Experts Have Spoken: These Are Officially the 8 Best Sports Bras for Big Boobs for Unmatched Support

Fitness pros and exercise lovers swear by these bras.

Best sports bras for big boobs: models wearing the best brands
(Image credit: M&S, Bravissimo, lululemon, Maaree, Shock Absorber)

On the hunt for the best sports bras for big boobs but want to ensure they'll actually offer adequate support? While we all know that investing in the best sports bra is important - and the best high intensity sports bra even more so - the perfect fit is even more crucial for those with larger breasts. 

Did you know that boob size can impact your activity levels? Research has found that the bigger a woman's boobs, the less exercise - especially vigorous exercise - they do. That's according to a 2019 study from the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, which found women with larger boobs believed that their breast size prevented them from exercising easily in sports from walking to running. 

"Finding the right sports bra can influence how comfortable and confident you are in the type of movement you choose to do," says Chloe Woods, dance teacher and founder of @fullerbustinspo. "I know first-hand that great-fitting sports bras have allowed me to feel confident with performance, as I don’t need to be conscious about bust movement or spillage."

Worries like breast pain or soreness, back, shoulder, and neck aches, chaffing, irritation, or overheating can completely ruin a workout before it's even properly begun, which is why each bra in this guide has been thoroughly put through its paces.

One important thing to note here: the activewear industry is not inclusive enough - period. Gym kit for all bodies isn't easy to access, but there are some stand-out brands changing the game out there. However, because the best sports bras for big boobs are still relatively few and far between, sustainability credentials often get lost. Hopefully, the industry will catch up in terms of inclusivity and sustainability, but for more eco-friendly kit, read our edit of the best sustainable sports brands.

And if you're in the market for some more fully vetted activewear that comes approved by our experts, don't miss out guides to the best workout leggings, on-trend dark cherry activewear, and the best gym layers for every workout, too.

Testing process

We asked three fitness pros - yoga instructor Puravi Joshi, spin teacher and fitness PR Naomi White, and dance teacher and founder of Fuller Bust Inspo Chloe Woods - to share the bras they've worn time and time again and can rely on for all different types of workout. 

They all have bigger busts and workout regularly, meaning they know which brands make a supportive, sweat-wicking, comfortable sports bra (and which don't). Plus, MC UK's Junior Shopping Editor, Amelia Yeomans, shared a few of her most reliable sports bras for a fuller bust.

What we looked for in the best sports bras for bigger boobs:

  • Band and cup sizes: While some brands fit bras by S/M/L etc categories, others cater to bra sizes which can be better for people with big boobs. Why? Well, it ensures that your bra fits properly and offers adequate support.
  • Price point: Before buying anything, you need to take the price point into consideration. Most sports bras are a bit of an investment, but all the choices below are worth the price, according to our pros.
  • Coverage: The type of coverage you require often comes down to personal preference, but details like high necklines and underwiring will offer more support and coverage. Opt for whatever feels most comfortable for you and your body.
  • Design: Other elements that matter in a bra include the straps - thick and crossed-back designs can help with support.
  • Comfort: No good sports bra should make you even slightly uncomfortable, so factors like breathability, ease of putting it on, and smooth fabric were all taken into consideration too.

Best patterned sports bra for big boobs

BravissimoApollo Sports Bra

(Image credit: Bravissimo)

Bravissimo Apollo Sports Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Up to an L cup
+
High impact
+
Thick straps

Reasons to avoid

-
Only starts at an E cup

Bravissimo is perfect for anyone with a larger chest who can't usually find their size on the market. The cups are made from a double layer of firm fabric to smooth and support, and you can adjust the straps for a racerback fit for extra hold. "I found this bra great for fuller busts because of its balance between support and style," says Woods. "Buy for a sports bra with a cropped yet supportive fit, adjustable back band and straps, underwiring, and a wide range of cup sizes (from 30 to 40 back bands and E to L cup sizes)."

Best everyday sports bra for big boobs

lululemon Energy BraHigh Support, B–G Cups

(Image credit: lululemon)

lululemon Energy Bra High Support

Reasons to buy

+
Double straps
+
Quick drying

Reasons to avoid

-
Higher price point

White loves this lululemon bra, sharing that it's one of her favourites. Not only is the smooth, buttery fabric unbeatably comfortable, but it can be trusted to withstand almost any workout - yes, including runs and HIIT. "This is my go-to sports bra, especially for running. The straps keep you secure, not to mention they're flattering, too," she says. Do note: lululemon doesn't offer the most extensive range of sizing, but runs up to a US size DDD, an E or F in the UK.

