A well-fitting sports bra is a non-negotiable to truly advance in your fitness journey and give you the confidence to push further.
When chafing and discomfort come part and parcel with exercising, motivation to work out is, understandably, at an all-time low. But when you have a fuller bust, it’s an all too common experience.
According to ASICS, our busts move in a figure of eight when running, which is why a well-fitting sports bra is vital. Whether you are embarking on the daunting 26.2 miles of a marathon or jogging in the park, the optimal design will provide enough support to minimise bounce and maximise support, removing the potential for long-term damage.
While size ranges can be broad, high-intensity workouts call for a personalised fit, so look out for adjustable straps, moulded cups and hook-and-eye fastenings. Features like sweat-wicking fabrics and ventilation through mesh or perforations are worth considering too so you stay cool, calm and most importantly, dry as you start building on your movement and smashing your PBs. Low-impact movements have more flexibility in the support space and call for less compression and less importance on cups.
How to measure for a sports bra?
According to Molly Smyth, sports bra expert at runderwear, “First, you need to establish your underbust measurement. Start by wearing a non-padded bra, or go bra-free, and have a soft tape measure to hand. In front of a mirror, or with a friend to help, take your measurements in inches. Wrap the tape around your underbust, fitting it flat against your skin, ensuring it doesn’t dip at the back. The tape should feel snug and secure.
“Now for your overbust – wrap the tape snug and secure around the fullest part of your bust, sitting flat with no dip at the back. As a general rule of thumb, underbust measurement plus 4 will be your band size. For your cup size, subtract underbust from overbust – the difference will be your cup size, eg a difference of 3 inches = C cup, 4” = D Cup. You can do this with ease using the runderwear Bra Calculator.”
How should a sports bra fit?
Smyth explains, “Finding the perfect fit for your bra is vital for performance and comfort, especially for active women. It’s important that the band fits snug around your ribcage; it should be firm but not restrictive. You should be able to slip only one or two fingers underneath the band. The straps should be adjusted to stay in place so as not to dig into your shoulders. This will offer additional support but no discomfort”.
Why does my sports bra keep rolling up?
If you find this to be the case, Smyth reveals, “Support from a bra comes from the underband – this should feel snug. If it rides up your back, the underband is likely too big. Try it on the tightest hook or size down”.
Are there any features to look for bigger busts?
“For larger breasts or high-impact activities, we recommend a high neckline to reduce bounce and a fully opening back to make it easy to take on and off”, says the expert. “Shoulder straps should be wide and fully adjustable. A well-fitted bra can significantly enhance your day to day comfort, but importantly for exercise, be it running or a high-impact workout, by reducing bounce and preventing chafe”.
Shop the best sports bras for larger busts below
Panache Ultra Perform Wired Sports Bra
Size range: 28D-40HH
It may not be the sexiest sports bra on this list but it more than makes up for it in functionality. Panache’s Ultra Perform is a favourite among big-busted beauties to feel truly supported during high-intensity exercise. The brand has considered functionality at the forefront with its full-coverage design, adjustable shoulder straps and bra-like clasp to customise the fit.
Buy now £45.00, John Lewis
Runderwear Power Running Bra
Size range: 30D-42F
The vibrant red Fiesta colourway of this Runderwear bra drew our attention to the style, standing out among the sea of pared-back activewear. But that’s just one of many positive qualities that make the Power Running Bra a win in our eyes.
Ready for high-impact movement, the silhouette was designed to minimise bounce through running, hiking or rambling - up to 72 per cent according to research by the University of Portsmouth.
It supports the bust with a wide underband and moulded cups. The material was selected for its sweat-wicking and breathable nature but it’s also sourced entirely from recycled yarn so it’s eco-conscious too.
Buy now £49.00, Runderwear
Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Running Bra
Size range: 30A-38F
Defy gravity with this running bra from Sweaty Betty. The supportive style has been designed with an anti-bounce construction that sculpts without the need for underwiring. Instead, the tactical seams and hook-and-eye closure provide a pressure-free hold, and importantly, no rubbing or chafing. The elastane-polyamide blend keeps you cool, dry and comfortable as you rack up the mileage.
