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Aside from cushioned sneakers with adequate arch support, a well-fitting sports bra is arguably the most important item you can invest in when it comes to workout wear. And that's especially true if you have a large bust: by minimizing breast movement, a quality sports bra can reduce chafing, strain on the ligaments in your breasts — and ultimately, breast pain, too. Speaking from experience, the best sports bras for a large bust typically have a sturdy band, wider adjustable straps, and separated cups.
With that in mind, the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra comes out on top because it can accommodate any type of workout. With more than adequate coverage, countless colors to choose from, and so many thoughtful features to amplify support and reduce bounce, you really can't go wrong with this one — whether you're partial to circuit training, spin classes, or another form of exercise altogether.
Still, finding the right bra often depends on what type of physical activity you'll be engaging in. Below are some of our other top picks, based on testing and recommendations from certified fitness professionals.
It's easy to see why this sports bra has amassed nearly 30,000 five-star reviews — the thoughtful design includes a number of features to support any bust size up to a size 50I. Those features include extra-wide straps that are adjustable and convertible, wire-free seamed cups with removable padding for separation and coverage, and two-way stretch fabric for ultimate bounce control.
I love a front-closing bra for the sake of convenience, and this one contains a zipper guard to prevent chafing — as well as a helpful little hidden hook-and-eye closure at the top of the zipper for added security. I also appreciate that in addition to adjustable straps, it also features an adjustable rib band for a perfect fit. Years ago, a professional bra fitter informed me that the band is actually responsible for providing the majority of a bra's support, so finding a sports bra that fits like a firm hug around your ribcage is super important.
Best budget: Old Navy High Support PowerSoft Sports Bra
"Old Navy has great workout wear overall, but this bra in particular is a steal," says Kellie Kopach, a fitness instructor at Lifetime Fitness.
A thick band? Wide straps? Molded cups? This budget-friendly bra checks all those boxes and more.
Reviewers seem to appreciate that this full-coverage bra prevents any pesky side spillage. Both the straps and the band are adjustable, and as an added bonus, the straps can also be converted to cross-back as well. Kopach says many of her clients rave about how comfy it is, in part due to the wireless construction, light compression, moisture-wicking material and soft powermesh lining.
Best for high-impact activities: Lululemon Run Times Bra High Support
While a supportive bra is important for any type of exercise, it's especially crucial for high-impact workouts like running and plyometrics (think: burpees, box jumps, and other explosive movements).
Courtney Virden, a certified personal trainer, pelvic floor trainer, and founder of iCORE Method, says the best sports bras for large busts typically come in bra sizing (band and cup) rather than the traditional XS-XXL sizing — like this popular pick from Lululemon. Despite being wireless, it still provides plenty of support thanks to the wide cushioned straps and adjustable band — which features three rows of hook-and-eye closures.
"As a mom who nursed two babies, my breasts need more support than before, whether I am working out or not," she explains. "This bra is great for running and high-impact sports. It limits bounce and has nice wide straps when I don't want a crisscross back. The fabric is soft, and the cut is comfortable enough to wear throughout the day."
This bra happens to be one of Kopach's favorites, too — and not just because it's available up to size 32G.
"The best feature is its breathability," she says. "Sometimes, the compression is so intense with heavy-duty sports bras that they don't breathe. That's not the case with the Run Times bra."
Best adjustable: Under Armour Women's Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra
Something that sets this sports bra apart is the fact that the adjustable straps can be loosened or tightened in the front rather than the back. This makes it way easier to achieve a perfect fit every time without any awkward reaching around. Another perk is that the straps are convertible, so you can wear them under traditional tanks and tees as well as racerback styles.
"It's seamless, looks great under any workout top, and delivers strategic support," says Kopach, who names this bra one of her top picks.
Another advantage is that the Infinity 2.0 High Sports Bra it's available in different sizing options (XS-XL) for larger cups — which is particularly helpful if you have a small band size but a large cup size or vice versa. (When will more bra makers realize that bust size doesn't necessarily get proportionally larger?) That said, it is worth noting that this one only fits up to a 38DDD cup.
