I don’t know about you guys, but I pretty much live in sports bras and leggings these days. (Actually, who am I kidding? I always live in yoga pants.) It not only motivates me to workout at some point in my day but it’s comfortable and I can also run out for errands in the same outfit. In fact, I probably leave my house a little too often in nothing but a sports bra and leggings and it’s also one of my travel essentials. Hey, that is the LA dress code, isn’t it? But finding the best sports bras for big busts can be challenging.
Choosing the right sports bra can make a big difference in your workout. Do you ever feel more motivated to workout because you bought yourself new shoes or leggings? A good sports bra should not only look cute but be functional at the same time, which means it should minimize the movement of your chest without causing any irritation, allow for proper ventilation, and wick sweat effectively.
You can find decent sports bras on the low-end but the more you are willing to spend, the more versatile the features which can also extend the life of the sports bra (i.e. higher quality fabric, adjustable straps, and removable padding). I don’t mind spending a little more because for me, sports bras double as a daytime outfit and looking cute when I workout motivates me to break into a sweat.
What to consider when choosing a sports bra
Not all sports bras are created equally so it’s important to find what works for your body and activity type to minimize any pain or discomfort during a workout. A good-fitting sports bra can last for years and take good care of you if you take good care of it. Here are a few things I consider to help me determine the sports bra for my body.
Support
Sports bras are either classified as compression or encapsulated bras. Compression bras are the more common option and they push or compress the chest against the chest wall. The bra pulls over your head and is a better option for smaller cup sizes or low to moderate impact workouts like yoga and pilates. Encapsulated bras are similar to regular bras because they have individual cups that support each breast which makes them better suited for larger cup sizes. I mostly wear compression sports bras and have found some of the best sports bras for big busts.
Straps
Some sports bras have adjustable straps that allow for more customization. You will also find a variety of strap styles including racerback, criss-cross, and tank-top. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is the wider the straps the more support it provides.
Type of activity
Whether you plan on doing yoga or going for a run, the type of exercise you do will help you decide what type of sports bra is right for you. If you’re an avid runner or enjoy high-impact workouts then you will need more support in a sports bra so your breasts aren’t a distraction.
Here is a list of some of my favorite sports bras based on activity.
- Lorna Jane Sammy Sports Bra
- Lululemon Energy Bra
- Carbon 38 Printed Ribbed Cami Bra
- Lorna Jane Compress & Compact Sports Bra
- Alosoft Gratitude Bra
Best sports bra for running: Lorna Jane Sammy Sports Bra
Lorna Jane makes some of my favorite sports bras for big busts and here’s why: they are cute, colorful, very supportive, and include thick, removable padding. Most importantly, the pads don’t come out of the bra in the wash! (It’s one of my biggest pet peeves with sports bras.)
This is one of my favorite compression sports bras because it eliminates bounce without being uncomfortable, and includes an adjustable clasp back that can be worn as a racerback or regular bra fit. It’s made of a high-performance fabric that dries quickly so you never feel like you are drenched in sweat, even during the most intense workouts. It also doesn’t shrink after multiple washes like some of my other sports bras.
Shop: Lorna Jane; $65.99
Best sports bra for yoga: Lululemon Energy Bra
Lululemon has become a household name in activewear and the brand has managed to build a cult following for its body-flattering fitness apparel. I have this sports bra in white and I usually wear it for yoga or pilates i.e. any workout that requires a lot of movement. The only downside is I’ve always found Lululemon sizing to run small so you may need to size up a bit.
Shop: Lululemon; $52
Best sports bra for low-impact workouts: Carbon 38 Printed Ribbed Cami Bra
This soft camisole-style sports bra is lightweight and made with a stretchy, breathable fabric to provide proper ventilation. I like the thin straps and how it almost looks like a cropped tank top. I like to wear a sports bra like this when I’m going for a walk or taking a cycling class. It provides support without being too tight and it doubles as a top!
Shop: Carbon38; $78
Best everyday sports bra: Lorna Jane Compress & Compact Sports Bra
Almost all my sports bras are from Lorna Jane (it’s basically the Lululemon of Australia). They’re well made, come in colors and patterns I like, and they fit well. If you’re looking for a basic black sports bras that provides full coverage the Lorna Jane Compress & Compact Sports Bra is a great choice. It has adjustable wide straps that evenly distribute the weight on your shoulders and a back hook closure so you can wear it as a racerback or regular bra. It’s also shrink and fade resistant so it should last you a long time. This is one of my favorite sports bras for big busts.
Shop: Lorna Jane; $79.99
Best sports bra for lounging: Alosoft Gratitude Bra
When I’m lounging at home, I prefer comfort over design. I also prefer something that isn’t too bulky or padded. I love how soft this sports bra feels on my skin and I like to wear it by itself when I’m lounging around the house or I’ll throw a shirt on if I’m running errands.
Shop: Alo Yoga; $54
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