This guide aims to assist you in selecting the best sports bras, specifically focusing on plus-size options that deliver ample support for comfortable workouts no matter your size.
We’ve started with our top 5 sports bras for a large chest, with the preferred choice being the TOBWIZU Sports Bras.
Sweating it out at the gym or home can be considerably uncomfortable. But when mixed with poorly fitting or inappropriate workout wear, the discomfort can increase.
To be specific, an ill-suited bra can be a major issue, especially for full-figured women. It is already not easy to find plus-size attire, let alone sports bras.
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Our reviews of the best plus size sports bras include:
TOBWIZU Sports Bras (top choice)
Table of Contents
1. TOBWIZU Sports Bras
Although I can’t speak for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding many reviewers have found these sports bras to be comfortable for those ladies.
I found the fabric, 90% nylon and 10% elastane, comfortable against the skin with tight stitching that negates any chaffing.
The padded support bra has hollow central cups encircled by a double-layered soft, stretchy fabric, and foam padding on both sides.
Although some women found they had to size up to get the perfect fit my smaller size was perfect for me. The medium gave average constriction, which I would look for in a sports bra.
I found this sports bra to be good not only for everyday wear but also for low to medium activities like gym, yoga and weights.
However, Tobwizu do a racerback version where there is generally more constriction therefore more support – we have not tried them here but I will get around to reviewing them as I am a fan of racerback as anyone who follows us will know.
Because of the wide shoulder straps, some ladies found them slipping off the shoulder.
For more support and compression, I would size down.
Comes in a pack of 3.
This sports bra is available in 20 colors.
Sizes: Small to 4XL covering 30C to 48B
Pros:
Great for sensitive breasts
Suitable for everyday bra
Made of breathable material (nylon and elastane)
Removeable pads
Small pocket in the front, centre
Cons:
Padding has a tendency to slip after a wash
Maybe needs a size up
2. Playtex 18 Hour Active Women’s Sports Bra
This Playtex full-coverage bra is ideal for an active lifestyle, made with breathable, moisture-absorbent material.
I suppose, technically this isn’t a traditional sports bra but it wins on support and comfort.
The 18 Hour bra has a three-hook fastening. The straps are nice and wide. Together with the firm lower band, support is at the maximum which you want from a bra when you’re being active.
Its four-way support system makes it perfect for larger bodies, boasting higher sides for coverage, wider straps for comfort, strategically rounded cups, and a smooth back.
This model comes in colors that blend with the skin to minimize the exposure of the bra. It’s machine washable and available in sizes from a 36B to 46DD.
No wires, no pads and no lace. This sports bra – yes I am going to call it that – is a no-nonsense solution for active ladies with a full bosom.
Pros:
Breathable material (polyester and nylon).
- Good range of colors
Hook and eye closure.
Machine washable.
Seamless free cups.
Wide cushioned straps.
Cons:
Neckline too high on the chest.
Lack of cotton can result in sweat stains.
No separation of the cups.
3. Fruit of the Loom Women’s Front-Close Sports Bra
This easy-going, stylish Fruit of the Loom sports bra has a front closure and comes in attractive subdued colors.
Fruit of the Loom is another iconic company that has been going for many years producing high-quality bras and sports bras.
This is my favorite front-closing design.
The front closure design eliminates the hassle of back closure and effortlessly compresses large breasts—a feature that will be beneficial if you’re bosomy.
This sports bra features removable cups, allowing for customizable coverage and support.
It’s almost all made of cotton (95 percent), making it super breathable for those intense workouts. The rest of the fabric is spandex to keep it stretchy and comfortable no matter your size.
The comfort doesn’t end there; the sports bra is not underwired, which gives your breasts that much more freedom. If you’re looking for a bargain, this is a good choice—it comes in a pack of two so you have one to wear while the other one is in the wash.
Pros:
Comfortable, breathable fabric (95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex).
Machine washable.
Front hook and eye closure.
No underwire.
Cons:
.Can lower in quality with frequent machine washing.
Small sizing, so it’s best to size up.
4. Glamorise Women’s Full Figure Camisole Wirefree Sports Bra
This Glamorise sports bra has been designed for full-figured women looking for coverage, medium impact support and upper bust control. This supportive sports bra is designed to provide comfort and stability for full-figured women during medium-impact activities.
The stand-out feature for me was the extra padding on the 3-hook fastening at the back. This helped prevent any uncomfortable digging in.
An appealing aspect of this bra is its wide, adjustable and cushioned shoulder straps that stay in place, helping alleviate shoulder and back pressure.
The reinforced wire-free lower cups ensure comfort, and the side support contributes to the ideal shaping of your breasts. The quick-dry fabric of this bra absorbs sweat while you workout, as there is nothing more uncomfortable than feeling sweaty.
This model comes in a range of fun colors with funky edging, but it’s not the best to wear under clothes.
It comes up high on your chest so only works with t-shirts without being seen, plus the seams can show through thin or tight fabric.
Pros:
Breathable material.
Designed for full-figured women.
Wide, padded shoulder straps.
Reinforced wire-free cups.
Range of colors to choose from.
Cons:
High up on the chest.
Seams may show through clothes.
Not as stretchy as others.
5. Champion Double Distance Sports Bra
This bra from well-known sports brand, Champion, goes a long distance and retains its dryness. If you’re like me and love your long morning walks or jogs, this is a good choice.
