This guide should help in finding the best plus size sports bra that will provide proper support and allow for comfortable exercise whatever size you are.
We’ve started off with our top 5 sports bras for a large chest, with the preferred choice being the Brabic Sports Bra.
Enduring a workout session at the gym or at home can be a source of discomfort enough, but exercising and wearing inappropriate clothing can make things a whole lot more unpleasant.
And what can be worse than an ill-fitting bra especially if you’re on the bigger side of the spectrum? Finding plus-size clothes is challenging enough, let alone sports bras.
This article includes affiliate links. If you choose to purchase any of the products we have discussed in this article, we may receive a small commission.
Our reviews of the best plus size sports bras include:
- Brabic Women’s Sports Bra (top choice)
- Playtex 18 Hour Active Women’s Sports Bra
- Fruit of the Loom Women’s Front-Close Sports Bra
- Glamorise Women’s Full Figure Camisole Wirefree Sports Bra
- Champion Double Distance Sports Bra
Table of Contents
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 who are just starting off will wear their old favorite bra to their sessions at the gym.
However, sportswear and sports bras, in particular, haven’t been designed to simply look cool. They protect your precious breasts, providing support while you move and shake and a sports bra provides a number of other benefits.
Sufficient support is essential for comfort and to prevent sagging and excessive jiggling, especially if you’ve got large breasts.
Apart from the discomfort of overly bouncing breasts, you don’t want people staring at you whilst pounding out the miles on the treadmill.
A good sports bra will definitely help tone down the staring, whether with envy or desire.
A quality sports bra will help control the movement of your breasts when you’re running or jumping, as well as easing any discomfort so that your boobs don’t have to bounce when you are.
Whether you have large boobs or not a properly fitting sports bra will help prevent back and neck 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…
…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.
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
Choose a sports bra that fits your body properly.
The last thing you want is a bra that digs into your skin or slips off your shoulders. Look for adjustable straps to help with comfort, and consider going up a size as plus size sports bras can be tight.
Make sure the underband is not too tight but doesn’t slip. If you’re an underwire kind o’ gal ensure the wires encompass the shape of the breast.
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.
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.
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.
1. Brabic Women’s Sports Bra
What makes this bra special is that it’s designed for post-surgery breasts, making it a top choice if you have just undergone breast reduction or any other operative work on your breasts. Even if you haven’t, the special design makes it supportive and comfortable for plus size women to exercise in.
The padded support bra has middle empty cups surrounded by a two-layered soft, stretchy fabric and foam pads on either side. If you have large breasts, it will flatten them slightly to prevent bouncing.
This post-surgery bra will provide your breasts with the best natural coverage and safe, supportive care you need. While it doesn’t come in bra sizes, there is a size chart to help you select the right one from S to 3XL.
It comes in basic black; a color everyone can agree with when it comes to sports bras.
Pros:
- Great for post-surgery workouts.
- Can be used as an everyday bra.
- Made of breathable material (polyester and cotton).
- Padded support.
- High elastic under bust to keep breasts in place.
Cons:
- Comes in general sizes.
- Handwash only.
- Only featured in one color.
2. Playtex 18 Hour Active Women’s Sports Bra
This full-coverage Playtex bra is designed for an active lifestyle with a breathable, moisture-wicking material.
The four-way support system makes it ideal for larger bodies, with higher sides for coverage, wider straps for comfort, rounder cups with side slings and a smooth back.
This model comes in colors that are made to blend with the skin to minimize the exposure of the bra. It’s machine washable and available in sizes from a 36B to 46DD.
Pros:
- Breathable material (polyester and nylon).
- 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 Fruit of the Loom sports bra is both pretty and simple, with its front closure and white color.
Many women will appreciate the front closure—no more fiddling about behind you trying to close your bra. It also helps reduce the size of the breasts with its compressive quality, a bonus if your breasts are large.
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:
- Movable, breathable fabric (95 percent cotton and 5 percent spandex).
- Machine washable.
- Front hook and eye closure.
- No underwire.
- Pack of two.
Cons:
- Comes in one color.
- 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.
Something unique you’ll like about this bra is the cushioned shoulder straps which are wide, adjustable and non-slip. This should relieve some of the pressure on your shoulders and back.
The wire-free bottom cups are reinforced to allow for comfort, and the side support helps with shaping your breasts. This bra is made with a quick-dry fabric that wicks sweat and moisture when you’re exercising—after all, there’s nothing worse than sweaty boobs.
This model comes in a range of fun colors, 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 show through clothes.
- Not very stretchy.
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 great choice for you.
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, as straps will always stay in place.
Pros:
- Several colors to choose from.
- 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).
- Short shoulder straps.
And the Winner Is…
After looking at all the bras in detail, it goes without saying that the BRABIC Women Sports Post Surgery Support Mastectomy Bra is the best plus size sports bra. Its amazing support caters to women who have undergone breast surgery and those with larger breasts.
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 sports bra for large breasts.
You might also like our article on bras for high impact activities or bras best suited for older ladies.
