Best Running Sports Bra for Large Breasts: Tested Picks and Fit Tips

If you’ve ever doubled up on sports bras, dealt with constant discomfort, or felt like there just weren’t good options out there, you aren’t alone. But we’ve been putting things to the test and doing the research to find running sports bras for large breasts that will leave you supported and comfortable.

A poorly fitting sports bra can make a huge difference in both comfort and performance, which is why we have long loved what the women owned company Title Nine does with sports bras.

They’re one of the few brands carrying such a wide selection of DD-DDD+ high-impact sports bras!

But what is considered a large breast size??? It turns out when it comes to sports bras that’s a whole different question.

• In sports bras, D+ is considered “large” or “full bust”
• Cup size is relative to band size (a 32D is much smaller in volume than a 38D)
• Many women are in the wrong size bra which means they might need a smaller cup with the right band
• MAKE SURE you do new measurements!!
• If you laughed at DD because you’re like I need a G or H, scroll to the end of the list!

That’s one reason we really like this sports bra sizing calculator, the fit tips and what they call the barbell system of rating. Carrying sports bras from many different brands, allowed us to test a number of options and really help you find high impact sports bras for a larger bust.

Best Running Sports Bra for Large Breasts

These are the sports bras that have been tried, tested, and fully approved by runners who need a little extra support up top. That’s right Coach Amanda stepped aside for this one to let the team go to town because she admittedly isn’t in the busty category.

Was it a full-body workout just to get the bra off after a run? Did it leave behind annoying chafing? Or did you forget you were even wearing it because it was that comfortable?

5 Barbell Rating – Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Bra

This bra is going to be best for high-impact activities for D-DD cups.

Out of all the sports bras on this list, the Zero Gravity bra from Betty has the most adjustable components.

It’s not an over-the-head bra; you put it on normally and then have two points where it’ll clip together. Then you can still tighten the straps for an even more custom fit.

The way the back is designed helps prevent chafing and back strain. This will give you the perfect amount of support for low-impact activities like yoga, all the way to higher-impact activities like running or HIIT sessions.

We love the design of this one, especially because there’s no chance for the straps to roll or move around!

3 Barebell Rating – Maven Underwire Bra

This bra is going to be best for low to mid-level impact activities for D-DDD cups.

If you’ve been avoiding underwire sports bras because you’re worried they’ll be uncomfortable, this is one worth trying.

The wire sits on the outside of the bra, so you still get the support you need as a runner with larger breasts, while the soft fabric and cups rest directly against your skin.

It never feels bulky or restrictive, and you can easily wear it all day and then head to the gym knowing the Maven Underwire bra will keep you supported no matter what your workout looks like.

The adjustable straps and back clip mean that you can have a more custom fit, which is always a bonus.

4 Barbells Support – 3 Reasons Sports Bra

This is going to be best for C-D cups, Best for high-impact activities. Bonus because it can also be a maternity or nursing bra too.

Arguably, the 3 Reasons Sports bra is going to be the easiest time you’ll ever have taking off post-run. The 3-clasp adjustable back closure and the wide back band is a nice change from a razorback design.

The cups fit perfectly and will hold you in place for longer runs and workouts. Its made from a super soft material and features no-chafe fabric to keep you comfortable.The straps can be removed at the front, where the velcro piece is located. This makes it a great sports bra for nursing moms out there.

This also comes in a few different colors and pattern,s which we love to see!

4 Barbells Support – Anita AC Sports Bra

This bra is going to be best for high impact activities for C-D cups and mid-level impact activities for E cups.

The Anita bra has inner, molded, very lightly padded cups for support and coverage, with a mesh overlay – this will certainly breathe well in the heat and humidity of summer.

The straps are not quite as wide, so the jury remains out on whether they’ll be comfortable to wear for longer runs/workouts.

It has adjustable straps in addition to the adjustable back closure, certainly a plus for an even more custom fit. With the snug fit and adjustments, it’ll surely be supportive enough for any high impact workouts and runs.

3 Barbell Rating – Brooks Luxe Pocket Sports Bra

WE KNOWWWWW so many of you loved the Juno and Fiona bras for serious support, but sadly Brooks discontinued them. This one may not work for our E friends, but we’ve had success up to DD.

This bra is going to be best for medium to high impact activities for B-D cups.

If you don’t want to fuss with clips, snaps, or hooks, this is a great option.

The Lux Pocket sports bras are made from a super-soft, yet compressive, material that wicks away sweat and keeps you comfortable for miles.

The back pocket is going to be perfect for holding your cell phone or anything you don’t need quick access to. A lot of folks have said this is great for race day, since they didn’t have to worry about how to carry their phone. 

There are cups inside the sports bra, but we love that you can remove them if you don’t like them. The good news is that if you leave them in, they won’t fall out in the washer and get lost forever.

5 Barbell Rating – Marvel Underwire Sports Bra

This bra is going to be best for high-impact level activities for D-DD cups and mid-level impact activities for F cups. This bra locks you down!

Unlike the other sports bras on this list, the Marvel Underwire sports bra has a more sculpted shape and fit.

The back is adjustable so that you can customize the fit a little more if needed. You can use the clip on the strap or the hooks in the back closure to either tighten or loosen the bra.

In addition to that, you can also change it to an X-back using the built-in J-hook. That means no more bra straps on the days you wear a tank top!

