Whether you’re into jogging, yoga or weight lifting, a supportive sports bra is essential—especially if you have a larger chest. Not having the right bra can place greater demands on your spine, leading to discomfort and back pain later on. Made of stretchy, sweat-wicking fabrics, the best sports bras for large breasts put an emphasis on comfort and coverage. Our top pick overall is the Athleta Ultimate Bra, which offers medium-impact support for running, HIIT workouts and more.
To narrow down our top picks, we asked Forbes Vetted staffers with larger busts—as well as our in-house style expert, deputy editor Kari Molvar—for their go-to sports bra styles and brands. (If you want even more options, check out our Best Sports Bras list, which features styles tested by a panel of women with bra sizes up to 42DDD.) Below, find the best sports bras for large breasts that hold you in without holding you back.
Style: Compression | Size range: XS to 3X | Materials: Nylon and spandex | Closure: Pull-on, Hook and eye (sizes 1X to 3X) | Colors: 7 total, including White and Grey Heather
Made of Athleta’s ultra-stretchy SuperSonic fabric, this compressive sports bra offers medium support and coverage. Its streamlined racerback design is elevated with a strategically placed cutout that increases airflow. We named this our best overall pick because of its versatility—you can wear it on a run, during a HIIT workout or while training at the gym. Sizes XS to XL feature a pull-on design, while sizes 1X to 3X include a hook and eye closure for extra security.
What our staffers say: While our Forbes Vetted staffers haven’t tested out the Ultimate style, one editor swears by Athleta for all her workouts. “I run 10 to 15 miles a week and take a women’s strength training class weekly,” she says. “I don’t like to think about my breasts while working out, worrying about them getting in the way, hurting or popping out. Athleta bras became my go-to, because they really keep them under wraps and in place.”
Style: Encapsulation | Size range: 34C to 42DDD | Materials: Nylon, lycra and polyester | Closure: Hook and eye | Colors: 6 total, including Nude and Pinksicle
High-quality activewear doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet, and Champion’s best-selling Spot Comfort bra is proof. It’s designed with molded cups that shape the bust—however, it offers lighter support than a traditional encapsulation-style bra. Mesh lining along the chest increases ventilation, while the brand’s Double Dry technology works to wick away sweat. Adjustable straps and a hook and eye in the back ensure a secure fit. Choose from neutral tones as well as eye-catching hues like Pinksicle and Ocean Front Blue.
What our staffers say: “This bra is comfortable and breathable while still keeping everything held tightly in place,” says editorial director Brinda Ayer. “It’s also pretty affordable, so even if stretches or wears out in a few months, it’s not too big of a deal to replace.” However, she adds, “It’s not great for running or HIIT workouts or anything with a lot of plyometric jumping.”
Pros:
Affordable
Gel-infused straps for extra comfort
Mesh for ventilation
Cons:
Straps are on the thin side
Not as supportive as other bras
Style: Encapsulation | Size range: 32C to 42I | Materials: Nylon and spandex | Closure: Hook and eye | Colors: 29 total, including Sand and Garnet Rose
Named the top pick for large busts in our panel-tested Best Sports Bras list, this underwire style from Wacoal provides superior support for high-impact workouts. The largest-chested of our testers—who ranged in sizes from 32A to 42DDD—noted that it is exceptionally comfortable and capable of holding everything in place. A hook and eye and adjustable straps offer a customizable fit, while mesh back panels increase airflow while you work up a sweat. Just keep in mind that this bra’s design prioritizes function over aesthetics—it’s not the most stylish option, but it gets the job done.
What our staffers say: “I hiked and Peloton cycled with this bra, and found that it worked very well in helping my bust stay supported and in place,” says Ayer. However, she adds, “I wouldn’t be able to wear this without a shirt to go for a run because it is kind of ‘grandma-y’ (sorry to all the grandmas).”
