The best plus-size sports bras for a comfy and secure gym sesh

Including zip fronts, adjustable straps and breathable fabrics.

best-plus-size-sports-bra-to-shop-uk-2023

by Ruby Barry |
Updated on

It's time for our quarterly workout clothing shopping spree, so get ready to spam the "add to basket" button and buy some new plus-size sports bras. Whether you wear your sports bra to hit the gym, or lounge at home (because let's be honest, we all chucked out our wire bras during lockdown and never looked back), choosing the best bras is a must-have task for your wardrobe.

With sizes from 14 to 40, the best plus-size sports bra will have sweat-wicking materials and adjustable straps, and be adaptable to whether you're smaller-chested or in need of a sports bra for bigger busts. The best support bra will have controlled stability and absolutely no chance for mono-boob. Because there's nothing worse than an unexpected uni-boob situation ruining your gym outfit.

In our list below, we guide you through the best supportive sports bras in plus sizes for every and all situations. Whether you're looking for a cute bra that doesn't sacrifice looks for design or a running bra that's ideal for high-intensity workouts (AKA no chance of your boobs bouncing up and giving you a black eye).

Closer's plus-size sports bras at a glance:

Editor's Choice: Panache Sport Ultimate Sports Bra, £29.50-£45 on Boobydoo

Best adjustable plus-size sports bra: Racerback High Support Sports Bra, £32 on Gymshark

Best affordable plus-size sports bra: YOURS Curve ACTIVE Black Padded Sports Bra, £17.99 on Yours

Remember - you can easily get yourself a sports bra that celebrates and accentuates your curves, without trying to squish or diminish your beautiful, natural figure. Bras should work alongside you, not against you. Keep reading to find out how to find the right one for you.

SHOP: The best plus-size sports bra to nail your next workout

Editor's Choice

Panache Sport Ultimate Sports Braboobydoo
Price: $29.50 - £45

boobydoo.co.uk

If you're looking for the number one place to shop for plus-size sports bras, the answer is Boobydoo. Over the past fifteen years, they have curated the widest range of sizes and styles of sports bras in the world - and the Panache Sport Ultimate Sports Bra is no exception. It reduces breast movement by up to 83% and comes in a bunch of fun patterns and colours to match your personality.

Customer review: "My favourite sports bra - I own 5 or 6 now. I've found that one cup size down from my usual is my best fit in this bra (I would usually be a 30FF - 30F in this is perfect) but that will probably depend on your shape. The band is quite firm. Personally, I'd say the cup sizes run slightly big, but band sizes run slightly small, so I was unsure what to answer on the fit scale! It's comfortable enough to wear for long hikes and supportive enough to wear for any high-impact exercise (especially once the racerback J-hook is done up)."

Pros

  • Reduces breast movement by up to 83%
  • 70 unique sizes: 28 - 40 Band and B - J Cup
  • Cushioned Shoulder straps
  • Seam-free, moulded inner cups
  • Underwired

Cons

  • Handwash only
  • Can't remove padding
  • Boobydoo rating
    4.7
Band sizes28 - 40 
Cup sizesB - J

Best adjustable plus-size sports bra

Racerback High Support Sports Bragymshark
Price: $32 (was £40)

uk.shop.gymshark.com

If you're like us and jump at the chance to shop a Gymshark sale, their iconic Racerback High Support Sports Bra is currently discounted at under £35. The stand-out feature here is their adjustable band, using its swan hook multi-adjuster clip. Furthermore, you can choose from four gorgeous colours, our favourites being cherry brown or hoya green. The moulded cups help with that push-up bra effect, without having to deal with extra, removable padding that falls out in the wash.

Pros

  • Dual-cup sizing
  • Moulded cups
  • Band sized for specific, adjustable fit
  • Swan hook multi-adjuster on the side for easy adjustability
  • Embossed underbust contour lines

Cons

  • Cup size only goes up to F
  • Gymshark rating
    3.7
Band sizes32 - 42
Cup sizesB/C - D/DD

Best affordable plus-size sports bra

Sometimes you want something cheap and cheerful that just works, so we've got you covered with the YOURS Curve ACTIVE Black Padded Sports Bra. At under £20, this sports bra is super soft, comfy and stretchy, and its black colouring means you can pair it with any classic black leggings.

Customer review: "At last... a fun friendly fashionable shop with a great online service too! Since finding Yours, shopping has become fun again instead of the dreaded chore it used to be. Everything is cut to flatter us slightly curvier girls, the prices are affordable, and the items are great quality. I can't fault it! Finally feel like I'm dressing for my age and personality...not my size!! THANK YOU."

Pros

  • Under £20
  • Scoop neckline and racer back
  • Elasticated underband
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • General sizing, no band or cup measurements
Band sizesX
Cup sizesX
General sizing16 - 28

Best zip-front plus-size sports bra

Pretty Secrets High Impact Black Zip Front Sports Brasimply be
Price: $20 (was £25)

www.simplybe.co.uk

For extra stability, a lot of us like to shop for zip-front sports bras, to hold our twins in place, securely. The Pretty Secrets High Impact Black Zip Front Sports Bra comes in four stylish, neutral shades, and has that classic zip front, as well as thick racerback straps for back support.

