We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Activewear The Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts Are Actually Comfortable and Supportive We spent 113 days testing options from lululemon, Knix, and other top brands By Emily Stone and Sarah Felbin Updated on March 19, 2024 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Kristin McGee, CPT Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Rich Scherr Print In This Article Expand In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews CompareWhat to Know Before You Get Started We Also Tested What to Look For How We Tested Our Experts Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust Verywell Fit Verywell Fit / Joy Kim If you have a larger chest, finding a sports bra that’s supportive, easy to wear, and stylish can feel almost impossible. Generally speaking, “large breasts” refers to anyone with a cup size of D or greater (although many picks on our list are available in A through C cups, too). The best sports bras for large breasts are comfortable and functional, with a thick, soft band. According to Lauren Leavell, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, it's also important to look for wide, adjustable straps. To find the best sports bras for large breasts, we first consulted experts to learn which key features to look for. Then, we researched dozens of options before testing 19 expert-approved styles at home for 113 days. Our top picks received high scores for their fit, support, comfort, adjustability, quality, durability, and overall value. We also had a certified yoga, Pilates, personal training, and meditation teacher from our Review Board review this article for accuracy surrounding what to look for in sports bras and how they should fit. What to Know Before You Get Started Our experts share fit tips and other things to look for before you start shopping: It's a good idea to measure yourself or get measured at a lingerie store before buying a new sports bra to make sure you're wearing the right size. Working out in a sports bra with a band that's too tight can prevent you from breathing properly, influencing your metabolic rate. Look for a sports bra that comes in traditional bra sizing (meaning a cup size and a band size) for a better fit. Bras that are sized S, M, L, and so on can be difficult to gauge online. Opt for sports bras with molded, encapsulated, or contoured cups. “Encapsulated cups offer support and separation—one boob per cup—and will help each breast stay where it’s supposed to be,” says Laura Burke, intimate apparel stylist at Fit X Burke. Some styles also have flexible underwires to lift each breast individually and help limit movement. Most sports bras provide support through compression. But if you have larger breasts, Jenette Goldstein, founder and CEO of Jenette Bras, says each breast should be completely encased to control movement from all angles. Bras with built-in padding or removable cups have better coverage and create a smooth, rounded shape (to prevent a “uni-boob”). Make sure the bra you choose feels good to wear. “All different bodies go to the gym, all different bodies go for runs and workouts—and to have a piece of your attire fit you and fit you well is good for your confidence," Leavell says. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra at Amazon ($48) Jump to Review Best Budget: Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra at Amazon ($47) Jump to Review Best Sweat-Wicking: Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon ($76) Jump to Review Most Supportive: Panache Underwired Sports Bra at Amazon ($75) Jump to Review Most Comfortable: Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra at Syrokan.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra at Amazon ($75) Jump to Review Best Low-Impact: Natori Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon ($132) Jump to Review Best High-Impact: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra at Knix ($89) Jump to Review Best Size Range: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra at Amazon ($46) Jump to Review Best Everyday: Playtex Fits 18 Hour Cooling Comfort Wire-Free Sports Bra at Amazon ($39) Jump to Review Best Overall Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra $36 at Amazon $48 at Zappos View on Champion.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Padded straps Breathable mesh Budget-friendly Cons Straps may show underneath tank tops Key Specs Fabric: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Cups: Molded, wire-free | Straps: Adjustable, gel-cushioned | Sizing: 34C to 42DDD | Support Type: High | Closure: Triple hook-and-eye Why We Love It Champion’s Spot Comfort Sports Bra is our top overall pick because it has plenty of support and adjustability in a simple design that’s easy to wear. It’s also the only sports bra on our list that earned a perfect score in every category. We love how comfortable is it, with a smooth band that's supportive and sturdy. Molded cups keep your breasts lifted and separated, while breathable mesh layered with sweat-wicking material boosts airflow (even during the sweatiest workouts). This budget-friendly bra is also surprisingly durable: Three months after our initial test, it continues to hold up and hasn't shown any signs of wear or tear. We also like the hooks on both the gel-padded straps and