Pros:
Underwire offers extra support
Great for high-intensity workouts
Cons:
Not the most stylish option out there
Seams show underneath thinner tops
Style: Combination | Size range: 32B to 40D | Materials: Nylon and elastane | Closure: Hook and eye | Colors: 4 total, including Strawberry Milkshake and Navy
With a strappy back that’s equal parts stylish and supportive, the Lululemon Energy is ideal for high-impact workouts. It’s made of the brand’s signature sweat-wicking fabric that comes in four versatile hues. The adjustable straps pair with a triple hook and eye in the back, guaranteeing a snug fit that stays in place all day.
What our staffers say: “Lululemon sports bras like the Energy Bra are some of my favorites, not least because they provide great support for high-impact activities like running,” says Ayer. “The fit is impeccable because the bras are adjustable at multiple points, much like a standard bra, and they’re made of a breathable and quick-drying fabric that wicks sweat and keeps your body comfortable during exercise.”
Pros:
Molded foam cups
Quick-drying fabric
Adjustable straps
Cons:
May be too stiff for low-impact activities
Style: Compression | Size range: XS to XL | Materials: Microfiber nylon and spandex | Closure: Pull-on | Colors: 2 total, including Espresso and Onyx
Whether you’re doing yoga or simply lounging around the house, this low-impact sports bra from Set Active will keep you in total comfort. The editor-recommended pick features a V-neckline and a Y-shaped back, with a large under-chest band that provides ample coverage. While it is double lined, you won’t find any padding or molded cups—for this reason, it isn’t suited for medium- or high-impact workouts.
What our staffers say: “Normally, I go for boring-looking sports bras with thick straps because they typically offer the most support,” says senior deals editor Kara Cuzzone. “I tend to feel like I’m spilling out of anything that’s cute and strappy. But that’s not the case with this Set Active bra. It has a flattering V-neck cut that doesn’t leave me feeling too exposed and it offers just enough support for low-impact workouts like yoga and Pilates. That said, I definitely wouldn’t run or do a HIIT workout in this bra.”
Pros:
Lightweight feel
Flattering V-neck cut
Longline design provides fuller coverage
Cons:
Not suitable for running or HIIT workouts
Style: Combination | Size range: XS to 2XL | Materials: Recycled polyester and spandex | Closure: Pull-on | Colors: 4 total, including Smokey Mauve and White
Made with Nike’s signature moisture-wicking fabric, this tank bra will keep you cool and dry as you transition from cardio to strength training to stretching. It offers medium support and full coverage throughout the torso, as well as a gently sloping V-neckline that’s ultra-flattering. This is the kind of sports bra you’ll want to wear on its own as a top—no layers required.
What our staffers say: “I’ve worn a Nike sports bra for years, and have never been disappointed by the quality,” says deputy editor Kari Molvar, who serves as Vetted’s in-house style expert. While she hasn’t specifically tested the Nike Alate, she says, “The brand’s sweat-wicking materials are among the best I’ve tested and the designs hold up well to constant washing and wearing.”
Pros:
Longer length
Doubles as a tank top
Made with recycled polyester
Cons:
Hard to layer underneath a shirt
Style: Compression | Size range: XXS to 6XL | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and spandex | Closure: Pull-on | Colors: 10 total, including Plum and Moss
If you want a sports bra you can wear for more than workouts, Girlfriend Collective’s best-selling Paloma is an excellent option. This longline pick comes in up to size 6 XL with a scoop neck, racerback and built-in support band that holds you up while providing full coverage. It is designed for medium-impact workouts, such as hiking and biking.
What our staffers say: “As a 42E, finding sports bras that are supportive, comfortable and attractive seems like an impossible task,” says senior distribution strategist Kristina Bornholtz. “Enter the Girlfriend Collective Paloma bra, a moderately compressive, full-coverage style that supports me through yoga classes and long hikes. The thick four-way stretch fabric feels like a hug whenever you slip it on. And best of all: The scoop neck style on this bra is so cute, I actually feel excited to wear it (unlike other more matronly sports bras designed for large chests).”
