This blog post was originally published on July 31, 2014 and updated on November 4, 2020. I hope you find these sports bra recommendations for busty ladies to be helpful to your search!ย
Good morning!
I started my day with a delicious batch of overnight oats with fresh berries and chia seeds. It was de-lic-ious. Recipe here!
I alsoย enjoyed a Hawaiian Chocolate Nut iced coffee from Marylou’s.
(This photo is actually from yesterday, but I snuck out at the butt-crack of dawn for one this morning.)
Sports Bra Recommendations for Busty Ladies
Even though it’s been about 2.5 weeks since I started working out again, it still takes me a good 10 minutes to get dressed for my workouts. Why? Because I have no clue what fits and what doesn’t! I’m not wearing maternity clothes anymore, but not all of myย old workout gear fits me quite yet. And when it comes to my sports bras… forget about it! My boobs won’t make up their mind about what size they want to be!
I probably own 50+ sports bras in variety of sizes and styles – some fit great, some were a waste of money, so I thought I’d share a few recommendations, so you guys don’t waste your time and money too. Plus, I know the busty women out there have trouble finding quality sports bras that actually fitย (story of my life!), so here are a few that I really love!
Here are my top sports bra recommendations for busty ladies!
Under Armour High Crossback Sports Bra
The support in this Under Armour bra is no joke! Not only is it cute, but it has adjustable racerback straps. There is minimal bouncing in this bra – the girls are strapped down, but it’s also comfortable to wear for hours of activity.
Brooks Maia Bra
I own twoย Maia sports bras from Brooks, and they’re my current go-to postpartum sports bra. (They were also my go-to sports bra during pregnancy.) They’re full coverage with adjustable straps, so they really hold everything in. They also come in bra sizes, so they have a more personalized fit.
Brooks Dare Crossback Zip Bra
When my beloved Brooks Juno Bra was discontinued, I wanted to find an alternative. This Dare bra is very supportive – great for running and high impact activities. I prefer racerback bras to wear under my tanks, so I was happy that they have a racerback and a non-racer scoop back option. Plus, the fabric is silky smooth and really comfy against sweaty skin. Definitely recommend!
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite sports bra?
P.S. Looking for even more sports bra recommendations? Here are my top picks for nursing moms (and busty ladies)!
98 Comments
i definitely need new more supportive sports bras since i’m nursing now and my ta-tas are larger than life! lol
I’ve always loved the Juno sports bra by Moving Comfort, but I’ll definitely have to look into some of these options!
@Amanda N.: Yes! I loved the Juno while I was breastfeeding! I would highly recommend it to anyone with the caveat that you try different sizes. I actually felt the size down from my regular bra size was the right fit. But they have a great returns policy!
I am also well endowed and my pregnancy has made me even more so (sigh). I’ve been loving the TaTa Tamer and also the high impact sports bra from Victoria’s Secret. You purchase in your size and it is completely adjustable, which I love. I just hope everything goes back one day ๐
I have been asking others about good sports bra recommendations for larger chest sizes for forever, but it always seemed like no one really knew. I have definitely settled for sports bras that don’t work well with my body. When I saw the title of this post I got SO excited! Thank you for the suggestions Tina! It’s nice to get reviews from a trusted source.
This post is such perfect timing–I have been searching and searching for the perfect postpartum sports bra! I’m not used to having a bigger chest, so it’s been challenging. I actually bought that full coverage one from Target and just finished a Crossfit workout in it. It’s ok…the straps fall a little too wide over my chest, so it digs in a little when I cross my arms…but might fit someone else a little better. I ordered a few Bravado ones to try and the sizing was all off. They were way too big. Look forward to hearing everyone’s suggestions!
I typically wear two sports bras when I work out. I have a few of the Moving Comfort bras which are high tech but sometimes they are so tight they are uncomfortable, plus I always wear a racer back tank and its just not cool having big straps down your back lol. I haven’t tried the ta ta tamer yet, although I hear great things. I like that you can change the straps, so I may have to start saving some money for one!
The ta ta tamer is for sure my favorite sports bra as well! Its the most supportive bra for running or any hard core workouts. I don’t mind spending a good amount of money on a sports bra, its probably the most important piece of equipment you buy.
Honestly, the sports bras I have stink. One from Old Navy is my favorite but I wouldn’t necessarily run or do jumping jacks in it. ๐ I’ll have to give these recommendations a peek!
