What to Look for When Shopping for Plus-Size Sports Bras

• Impact Level: The right sports bra should match the intensity of your workout. Low-impact bras provide gentle compression and minimal structure, which makes them ideal for activities like yoga, walking, or stretching. Medium-impact bras offer more compression, wider straps, and internal support for workouts like cycling and barre. High-impact bras provide the most structure, featuring encapsulated cups, adjustable straps, and sometimes underwires to keep you secure during high-intensity exercises like running or jumping.
• Lift and Coverage: Helena Kaylin, founder of an intimate apparel company, says a quality, well-fitted sports bra should provide lift without excessive compression, allowing you to breathe comfortably. She advises looking for a snug but not restrictive fit that offers full coverage in the front and sides. Checking size charts and measuring yourself properly can help ensure the best fit.
• Sizes: To find the right size, measure around your ribcage where the bra band sits to determine your underbust size. Then, measure around the fullest part of your bust and subtract the band size from the bust measurement to find your cup size. Using these numbers as a guide, refer to each brand’s size chart for the best fit.
• Cup Style: Your ideal cup style depends on your support needs and personal preference, says Kaylin. Compression cups press the breasts against the chest to minimize movement, while encapsulated cups surround each breast for better control. For extra support, some sports bras include underwires to help maintain shape and reduce bounce.
• Padding: If you prefer additional coverage, opt for a bra with built-in padding or thicker fabric. Kaylin notes that padding can not only enhance shape but also provide extra support. Look for secure stitching to prevent shifting, or choose removable pads for adjustable coverage based on your activity and outfit.
• Straps and Closures: Adjustable straps and closures can help you achieve a customized fit for better comfort and support. Kaylin and certified personal trainer Amanda Barton, NASM-CPT, recommend wide, padded straps to evenly distribute weight and reduce strain. Hook-and-eye closures, zippers, Velcro, or buckles add adjustability to guarantee a secure, comfy fit.
• Material: Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon, polyester, and elastane help keep you cool and dry during workouts. Blends with spandex or Lycra offer flexibility and a comfortable fit, while mesh panels or laser-cut ventilation promote airflow. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and can cause chafing.
• Care: Proper care extends the life of your sports bra, so always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Machine-washable options are convenient, but be sure to use a garment bag to prevent stretching and air dry to maintain elasticity. If your bra has removable padding, take it out before washing, and fasten any hooks or closures to keep it in top shape.

How We Tested the Plus-Size Sports Bras

To find the best plus-size sports bra, we tested dozens of options from top, trusted activewear brands, wearing them while running, walking, weightlifting, performing agility drills, and more. When testing plus-size sports bras, we consider the following key, expert-recommended criteria. 

• Fit: When first slipping on a sports bra, we assess for proper fit, ensuring the straps allow for comfortable movement without digging in or slipping. We check for any pinching, tightness, gaping, or spillage and determine if the sizing runs true. The fabric’s feel against the skin and the balance of weight distribution across the straps are also key factors in our evaluation.
• Support: To gauge support, we test each bra during various workouts, from gentle yoga flows to intense HIIT sessions. We assess how well it minimizes bounce, keeps everything secure, and maintains comfort across different activity levels. We also evaluate padded bras for coverage and shape to ensure they enhance, not hinder performance.
• Comfort: A sports bra should feel good, whether worn for an hour or all day. We assess the fabric’s breathability, compression level, and sweat-wicking abilities during workouts, noting any chafing or discomfort. Is the bra easy to remove after workouts? Did it leave marks? Bras that allow us to move freely and comfortably for our full session rank high for comfort.
• Adjustability: A great sports bra should mold to your body, not vice versa. We test the adjustability of straps, bands, and closures, evaluating how easily each feature can be modified for optimal support, comfort, and a customizable fit.
• Quality: Throughout testing, we continuously assess each bra’s materials, stitching, and construction. Does the material feel durable? Does the support lessen over time? Well-made fabrics should withstand movement and wear without stretching out or losing support. A high-quality bra performs just as well after multiple uses as it did on day one.
• Durability: Before and after testing, we inspect for loose threads, weak seams, and early signs of wear. Each bra undergoes repeated workouts and washes to determine if it retains its original shape, elasticity, and overall quality over time.
• Value: After completing all tests, we compare the cost to overall quality, support, and durability to determine if the bra is truly worth the investment—or if it’s a deal we'd only consider on sale. We prioritize sports bras whose quality exceeds their value.

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. Some guided us in identifying key features to look for in top-quality sports bras, while others contributed valuable insights to enhance our testing process. While we select products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions.

• Suzanne Koval, MPT, physical therapist, Pilates instructor, and founder of Bao Bei, an online maternity and postnatal apparel company 
• Helena Kaylin, founder and CEO of MINDD, an online intimate apparel company
• Amanda Barton, NASM-CPT, NASM-certified personal trainer in Las Vegas, Nevada 
• LaJean Lawson, PhD, sports bra researcher and movement expert 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do sports bras work for large breasts?

Yes, if you have large breasts, wearing a sports bra while working out has many benefits. Not only does a sports bra hold your chest close to the body, making exercise easier, but the added support can reduce pain and strain on your breast tissue, helping to prevent stretch marks and sagging.

How do I choose a sports bra for sagging breasts?

Koval recommends looking for a sports bra with adjustable straps and a full-cup design to provide optimal lift and support. She also recommends opting for technical performance fabrics that comfortably hold breast tissue in place and getting a professional bra fitting to ensure the best fit.

Can you wear a sports bra every day?

Wearing a sports bra daily is a personal choice, but an improper fit can eventually lead to back or shoulder pain. To avoid discomfort or skin irritation, Koval says it’s important that the bra is supportive enough for your activity level and that you wash it regularly to prevent bacteria buildup.

How tight should a sports bra be?

Your sports bra should be comfortably snug, without any tightness, pinching, or chafing. It also shouldn’t limit your regular range of motion. You should be able to breathe in your sports bra, says Kaylin.

Can you wear a sports bra to bed?

While you can wear a sports bra to bed, it's not always advisable because it can negatively impact your neck, shoulders, and back over time. It can also disrupt sleep due to the tight and compressive fit designed for working out.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Jessica Murtaugh, NASM-CPT, CNC, is a certified personal trainer and Verywell Fit writer based in Los Angeles. She understands how a properly fitting sports bra can help you perform and feel your best. For this roundup, she prioritized trustworthy brands that aim to accommodate various support needs, bodies, style preferences, and budgets. Jessica favors eco-conscious brands that promote size, gender, and race inclusivity in their products and is dedicated to reporting authentic content to her readers.