band, which make adjusting the Spot Comfort bra simple. Wireless, highly adjustable, and a great value—this bra truly has it all. Potential Flaws We realized that the straps have a tendency to show underneath tank tops since they curve inward. This bra outperformed all others during our tests, thanks to its padded straps and smooth, secure band. Verywell Fit / Ivy Ford Best Budget Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra PHOTO: Glamorise $47 at Amazon $47 at Walmart View on Barenecessities.com Our Ratings Fit 5/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros No spandex Full coverage neckline Wide, adjustable straps Cons Material may feel itchy Not as flattering Key Specs Fabric: Polyester, polyamide, elastane | Cups: Full coverage, non-stretch | Straps: Wide, adjustable | Sizing: 34C to 50J | Support Type: Medium | Closure: Triple hook-and-eye Why We Love It We recommend Glamorise's No-Bounce Cami Wire-Free Sports Bra if you’re searching for a supportive sports bra on a budget. Unlike many other bras on our list, this one has no spandex—this means it will hold your chest in place throughout your entire workout, without stretching or losing its shape over time. The wide hook-and-eye closure in the back provides a locked-in feel we loved during testing. The full-coverage neckline and wide, adjustable straps make this bra just as comfortable as it is effective, and we like that it comes in a range of bright and neutral tones with contrast trim. And after four months of weekly use, Glamorise's No-Bounce Bra continues to be just as supportive as the first day of wear. Plus, it isn't showing any visible signs of wear or tear. Potential Flaws The lack of spandex made the material and seams feel itchy after long periods of time. We also wish this sports bra looked a bit more flattering under workout tops—the seam down the middle tends to give it a slight resemblance to a cone bra, which isn't for everyone. Breathable mesh panels on the back of this bra help prevent sweat from building up while you work out. Verywell Fit / Amanda Stanfield Best Sweat-Wicking Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $76 at Amazon $76 at Zappos $46 at Macy's Pros Sleek design Combines soft cups with underwire Lifts, separates, and supports Cons Band may run small Key Specs Fabric: Nylon, spandex, elastane | Cups: Two-ply with exterior underwire frame | Straps: Close-set with slide-and-hook adjustment | Sizing: 32C to 42I | Support Type: High | Closure: Quadruple hook-and-eye Why We Love It Made from thick, opaque fabric, Wacoal’s Underwire Sports Bra is built to quickly wick away sweat during high-impact workouts. Sleek but functional, it combines three performance fabrics and a hidden, exterior underwire for extra shaping and support. The design of this bra is what sets it apart—the cups are soft and unstructured, with two thick layers of soft fabric between your ribcage and the hidden underwire. This Wacoal sports bra is super supportive, and we love the way it made our chests look. (Most sports bras tend to overly flatten or minimize, but this one doesn't.) With plenty of ways to customize the fit, it's also easy to adjust. Another bonus? The straps are convertible and can be crossed in the back for a seamless silhouette underneath racerback tops. Potential Flaws While the bra didn't dig into our shoulders, we did notice that it felt a little tight, with some gapping in the center. We think the band runs small, so consider sizing up. We love that this bra has convertible straps—you can cross them in the back for easy wearing. Plus, the band has four rows of hook-and-eye closures. Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin Most Supportive Panache Underwired Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $48 at Amazon View on Barenecessities.com View on Herroom.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 3/5 Adjustability 3/5 Value 4/5 Pros Lifts, separates, and supports Band won't ride up Durable Cons Not comfortable to wear for long periods Key Specs Fabric: Polyamide, polyester, elastane | Cups: Encapsulated with silicone-encased underwires | Straps: Wide, adjustable | Sizing: 28B to 40J | Support Type: High | Closure: Triple hook-and-eye Why We Love It Panache’s Underwired Sports Bra combines high-impact support with sturdy materials. We like that the cups lift and separate, while the wide straps distribute the weight of our chest evenly. During testing, we noticed that this bra effectively cut down on excess movement and didn’t ride up in the back. A hook-and-eye closure with three columns and three rows makes it easy to tighten or loosen the band as needed. We also like that the straps are adjustable and that the size range extends up to a J cup, unlike many other picks on our list. Overall, we feel that this bra's quality, design, and performance during testing make it a great value for anyone who needs extra support. Potential Flaws While this bra is durable, even after repeated washes, its maximum support means it's not comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time. The cups provide plenty of coverage, and the wide straps won't dig into your shoulders. Verywell Fit / Tara Cox Most Comfortable Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra PHOTO: Syrokan View on Syrokan.