How to Find the Best Supportive Sports Bra
Sports bras have an important job to do! A great one can provide you support and confidence for your most high impact lifestyle. It can significantly reduce the back, neck and shoulder pain that can be caused by breast movement.
More than that, it can wick away sweat and moisture, prevent chafing and even offer odor control! All that, while looking good enough that you might want to wear it alone.
So it goes without saying that finding such a hardworking item is no mean feat for many, but especially those with larger breasts. Never fear, we’re here to help you navigate the overwhelming options and home in on the very best sports bras for YOU from the Knix range.
Things to Look for in the Best Sports Bras
Before we get to the actual recommendations, let’s look at a few things that should be part of your search criteria for a sports bra—no matter what brand you’re shopping from.
1. Sizing Options for *You*
Fit is important for any kind of bra. Indeed, that’s an understatement! Fit is critical for any kind of bra. It really doesn’t matter how well made, highly rated, loved by influencers etc any bra is…. If you’re wearing the wrong size, it won’t do the job for you.
You could argue that fit is even more important with a sports bra. Because wearing a sports bra means you might be doing high-intensity workouts like running or playing sports, so the sports bra often works a lot harder than your regular everyday bra. Always look for adjustable shoulder straps and closures.
Knowing your size and being properly fitted is obviously key to choosing a comfortable sports bra. But so too is shopping from a brand that makes bras for a wide range of sizes. Too often, we are forced to compromise on what we can choose simply because brands don’t go that extra mile to be size inclusive. But you really deserve to be able to choose your bra, not just default to the one that comes in your size.
2. Compression or Encapsulation?
Understanding how sports bras are made is important when it comes to choosing the right bra for you. There are two main kinds of sports bra (and ones that combine these two styles). There’s no wrong choice here, but it’s worth understanding the difference when you’re beginning your search.
Compression
Compression bras focus on doing exactly that — compressing your boobs against your chest wall, so they lie as flat as possible against your body. By compressing you, they minimize movement and bounce. However, compression bras do not have cups built in for each breast and can also cause an appearance of “uni-boob”. Many women won’t be bothered by this, but others will want to preserve their breast shape even when working out.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation bras do have cups that surround and shape each breast. There is generally no compression with these bras, which makes them ideal for low impact activities. Because each breast is “cupped”, encapsulation bras do a good job preserving your natural body shape.
Don’t want to choose between the two? The Catalyst Sports Bra has both compression and encapsulation, giving you the best of both worlds. You won’t have to worry about your breasts bouncing for high-impact activities, and you can keep that lovely natural shape.
3. Moisture-Wicking and Odor Control
It’s normal and healthy to work up a sweat when you’re working out. But trapped sweat can sometimes irritate the skin or even exacerbate chafing. Look for bras made of moisture and sweat wicking fabric that will help keep you dry.
4. Materials that Prevent Chafing and Irritation
Chafing and irritation will definitely be exacerbated by poor fit, but especially if you have sensitive skin, you should also be mindful of the materials of your sports bra.
Make sure there are wide and adjustable straps. If there are zippers, as there are with many front-closure sports bras, make sure they won’t rub against your delicate skin.
5. A Style that Suits
Sports bras are often worn as outerwear. But even if you’re wearing something over top, there’s no reason you should have to compromise on your style. Whether it’s a preferred shape or style, or the color choices, you should be able to find a sports bra that checks all your boxes.
Best Sports Bras for...
Now we’ve spent some time looking at some of the features you should look for in a great and supportive sports bra, let’s look at our top recommendations for every kind of wearer!
Best Sports Bra for Larger Breasts: Catalyst Sports Bra
The Catalyst Sports Bra is the most supportive high impact, wireless sports bra you’ll ever put on. Designed to drastically reduce breast movement, the Catalyst outperformed over 800 bras it was tested against. And taking it off after a long workout is a snap!
How it fits:
Performance molded cups separate and encapsulate your breasts to reduce movement. It may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it. It’s comfortable, supportive, and easy to take on and off.
What reviewers say:
“As a fitness instructor with curves I HATE all the sports bras out there as they always make me look like my chest is pushed in and tube shaped. Not the catalyst, Best support and shape I have ever had. I'm in LOVE. (tight at the beginning but stretches to perfection very quickly).”
“I love this bra. I have a large chest and it holds up to HIIT workouts and is really soft and comfortable.”
Size options:
32A to 42G — and everything in between!
