10 Best Sports Bras for Large Busts UK 2024 | Uncompromising Support
If you’ve trawled through the reviews but are still none the wiser as to which sports bras are best for larger busts, we’re here to help with our choosing guide. We’ve also compiled a list of our 10 favourites with offerings from Freya, Shock Absorber, and Nike, and we’ve made sure to include options for every need and body type, such as high and low impact, smaller waists and plus size. Don’t worry, they all look pretty cute too!
Quick List - Top Sports Bras for Large Busts
Shock Absorber
3D Support and Soft Comfort for Every Body Type
Shock Absorber
The Perfect Balance of Support and Style
Elomi
Perfect For Plus Sizes and Intense Workouts
Freya
Full Coverage and Support Without Being Frumpy
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How to Choose a Sports Bra for Large Busts in the UK – Buying Guide
High, Medium or Low Impact: Weigh up the Main Styles of Sports Bras Based on Your Workout Style
Compression Sports Bras Are Better for Low to Medium Impact Activities and Fuller Coverage
They do however usually offer more coverage, as they are cut higher and shouldn’t expose any cleavage, so if you aren’t keen on baring too much during your downward dogs or deadlifts they could be a good option.
Those who can’t be dealing with extricating themselves from a sweaty sports bra post-workout may not find a pull on/off style appealing, so you may want to opt for a compression bra with a zip-front or back clasp instead.
Encapsulation Bras Are Most Similar to Normal Bras, and Offer More Support During High Impact Activities
This style of sports bra is deemed the most supportive, and therefore the most suitable for higher impact workouts or activities such as running, HIIT cardio, crossfit or aerobics. They are also recommended for those with larger busts to combat the higher likelihood of breast movement and therefore pain or discomfort.
Some people prefer this style for the way it makes them look and feel, as it can give the breasts a bit of a lift, be generally more flattering, and doesn’t give you the dreaded uni-boob. If you don’t want to flash any cleavage make sure to find a style that has some fabric in between the cups or less of a plunge cut.
Adjustments Will Make for a More Personalised and Comfortable Fit
Experts say that 70% of support comes from the back of the bra, so it makes sense for those with larger busts to go for a design with a back clasp with adjustments, especially as your bra will stretch over time with wear and washing. The wider the bottom band, the better, so try to find clasps with two or more rows of hooks.
You should also look for adjustments on the shoulder straps, especially if you sway more towards a taller or petite height and usually find you utilise these in your everyday bras.
Different Strap Types Can Match Different Outfits, But Some Offer More Support Than Others
Racerbacks Stay Close to the Body and Don’t Slide Around
For the more style driven both in and out of the gym, consider that a lot of workout vests and tops feature a racerback, so if you want a sports bra to wear under your gym kit then this might be the strap design for you.
Traditional Shoulder Straps Distribute Weight Evenly and Can be Worn Outside of the Gym
As you would with your normal bra, just make sure that if you do go for this strap style that they are nice and wide, as this will make sure the weight is evenly balanced across a wider area on your shoulders, meaning fewer aches and pains and less pulling on your neck.
You could always find a shoulder strap sports bra with the ability to clip at the back to mimic a racerback, to suit the clothing you may want to wear that day or the level of support you require for a particular gym session.
Crossover or Multiple Straps Look Great, But Should be Adjustable
Realistically these straps are mostly there to look good, so make sure that the rest of the bra is properly reinforced. Or, go for a cross back, that’s similar to a racerback in support but a bit more style focused. Bear in mind that more straps may be a bit more of a faff to get on and off when you’re all hot and sweaty, and can leave even the most level headed yogi in a tangle of despair.
Larger Chests Can Actually Benefit From Padding
We all have different preferences, and although it does offer that extra support, if you gave up on it years ago because you find it uncomfortable, leave it behind. Those with removable pads are also an option, as you can then decide if you need it or feel better with or without it after trying it out a few times.
Choose Moisture Wicking Fabrics for Sweat Reducing Comfort
Bras constructed with this material will be more cool and comfortable, and should reduce chafing, especially if you find that your larger bust makes you feel hotter or makes you sweat more, which is definitely a thing!
Note the Sizing Method Used and if the Range Available Caters to You
Depending on the brand, sports bras are determined either by a small, medium, large etc. sizing, a UK size number, or a cup and inches bra measurement. The best fit for larger busts will typically come from a product with a bra sizing, especially if you have a bigger bust alongside a smaller frame, as a size large might fit your chest, but not necessarily the rest of your body.
It’s always a good idea to find out the range of sizes available, as unfortunately, quite a few brands don’t make a wide enough selection to cater to larger cup sizes or plus-sized wearers. If you can, we’d also recommend checking out the sizing of the particular product you have your eye on, as it can vary greatly from brand to brand and you may need to buy a size different to your usual.
