How do I measure myself for a sports bra?

If you can, get professionally fitted at a specialty bra store. You’ll get your measurements straight from a professional, and you might be surprised at what your bra size really is. In fact, most women incorrectly size themselves by accidentally opting for a larger band and a smaller cup size than needed. If that’s not an option, here’s how to measure your bra size at home. To measure your bust and band size, you’ll need a soft measuring tape that can go around the curves of your body and you should be wearing a bra. Put on a bra so your breast tissue is lifted. You never want to measure bare-breasted. First, measure the band. This measurement should be taken directly underneath the bust and above the rib cage, where the band of your bra would typically rest. The number you get here is your band size. Then, measure the bust. This measurement is taken at the fullest part of the bust line. That tends to be the nipple line, but can vary based on your body shape. Calculate the difference between your bust size and your band size. This number will guide you to your lettered cup size. Use a size chart (and/or calculator) to determine your cup size.

How do I know if my sports bra fits properly?

First, check the support in the straps, the cup, and the band. Take note of the stretchiness of the straps, whether the cup holds your entire breast, and if there’s too much wiggle room between the band and your skin. “You want your band to be resting parallel all the way around you,” explains Marissa Renelt , customer service team lead and bra fit expert at Bare Necessities. Next, move around in your potential new sports bra with common exercises such as jumping jacks, lifting arms overhead, running in place, arm circles, and anything else you do regularly. Note if the sports bra rides up, if there’s any gapping between the fabric and your skin, and if the straps or band pinch or dig in at all. “You don’t want your band to be riding up your back at all,” says Renelt. “If it is, that means your breast tissue is relying on your shoulder straps to do the heavy lifting, and your band is not the right size to support your bust. If you feel like there’s a pinching happening on the side of the cup, or the center gore (the part in between the two cups) isn’t lying flat against your chest, it could indicate the cup size isn’t proper for your frame.”

11 Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Collage of people wearing sports bras we recommend for large chests on a colorful background — SHAPE / Wacoal / Lululemon / Athleta

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt personally victimized by your larger chest during a workout. From running to plyometrics (and even kettlebell workouts), having a cup size of C or greater can make you think twice about a high-impact fitness routine, especially if you haven't found the best sports bra for a bigger chest. The ache of boob bounce is all too real — and at the same time, a sports bra that’s too constricting can be incredibly uncomfortable and even painful (not to mention the struggle of trying to get a sweaty sports bra off after a tough workout).

That’s why it’s so important for well-endowed people to find the Goldilocks equivalent of a perfect sports bra for large chests: not too loose, not too tight, and just supportive enough. In fact, a supportive sports bra will minimize bounce by up to 53 percent (which is pretty significant, considering an unsupported D cup can bounce two to three inches in each direction), as Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, Ph.D., previously told Shape. After weeks of running and jumping to thoroughly test several sports bras, our busty editors named these the best sports bras for large chests.

Our Top Picks

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests Overall:

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra at Amazon ($36)

Jump to Review

Best Splurge Sports Bra for Large Chests:

Knix Catalyst Sports Bra at Knix ($89)

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Best Sports Bra for Large Chests with Molded Cups:

Athleta Advance Bra at Gap.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best High Impact Sports Bra for Large Chests:

Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra at Amazon ($57)

Jump to Review

Most Supportive Sports Bra for Large Chests:

lululemon All Powered Up Bra at Lululemon ($88)

Jump to Review

Best Budget Sports Bra for Large Chests:

Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra at Amazon ($38)

Jump to Review

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests for Running:

Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra at Barenecessities.com (See Price)

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Best Sports Bra for Large Chests and a Small Frame:

Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra at Syrokan.com (See Price)

Jump to Review

Best Low Impact Sports Bra for Large Chests:

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Bra at Amazon ($42)

Jump to Review

Best Adjustable Sports Bra for Large Breasts:

SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra at Amazon ($69)

Jump to Review

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests Overall

Champion Spot Comfort Sports Bra

Amazon

View On Amazon $36 View On Zappos $48 View On Champion.com

Why We Like It: Its combination of comfort and support made this sports bra for large chests a winner, along with the way it held up over several washes.

It’s Worth Noting: The old-school Champion brand prioritizes function over fashion, meaning you won’t see any sexy straps or trendy patterns on these no-frills sports bras.

Sizes: 34C to 42DDD︱Material: 76% nylon, 24% spandex︱Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

Champion is one of the best places to buy women's workout clothes, so it's no wonder testers felt pleasantly surprised and incredibly satisfied with the quality and the value of the Spot Comfort sports bra. For starters, testers called out the sliding straps as being actually easy to adjust; plus, the three hook options on the back band make it possible to get the perfect fit (not to mention, it’s way easier for large-chested people to get in and out of a sports bra with a hook-and-eye closure). The supportive band below the cups helps this sports bra provide the necessary strength to keep boobs in place while running or jumping — sans squishing.