Best Front Closure Supportive Sports Bra: Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra
The most supportive sports bra ever and even easier to put on and take off. The front closure, cross-back high-impact Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra gives you the wireless support, comfort, and adjustability you want...without the painful struggle.
How it fits:
Front zipper and cross-back design allow for more ease of movement — ideal for anyone with limited range of motion or those who prefer front closures. Adjustable back straps are made from flexible, but supportive elastic that won't budge.
It may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it.
What reviewers say:
“I have been endlessly looking for a cute but comfortable and supportive sports bra for years. I have tried (what feels like) every option under the sun and the Knix Catalyst and Knix Catalyst front zip sports bras are hands down the winners! Pricey but absolutely worth the investment in my opinion. I workout 5x a week - a combination of HIIT, spin, and strength workouts - so a bra that keeps my chest supported is so critical. These bras are definitely it and provide the support I need to feel secure during my workouts... I LOVE THEM!”
“I ordered this bra for riding and skiing. It's solidly built and comfortable. I love the fact that it closes in the front and the back. It's pretty enough that I might even wear it in summer, as a top for biking.”
Sizing options:
32A to 42G - and everything in between!
Chicest Sports Bra: Momenta Racerback Sports Bra
With sizes 28A to 44H, look cute and feel comfortable while you’re breaking a sweat. Sure to be your new go-to option sports bra, the Momenta Racerback Sports Bra has a classic racerback design and support, without the digging or slipping straps.
How it fits:
Easy to pull on and off without clasps or closures, with a racerback design, built-in cups, and a seamless and smooth silhouette. It may feel a little snug at first, but that’s normal — it’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it.
What reviewers say:
“My new favorite bra by far! I wear it all the time, not only as just a sports bra. One of the things I love most is that the band doesn't roll up. This bra is so comfortable, it was a little tight at first but it really did stretch to fit my shape! 10/10 would recommend!”
“Love this sports bra! Supportive and comfortable. The cups are sewn in!”
Size options:
28A to 44G cup size — and everything in between!
Best Running or High Impact Sports Bras: Catalyst Sports Bra
The Catalyst Sports Bra is the most supportive wireless, high impact sports bra you’ll ever put on. Designed to drastically reduce breast movement, the Catalyst outperformed over 800 bras it was tested against. And taking it off after long high impact workouts is a snap!
How it fits:
Performance molded cups separate and encapsulate your breasts to reduce movement. It may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it. It’s comfortable, supportive, and easy to take on and off.
What reviewers say:
“This is the perfect sports bra. No more fumbling to get a racer back sports bra on. I love this bra. I use it for jogging and no movement of the girls.”
“I was skeptical about this bra because of its sizing. I took my measurements and picked the bra that matched. It’s a great fit and there is no bounce while running. I wore it for an eight hour trail race and had no chafing! I will be buying more!”
Size options:
32A to 42G - and everything in between!
Best Sports Bras for WFH / Lounging: Longevity Bra
Flattering and functional, the Longevity Bra can be worn under any workout gear or on its own.
How it fits:
Designed to fit soft and snug, with reinforced underbust for lift and support. Adjustable straps for the perfect fit, this bra may feel a little snug when you first get it, that’s normal. It’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it.
What reviewers say:
“This bra is super cute and a staple for WFH. It’s very comfortable and I love the strap detail at the back.”
“I bought this bra on a whim because I liked the bright colours but I've been really impressed! It is really comfortable and great for wearing during this work from home times. I like that the straps are adjustable and there's no padding. I'll be looking to pick up some more since WFH seems like it'll never end!”
Size options:
32A to 40DD — and everything in between!
Whatever Your Favorite Style, The Right Size Is Key
A lot of folks have a dislike for certain bra styles or brands based on their comfort. But it often turns out that the issue isn’t the bra design, it’s the size. So, whatever style you decide is “for you” make sure you find your right size.
While you can measure your bra size yourself, we really recommend getting a professional fitting. Good news! You can schedule a virtual fitting with Knix from the comfort of your own home!
What to Expect from a Knix Virtual Fitting:
- Book your virtual fitting here
- We’ll connect you with one of our expert Knix team members for a 1-on-1 fitting session over video chat.
- For your bra fitting, we recommend you wear a bra with little or no padding and a fitted t-shirt to make sure we get an accurate measurement. You’ll also need either a) a soft measuring tape or b) a piece of string or cord and a tape measure or ruler.