In her Under Armour Infinity Sports Bra review, executive editor Sally Kaplan notes that she felt secure in this bra while wearing it to SoulCycle spin classes, which do entail quite a bit of bouncing. The newer 2.0 version of this bra boasts molded cups for even more shaping. "The padding isn't too thick, and the straps are wide enough to hold my DDs without digging in," Kaplan says.
A breathable front mesh panel and a smooth, sweat-wicking band both add to the comfortability of this sports bra. It also features odor-fighting tech for those particularly sweaty workouts.
Best underwire: Wacoal Simone Sport Underwire Bra
An underwire sports bra may be your best bet, particularly for high-impact activities like HIIT and aerobics. The wire can reduce the bounce factor, minimizing distractions and maximizing comfort so you can just focus on your workout rather than what your bust is doing.
As someone with a DD cup size, Wacoal has long been one of my go-to brands for bras because they're high quality and durable — and this sports bra is no exception. I love that the underwire is cushioned to prevent any chafing or poking — and the high center gore and full-coverage cups help me to feel as secure as possible during a workout. A mesh back and moisture-wicking fabric ensure I stay cool and dry, and the adjustable band and straps ensure a customized fit.
This bra is super size-inclusive — it's available from size 32C up to 42I. Another perk? The G to I cup sizes come with hidden slings for even more support.
Best for yoga: Beyond Yoga Embody Bra
When it comes to lower-impact activities like yoga, Pilates, walking, and elliptical training, you may find that you can get away with a less rigid bra. Take this option from Beyond Yoga, for example: it's lightweight but still boasts wide, adjustable straps and a sturdy band for larger busts.
The removable padding in the cups allows you to adjust the level of coverage, and the spacedye knit fabric feels as soft against your skin as cotton — but flexes just as well as a performance fabric. Did I mention how comfortable it is? I love this bra so much that I often find myself wearing it even when I'm not exercising.
Most stylish: Booty By Brabants Croco Skin Curvy Top
I love supporting this brand not only because it's woman-owned and size-inclusive, but also because every piece I've ever purchased has lasted for years. This particular bra is better suited to low-impact activities, but it still offers light to moderate compression – and it's made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric so you don't have to stress about sweating in it. If, like me, you're prone to neck and shoulder aches, a racerback design like this is ideal because it helps distribute the weight more evenly across your back and shoulders.
I always get tons of compliments when I wear this bra thanks to the unique crocodile textured material and flattering deep V-neckline. It also comes in a whopping 33 different color options — all of which the Booty By Brabants croco leggings come in as well so you can wear a matching set.
Most comfortable: Calia Women's Go All Out Zip Front Bra
In our Calia sports bra review, Insider Reviews executive editor Sally Kaplan says this sports bra "opened up a whole new world of athletic possibilities" for her.
"It gave me all the support I needed, had adjustable straps to fit my short torso, and was easy to put on and take off," she says.
A few standout features, according to Kaplan, include the molded cups that lift and shape the bust, the zip front for getting it on and off quickly and easily, and the thick straps that never dig into her shoulders.
"If I could afford to just buy 10 of these and throw out every other bra, I would," she adds.
The only downside? It comes in just three colors. Still, it's available in a wide range of sizes — from 32C to 42E.
Best seamless: Alo Yoga Seamless Ribbed Favorite Bra
In my opinion, the best bras have just as many practical details as they do stylish ones. This one from influencer-favorite brand Alo Yoga definitely fits the bill. It's remarkably soft and stretchy but provides a decent amount of compression — and it's so comfortable that it's one of my go-to bras not just for low-impact workouts, but for running errands or lounging around the house, too.
A lot of seamless, lightweight bras like this aren't adjustable. That's not the case here: both the band and the straps can be loosened or tightened as needed. I also appreciate that the straps are extra wide as well as convertible, so I can wear the bra with a cross-back when I want to.