I really like the Victoria’s Secret sports bras (WITHOUT the padding). They come in such fun colors and patterns. I’m a busty girl and I bought one of their bras on sale to try- I was SO mad I didn’t buy more while they were so cheap! Keeping my eyes peeled for their next sale ๐
I also love the Moving Comfort Maia Bra. Until I found this bra, I HAD to wear 2 sports bras to workout!
I have not tried the ta ta tamer, but as a busty lady, with girls that need a lot of support, my go to bra is the Enell sports bra. After years of wearing 2 sports bras for high impact things like running, the Enell saved me. It is not pretty and means I can’t ear most cute tops, but it does it’s job like no other.
Thank you for the sports bra tips!! I am always in search for a good one. Right now I just wear ones from Target with a super tight Lululemon top over it – I’d love to wear looser tops with a better fitting sports bra. I’m going to have to check some of these out!
Because I teach a plyo sports cardio class, Les Mills BODYATTACK, I discovered the high-impact version of sports bras more than a year ago. I’m not busty at all, yet even I need more support when teaching that class. I really like the Macy’s brand Ideology, but I’ve also heard good things about Moving Comfort. A good bra is a MAJORLY important part of a workout ensemble.
thank you. thank you. THANK YOU! This is just the list I needed. I’ve struggled for years to find something to control these suckers.
Have you tried the Reebok Skinny Strap sports bra that many of the women were wearing at the Crossfit games? It looked super cute and I loved the double strap/ atypical back. I was wondering if it was worth trying out.
I used to be able to wear them, but my boobs are a tad too big for them now! รฐลธหโฐ
100% Enell sports bras. I am HUGE up on top and these bras have completely changed my workout life. You MUST try.
I always get so excited when I see posts with titles like this, and then I get so disappointed when I see the bras only go up to an E cup. I wear a 32H, which may seem unusually large, but it’s not so abnormal. In the US we have a history of using weird sizing standards that have led many bustier women to be stuck in the wrong size. So many women have been cramming themselves into DD’s because no one told them that smaller band sizes and larger cup sizes were a real option. Other countries, especially the UK are not like this. But I really wish here in the US there were more sports bras (and bras in general) that went up to bigger sizes. There are some, but it’s hard to find one that really supports and prevents bounce.
Have you ever tried the Enell sports bras? Just curious, I’m about to order one and want to see if you like them?
I haven’t. Sorry. Truthfully, I think they’re kind of ugly… unless they have some new styles I haven’t seen?
@Stacey@BingeFreeMe:
I posted above. I love the Enell sports bra! They are certainly not pretty and if given a choice I’d wear something else, but they are the best I have found for keeping things in place during high impact activities.
Luckily (or not so luckily), I’m a longtime member of the IBTC, so finding sports bras that fit never seems to be too much of an issue. But my favorites are definitely the ones with the thinner straps at Old Navy and Target! The thick straps dig into my skin and rub too much.
@Cassy @ Wine & Dine to the Finish Line:
Agreed. I do prefer an actual bra though to most built-ins when running.
I’m a DD size so I can definitely relate to the misery that is trying to find a good, supportive sports bra! Moving Comfort Juno is my go to, but I’m always on the lookout for a better one. My biggest issue is bouncing! I hate feeling like my boobs are bouncing around and I do a lot of running so this can be a big issue. When I started running, I had no idea what kind of sports bra to buy and ended up wearing two together (bad idea). I wish there was one that solved all of the issues for large-chested women!
Try the TaTa Tamer! If you crisscross the straps, it really helps with bouncing!
I don’t wear sports brass I prefer the Nike tanks that have the shelf bra built in. All in one…easy!
I love the TaTa Tamer, too! However, in the search to find cheaper options, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Target’s C9 by Championยฎ Women’s High Support Sports Bra With Molded Cup. I wear it for running and soccer and it does a great job keeping the girls in place!
Link: http://www.target.com/p/c9-by-champion-women-s-high-support-sports-bra-with-molded-cup-assorted-colors/-/A-14968996?reco=Rec|pdp|14968996|CategorySiloedViewCP|item_page.vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|CategorySiloedViewCP|item_page.vertical_1
Thank you for the recommendation!!
I’ve been double-bagging the girls and need to find a good bra that fits and doesn’t chafe. There is nothing worse then stepping in the shower after a run and you have a chafed chest.
I am also “gifted” up top lol…but I hate the styles you recommended because they make me feel so bulky up top! But I bet they’re better for holding everything tightly.