Customer review: "I have been buying this bra for a couple of years now. Size is always spot on. Very comfortable and very supportive for a larger chest. However, hardly ever have my size in stock."

Pros

  • Non-wired with zip front
  • Stretchy fabric
  • Thick racerback straps
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • Reviews suggest you may need to size down
  • Straps not adjustable
  • Simply Be rating
    3.5
Band sizes34 - 48
Cup sizesB - H

Best running plus-size sports bra

Shock Absorbed+ Max Sports Brabravissimo

Running is an exercise for which having a secure sports bra is key - otherwise, you run the risk of a very uncomfortable session. Bravissimo's Shock Absorbed+ Max Sports Bra is specially designed for running, with a full-coverage style that holds your boobs close to your chest to minimise bounce. Choose from three colour choices, as well as cups from D to H.

Customer review: "It is hard to find an over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder that keeps you from getting a black eye due to an exceptional amount of bounce when running with two G's swinging off the front of you. But ladies, THIS. IS. IT!! At first, it was hard to breathe, but after about 3 runs, it's comfortable and everything stays where it needs to. Buy it!"

Pros

  • Shock absorbent
  • Quick-drying, breathable fabric that wicks moisture away
  • Full-coverage style
  • Seaming prevents mono-boob
  • Partially adjustable straps

Cons

  • Can cause chafing if running long marathons such as 10K
  • Bravissimo rating
    4.5
Band sizes32 - 40
Cup sizesD - H

Best light support plus-size sports bra

Nike Swoosh Women's Medium-Support Non-Padded Sports Branike
Price: $28.47 (was £32.95)

www.nike.com

If you like to do low-intensity workouts such as yoga, or just want a good sports bra to wear around the house, Nike's Swoosh Women's Medium-Support Non-Padded Sports Bra is the ideal purchase. Made from at least 50% recycled polyester fibres, this more sustainable plus-size sports bra will keep you secure and comfy day-to-day. This bra is ideal for plus-size ladies with smaller busts. If you want to check out more sustainable bra options, read our best bamboo bras guide.

Customer review: "Pros: lovely quality, design is cute and back support is deep so for any of us big bag gyals it’s a win. Cons: sizing, I’m normally a 24/26 in sports bras which is why I ordered the XXL and honestly I think an XXL for someone with a wide back is sized for 18-20."

Pros

  • Wide comfy straps
  • Sweat-wicking, lightweight fabric
  • Made from at least 50% recycled polyester fibres

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger busts
  • Nike rating
    3.1
Band sizesX
Cup sizesX
General sizing1X - 3X

Best cooling plus-size sports bra

If you're prone to more sweat than most, you'll need a good sweat-proof bra. M&S' Ultimate Support Non-Wired Sports Bra has built-in Cool Comfort™ technology, making it breathable, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking. Similar to the Simply Be option, this has a secure zip front, as well as a strong back that supports your posture.

Customer review: "Best sports bra ever. I’m a Zumba instructor and have recommended it to our community. With the extra clips for safety, there's no chance of a mishap with the zip. Makes it more secure. And it’s so comfortable."

Pros

  • Cool Comfort technology
  • Fuller bust design helps ease pressure on your back and improves posture

Cons

  • Band may need sizing up
  • M&S rating
    3.9
Band sizes32 - 42
Cup sizesF - H

Best plus-size sports bra pack

Love the idea of an M&S bra (because M&S have never let us down in the bra department) but want to save some cash? Why not invest in their Ultimate Support Non-Wired Sports Bra two-pack? Very similar to the bra listed above, this one differs slightly in that it has multi-way straps, and is made with recycled polyester.

Customer review: "I’ve recently started going to the gym and needed some new sports bras. These are the first non-wired ones I’ve had and I’m impressed. I’m a GG cup and feel very supported in these, the band doesn’t ride up either. They are comfortable, I love the colour/pattern, the fit is true to size, great value for money and they wash well too. Well done M&S!"

Pros

  • More value in a two-pack
  • Multiway straps (conventional or criss-cross back)
  • Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that dries fast
  • Recycled polyester

Cons

  • Suitable for gym, but not for running
  • Non-wired and non-padded
  • M+S rating
    3.9
Band sizes32 - 42
Cup sizesF - H

What to look for in a good plus-size sports bra...

Eases back pressure

A majority of plus-sized women have larger busts. This means that as well as supporting your chest, your bra should equally support the back. Having more weight on the front of your body can lead to an imbalance in your central core, meaning you put too much pressure on your back to hold your chest up. A good plus-size sports bra eases back pressure by supporting the chest and back with thick traps and controlled stabilisation.

Supports good posture

Furthermore, a successful sports bra will keep you upright with shoulders pushed back and down. This is key to good posture, which eases back pain and eliminates a potential dowager's hump. Thick, supportive straps are needed - no backless bra nonsense here.

No mono-boob

As we discussed earlier, nothing is worse than a uni-boob ruining your outfit, so a great plus-size sports bra will accentuate your curves and keep your boobs looking like two separate entities! This can be done through strong cups sewn into the design and a structured bodice.

Make sure to measure your bra size correctly with our handy guide linked here.

Ruby Barry is a Product Writer for Closer Online, specialising in fashion and beauty. The team has nicknamed her "dupe queen", as there's not a product in the world she can't find a cheaper alternative for.

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