- With different styles and sizes for 30A to 42G in the world’s most comfortable and supportive wireless bras, our fit experts can help you get into something that you will love to wear every single day.
How to Evaluate the Fit of Your Sports Bra
When you try on a sports bra, you’re looking for slightly different things than when you shop for a regular everyday bra. Here are some of the things to really look for:
- Support: Obviously support is the point of all bras, but really test it with a sports bra. Do a few jumping jacks and make sure you feel supported and confident. Your sports bra should be smooth across your bust and back. Wrinkles are a sign that there’s excess fabric, so try sizing down.
- Coverage: While there are “sexy” sports bras that show cleavage, most of the performance-focused sports bras give you full coverage. There should be no cleavage or spillage with these sports bras. You should be fully and comfortably contained with no bulging above the cups or at the back.
- Comfort: Even if you’re not quite Serena Williams, you want to focus on your performance, not your bra. So you want a bra that doesn’t distract you. If straps dig in or feel too constrictive, or if the band is too tight on your rib cage, it may become painful and/or distracting once you hit the gym or field. Although sports bras always feel a little constrictive, they should never be painful or uncomfortable.
Notes on Maintaining Your Sports Bra
Once you’ve found the right sports bra for your size, shape and activity level, you’ll want to take care of it. Some tips:
- Wash after every wear or use: Because your bra absorbs a lot of sweat, wash it between every wear or use. This will ensure sweat and body oils don’t cause elastic to break down.
- Keep a few in rotation: Let your bras rest between each wear by keeping a few in rotation.
- Get measured regularly: Just as with regular bras, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the right size. If your body undergoes changes, such as weight or muscle gain or loss, get measured again.
- Replace when it's time: Look out for any sign that it's time to replace your bra, such as stretched straps or tears in the elastic.
Can I Wear a Sports Bra Every Day?
When you find a sports bra you love, you may find yourself wanting to wear it more often. We all do it; ath-leisure gear has definitely infiltrated our weekends, lounge time, even some offices!!
But if you find a sports bra more comfortable, is there anything wrong with wearing it every day? Again, we want to say that it’s a personal choice, but there are some notes worth considering for your skin and breast health.
- Coverage: Sports bras cover more surface area than regular bras — not just the bust but also wider straps on the shoulders and backs. While this may be part of the reason they’re more comfortable, it can also mean that your skin doesn’t get to breathe as much, which can cause irritation and even acne. Even if you don’t mind this, you may not always want as full coverage as a sports bra gives.
- Compression: Compression style sports bras keep your breasts “smushed” against your chest wall. While this may make you more comfortable while you’re exercising, it can be less comfortable daily. At the same time, it feels almost intuitive that no body part should be regularly compressed or squished into an unnatural shape. Some folks prefer an encapsulation-style bra rather than a compression one. The good news is that you don’t have to choose: The Catalyst Sports Bra has both compression and encapsulation, the best of both worlds!
- Breast shape: Sports bras can sometimes create a “uniboob” appearance which some dislike. Again, if this is a concern but you still want to wear a sports bra every day, consider an encapsulation style sports bra.
At the end of the day, let your comfort guide you. If you find yourself reaching for your sports bra automatically, that’s not a bad thing. It just means you’ve found an amazing sports bra!
FAQs
Which Sports Bra Is Best for Large Breasts?
There are a few key features you should look for when shopping for a sports bra for large breasts. Obviously, you'll want lots of support in the form of adjustable shoulder straps and a full coverage cup.
The Catalyst Sports Bra is ideal for high-impact exercise with molded cups that reduce movement and supportive straps to minimize bounce. Another factor to consider is how easy the bra is to remove after a sweat session, for that reason, the Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra with a front zipper is the perfect choice.
Do Sports Bras Help Sagging?
A good sports bra can lift your bust and add additional support, especially for larger breasts. While it's natural (and beautiful!) for our bodies to change with age, sports bras can't permanently reverse sagging.
What Is the Difference Between a Sports Bra and a Support Bra?
Most of us consider a support bra just a regular bra, it's everyday underwear that doesn't have additional features to help with working out. Support bras come in a variety of styles such as underwire bars, full-cup, balconette, and minimizers, while sports bras are designed for activity and have extra support.
What Sports Bra Is Most Comfortable?
Incredibly soft and comfy, the Longevity Bra is as great for lounging as it is for doing a downward dog. It has a reinforced underbust for lift, with a seamless design, and is made from soft material so it's gentle on the skin.
We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.