I do crossfit and have a hierarchy of my faves:
For days with DUs/running: All sports bra (Lululemon)
For days with lower bouncing activity like cleans, KB swings, press: Flow Y bra (Lululemon…although only my pre-2013 ones. The new ones are cut much lower ๐ ugh)
For biking and very low impact like yoga: Free to be Bra (Lululemon) or a shelf bra tank like the power Y tanks
For the most part, I love the all sports bra for everything because it smashes me down and holds tightly. I’m weird though – not opposed to the uniboob at all!! I like being really really flat for exercise haha!
on the other side of the spectrum… as a lifelong member of the ibtc, i’m a fan of aerie (american eagle outfitters) sports bras. i guess they’re made for teens, but i think they’re perfect for petite ladies!
As a runner with a D-cup I’m all over this topic. ๐ The Champion C9 bra from Target you mentioned is great! I’m also a fan of the Champion Spot Comfort Full Support bra. I got it on Amazon for about $25. My new favorite, however, is the Ayni bra from Fabletics. It doesn’t come in standard bra sizes and is a pull-over instead of having clasps, so I was really skeptical, but it holds everything in and has become my go-to bra for running. And it’s only $20! Win win.
Thank you! I seriously have the hardest time finding good sports bras now that I am nursing. I’m hoping these will work for me!
Love the moving comfort Juno for running or Moving comfort rebound racer for crossfit… they have a bunch on sale right now at movingcomfort.com
Moving Comfort is so awesome! I am part of the busty ladies club and their bras are amazing. My favorite is the Fiona because it’s not racer back (which i don’t really like) and the straps are adjustable in the front so you can kinda customize the fit per your workout.
Tina- I have had this burning question about MaryLou’s flavored coffee forever! I LOVE flavored coffee, but only drink decaf. Their coffees are truly flavor-roased, it’s not flavored syrup, correct? If so, do they make all their flavors available in decaf? I live in the midwest and would love to be able to order some beans if possible!! Do you know if they have an online store?! Thanks!
Yep, their coffees are all flavored-roasted, no syrups, and they have a TON of flavors in decaf. And, yes, they have an online store! ๐ My favorites are Hawaiian Chocolate Nut, Peanut Butter Wonderful, and White Chocolate Chip!
@Tina: I used to order once in awhile until I moved to the area last year, and they taste SO much better when purchased in store than made at home. No idea why!
Totally agree!!
@Tina: I’ve actually had @Abby E.: I have actually had the same question too! Thanks for asking it ๐
Just the other day I purchased two C9 by Championยฎ Women’s High Support Sports Bra from Target out of desperation. I’m only 14-weeks pregnant and have already increased an entire cup size. I can’t imagine what will happen as this pregnancy continues and my milk comes in. I haven’t taken the tags off yet as I wasn’t sure these were ‘the ones’, but after reading a few comments of people who have purchased this with great success I think I’ll take the plunge. This whole needing a new bra to do jumping jacks is new to me ๐
I’m not normally busty but I’m also nursing so I’ve been wearing the MOving Comfort Juno one, which is a nursing bra and sports bra. It’s come in handy when I come in from a run and baby wants to eat NOW haha
I’m with you on the Ta Ta Tamer, though finding a 34E has been hard and the stores don’t usually carry it. Re: price though, I can usually find them on sale if I’m flexible on the color (which I always am…)
Once I outgrew the TTT at about 4 months pregnant, I swapped into the Moving Comfort Juno and am in love. I was actually thinking I’m not sure I’ll even go back to the TTT, though I have a pretty solid collection already. I never thought I’d see the day when I had two viable options… sports bras for the top-heavy are a STRUGGLE.
This post made me realize my sports bras are a joke and its time to actually spend some real money on something good and stop buying basic ones at discount stores. I think I am going to try the Champion High Support one from Target first. Thank you Tina!
I am nursing right now too and the only sports bra I have that fits is a moving comfort rebound racer. It is a compression bra and I find that it fits small but it comes bra sizes and really helps with bouncing. I also love that the straps are adjustable at the front with really sticky velcro so you can discretely adjust them mid-workout. nursing moms can have the problem of changing sizes and needing to adjust!
ooooo, perfect timing, I’m in desperate need of new sports bras! As of late I dig Moving Comfort, but I’m totally hitting up Target to try the Champion ones, thanks ๐
the standout by Victoria Secret is surprisingly supportive and it’s cute. my issue with with the ta-ta tamer (and many other bras) is that i have a small ribcage (32) and large breasts (E/F)…most lines accommodate larger cup sizes but also larger band sizes. the standout comes in 32DDD which i’m able to squeeze into and WOD to my heart’s content..and it’s not hideous. it also doesn’t give you the uni-boob which i thought was a fact of life for me after years of doubling up on sportsbras and almost hitting myself in the face doing any exercise that involved jumping or running.