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Adjustability 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Budget-friendly Lightweight Convertible straps Cons May be difficult to adjust while wearing Key Specs Fabric: Polyester, spandex | Cups: Molded and encapsulated with curved wire | Straps: Adjustable, padded | Sizing: 32D to 40H | Support Type: High | Closure: Triple hook-and-eye Why We Love It For a comfortable sports bra at a budget-friendly price point, we recommend Syrokan's Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra. We appreciate that this bra has a low profile, meaning it won’t take up a lot of space on your ribcage or overwhelm smaller frames. It's so lightweight that we easily wore it for ten hours straight during testing. We love that it slips on and off like a traditional bra, for easy wearing. Another pro: The straps can be converted into a racerback, for layering underneath tank tops. Plus, it never gives the appearance of a "uni-boob." Choose from neutrals like Taupe and Brick, or branch out with Navy Cosmos and Hibiscus Purple. Potential Flaws The padded straps are only adjustable in the back, which means this bra can be difficult to adjust while you’re wearing it. Lightweight and low-profile, this sports bra is easy to wear during long, tough workouts. Verywell Fit / Tara Cox Best Adjustable SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra PHOTO: SheFit $69 at Amazon $75 at shefit.com View on Fleetfeet.com Our Ratings Fit 4.5/5 Support 4.8/5 Comfort 4.8/5 Adjustability 5/5 Value 4.8/5 Pros Convertible straps Wirefree Wide range of colors and sizes Cons Not available in traditional bra sizing Not comfortable to wear for long periods Key Specs Fabric: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Cups: Padded, removable | Straps: Wide, padded, adjustable hook-and-loop | Sizing: X-Small to 6X-Large, A to I cups | Support Type: High | Closure: Hook-and-loop band Why We Love It SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra is our favorite adjustable option because it's wirefree and ultra-customizable. We're not alone in our love for this bra—Leavell is also a fan: “They have straps, they have Velcro, they have hooks—you're not falling out of them,” she says. “There’s a lot of security.” The convertible straps are easy to shorten and lengthen, and we like that you can change up their look almost instantly. Instead of a traditional hook-and-loop closure system, this bra features one long strap that's used to tighten or loosen the band. This design also means you can adjust how compressive the bra is, a feature that others on our list don’t offer. We did multiple cross-training sessions in this bra, including running, weightlifting, agility drills, and more, without having to make any adjustments. Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, it’s a stylish option for people who like a supportive zip-front sports bra that can be tailored to their figure. Potential Flaws Note that this bra doesn’t come in traditional bra sizing, so you’ll have to use the brand’s size chart to get the right fit. We found that the material can start to feel scratchy after hours of wear, We like that this sports bra has convertible straps that are easy to adjust. Verywell Fit / Abigail Wetzler Best Low-Impact Natori Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra PHOTO: Nordstrom $132 at Amazon $74 at Zappos $74 at Zappos Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 3/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 4/5 Value 4/5 Pros Stylish design Hidden underwire Wide range of sizes and colors Cons Band may run small Thin straps may need to be adjusted Key Specs Fabric: Polyester, Lycra spandex, nylon | Cups: Light foam with hidden underwire | Straps: Thin, adjustable | Sizing: 30B to 40H | Support Type: Medium | Closure: Double hook-and-eye Why We Love It For low-impact activities like walking, stability training on balance boards, or Pilates, we recommend Natori’s Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra. Made from breathable mesh, this bra is durable, with a two-row hook-and-eye closure that’s easy to adjust. Lightweight foam cups with a hidden underwire offer extra support. During testing, we loved how well-made this bra feels, with high-quality materials that won't wear out quickly. The modern, dual-layer design is a great way to add some color to your workout wardrobe, with shades like Tango/Onyx, Lake/Ash Navy, and Electric Pink/Crocus. It's also flattering, with a low back and mesh panels on either side. Potential Flaws In testing, we noticed that the band runs about one size too small—you may want to size up.While we like the look of the thin straps, we found that they started to dig into our shoulders after three hours and didn’t stay adjusted over time. Verywell Fit / Alessandra Amodio Verywell Fit / Alessandra Amodio Verywell Fit / Alessandra Amodio Best High-Impact Knix Catalyst Sports Bra PHOTO: Knix $89 at Knix Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 5/5 Value 5/5 Pros Thick, opaque material Flattering silhouette Wide hook-and-eye closure Cons May feel too compressive at first Non-standard sizing Key Specs Fabric: Nylon, spandex | Cups: Molded | Straps: Adjustable | Sizing: 0 to 8+ (28A to 42F) | Support Type: High | Closure: Five-row hook-and-eye Why We Love It Many sports bras can’t stand up to the demands of high-impact exercise. But we found that Knix's Catalyst Sports Bra provides the ideal combination of fashion and function. This ultra-supportive bra is made from soft, opaque fabric, with a flattering silhouette that lifts, separates, and creates smooth lines. We also appreciate the wide hook-and-eye closure, which has five columns—unlike most other bras we tested. We love that the Catalyst's molded cups offer structure without a painful underwire. And it weighs almost nothing, making it easy to pack in a suitcase or gym bag. