SKIP AHEAD The best sports bras to shop | What is a sports bra?| How to shop for sports bras? | How to clean sports bras| Signs you should replace your sports bra We researched dozens of bras before testing 19 different options at home to find the top sports bras for large breasts on the market. Testers of all body shapes with C to D cups and beyond wore each bra for multiple cardio workouts, long, brisk walks, and at least one full day of wear over the course of four months. When testing, we noted how they held up after repeated washes and wears and paid special attention to their fit, support, comfort, adjustability, quality, durability, value, and more. Since a sports bra's performance can change over time, we are continuing to wear and evaluate these sports bras at home and will continue to update our list as new testing insights become available. Sports bras are athletic equipment, just like dumbbells and yoga mats, says Laura Tempesta, a bra expert and founder of Bravolution. They support you when you exercise and aid your performance, allowing you to have the best workout possible. But an ill-fitting sports bra can completely ruin a run, weight lifting session or virtual fitness class. The importance of finding the right one for your body type and favorite activities should not be overlooked. The clue is in the title, but the amount of support you need from your sports bra will depend on a couple of things. First, your bra size and second, the type of activity you’re planning on doing. Women with smaller bust sizes can often get away with wearing medium and low impact bras more often than women with a larger bra size, who will often need more support when exercising. Best for mat-based or low- to medium-impact workouts—especially if you want several bras at a budget-friendly price.

In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it had found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including some sports bras. We stand by our recommendations on this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out. The fabric is smooth and soft to the touch, making this bra even more comfortable. And after wearing and washing it for several weeks, the bra never lost its structure, fit, or quality.Sports bras are specifically designed to limit breast movement during exercise, says Tempesta. This is different from the function of regular bras — like everyday T-shirt bras or push-up bras — that often have underwire to lift and shape breasts, preventing them from sagging.

While it’s one of the most expensive options on our list, we think lululemon’s All Powered Up Bra is worth the cost. We gave it a perfect score for fit since both the band and straps are adjustable. Plus, we didn’t notice any spillage or gapping, and we'd be comfortable wearing it to work out by itself. We love that this bra is supportive without feeling like a harness. Sports bras also stretch out over time, so you want to be able to tighten the straps and band as needed. There should be no more than a half inch to one inch of space between your skin and the shoulder strap when you pull up on it, and no more than two to three inches of space between the skin and the underband if you pull it out, says Tempesta. Anything tighter may cause your skin to chafe, while anything looser can cause the bra to move around a lot while you’re exercising and leave you feeling unsupported. These two features are your best bet for keeping everything in one place through any type of workout—because if you’re moving in all directions, your boobs will be, too. Also, aim for a sports bra that’s available in traditional bra sizing for a better fit. Bras that are sized S, M, L, and so on often don’t provide the best fit. Since bra sizing relies on both your band and cup sizes, it’s easier to find a style that suits your shape, so you can feel confident while working out. Closure: This is mostly a personal preference, so we included both pullover bras and bras with clasps or zippers. Sports bras with clasps or zippers tend to be easier to get on and off while also offering some adjustability for more comfort and support.Sports bras aren’t all sized in the same way — some use classic cup sizes and others use dress sizes. You can use these as an initial guide, but it’s worth looking at each brand you’re interested in to see if they have a specific size guide. Size Range: 28A–50I | Support Level: High | Support Type: Compression | Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Strap Style: Crisscross, strappy | Care: Hand wash, air dry flat | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5 We recommend this wire-free option from Glamorise if you’re searching for a supportive sports bra on a budget. We appreciate that, unlike many other bras on our list, this one has no spandex. This means the bra will hold your chest in place throughout your entire workout, without stretching or losing its shape over time. After four months of weekly use, this bra continues to be just as supportive as the first day of wear and isn't showing any visible signs of wear and tear. Nike has added plenty of ventilation panels to keep you from overheating during a workout, and the flat seams are designed to prevent uncomfortable pinching or chafing. The fit is tighter than your everyday bra, despite it only offering low-impact support. Nike describes this fit as ‘body hugging’, but this does feel reassuring when wearing the bra for a more intense yoga or Pilates workout. Our experts shared the most important factors they recommend you pay attention to while shopping for a new sports bra.

Best for those with medium to large breasts who need a lot of support during high-impact workouts—especially if jumping is involved.But support is where this bra shines: Earning a perfect score in this category, it didn’t chafe, rub, or constrict our movement. Since it’s so compressive, we did find that the bra wasn’t the most comfortable to wear after around nine hours, giving it a slightly lower score for comfort. A leader in the activewear space, lululemon is well-loved for its durable, high-performing, and fashion-forward pieces. Though more expensive than other winners on this list, testing proved to us that lululemon’s Enlite Front-Zip Bra is well worth the investment. Its secure and comfortable fit, high-level support, long-lasting construction, and stylish design do not disappoint. It's also available in A through DDD (sometimes referred to as E) cups, making it a great option for a range of sizes. We tested over 60 sports bras from the best brands on the market – both on the road and in the Runner's World lab. Our panel of women – aged between 18 to 55 and with bra sizes ranging from an A to a K cup – put the bras through their paces, trying them out on the road and during 16 other activities, collectively. Adjustability in the shoulder straps and bottom band will allow you to customize the best fit for you. You'll be able to play around with the bra's sizing to make it tighter, looser, or more spacious based on how you feel.