The Best Plus-Size Sports Bras for Lift, Support, and Less Spillage

Plus-Size Sports Bras We Also Tested 

We’ve tested 10 plus-size sports bras so far, but only six scored high enough to earn a spot on our list. While these three have some noteworthy features, they ultimately didn’t impress us: 

• Knix’s LuxeLift Pullover Bra offers comfort with its soft and stretchy material that moves seamlessly during exercise. However, the non-adjustable straps and lack of support make it less suitable for high-impact workouts and larger breasts.  
• We appreciate the adjustable straps and moisture-wicking material of Glamorise’s High Impact Seamless Underwire Sports Bra, but it proved super uncomfortable to wear while working out. The rigid fabric and underwire consistently dug into our ribcage, leaving behind irritating red marks.
• While Athleta’s Advance Sports Bra offers exceptional support for high-impact workouts, we found it quite uncomfortable to wear. We also had to do a lot of squeezing and shaking to get it on and off, which is particularly annoying after sweaty workouts.  

What to Look for When Shopping for a Plus-Size Sports Bra

• Support: Your activity level will determine how much compression and support you need in a plus-size sports bra. Low-impact sports bras have less compression and a minimal support structure, for activities like stretching, walking, or yoga. Medium-impact sports bras have more compression, an internal structure (like contouring or underwires), and wider straps. They’re best for activities like cycling, barre, and studio classes. High-impact sports bras have the strongest level of support, encapsulated cups, wide, adjustable straps or bands, and sometimes underwires. We recommend them for high-intensity workouts that have you jumping, bending, running, or moving quickly.
• Fit: Your sports bra should allow you to breathe comfortably and lift your breasts without excessive compression, says Helena Kaylin, founder and CEO of MINDD, an online intimate apparel company. She recommends looking for a snug feel that isn't too tight. Look for a fit that covers both the front and sides and always pay attention to size charts for guidance.
• Sizes: To find your traditional bra size, use a measuring tape to measure around your rib cage, right where a bra’s band would sit—this is your band, or underbust, size. Then, measure around the fullest part of your breasts—this is your bust size. Finally, subtract the band size from your bust size to find your cup size. 
• Cup Style: The cup style that will work best for you will vary based on your support needs and personal preference, Kaylin says. Compression cups hold your breast to your chest wall to limit movement, while encapsulated cups fully encase each breast to control movement from all angles. A sports bra with an underwire can offer even more support.
• Padding: For extra coverage, you may want a bra made from a thicker material or one with padded cups. Padding helps shape your chest and can also provide modesty, Kaylin says. Ensure that built-in padding is securely stitched or fused in place to avoid shifting or creasing during washing. Sports bras with removable padding allow you to adjust shape and coverage based on your outfit and activity.
• Adjustability: Adjustability is a key feature in many plus-size sports bras, offering customizable fit and support through mechanisms like buckles, hook-and-eye closures, zippers, or Velcro. Regardless of style, Kaylin and certified personal trainer Amanda Barton, CPT, recommend a sports bra with wide, padded straps that will comfortably distribute your weight. 
• Material: Choose breathable, moisture-wicking performance materials like nylon, polyester, and elastane. These fabrics (along with spandex and Lycra blends) are also soft, stretchy, and comfortable. Avoid bras made from cotton since it retains moisture. Additional features, like laser-cut ventilation or mesh panels, can also help promote airflow and prevent odors.
• Care: Following the manufacturer's laundry instructions is crucial, as some bras require extra care beyond a regular wash. Consider machine-washable bras for a low-maintenance option, and always use a laundry bag to limit stretching. Though some bras can go in the dryer, hanging them to dry may prolong their life and support. Also, don’t forget to remove any cups or pads and secure all hooks before washing.