Testers also raved about how comfortable this sports bra for large chests is, thanks in large part to the gel cushioning in the adjustable straps, which relieves shoulder pressure (a major issue for people with large chests).

“This one was super comfortable to wear, and it was also comfortable to get into. Everyone has a sports bra they look at and then decide today's not the day to maneuver into it. This will never be that bra!”

Best Splurge Sports Bra for Large Chests

Knix Catalyst Sports Bra

Knix

View On Knix $89

Why We Like It: This high-quality sports bra offers an extra-adjustable fit (think: five options for back clasps) with durable yet flattering fabric.

It's Worth Noting: Knix notes that the bra will fit extra-tight at first, but it should eventually loosen over time.

Sizes: 28DD to 42F︱Material: 59% nylon, 41% spandex︱Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

Since options for sports bras for large breasts tend to be limited, you might be willing to shell out a little extra for a sports bra that promises a flattering fit and the durability to last way longer than a cheaper bra. The Knix Catalyst Sports Bra felt worth the investment to our testers. Even better, the bra claims to reduce movement by 76 percent — without smooshing your breasts into a uniboob. However, it might take you a few wash-and-wears to get to that perfectly snug fit. The sports bra is meant to fight tightly right out of the package, so expect a little more compression during your first few workouts in the Knix Catalyst Sports Bra. And heads up: Knix uses its own sizing method, so take the time to double-check your measurements before purchasing.

“Nothing's moving in this bra! The compression makes it ideal for all levels of impact. My shoulders and back did not hurt while wearing this bra. My chest did not spill out, either.”

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests with Molded Cups

Athleta Advance Bra

Athleta

View On Gap.com

Why We Like It: The sculpted foam cups help your breasts hold their shape during exercise.

It's Worth Noting: Even though there’s a hook-and-eye back closure, the V-shape of the shoulder straps means you’ll still have to pull this sports bra over your head.

Sizes: 32G to 44DD︱Material: Not listed︱Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

As any well-endowed lady knows, molded cups are key to maintaining any kind of silhouette (read: not looking like you have one giant boob) while working out. The Athleta Advance sports bra won points for its encapsulated cups, which help support and separate your breasts. And even though the foam cups aren’t removable, testers noted that the cups didn’t shift out of place after being washed. However, we did struggle with fit a bit. “Unless the band measurement is perfect and you feel good with the hook and eye closure options, you'll be wrestling with this bra for a while," noted one tester. "The straps are in a V-shape, and it's hard to reach over your shoulder and get them just right.”

Best High Impact Sports Bra for Large Chests

Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra

Amazon

View On Amazon $57 View On Zappos $76 View On Nordstrom $76

Why We Like It: With this sports bra, your breasts are locked and loaded — there’s no chance of movement, no matter how high-impact your workout is.

It's Worth Noting: You might need to order up in band size.

Sizes: 32C to 42I︱Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex/elastane︱Adjustability: Slide-and-hook shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

The Wacoal Simone Sport Underwire Bra earned high praise from our testers for its ability to stand up to all types of workouts, thanks to its wide straps and band. Whether you add it to your pickleball wardrobe or wear it while running, you'll love the support it offers. Plus, the attention to detail makes this sports bra perfect for larger chests (think: underwire on the outside of the bra to avoid rubbing and looser cups that prevent uniboob). However, testers felt that the bra didn’t run exactly true to size, especially in the band (which also lost points for itchy seams and material). You might also need a few extra minutes to adjust the shoulder straps, which use a slide-and-hook adjustment.

“The weight feels evenly distributed. I wasn’t spilling out anywhere. It kept my chest separated and firmly in place.”

Most Supportive Sports Bra for Large Chests

lululemon All Powered Up Bra

lululemon

View On Lululemon $88

Why We Like It: It strikes the perfect balance between supportive and snug, without feeling overly compressive.

It's Worth Noting: This sports bra is on the pricier side of the spectrum.

Sizes: 32B to 42DDD︱Material: 71% nylon, 29% elastane︱Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

While Lululemon designates the All Powered Up Bra as medium support, our testers felt it met all their needs for higher-impact workouts, from boxing to burpees. Even better, this sports bra separates and cradles the girls without any of the typical downsides of max support (such as flattened boobs or between-boob sweat). While Lululemon’s sports bras can put a dent in your wallet, testers felt the quality was worth the price (BTW, here’s the right way to wash your workout clothes.) Be warned that the extra support might come with a little bit of discomfort from shoulder straps digging into the skin, but most testers found that only occurred after several hours of wearing the All Powered Up Bra.

“I wore this bra a lot throughout the testing period because it was clearly my favorite. By the end of the two weeks, it still looks just as new as it did in the beginning — even after washing it a few times.”