Buy now £75.00, Sweaty Betty
Nike Swoosh Flyknit Women's High-Support Non-Padded Sports Bra
Size range: XS A-C - 3X F-G
The sizing of Nike’s sports bra is more advanced than you typically find with sportswear labels. The traditional XS-XL range usually requires guesswork when you have a bigger bust and smaller back size or vice-versa and results in a gaping, ill-fitting design. But with the Swoosh Flyknit, you simply select your typical dress size with the cup size range to ensure you find a design that will power up your performance - and not stand in your way.
The non-padded design is made up of a seriously stretchy fabric with a hook-and-eye fastening to tailor the fit. The seams are covered so chafing is not part of the equation and tactical perforations offer breathability.
Buy now £79.99, Nike
Calvin Klein High Impact Sports Bra
Size range: XXS-2XL
Calvin Klein’s iconic bralettes provide unrivalled comfort on braless days and the label’s sporty offering has been created with the same intentions. The piece has subtle support without a wire in sight. This is enhanced by the underband that is not just adorned with the brand’s moniker but also keeps everything secure while you’re working out. The back is adjustable with a crossover design and the stretchy fabric is soft, smooth and sweat-wicking.
Buy now £60.01, Calvin Klein
Triumph Women's Triaction Control Lite W01 EX
Size range: 32B-44E
Trust in your activewear with Triumph. The brand is most famous for its collection of super supportive lingerie and has brought its expertise in that arena to the sportswear industry, ensuring that busts of all sizes can maximise its supportive credentials. The Triaction Control Lite has been put through its paces by the University of Portsmouth and given the seal of approval for its bounce control, no matter whether your exercise is confined to the four walls of a studio or you’re testing your endurance on the road or peaks.
Buy now £39.01, Amazon
Gymshark Cut Out Back High Support Sports Bra
Size range: 32B/C-40E/F
Well aware that support equals confidence, Gymshark has created its sports bra to feel lightweight and yet provide ample details for added security. This begins with the adjustable straps and continues to the four extender fastening. The size range of each piece makes it ideal for those who fall between, or during your time of the month or pregnancy when swelling occurs. The quality piece is supportive, comfortable and fits well to your bra size. The cut-out offers ventilation when you need it most.
Buy now £45.00, Gymshark
Adidas TLRD Impact Luxe Training High-Support Bra
Size range: 40A-48E
Power up your miles with a helping hand from Adidas’s training gear. Getting into a sports bra is fiddly and can require contortion beyond the average person’s expertise, but not with the TLRD Impact Luxe. The sportswear leader has affixed a handy zip on the front of the piece so slipping it on is as easy as a flick of the wrist. The moulded design will secure you into high-impact workouts, be it running, jumping or boxing with well-placed mesh for breathability.
It is constructed from the brand’s AEROREADY material, selected for its moisture-wicking technology. The bra is made predominantly from recycled polyester.
Buy now £52.00, Adidas
Lululemon Run Times Bra High Support
Size range: 32B-42G
Go further and faster without the distraction of bounce with Lululemon’s Run Times. The Canadian label has mastered the art of sleek activewear and this sports bra has a soft, brushed feel that is kind to the skin, while minimising the likelihood of chafe and ricochet-related pain. It just looks good too so much so that you’ll find yourself forgoing the addition of a top.
Buy now £58.00, Lululemon
Alo Wild Thing bra
Size range: XS-XL
When low-impact workouts like yoga and mat Pilates are on the agenda, you may be looking for something that, granted has less support, but is also less constricting as you salute to the sun. That is where Alo’s Wild Thing bra will come into play and you’ll love the label’s attractive and flattering V-neck silhouette and ruched design. The piece has a stretchy but sumptuous feel with removable cups.
Buy now £68.00, Alo