Pros:
Made of recycled materials
Unique color options
Longline design offers more coverage
Cons:
No hook and eye
Not ideal for high-impact workouts
Style: Compression | Size range: XXS to XXXL | Materials: Nylon and Lycra | Closure: Pull-on | Colors: 7 total, including Seaweed Snack and Orchid Pink
Like our Nike pick above, this longline bra from Athleta also doubles as a workout top. Its high neck adds some stylish flair, while also making it supremely comfortable. Athleta’s Powervita fabric is buttery soft and comes in classic shades that go with anything in your wardrobe. The compressive design is ideal for yoga, stretching and floor workouts; it’s also great for running errands and lounging on the couch.
What our staffers say: “I’ve recently become obsessed with CorePower Yoga’s sculpt classes, and this Athleta bra is one of my favorites to wear for them,” says Cuzzone. “Yoga sculpt requires a lot of bending over and the Conscious Crop’s high-neck style makes me feel held in and comfortable. Plus, I like that it’s a longline design so I can wear it alone with leggings without feeling like I’m showing a lot of skin.”
Pros:
Doubles as a top
High necklace for added coverage
Perfect for low-impact activities
Cons:
Not suitable for high-impact exercises
Not available in standard bra sizes; can lead to a less-precise fit
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
What To Consider When Buying A Sports Bra For Large Breasts
The best sports bras for large breasts do more than just keep you secure; they offer comfort and the appropriate amount of support for the activity at hand (and the wearer’s cup size). Below, see a few points to consider before making your purchase:
Support Style
Most sports bras come in three main styles:
Compression: These sports bras flatten your chest to prevent bouncing, meaning they will make your breasts appear smaller. They are generally better for low-impact workouts.
Encapsulation: Encapsulation bras separate the breasts, typically by using molded cups or underwire. These offer higher support and maximum hold.
Combination: Combination bras offer a mix of a little compression and a little encapsulation. Like encapsulation bras, they are better for high-impact workouts and offer maximum support.
Closure
When looking for a supportive bra for larger breasts, consider sports bras with hook and eyes in the back. These make putting on (and taking off) your bra much easier than traditional styles, especially after you’ve gotten sweaty. One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of bras with hook and eyes have a fixed racerback, which means you still have to pull the band over your head and chest. If that’s a concern, bras like the Champion Spot Comfort or Wacoal Underwire are excellent hook and eye options.
Activity
Some sports bras are made with low-impact workouts in mind, others offer more support for high-impact workouts. If you plan on doing high-impact exercise like running, HIIT or anything that involves jumping, look for sports bras that offer maximum support, like the encapsulation or combination bras mentioned above. However, if you prefer lower-impact workouts like biking, yoga, pilates or barre, lighter-weight, compression-style sports bras will suit you just fine.
Material
Materials made with moisture-wicking properties, like nylon or polyester, will help keep you dry even as you’re sweating (depending on the workout, of course). Ideally, it should also be blended with spandex or elastane, which offer body-molding stretch for added comfort. If you know you’re doing an intense session, look for bras that have mesh or built-in perforations to enhance cooling and drying.
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I’m a freelance writer specializing in travel, tech, and the outdoors, with work appearing in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Geographic, WIRED, Ars Technica, and The Daily Beast, among others. After receiving an undergrad in Marketing and a Master’s in Social Psychology, I worked in branding and then community development, overseeing food equity and justice initiatives across New York City. I solo bike toured Cuba and wrote the guidebook, Cuba by Bike. I started a small travel company (EscapingNY) and still lead tours in Cuba, Mexico, and Jordan. When I’m not hiking, biking, rafting, camping, or scuba diving, I’m usually doing puzzles and playing board games. You can find me on Twitter at @escapingnewyork and Instagram @escapingny.
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I am an updates writer for Forbes Vetted, and I optimize content related to fashion, beauty, and travel. Before joining the team, I was a commerce writer for Bustle Digital Group as well as a freelance entertainment journalist with regular contributions to ScreenCrush, PopCrush, and more. I have a B.F.A. from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, and I currently reside in Long Beach, California.