Best Budget Sports Bra for Large Chests

Glamorise Wire-Free Sports Bra

Glamorise

View On Amazon $38 View On Walmart $38 View On Barenecessities.com

Why We Like It: The high-neck cami top keeps the girls in place and provides ample coverage, even when bending over or running.

It's Worth Noting: The fabric blend doesn’t include spandex, which testers felt gave extra support — but also compromised the comfort of the bra.

Sizes: 34C to 50J︱Material: 70% polyester, 25% nylon, 5% elastane︱Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

These days, a high-quality sports bra can easily run $60 or more, but the Glamorise No-Bounce Cami Wire-Free Sports Bra gave our testers plenty of support at an accessible price point. With a high neckline and true-to-size encapsulated cups, your boobs will stay perfectly in place without sagging or gapping. Plus, testers adored the close fit, which made them feel comfortable moving freely around the gym. But heads up: Without spandex to soften the fabric blend, you might find this sports bra a little scratchier than others. Testers also noted that the sports bra’s tight fit (especially on the back band) led to pinched skin.

“There’s no spandex in this bra, and that was key! Spandex loses its tight, snug fit as you keep moving, so having a bra with none whatsoever meant everything stays up and in place.”

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests for Running

Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra

Amazon

View On Barenecessities.com View On Panache-lingerie.com

Why We Like It: Nothing is moving when you wear this sports bra — it stays perfectly in place, no matter what you’re doing.

It's Worth Noting: On small frames, the excess material of this sports bra might feel unnecessary.

Sizes: 28B to 40J︱Material: 49% polyamide, 36% polyester, 15% elastane︱Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

Whether you’re a beginner jogger or you always have a half-marathon coming up, your boobs need to stay in place when you hit the pavement. Too much bouncing can be distracting and downright painful — not to mention an ill-fitting, unsupportive bra could cause armpit chafing (ouch). Our testers found the Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra the best sports bra for running, noting that the locked-in fit kept everything in place at all times. “I’m very aware when I have this bra on — it feels a little like armor,” noted one tester So while this sports bra for large breasts is suitable for high-performance activities, it’s likely not one you’ll find yourself relaxing in on the weekends.

Best Sports Bra for Large Chests and a Small Frame

Syrokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra

Syrokan

View On Syrokan.com

Why We Like It: The minimal fabric and lightweight fit makes this design ideal for petite wearers.

It's Worth Noting: The shoulder straps are adjusted in the back, which can require some contorting if you want to adjust this sports bra while wearing.

Sizes: 28B to 40J | Material: 49% polyamide, 36% polyester, 15% elastane | Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps and hook-and-eye back band

For well-endowed women with smaller frames, the challenge of finding a sports bra for large chests often means sacrificing fit in one area (say, the cups) for another (i.e., the band). Our testers appreciated that the Syokan Underwire Molded Cup High Impact Sports Bra was both supportive and delicate, without relying on a ton of material to strap the girls in place. But careful: While the contrasting stitching adds some visual interest to the outside of this sports bra for large breasts, there’s a chance that the stitching will snag and fray over time. Wash and dry with caution.

“This felt light and airy, but supportive. It didn't chafe or move while jumping or running, and it felt very comfortable. The bra laid flat on my body and didn't gap or pucker.”

Best Low Impact Sports Bra for Large Chests

Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Bra

Girlfriend Collective

View On Amazon $42 View On Girlfriend.com View On Net-a-Porter $18

Why We Like It: This sports bra is so comfortable, you might even forget you have it on.

It's Worth Noting: The Paloma Bra isn’t adjustable at all, so finding the right size is trial and error.

Sizes: XXS to 6XL︱Material: 79% recycled plastic bottles, 21% spandex︱Adjustability: None

Girlfriend Collective is an Internet-favorite activewear brand, and the Paloma Bra stands out for its comfy compression, making it perfect for low-impact workouts such as cycling, yoga, Pilates, or walking. Although the sports bra doesn’t have individual cups, the long-line silhouette and thick fabric add a luxe look that makes the Paloma appropriate to wear as a standalone top (especially considering it comes in a wide variety of rich, on-trend colors) or with a pair of matching leggings. That said, the large cup/small band crowd might face some sizing issues with the Paloma sports bra.

“While this bra felt supportive, the band didn’t touch my ribcage. I wouldn’t wear it for any high-impact class where you’re moving up and down a lot, because I’d be afraid someone would see my underboob.”

Best Adjustable Sports Bra for Large Breasts

SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra

SheFit

View On Amazon $69 View On Shefit.com $75 View On Fleetfeet.com

Why We Like It: It’s never been easier to create your custom fit.

It's Worth Noting: The front-zip feature can cause uniboob.