I also swear by the C9, purchased it in many different colors, I use it for all my exercise activities except yoga, it’s a little too much support for that.
I like the ta-ta tamer too. But the Fiona Moving Comfort sports bra is also a really great one!
@Annette@FitnessPerks: Fiona is a great bra!! They’re #1 seller. I could never get use to the straps (more of a racerback fan myself) but I do love that they adjust in the front.
I’m a 32DD and the Tata Tamer is my favorite sports bra of all time! I love that it comes in my hard to find size and it works awesome for running and soccer and I think it is comfortable enough to wear hiking or running errands after a workout. I also really like the Victory Run bra from Sweaty Betty, although, as with all my bras, I immediately toss the padding in the trash! Like I need more volume while running.
I have the TaTa tamer and just ordered another last week. It’s the best!
Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so flat chested, but reading an article like this makes me realize that having full bust comes with its challenges! I personally wear Old Navy sports bras, but they come in regular old small, medium, and large sizing so I’m guessing they wouldn’t work well for someone who needed a lot of support. I’m curious to see if trying out a nicer bra would be more comfortable even for a small busted person!
Have you ever tried the Champion Marathon Bra? It’s my favorite!! It’s surprisingly light and doesn’t have those annoying pads that come out when you wash it (I despise those!) I’m not sure how they made it so supportive yet light, but it’s awesome ๐
LOVE this post! Currently (and pre-pregnancy) I wear the Juno bra by Moving Comfort. I will look into the Tata tamer (love the name too) and the Maia bras. I’m measuring 36E and friends have warned be about the girls getting much bigger once baby is born and I’m breastfeeding — yikes!
As someone who worked at specialty running store- the Maia is a great bra. It also has gel in the straps, an underwire (you can’t feel it), separate cups so you don’t get that uni-boob look, a clasped back so you don’t have to pull a nasty sweaty sports bra off over your head, AND it’s Oprah’s sports bra of choice (ha). I’m a 32D and run in the Juno from Moving Comfort and LOVE it!! Once I discovered it, it was the only one I’d run in (lots of laundry when you run a lot and only have 1!)- it keeps everything locked and loaded.
I avoid Vicky’s like the plague, but I found an old gift card in a drawer recently and decided to try one of their sports bras. The girl working there obsessed over the Knockout Front Zip bra, and much to my dismay I agreed. Trying to pull a snug sports bra over my head at the crack of dawn for a morning run makes me irrationally angry to the point that I will go to bed with it on just to avoid it. You pick your real size and has a front closure (real bra on the inside and a zip up that hides it). Love this thing!
https://www.victoriassecret.com/victorias-secret-sport/shop-sport-bras-by-size/knockout-by-victorias-secret-front-close-sport-bra-vs-sport?ProductID=185679&CatalogueType=OLS&cm_mmc=CA-_-Google-_-VSX%20BRAS-_-JC-31858609336DD&CAWELAID=430002470002724783
I’m a 36F and the Juno bra is my hero!
Another fan of Juno by Moving Comfort – used it 7 months breastfeeding and counting. Good support, comfortable, front adjustable straps are perfect for changing breast size with breastfeeding and to “pull ’em out” when the baby gets hungry on the run!
I love the Champion bras, they seem to be the best at really holding them close to my body and reducing bounce. I have lost a lot of weight, but the girls stayed big, but lost a lot of volume (if that makes sense) so I find I need them squished right to me so they don’t hurt when I work out. I might have uniboob, but I don’t have a sore back or sore bubbies. And the straps are wide, so it reduces the sore shoulders.
I find the adjustable straps of the LULU bras comes out all the time, it won’t stay in,and the strap has come loose while I was working out. But maybe that’s just a defective bra and not the entire line. But they are way too expensive to buy more to find out.
I am definitely not in need of any of these, since I’m shaped quite similarly to an adolescent boy, but I will pass this along to my more endowed girlfriends! I always hear them complain about bouncing during a run and I do have some sympathy, running is the only thing that makes tiny boobs an advantage!
My favorite sports bra is the Nike Pro bra, their most basic model. I’ve been wearing it for years and every time I try something else, I end up going right back to Nike. The one exception I have made is my new tan-through sports bra by Naked Sports Gear for summer running. It has helped cut down on my sports bra tan a ton so I appreciate it greatly!