Last Updated on June 23, 2023
Finding a sports bra that actually supports big busts can be an intense workout itself, but I’ve done a whole load of research to find the best styles out there from M&S, Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and more.
Comfort is an absolute must when it comes to work out clothes (which is why leggings are so popular) but it’s even more vital to find decent sports bras to avoid discomfort during that HIIT class.
According to a recent study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, approximately 75% of women encounter breast pain while running. This discomfort is attributed to a combination of large breast size and the usage of poorly fitting or unsupportive sports bras, as highlighted by researchers.
We know it’s important to find a well-fitting sports bra then, but where should you start?
Wear Next may receive a small commission if you click a link from one of our articles onto a retail website and make a purchase.
How to choose a sports bra for big busts
The first thing you need to get right is the size and fit. It helps if you can find a sports bra with cup sizes and a hook and eye closure, as these features will give you support where you need it.
Wide straps help to reduce the strain on your shoulders and back during your workout, so this is a great feature to look out for.
You might also prefer underwired or wire-free sports bras. Those with underwire offer shape and support, but they can dig in and add to your discomfort. If you require an underwired option, wide bands and extra fabric can take some of the pressure off and add a little bit of comfort.
Depending on what you’re using it for, you’ll also want to look for the appropriate support needed. Some sports bras are best for high impact support and these are great for HIIT and running; lower impact sports bras can be worn for yoga or pilates.
Sports bras closures should also be taken into account; zip-up styles or those with hook and eye closures are great for you.
Compression sports bras tightly hold everything in place, while encapsulation bras are designed with separate cups. It’s actually best for you to look for the latter, as these are better suited to larger-breasted women. They usually come with the aforementioned features, like adjustable bands, thicker straps, and underwiring.
If you’re looking for the perfect summer bikini this summer, make sure to check out our edit of the best bikinis for big boobs next.
Shop Sports Bras For Big Busts
Ultimate Run Non-Wired Sports Bra in Black, £50, Shock Absorber at John Lewis – buy now
Widely hailed as one of the best sports bras for big busts, Shock Absorber’s ultimate sports bra has so many supportive features. With wide padded non-slip straps, a full back opening with hook and eye fastenings and wire-free band, it’s ideal for big boobs.
Wired Sports Wired Bra, £45, Panache – buy now
Prefer underwired bras? Panache’s sports bra could be for you. It has moulded inner cups for each breast, wide straps and racer back details, and it’s available from a B to J cup.
Enlite Front-Zip Bra, now £59, Lululemon – buy now
Lululemon’s Enlite Bra is on sale now for £59, down from £88.
This option is designed for running, with built-in cups, a bonded underband, front zipper closure, a hidden bra hook and sweat wicking fabric.
Ultimate Support Non Wired Sports Bra F-H, £25, Goodmove at M&S – buy now
On the more affordable side, Goodmove’s ultimate support non-wired sports bra comes in a fuller bust design. It has a racer back feature and zip fastening with hidden inner hook, and has been specifically designed to ease pressure on your back and to improve posture.
The reviews are promising, with one customer writing, “It weighs quite a lot in itself, as it has about four layers of fabric for support, but it certainly does the job and holds firm when I’m exercising.”
Power Play High Impact Bra, £81, Alo – buy now
Designed for the most intense workouts, it has adjustable straps for support and back hook and eye closures.
Alo claim it’s been ‘rigorously tested’, and the variety of sizes is also ideal for petite women. One reviewer wrote, ‘I love that this bra is cup sized! This it the best support I’ve had in years and have gone ahead and ordered it in the other colours (black and red). I really hope Alo starts to make more cup size bras for us petite ladies with larger busts.’
READ MORE: This Forgotten British Brand Has Seriously Levelled Up
Active Sports High Impact Non Pad Bra, £26, Next – buy now
Another affordable option from Next, this full-coverage style is designed for ‘intense cardio’. It’s non-wired and padding free, with interchangeable straps and a racer back option.
Ultra Running Bra, £60, Sweaty Betty – buy now
With both encapsulation and compression support, this running sports bra offers high support for high impact workouts.
It offers quick drying fabric with mesh panels for ventilation, has padded shoulder straps for comfort and adjustable straps so you can wear it as a U or racer-back.
Freedom To Move High Impact Sports Bra A-E – Black Mix, £25, Goodmove at The Sports Edit – buy now
With full cups, a wide underband, hook and eye fastening and racer back, this is a no brainer for those looking for a supportive sports bra for high impact workouts.
If you get hot when you work out, you’ll also be glad to know that it has moisture-wicking Cool Comfort™ technology to draw moisture away from the skin.