Sizes: XS to 6Luxe | Material: 88% nylon, 12% spandex | Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps, sliding back band, zip-up front with added hook-and-eye closure.

The SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra stands out for its totally custom fit, from the sliding back band closure to the ability to choose the shape of your shoulder straps (either an X-shape or an H-shape, depending on your needs). Testers did report that this sports bra runs slightly small (and SheFit’s sizing method is unique to their brand, so measure carefully). And though the zipper front (bolstered by hook-and-eye closures), makes this sports bra easy to get on and off, it also puts you at risk for sweaty uniboob.

“Adjustability is where this bra shines. It has customizable straps that you can tighten and loosen as needed. The band adjusts as well without hooks so you can get the fit absolutely perfect.”

Best Maternity Sports Bra for Large Breasts

Sweat and Milk Emily Nursing Bra

Sweat and Milk

View On Sweatandmilk.com $65

Why We Like It: It’s more supportive than a basic nursing bra, but the extra structure isn’t too compressive or snug.

It’s Worth Noting: The bandeau isn’t adjustable, so prioritize that measurement when choosing your size.

Sizes: XS to XXL | Material: 92% polyamide, 8% spandex | Adjustability: Sliding shoulder straps

For nursing parents in the D-DD range and above, we loved the extra support from the Sweat and Milk Emily sports bra. The bandeau style was ultra-comfortable and didn’t dig into the skin (although it’s not adjustable, FYI, so you’ll need to measure carefully). We wore it all day (including during a hike) and found it cozy for nursing and regular daily activities. The fabric is even a little stretchy and silky, which elevated it in our minds. We did struggle a bit with the sizing and ended up ignoring the brand’s recommendation that 34DD/DDDs should go with a medium. Instead, we wore the large and felt like that was the right fit without being too loose.

What to Know About Sports Bras for Large Breasts

Compression vs. encapsulation: Compression and encapsulation refer to the style of sports bra and whether or not the bra features cups. Compression bras are typically best for low- to moderate-impact workouts, and they’re more comfortable for smaller cup sizes (that is, A and B cups) since they support the bust by squeezing your breasts tight against the chest. Encapsulation, on the other hand, is found in sports bras with individual cups.
Shoulder straps: People with large breasts will generally find either racerback or H-straps most supportive. Since racerback bras clasp in the back, the sports bra will fit closer to your body (read: it’s more supportive). H-straps, meanwhile, are easier to get up and over big breasts without awkward maneuvering. Regardless of which strap type you prefer, look for wide straps (at least a couple of inches across), which help distribute weight better for bigger cup sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure myself for a sports bra?
If you can, get professionally fitted at a specialty bra store. You’ll get your measurements straight from a professional, and you might be surprised at what your bra size really is. In fact, most women incorrectly size themselves by accidentally opting for a larger band and a smaller cup size than needed.

If that’s not an option, here’s how to measure your bra size at home. To measure your bust and band size, you’ll need a soft measuring tape that can go around the curves of your body and you should be wearing a bra.
1. Put on a bra so your breast tissue is lifted. You never want to measure bare-breasted.
2. First, measure the band. This measurement should be taken directly underneath the bust and above the rib cage, where the band of your bra would typically rest. The number you get here is your band size.
3. Then, measure the bust. This measurement is taken at the fullest part of the bust line. That tends to be the nipple line, but can vary based on your body shape.
4. Calculate the difference between your bust size and your band size. This number will guide you to your lettered cup size.
Use a size chart (and/or calculator) to determine your cup size.
How do I know if my sports bra fits properly?

First, check the support in the straps, the cup, and the band. Take note of the stretchiness of the straps, whether the cup holds your entire breast, and if there’s too much wiggle room between the band and your skin. “You want your band to be resting parallel all the way around you,” explains Marissa Renelt, customer service team lead and bra fit expert at Bare Necessities.

Next, move around in your potential new sports bra with common exercises such as jumping jacks, lifting arms overhead, running in place, arm circles, and anything else you do regularly. Note if the sports bra rides up, if there’s any gapping between the fabric and your skin, and if the straps or band pinch or dig in at all. “You don’t want your band to be riding up your back at all,” says Renelt. “If it is, that means your breast tissue is relying on your shoulder straps to do the heavy lifting, and your band is not the right size to support your bust. If you feel like there’s a pinching happening on the side of the cup, or the center gore (the part in between the two cups) isn’t lying flat against your chest, it could indicate the cup size isn’t proper for your frame.”

Why Trust Shape

As the senior fitness editor at Shape, Kristen Geil has spent the last several years trying every workout under the sun, and you’ll find her in a sports bra more often than not. Kristen is a NASM-certified personal trainer who regularly covers fitness products and tests exercise apparel. She leads the Shape Fitness Awards and personally oversaw the nomination process for products in dozens of categories (including sports bras and other apparel categories).

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