Top 10 Best Sports Bras for Large Busts in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Shock Absorber 1. Shock Absorber Active D+ Support Sports Bra｜White | | 3D Support and Soft Comfort for Every Body Type | |
2 | Shock Absorber 2. Shock Absorber Active Shape Support Sports Bra, Black/Neon｜Black/Neon | | The Perfect Balance of Support and Style | |
3 | Elomi 3. Elomi Energise Multiway Sports Bra, Pomegranate｜Pomegranate | | Perfect For Plus Sizes and Intense Workouts | |
4 | Freya 4. Freya Full Coverage Active Underwire Moulded Sports Bra, Hot Crimson｜Hot Crimson | | Full Coverage and Support Without Being Frumpy | |
5 | Nike 5. Nike Women’s Victory Compression Pro Bra｜Black | | Simple and Classic for Low Impact Workouts | |
6 | Pour Moi 6. Berlei Electrify Underwired Print Sports Bra, Avalanche Pink｜Navy/Pink | | Cute and Lightweight With Low Impact Support | |
7 | Panache 7. Panache Non-Wired Sports Bra, Latte｜Latte | | Comfortable Encapsulation in a Classic Design | |
8 | Orchid 8. Orchid Zip Front Wireless Sports Bra, Black｜Black | | Super Comfy Full Coverage up to J Cup | |
9 | Reebok 9. Reebok Puremove Bra, Black｜ Black | | Out of This World Bra with the Latest Tech | |
10 | Champion 10. Champion Women’s Curvy Strappy Sports Bra, Black/Granite Heather｜Black/Granite Heather | | Figure Flattering for Small Waist/Big Bust |
Shock Absorber 1. Shock Absorber Active D+ Support Sports Bra ｜ White
3D Support and Soft Comfort for Every Body Type
Choose from classic white or black and from a huge size range for every body shape, safe in the knowledge you are giving your bust the best support with this unbeatable product.
Shock Absorber 2. Shock Absorber Active Shape Support Sports Bra, Black/Neon ｜ Black/Neon
The Perfect Balance of Support and Style
Not just a pretty face, it also features moisture wicking, high performance fabric and fantastic support without compromising on comfort, suitable for medium to high impact activities.
Elomi 3. Elomi Energise Multiway Sports Bra, Pomegranate ｜ Pomegranate
Perfect For Plus Sizes and Intense Workouts
The unique encapsulation supports each breast separately, and looks great under clothes whilst offering pain free comfort. There’s also a J hook to clip into a racerback if you prefer, and a wide back that won’t cut in.
Freya 4. Freya Full Coverage Active Underwire Moulded Sports Bra, Hot Crimson ｜ Hot Crimson
Full Coverage and Support Without Being Frumpy
The moulded cups include breathable panels, and it’s underwired for a flattering lift. The design is also seamless so will go completely unnoticed under clothes, which is helpful as you’ll probably want to wear it every day! We’d say it’s a great choice for runners too.
Nike5. Nike Women’s Victory Compression Pro Bra ｜ Black
Simple and Classic for Low Impact Workouts
The XXL will fit up to an E cup, but is not the most supportive during rigorous exercise for bigger busts. That being said, it’s perfect for low impact activities where freedom of movement and coverage is required, such as yoga and pilates.
Pour Moi6. Berlei Electrify Underwired Print Sports Bra, Avalanche Pink ｜ Navy/Pink
Cute and Lightweight With Low Impact Support
Fortunately, they go right up to a G cup, so no one will be left behind for a chance to wear this wonderfully flattering and lightweight pick that you’ll forget you’re even wearing, and it’s a total bargain.
Panache 7. Panache Non-Wired Sports Bra, Latte ｜ Latte
Comfortable Encapsulation in a Classic Design
The fabric is extremely breathable with extra mesh panelling, and the back strap is a good width with triple hook and eye adjustments. You can also clip the shoulder straps to fit racerback tops or for a bit of extra support.
Orchid 8. Orchid Zip Front Wireless Sports Bra, Black ｜ Black
Super Comfy Full Coverage up to J Cup
The zip-front makes it easy to get on and off, and it’s non-wired with padded shoulder straps to help with pressure from weightier busts. It’s great value and has a very impressive size range available, so would be great for plus-sized wearers.
Out of This World Bra with the Latest Tech
The pull-on racerback style actually has no adjustments, as it’s meant to fit like a second skin. It’s available in a slightly more accessible XS-2XL, and the brand says they’re currently expanding their size range even further.
Champion 10. Champion Women’s Curvy Strappy Sports Bra, Black/Granite Heather ｜ Black/Granite Heather
Figure Flattering for Small Waist/Big Bust
Like most sports brands, the sizing is unfortunately only a simple S-XL. This bra would probably be best for larger busts only up to D or DD cups, but will particularly suit those with a smaller waist to bust ratio.
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Summary
Author: Natasha Dziubajlo
Top 5 Sports Bras for Large Busts
No. 1: Shock Absorber ｜1. Shock Absorber Active D+ Support Sports Bra｜White
No. 2: Shock Absorber ｜2. Shock Absorber Active Shape Support Sports Bra, Black/Neon｜Black/Neon
No. 3: Elomi ｜3. Elomi Energise Multiway Sports Bra, Pomegranate｜Pomegranate
No. 4: Freya ｜4. Freya Full Coverage Active Underwire Moulded Sports Bra, Hot Crimson｜Hot Crimson
No. 5: Nike｜5. Nike Women’s Victory Compression Pro Bra｜Black
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.