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the straps using the bra’s buckles. We also like that the high V-neck design provides coverage without compromising on aesthetics. Potential Flaws Knix says the bra will feel tight at first, then loosen over time. However, we felt the bra was almost too tight on the first wear, so you may need to order one band size up to get used to the close fit.You’ll have to use Knix’s conversion tool on their website to find your size. This lightweight sports bra has soft, molded cups and a high V-neck for the right amount of coverage. Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin Best Size Range Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra PHOTO: Girlfriend Collective $46 at Amazon $42 at girlfriend.com Our Ratings Fit 3.5/5 Support 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Adjustability 1/5 Value 5/5 Pros Comfortable Made from recycled materials Won’t show sweat or deodorant marks Cons May run large Not adjustable Key Specs Fabric: Recycled plastic bottles, spandex | Cups: None | Straps: Wide, not adjustable | Sizing: XXS to 6XL | Support Type: Medium | Closure: None Why We Love It Available from XXS to 6XL, Girlfriend Collective’s Paloma Bra is our top pick for the sports bra with the widest size range. We love the comfortable, supportive material, which quickly wicked away the sweat we worked up during testing. Another surprising pro: The black doesn't show sweat or deodorant marks. The Paloma Bra is available in a stunning range of jewel tones, plus bright seasonal colors that rotate regularly. We also like that each one is made from recycled plastic bottles. Even after many washes and four months of regular wear, the material still feels just as high quality as it did when we first tried it on. Potential Flaws While we like the amount of compression this bra offers, we noticed that it runs at least one size large. We also found that, since this bra doesn’t have an adjustable band or straps, it didn’t fit one of our tester's small band, large cup body type very well. The Paloma Bra is easy to pull on and comfortable to wear, with wide straps and a racerback silhouette. Verywell Fit / Sarah Felbin Best Everyday Playtex Fits 18 Hour Cooling Comfort Wire-Free Sports Bra PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $18 at Walmart View on Barenecessities.com Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 3/5 Value 4/5 Pros Cools you down while you wear it Reinforced hooks Budget-friendly Cons Small size range Key Specs Fabric: Polyester, cotton, spandex | Cups: Lightly lined | Straps: Adjustable, close-set | Sizing: 36B to 46DDD | Support Type: Low | Closure: Triple hook-and-eye Why We Love It For everyday wear, we recommend Playtex's Fits 18 Hour Cooling Comfort Wire-Free Sports Bra. We like how supportive and low-profile it is—during testing, we realized it's virtually undetectable underneath most workout shirts. But the cooling elements are what set this bra apart. Made with sweat-wicking fabric in the cups and the band, we could feel a difference in testing. We also like that the hooks in the back are reinforced to prevent them from poking through to your skin. Although it comes in at a budget-friendly price point, it doesn't skimp on quality—this bra showed no signs of wear or tear after weeks of washes. Potential Flaws But the size range is much smaller than our other top picks, as it’s only available in B to DDD cup sizes. Verywell Fit / Rebecca Potters Verywell Fit / Rebecca Potters Verywell Fit / Rebecca Potters Best for Running Natori Yogi Convertible Sports Bra $59 at Amazon $72 at Zappos $72 at Zappos Our Ratings Fit 4/5 Support 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Adjustability 3/5 Value 4/5 Pros Durable Convertible straps Good compression Cons Not comfortable for long periods Straps may be difficult to adjust Key Specs Fabric: Polyester, Lycra spandex | Cups: Lined, underwire, stretch foam | Straps: Adjustable, convertible | Sizing: 32B to 40I band | Support Type: High | Closure: Triple hook-and-eye Why We Love It Whether you're running outdoors or on a folding treadmill, look for a sports bra with enough compression to prevent painful bouncing—like Natori's Yogi Sports Bra. The soft, silky material feels breathable, but support is where this bra really shines. During testing, this bra kept our chests lifted and in place without any chafing, rubbing. It's also built to last, with blend of polyester and Lycra spandex that can handle repeated washes and wears. Convertible straps and a triple hook-and-loop closure add to the Yogi Sports Bra's functionality, while encapsulated cups work to lift and separate your breasts. Choose from solids like Black and Grey or try a pattern, like Tie Dye or Leopard Print. Potential Flaws Since it’s so compressive, we found that this bra isn't the most comfortable to wear after a full day.We don't love