Most affordable sports bra for big boobs

M&S Ultimate Support Non Wired Sports Bra

(Image credit: M&S)

M&S Ultimate Support Non Wired Sports Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Zip front
+
Affordable price
+
Multiple colours

Reasons to avoid

-
Only up to GG

"I’ve had this bra for years and it’s a no-brainer for the gym," says White. "It's super easy to get on and really supportive too." Going up to a 42GG, this bra is designed for extra high-impact activities, so everyone can run, jump and spin. It also offers high coverage, and has even been tested by Progressive Sports Technologies Ltd based at Loughborough University to ensure optimum bounce control.

Best sustainable sports bra for big boobs

Maaree Solidarity Sports Bra

(Image credit: Maaree)

Maaree Solidarity Sports Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable straps
+
Overband
+
Impressive sustainability credentials

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most chic design

Sustainable sports brand Maaree has changed the game when it comes to eco-friendly, high-impact sports bras that fit boobs of all sizes. Not only are they made from 100% regenerated nylon fibre ECONYL, but the overband technology stops upward movement in the same way an underband stops downward bounce. Sizes run to 38H, so most larger cup sizes are catered for.

Best sweat wicking sports bra for big boobs

Elomi Energise Bra

(Image credit: Elomi)

Elomi Energise Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Sweat-wicking
+
Non-compression fabric
+
Racerback

Reasons to avoid

-
Mid-range price point

This bra is non-compressive, supportive, and made from microfibre fabric that immediately wicks sweat. Those of us with bigger chests can often find that we get particularly sweaty, so this is a brilliant feature. "It has a three-section cup that lifts, shapes, and separates - great for bust separation and giving you the most secure feeling," says Wood. "It’s also great for fuller figures with 32 to 46 back bands and D to K cups."

Best sports bra for big boobs to reduce bounce

Shock Absorber Bra

(Image credit: Shock Absorber)

Shock Absorber Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Extra high support
+
No chafe
+
Racer back
+
Dual clasp

Reasons to avoid

-
Technical design

This sports bra has been shown to reduce bounce by up to 78% and is loved by Joshi for high intensity training. If you find workouts painful due to too much movement, this is the bra you'll want to try out. "I wear this for running and HIIT as it provides real support and holds your boobs in place - hardly any bounce here," Joshi says. The seamless inner also reduces chafe and the top-clasp makes it easy to get on and off, which is a real blessing compared to bras that have to be pulled off over the head.

Best size range bra for big boobs

Panache Ultimate Bra

(Image credit: Booby Doo)

Panache Sport Power Wired Sports Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Padded straps
+
70 sizes
+
Cushioned straps

Reasons to avoid

-
Sells out quickly

This bra comes in over 70 unique sizes, with bands from 28 to 40 and cups from B to J. The bra straps are cushioned so they won't dig in, and the optional J-Hook and adjustable straps allow you to customise your level of comfort and support depending on whether you're doing low or high-intensity exercise. The extra thick straps are ideal for keeping you held up, and you can choose from a few different neutral colours.

Best medium support sports bra for big boobs

gymshark Ruched Sports Bra

(Image credit: Gymshark)

Gymshark Ruched Sports Bra

Reasons to buy

+
Sweat wicking
+
Flattering design
+
Great price point

Reasons to avoid

-
Only medium support

"I have worn this sports bra for years and it's still my favourite," says Yeomans. "After years of countless washes, it's still in pristine condition. It is very stretchy and easy to put on (unlike other sports bras I've worn), it has removable padding so you can wear however you feel more comfortable, plus it wicks sweat very well. I find the adjustable cross-back straps comfortable and, despite being on the thinner side, they hold me up very well. Although it's only medium support, I've worn it for pretty much every type of workout and never had a problem."

Which is the best sports bra for heavy breasts?

Those with a particularly heavy chest will want to look for sports bras that offer plenty of support and hold. Many sports bras for big boobs will offer bounce control, which is particularly beneficial if you have heavy breasts that move a lot when you exercise. Look out for thick, adjustable straps, a reliable under band, and thicker fabric that will provide hold.

Chloe Gray
Contributing Health Writer

Chloe Gray is a freelance journalist who writes and talks about health, fitness, and wellbeing through a feminist lens. She was part of the launch team for Stylist magazine's fitness brand, Strong Women, and has written for i news, Women's Health, Red magazine, Good Housekeeping, Refinery29, and more. She's all about building mental and physical strength, eating delicious food that fuels you well, and making the fitness industry more accessible and enjoyable. She's also a qualified fitness trainer and research nerd, so you can be sure everything you read is backed by proper science. 

With contributions from