The Marvel Underwire sports bra is super versatile and can be worn while you work out or with some athleisure to run some errands. Keep in mind that some folks have reported the sizing to be a little inconsisent, especially if you have broader shoulders.

Sports Bras for G and H Busts

If you feel like there aren’t a ton of options for you, we hear you and you’re right. But there are indeed options!! They aren’t found as readily and have not been as deeply tested by our team, however we have scoured the web for reviews and feel confident pointing in you the right direction.

Glamorise – Up to I

We like the variety of styles on offer, including the front zip. That’s a love or hate option, but man the ease of getting the sweaty thing off is unparalleled.

Most go up to G or H, but some sport styles go to I and a 46-48 band.

Panache Sports Wireless – Up to 40GG

You had me at no wire. But seriously this one has had some consistent chatter and we love the variety of band and up sizes available for a compression style fit with no underwire. There is a wired version as well if you want more definition.

REI has a liberal return policy which we also know is a win for testing out what’s really going to hold up on your run.

Lululemon Run Times Bra – Up to G

Some of you just fell out of your seats, but it’s true.  This particular high impact model goes up to 40G or 42DDD.

We also appreciate that they still provided it in current cute colors so if you want to workout in your sports bra with matching shorts, get down with your bad self.

How to Find A Sports Bra for a Larger Bust?

Shopping for a sports bra can be really frustrating, especially if you’re a runner with a larger bust. But we know that it genuinely improves performance to be supported, so worth the trial and error.

Smaller chests tend to move a bit less, but larger busts move in many directions, adding significant tension and strain on the back. Research has shown that without proper support, breast movement can reach up to 7.5 inches in any direction, and that kind of motion can definitely take a toll on your run.

Another recent study found that wearing a tight sports bra can limit breathing and affect performance during runs.

All of that leads to women/girls opting out of sports. Not on our watch.A sports bra is very different from your everyday bra, and it shouldn’t cause discomfort, constant adjusting, or worst of all, chafing.

Sports bras are designed to provide support and comfort whether you’re running, jumping, or easing into a slow-flow yoga class. The fabrics and materials are specifically chosen to wick sweat away, reduce odors, and keep your skin feeling comfortable.

It goes well beyond just keeping everything secure while you move. Wearing a properly fitting sports bra also helps to protect your breasts and breast tissue health over time.

Type of Support

When you run, your breasts don’t just move up and down; they actually follow a figure 8 pattern, which means there’s a side-to-side movement happening too.

You want to look for bras that have these types of support:

• Compression bra: the sports bra has firm yet stretchy fabric that presses the breasts against the body, kind of like a hug, while you run, jump, or hike. A compression-style is usually found in ‘classic’ pullover racerback styles.
• Encapsulation: supports each breast individually and gives you better support from underneath. Encapsulation-style bras may look more like everyday bras.

Sports bras found on Title Nine’s website are going to use both encapsulation and compression; it’ll depend on the sports bra if it’s more of one over the other.

Underwires vs Wireless

Yep, some sports bras actually come with built-in underwires, not just everyday bras. We’ve all had that moment where a wire starts poking or rubbing, but in sports bras, the wire is usually made from metal or flexible plastic and sewn directly into the cup for better support and comfort.

• Wireless Sports Bras: When you want support but do not want to feel that underwire. These have a more flexible fit and feel a little softer/less structured. There are options in every size and impact type.
• Underwire Sports Bras: They’re going to give you extra support, a little bit of lift, and truly keep your breasts in place as you move and run. The wire will help separate each breast from compressing them together.

If you have larger breasts, you may want to give the underwire bras a try. You’ll find that the underwire helps reduce bounce and takes the strain off your shoulders and back.

Title Nine Barbell Rating

Let’s be honest, half the time we’re buying sports bras without really knowing what impact level even means. That’s where Title Nine’s Barbell Rating system comes in.

Every sports bra on their website has barbells next to the name, so you can quickly see how much support it offers. The more barbells, the more support.

But how do you know what you need? Title Nine sums it up perfectly: the larger the bust and higher the impact level of the activity, the more support you’ll likely need—so don’t send a low-impact A cup bra to do a high-impact job for a D.

Here are examples of different types of impact levels:

• Low impact:  hiking, weight training, yoga, mat exercise
• Medium impact:  cross-country skiing, vigorous walking/light jogging
• High impact:  running, basketball, mountain biking

So instead of just buying a sports bra and hoping for the best, use Title Nine’s Barbell System as a guide when shopping for your next one.

Replacing Your Sports Bra

Ideally, you want to replace your sports bra like you’re celebrating it’s birthday, but let’s be honest, many of us are still hanging onto bras that are 5, or even 10 years old.

Think of your sports bra like your running shoes. You don’t run in the same pair forever; you replace them after a certain number of miles.

The same idea applies here, especially if you wear a C, D, or double D cup. When you’re running four or more days a week, that’s a lot fo task of a sports bra, it’s working hard to keep everything supported and comfortable.

If you’re a runner with a bigger chest, you should be able to wear the same fun sports bras without having to double up or settle for less-than-ideal support.

We hope this helped, and we definitely encourage you to splurge a little on a good sports bra!

What to read next?

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• Best Women’s Running Shoes According to Running Coaches (Real Miles, Real Reviews)
• Men’s vs Women’s Running Shoes: Does it Matter??