the way the straps adjust—the hook-and-loop system isn't as customizable as a traditional buckle is. We also noticed that, on tighter settings, the excess strap material tends to move around while we exercised. Verywell Fit / Tara Cox Verywell Fit / Tara Cox We Found the Best Sports Bras for Running After Wear-Testing 61 Options Compare Products Product Links Fit Support Comfort Adjustability Value Best Overall: Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra $36 at Amazon 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 Best Budget: Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra $47 at Amazon 5/5 5/5 4.5/5 5/5 5/5 Best Sweat-Wicking: Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra $76 at Amazon Most Supportive: Panache Underwired Sports Bra $48 at Amazon 4/5 5/5 3/5 3/5 4/5 Most Comfortable: Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra See price at syrokan.com 4/5 4/5 5/5 4/5 4/5 Best Adjustable: SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra $69 at Amazon 4.5/5 4.8/5 4.8/5 5/5 4.8/5 Best Low-Impact: Natori Gravity Contour Underwire Sports Bra $132 at Amazon 4/5 3/5 4/5 4/5 4/5 Best High-Impact: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra $89 at Knix 4/5 5/5 4/5 5/5 5/5 Best Size Range: Girlfriend Collective Paloma Bra $46 at Amazon 3.5/5 4/5 4.5/5 1/5 5/5 Best Everyday: Playtex Fits 18 Hour Cooling Comfort Wire-Free Sports Bra $17 at Amazon 4/5 4/5 4/5 3/5 4/5 Best for Running: Natori Yogi Convertible Sports Bra $59 at Amazon 4/5 5/5 4/5 3/5 4/5 Sports Bras We Also Tested lululemon’s Enlite Weave-Back Bra is comfortable, but we noticed it didn't fit well enough to provide the right level of support. The cups gapped, and we wish the straps were adjustable.Although we wore lululemon’s Energy Bra in our usual size, we noticed that it runs very small. The straps were too tight, and we spilled out of the cups.Anita’s High Impact Wire-Free Sports Bra is adjustable, lightweight, and breathable. We like that it comes in a wide range of sizes—but we found that it runs small, especially in the band, causing some serious spillage. What to Look for When Shopping for Sports Bras for Large Breasts Activity: Sports bras are designed to support your chest based on how intensely you’ll be exercising. High-impact bras have the most support and compression, for cardio workouts. Medium-impact bras are best for hiking or cycling. Low-impact sports bras aren’t recommended for most people with large breasts, but they may work for walking or everyday wear. Design: Consider the shape of the bra: Is the neckline high enough to provide coverage? Are the sides wide enough to support you from all angles? "A lack of coverage could lead to spillage and rubbing that could be uncomfortable," Leavell says. "Sometimes those minimal-looking sports bras are very aesthetically pleasing, but they’re not super functional." Closure: Sports bras come in pull-on, front closure, and back closure styles. Goldstein recommends avoiding pull-on styles because they only provide compression. Instead, opt for front- or back-closure bras, which offer maximum hold and stress distribution, she says. Straps: Avoid bras with narrow, fixed straps. Goldstein recommends thicker straps that you can adjust to fit your build and evenly distribute your weight. Straps with cushioning, like those on our top overall pick, also help prevent chafing. Material: Sports bras that aren’t breathable will trap sweat and moisture, which can lead to irritation. Bras made with sweat-wicking fabric will pull moisture away from your skin while keeping you comfortable. Goldstein recommends looking into performance textiles that will resist odor and repel moisture—we suggest mesh, polyester, and nylon. Care: Each sports bra comes with a different set of care instructions. Some are machine washable, while others are hand wash only—and not all of them can go in the dryer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prolong the life of your sports bra. Verywell / Bailey Mariner How We Tested the Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts To find the best sports bras for large breasts, we've tested 19 expert-approved options from trusted, high-quality fitness brands. Our testers have a variety of body shapes with C to F cups and wore the bras for four months. During testing, we evaluate each sports bra based on these key criteria: Fit: When we first try the bra on, we note whether the straps evenly distribute our weight without digging into our shoulders. We also check to see if there's any gapping or spillage.Support: We test each bra's impact level by doing jumping jacks for two minutes or by jogging for ten minutes. Then, we go for a brisk, 15- to 20-minute walk. How much do our chests bounce? Is the bra comfortably compressive, or is it so tight we can't breathe?Comfort: To test a bra's comfort, we wear it to the gym or around the house for at least three hours. Does the bra stay in place? Do the straps dig into our backs or shoulders? We also note whether the bra leaves any red marks, irritation, or sweat buildup behind after we take it off.Adjustability: How easy is it to adjust the bra—can we tweak the fit while wearing it? We prioritize bras with easily adjustable bands and straps.Quality: When we first receive the bra, we examine its construction. Does it seem well-made, or do we spot any fraying, loose