The compression bras hug design minimizes projection and provides excellent support for endurance activities.
The bra also has some hidden features such as hidden wires that provide maximum support, and extra knit that reduces movement.
The molded three-layer shape is ideal for curvy women and keeps your breasts looking beautiful. The side cup panels also add shape as well as stability.
Aesthetics don’t end there; it also has a V-back that’s not only stylish but also practical. I found that the straps were as good as any of our choices for staying put.
There doesn’t appear to be many colors to choose from when we last looked.
Pros:
Machine washable.
Silky double dry fabric keeps you dry.
Molded cups keep shapely curve.
Moisture-wicking fabric.
Cons:
Imported so quite pricey.
Not breathable cotton (nylon and spandex).
Colors?
Importance of a Good Plus Size Sports Bra
Fitness has become an aspiration for many of us and who is going to deny the benefits of exercise. You might be thinking it’s time you got on the health train.
Many women new to workouts tend to stick to their old much-loved bra when heading to the gym.
However, sportswear and sports bras in particular haven’t been designed just to look cool.
They protect those precious breasts, providing support while you move and shake and a sports bra provides other benefits.
Sufficient support is essential for comfort and to prevent sagging and excessive jiggling, especially if you’ve got large breasts.
A supportive sports bra provides the stability and comfort needed during high-impact exercises, especially for plus-sized individuals.
Besides the discomfort that comes with unnecessary breast movement, you certainly don’t want unnecessary attention while running on the treadmill.
A well-fitted sports bra can help reduce such undesired attention, irrespective of its motive.
Investing in a high-quality sports bra can manage your breasts’ movement during strenuous activities, reducing discomfort, and ensuring your breasts stay in place.
Regardless of your bust size, a well-fitted sports bra contributes to preventing neck or back pain.
Studies show that breasts can bounce up to 15 centimeters when working out, so you want to make sure that that movement is controlled. No need to hang on to your breasts while doing your jumping jacks any longer.
Breasts are notorious for sagging, and gravity doesn’t help when they’re large. Breasts sag because they don’t have any muscles to hold them up but only connective tissue known as Cooper’s ligaments.
When they’re worked without the correct support, the ligaments can get stretched out and cause sagging. A good plus size sports bra that helps hold your breasts in place can, therefore, help you keep your breasts defying gravity.
How to Choose the Best Plus Size Sports Bra
You may want to additionally check out our look at the top compression sports bras but for things to consider when choosing the best plus size sports bra, you need to understand the different styles available.
Sports bras either compress the breasts by pushing them up against your chest or encapsulate by lifting and separating each breast.
An encapsulation sports bra provides individual support for each breast, preventing movement and separation during strenuous exercise.
Compression bras hug against the body, minimizing projection and are best suited for smaller cup sizes. They are often compared with encapsulation bras, with each style offering different levels of impact support and features like padding for a rounded shape and nipple coverage.
…Design
When choosing the best sports bra for large breasts, you should look for something that can either compress the breasts by pushing them up against your chest or encapsulate by lifting and separating each breast.
Encapsulation style sports bras separate each breast individually, providing a more natural shape and are ideal for high-impact workouts.
Every woman will have their own preference and you can also go for one that’s a combination of both designs.
Design can also play a role in the look of your bra, depending on whether you like bright colors or would rather a basic black or other skin colors.
Fit
It is imperative to choose a sports bra that aligns perfectly with your body requirements.
Medium impact sports bras are essential for activities like moderate hiking, cycling, or skiing, as they control the bounce factor and provide the right support.
Avoid a bra that causes discomfort on your skin or slips from your shoulders. Opt for adjustable straps for increased ease, and consider a larger size, as plus size sports bras may sometimes feel tight.
Ensure that the underband is not overly tight but holds in place. If you prefer underwire bras, ensure that the wires shape the breast correctly.
Material
Breathable material is also important as you’re going to be working up quite a sweat! You want the material to be soft on the skin so that you’re comfortable. It will also help reduce irritation, which can occur when you’re sweating.
Some sports bras come with removable cups, offering versatility and customization for coverage and support.
Precautions When Wearing a Plus Size Sports Bra
If you have ever had any injuries in your chest area, it’s crucial that you wear a good sports bra. If you’re planning on doing very high impact exercises like jumping or running, then a good sports bra is very important.
Most sports bras lack the necessary support for large breasts, often leading to the need for additional support or wearing two bras at once.
However we, and I with small breasts would always suggest wearing a good sports bra for regular exercise activities as well as higher impact workouts.
Also, make sure you regularly replace your sports bra, as wear and tear and washing can affect the bra’s support, depending on use and quality.
The Best Plus Size Sports Bra Reviews
After carefully examining all the options out there, I’ve selected the top five best plus size sports bras out there that I hope will be able to fulfill all your needs.
We have spent considerable time testing sports bras to evaluate their performance, fit, and quality to bring you the best options.
My choice is…
After looking at all the bras in detail, I found the TOBWIZU Sports Bras is the best plus size sports bra for overall comfort, versatility and price.
The appealing design goes a long way. It’s perfect for yoga or medium impact exercise and looks great under clothes. It’s got all the features of the other mentioned bras, as well as some extra ones that help provide that safety and comfort needed when selecting the best plus size sports.
You might also like our article on bras for high impact activities or bras best suited for older ladies.
And can you wear a sports bra for swimming? Find out here.