How We Tested and Selected the Plus-Size Sports Bras

To find the best plus-size sports bra, we’ve researched and tested dozens of pairs from top, trusted activewear brands. For options we select through research, we first speak to our experts and ask them which features to look for in quality sports bras. Then, we review key specs and customer feedback for dozens of bras from top-quality brands at all price points to find the best options on the market. When testing sports bras, we keep these key criteria in mind: 

• Fit: When we first try on the bra, we pay attention to how the fit feels—Is it too small? Too tight? Just right? We take note of the fabric's texture against the skin and assess the level of support the bra provides for various activity intensities, ranging from low to high impact. Additionally, we carefully observe the width, padding, and weight distribution capabilities of the straps.
• Support: To determine the level of support, we engage in various exercises, from low- to high-impact. We perform everything from light yoga sequences to high-intensity interval training, paying attention to how well the bra limits bounce and keeps our breasts in place. 
• Comfort: Sports bras are notoriously uncomfortable, but that doesn't have to be true. We consider the fabric, compression level, and adjustability features of each bra. We prioritize sports bras that are comfortable to wear for quick workouts and longer periods of time.
• Adjustability: Certain bras provide adjustability options at the shoulder straps and ribcage or backband, allowing for a personalized fit. In our testing process, we thoroughly examine each bra to determine the presence of adjustability features and assess their ease of use. This ensures not only a tailored fit but also a user-friendly experience for optimal comfort and support.
• Quality: If your sports bra starts to fall apart over time, it's not worth your money. Throughout the testing period, we continuously evaluate the bra’s quality: Does the material feel strong? Does the support lessen over time? How does the construction feel against our body?
• Durability: Upon opening each bra, we meticulously inspect it for any missing threads, marks, or signs of wear and tear. During testing, we put the bra through several wears and washes, paying attention to how it looks and feels over time. We only recommend sports bras that maintain their initial quality during testing. 
• Value: Finally, we asses each sports bra's value by waiting to look at its price until the end of the testing period. Then, we determine if it's worth the price (or maybe even more) considering each of the above testing categories. Sports bras earn high value scores if we would pay the price and personally recommend them to a friend. 

Our Experts

We engaged with experts at every phase of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. 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.

• Suzanne Koval, MPT, a 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, CPT, a NASM-certified personal trainer in Las Vegas, Nevada 
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, New York 
• Keri Harvey, CPT, a NASM-certified personal trainer in Brooklyn, New York
• Morrit Summers, CPT, a NSCA-certified personal trainer and founder of Form Fitness in Brooklyn, New York

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?

When choosing a sports bra for sagging breasts, examine the straps and assess the fabric’s lift and hold, Koval says. She suggests selecting a bra with adjustable straps and a full cup style, as these features deliver adequate support for sagging breast tissue.

Can you wear a sports bra every day?

Wearing a sports bra daily may lead to back or shoulder pain, especially if you’re not wearing the right size. However, as long as you don’t experience discomfort, it boils down to personal preference.

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, Kaylin says.

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 your sleep due to the tight and compressive fit that's designed for working out.

Do sports bras contain BPA?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical found in some types of plastic. Research has shown that exposure to high levels of BPA can lead to obesity, hormonal imbalances, and uterine cancer, among other health complications.

In May 2023, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) announced that, after testing, it found high levels of BPA in certain activewear pieces containing blends of polyester and spandex, including sports bras from Sweaty Betty; leggings from Nike, Athleta, Champion, Patagonia, and Kohl’s; shorts from Champion, Nike, and Adidas; and athletic shirts from Fabletics. We may recommend some of these products or similar items from these brands in this list, as these products have not been recalled and the science on transdermal absorption of BPA is still not settled. 

According to Joshua Zeichner, MD, associate professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, the best way to prevent BPA exposure is to make educated decisions in choosing your personal care products. As a precaution, it is best to limit the amount of time you spend in activewear by changing out of it when you are finished working out. 

Why Trust Verywell Fit 

As a plus-sized individual who works out multiple times a week, Casey Clark understands how having a supportive sports bra can impact performance and comfort. She engages in a lot of high-impact cardiovascular exercise, which means she’s always on the lookout for an extremely supportive bra to keep her breasts in place without unwanted movement. For this buying guide, Casey prioritized trustworthy brands that she and our team tried and tested to provide a list of the best plus-size sports bras available.