threads, or other manufacturing defects? At the end of the testing period, does the bra still feel as high-quality as it did when we first tried it on?Durability: We wash the bras after every wear to test their durability. If we notice any fading, pilling, loss of elasticity, or other signs of wear and tear, the bra receives a lower durability score.Overall Value: To accurately assess each bra's value, we wait to check the price until the end of the testing period, after we've evaluated it in all other categories. Based on its performance, would we buy this bra at full price, or only if it went on sale? We also consider whether we'd recommend it to our family and friends. Since a sports bra's performance can change over time, we continue to wear and evaluate these bras at home. We'll update our list as new testing insights become available. Our Experts We consulted experts at every stage of researching and reporting this story. Some, like Burke, Leavell, and Goldstein, explained how to make sure a sports bra fits and supports your chest correctly. Others, like Marissa Renelt and LaJean Lawson, helped us develop and refine our testing process. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions. Laura Burke, intimate apparel stylist at Fit X Burke Jenette Goldstein, founder and CEO of Jenette Bras Lauren Leavell, certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor Marissa Renelt, customer service team lead and bra fit expert at Bare Necessities LaJean Lawson, Ph.D., sports bra researcher and movement expert (also known as the Boob Guru) Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital Frequently Asked Questions How are sports bras supposed to fit? Most of the support for sports bras comes from the band, so a snug band that anchors to your body and doesn’t ride up is key, according to Burke. “If you reach around your back and can pull out the band more than an inch, then you need a firmer band,” she says. “Also, make sure all the breast tissue is in the cup, and you are not relying on super tightened straps for lift.” Can sports bras flatten your breasts? A tight-fitting sports bra may flatten or compress your breasts temporarily, but that also helps keep them out of the way and restrict movement. However, some sports bras aren't designed to flatten—they're shaped more like regular bras and actually encase and support each individual breast. Is it okay to wear a sports bra as an everyday bra? Yes: Look for one that’s medium- to low-impact, so it will be comfortable to wear all day long. We recommend Playtex’s Fits 18 Hour Cooling Comfort Wire-Free Sports Bra for everyday wear because it’s durable, low-profile, and made with fabric that actively cools you down while you wear it. How much does a high-quality sports bra for large breasts cost? A high-quality sports bra for large breasts may cost anywhere from $20 to $100 and up. Pricier bras may be more adjustable, but may not be worth investing in unless you’re splurging for a specific style or brand name. Do sports bras contain BPA? Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications. In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty, leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s, shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas, and athletic shirts from Fabletics. We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. “The best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions in choosing your personal care products,” explains Zeichner. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out. Why Trust Verywell Fit Emily Stone is a sports bra fanatic. She especially loves lululemon’s Free To Be Elevated Bra. It provides support and coverage, and it’s trendy and looks great with workout tanks. She also loves the fit and feel of lululemon’s super soft and sweat-wicking Luxtreme fabric. It fits like a second skin, eliminating any unwanted gapping. Additional reporting by Sarah Felbin With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she’s passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier. Of the three sports bras she tested for this story, she liked Knix’s Catalyst Sports Bra the best because it was supportive, with a stylish, flattering design—her favorite combination. 4 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Dundas KL, Atyeo J, Cox J. What is a large breast? Measuring and categorizing breast size for tangential breast radiation therapy. Australas Radiol. 2007;51(6):589-593. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1673.2007.01898.x Kipp S, Leahy MG, Sheel AW. Sports bra restriction on respiratory mechanics during exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. Nutrition C for FS and A. Questions & answers on bisphenol a (Bpa) use in food contact applications. FDA. Published online March 27, 2023. Ohore O., Zhang S. Endocrine disrupting effects of bisphenol A exposure and recent advances on its removal by water treatment systems. A review. Scientific African. 2019;5:e00135. Additional Reading Wood K, Cameron M, Fitzgerald K. Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: a correlational study. Chiropr Osteopat. 2008;16(1):1. By Emily Stone Emily Stone is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. She writes about fitness and health products across all of the Verywell brands. 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