of wear and washes. This is technically a “plus size” bra but I’d love to see a wider size range to fit more body types.
Key Specs
| Closure | Pullover |
|---|---|
| Sizes | XL-3XL |
| Material | 100% polyester |
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Q&A With Runner, Biker, and Hiker Maggie Slepian
What do people with large breasts need to look for that other sports-bra wearers might not?
Large-breasted athletes and runners need to consider extra support to minimize bounce and pain associated with extra movement during exercise. But this comes with the challenge of finding a supportive sports bra that doesn’t rely on suffocating compression.
My go-to is the Brooks Dare Crossback bra, which has wide, welded straps that don’t deteriorate, stretch, or pinch. I look for encapsulation models that hold each breast separately without crushing them. People with larger cup sizes than me also might want adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure for a more custom fit.
How should I care for my sports bras, and how long should they last?
Hand washing your sports bra after every wear using a gentle soap or laundry detergent designed for delicates can help prolong its life. If you don’t have time for this, many antimicrobial fabrics allow for more than one wear between washes.
Fabric softeners can damage certain fabrics, especially lycra / Spandex, so avoid using those in your wash cycle. Lastly, let your sports bra air dry rather than running it through the dryer unless care instructions specify otherwise.
If you’re wearing your sports bra a few times a week, count on replacing it every six to 12 months. Once they lose their stretch and shape, they won’t be beneficial for high-impact workouts, and can become uncomfortable. Look for signs of deterioration, including the bra not regaining its shape after washing, the fabric showing signs of wear, or the band itself stretching out.
How many sports bras should I have in my rotation?
I have a lot of sports bras in my rotation. Most of my use is medium-impact, so I have several that work for medium-impact workouts, a few lighter styles for regular wear and yoga classes, and several high-impact sports bras that I wear for running.
If this seems excessive, I recommend having at least three, one low-impact, one medium-impact, and one high-impact. That way you can keep the rotation fresh and use each sports bra for its intended use and type of workout.
Maggie Slepian
Maggie Slepian is a full-time freelance writer in the outdoor industry and has tested gear professionally for almost ten years—she is an avid backpacker, trail runner, bikepacker, and horseback rider and has thru-hiked thousands of miles on the Appalachian, Colorado, and Ouachita trails, along with backcountry travel on terrain including coastal trails, the desert, and high alpine peaks. Maggie has written for New York Magazine, Huffington Post, REI, and Outside. She is a columnist with Backpacker Magazine and is the co-founder of BackpackingRoutes.com. Contact her at MaggieSlepian.com.
