For those of us with larger busts, finding the right sports bra isn't just about style – it's about finding the best sports bras for big busts that provide support and comfort. Luckily for us, brands are starting to recognise the importance of catering to those with a bigger chest, offering a range of the best bras designed to support various sports activities.
When shopping for the best sports bras for big busts, there are a few key features that should help you make your decision. For example, wide and adjustable straps that distribute weight evenly are a must, as they reduce the pressure on the shoulders. A snug and adjustable band under the bust will also provide additional support, meaning you can get more out of your workout, too. No strapless bras here, ladies!
Closer's best sports bras for big busts at a glance:
Editor's choice: GymShark Lightweight High Support Sports Bra, £35 on GymShark
Best budget-friendly sports bra for big busts: Ultimate Support Serious Sports Bra, £28 on M&S
Best yoga sports bra for bigger busts: Bravissimo Yoga Bra, £28.50 on Bravissimo
Looking at it from a less practical side, the right sports bra can also add a sense of confidence when exercising, allowing you to fully enjoy your workouts without wondering if your breasts will get in the way while you hit the gym. The right sports bra will help support you mentally and physically - no matter what form of exercise you are doing. So maybe leave your cute bras in your cupboard for another time.
Shop our top sports bras for big busts below...
SHOP: The best sports bras for big busts
Editor's choice
Gymsharkuk.shop.gymshark.com
With a lightweight, breathable design, comfortable cups and supportive straps, you can rely on GymShark's sports bras to be there for you and your busts during any workout.
Customer review: 4.2 stars overall out of 5 on Gymshark's website.
Pros
- High support
- Moulded cups
Cons
- Swan hook multi-adjuster may cause discomfort
Best budget-friendly sports bra for big busts
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Elevate your workouts with ultimate support and comfort. Specifically designed for larger busts, this Mark's and Spencer's sports bra ensures confidence and ease during every move at the gym, pilates class or morning run.
Customer review: "I usually find my size in any sports bra is 38DD but normally is 36 E. The 38DD in this case fits me perfectly. It gives excellent support and is extremely comfortable. I bought the bright blue one and the black one. Very happy with my purchases."
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Wired for extra support
Cons
- Not suitable for high-impact exercise
Best yoga sports bra for bigger busts
Bravissimowww.bravissimo.com
Enjoy yoga in the Grey Marl Yoga Bra from Bravissimo. Designed for comfort, this bra provides support during low-impact activities. Peace and relaxation come with every wear. Keep zen.
Customer review: "My new favourite of my Bravissimo bras is very supportive and very comfortable there is a slight ache in my upper back if I wear the bra too long however that is to be expected I have a very big chest size."
Pros
- Soft material
- Light support means you can wear it casually too
Cons
- Straps may hurt neck after a while
Best comfortable sports bra for big busts
Simplybewww.simplybe.co.uk
A comfortable wardrobe addition for any sports and exercise lover, Pretty Secrets has the perfect high-impact bra for anyone with bigger busts. We can't get enough of the zip fastening making getting ready for the gym or any evening walk easier.
Customer review: "This is super comfortable, really easy to wear, gives all round support, love this bra."
Pros
- Zip front fastening
- Non-wired for comfort
Cons
- May need to be replaced more often than more expensive counterparts
Best sports bra for size variation
Bravissimowww.bravissimo.com
Elevate your workout with the Inspire Sports Bra from Bravissimo. Unmatched support and comfort meet sleek design, empowering you to take on every gym session with confidence.
Customer review: "I bought this sports bra to give me comfortable support, and OMG…I now have stopped wearing normal bras and only wear this. It’s so supportive, but natural looking, and it’s transformed my posture and back strain. I bought a 2nd one soon after, for when it’s in the wash. I’ve been writing in asking for it to be in white or nude, but somehow missed this happening this year, and now it’s sold out!! AAAGH! Please bring it out in NUDE too, so that I can wear it under lighter summer clothes. My eyes will be peeled. I see lots of people are asking for it in white too."
Pros
- Underwire prevents 'mono boob'
- Cups made with a double layer of fabric for comfort
Cons
- Sizing runs small
Best pack of sports bras for big busts
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Marks and Spencer's are known for having some of the best bras around, and you know you can trust them for proper chest support, even at an affordable price. Plus, who doesn't love a two-pack, so you have options?
Customer review: "Overall, good and comfy sports bras. They keep you supported for up to medium-intensity exercise or sport. Comfy in skin, including when sweaty, allowing airflow and no uncomfortable skin reactions."
Pros
- Non wired
- Multiway straps
Cons
- For medium-intensity exercise
Best big-bust sports bra for running
Pour Moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
This underwired and lightly padded bra by Pour Moi supports your bust giving you great shape whilst feeling light and comfy. Great for medium-impact workouts such as running, and features mesh layering as well as double straps for extra support.
Customer review: "I'm a 38F and find it hard to get any kind of bras to fit me, but this is the best sports bra I've ever bought. Looks super sexy, holds my breasts well and lifts them up. The straps are great, they don't dig into my shoulders and doesn't hurt my back. I will 100% be buying more bras from PourMoi and I highly recommend them."
Pros
- Underwired bra
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- May be hard to fasten the first few times
How to find the right sports bra if you have a fuller bust
Stephanie Dear, Senior Technologist at M&S Lingerie shared four simple tips with the Closder team that will help you find the perfect sports bra for you.
Get snug
Stephanie advises: “The underband provides a lot of support, so if you have a bigger bust, look for sports bras that have one. It should be snug (but not suffocating) around your ribcage, allowing two fingers underneath for comfort. The fit should feel snug, while allowing for flexible movement, even while doing burpees, skipping, or running. If there are gaps and gaping areas then it's likely to be too big, if you experience spillage or discomfort or the underband is riding up, then it may be too small.”
Consider Impact Level
“Generally, the level of support needed depends on the activity you are doing, not on your breast size”, says Stephanie. “The type of sports bra you wear for Pilates and low-intensity movement should differ from the one you wear for running and high-intensity exercise. However, if you have a larger bust, you might want to choose a higher level of support even when doing medium-impact activities such as yoga.”
Strap in
“The straps of a sports bra are key for offering the right support - keep this in mind when choosing a sports bra. Choose a sports bra with adjustable, wide straps for an optimised fit.” Stephanie explains: “These provide greater support, help to distribute the weight evenly and prevent the straps from digging into your shoulders. For high-impact activities, a sports bra with a cross strap is a great idea, as it offers extra support and hold, minimising breast movement.”
Try and test
Stephanie recommends “always test out your sports bra before buying and mimic the activity you intend to do and test out how it feels - you should feel firmly supported and comfortable with a free range of movement. If you are still unsure, consider a professional bra fit to ensure you're wearing the correct size sports bra.”
Is it better for a sports bra to be tight or loose?
A sports bra should be snug and supportive but not uncomfortably tight. A proper fit is essential to minimise breast movement during physical activity while avoiding chafing or discomfort. Look for a bra that holds your breasts in place without causing constriction or digging into your skin.
Which type of sports bra is best for heavy breasts?
For heavy breasts, a high-impact sports bra with an encapsulation or combination design is usually the best choice. These types of sports bras provide individual support to each breast while also offering overall compression to minimise movement during high-intensity activities. For exercise, it's also important to look for sweat-proof bras to prevent the dreaded boob sweat.
You should look for features like wide, adjustable straps, a strong and supportive underwire, and a snug yet comfortable fit.
Emma Richardson is a Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for Closer. She covers shopping, lifestyle, celebs and anything trending.