Why the Catalyst Is the Best Sports Bra for Large Breasts

September 01, 2023
Team Knix

Have you ever held onto your boobs while running because your bra wasn't supportive enough? You're not alone; in fact, over 80% of women do it!

It's so important for women to wear a supportive sports bra, especially if they have large breasts. The problem with finding a sports bra for large breasts is that it can be so difficult to find one that is supportive enough for those larger cup sizes.

That's why we designed a high impact sports bra for large breasts, with cup and band sizes up to a 32H. Read on to learn about the benefits of wearing a supportive sports bra and what makes The Catalyst Front Zip the best sports bra for large breasts.

What's the big deal about sports bras anyway?

No matter what your breast size is, you should always wear a good sports bra while working out. And if you don't? Well, we asked Professor Joanna Wakefield-Scurr, who is the Head of the Research Group in Breast Health at University of Portsmouth. She led the testing team for our high impact sports bra, the Catalyst.

She explained that because there are no muscles within the breast (yep, “it is really a lump of fat and tissue, which can be quite heavy for some women”), the only thing supporting the breast is a bra—which is why supportive sports bras are such a must.

As a result, when you don't wear a supportive sports bra, you may experience breast pain, damage to the skin and ligaments (“which is where we see stretch marks and sagging breasts”), and changes to your muscles and breathing.

In addition, many women may feel embarrassed by breast bounce and movement, which may hold them back from participating in sports.

What makes a good sports bra?

Knix model wearing the Catalyst Front Zip in Black display: full

The best sports bras will limit breast movement. Sports bras generally fall into two categories: compression sports bras and encapsulation sports bras. When it comes to sports bras, compression and encapsulation are effective at preventing bounce as you run, jump, and twist.

Encapsulation involves two distinct cups that separate the left and right breasts and rigidly encase the breast. Bras built for compression hold the breasts close to the chest, but because compressions bras typically contain a lot of elastic, they may stretch over time and result in more movement.

Most sports bras incorporate one or the other. The Catalyst offers both.

Among the most supportive sports bras out there, it's designed with six targeted support zones, molded cups, wide straps, and adjustable straps. According to Business Insider, the Catalyst sports bra is "a gamer-changer for large breasts." And it's available in a variety of expansive bra sizes, up to a 42H.

How can a high impact sports bra change the way I move?

Studies suggest 75% of women avoid exercising because they can't find a bra that fits. This ends now. Because the Catalyst is a high-impact and wire free sports bra, it allows those with breasts to feel supported in a wider range of movement—from sweaty workouts to running errands.

Underwire bra who? Some high-impact activities that the wireless Catalyst sports bra will support you in include:

  • Running

  • Boxing

  • Dancing

  • Football

  • Basketball

  • Soccer

  • Gymnastics

  • Jump rope

If you're looking for a little extra support for medium-impact activities, you can also wear the Catalyst for things like hiking, hot yoga, spinning, or chasing your kids around the park.

Is it easy to remove?

Wondering how hard it's going to be to take this thing off? We get it. 90% of women have struggled to get out of a sports bra. That's why, after learning there was no test for ease of removal, we created our own.

The Catalyst was rated as the easiest to remove and features a hook and eye closure on the back that's similar to your typical bra, adjustable straps, as well as front zipper that makes it super easy to slip on and off—because putting on your sports bra shouldn't be the workout.

Many other sports bras can be difficult for people to put on or take off, especially for those with large breasts or mobility issues. But the best sports bras for large breasts should be a breeze to remove, will offering more bra size versatility.

The Catalyst sports bra will transform the way you feel before, during, and after working out, and was designed for women, by women—just like the very first sports bra. 

Why is the Catalyst the most supportive sports bra?

For so many reasons, the Catalyst is the ultimate high impact sports bra. But what it really comes down to are its thoughtfully designed features. Performance molded cups, for instance, provide breathable support that separates and encapsulates your breasts, dramatically reducing movement by 76%.

The Catalyst sports bra is also designed with Tri-Flow Ventilation that increases airflow where your body gets its hottest: right between your breasts. Because easy adjustability is everything, the front zipper and back closure, coupled with adjustable straps, make this sports bra easy to wear.

It's for that reason that so many of our customers reach for this bra for everyday wear. So, whether you're working up a sweat, need a dose of everyday support, or just enjoy sports bra styles, the Catalyst is a game-changer for larger breasts.

How do I find my size?

Just as key to find the right sports bra style is finding your perfect fit. You'll find the Catalyst and Catalyst Front Zip in a range of expansive sizes, up to 42H depending on the style—which means there's a sports bra for everyone.

Need help finding your ideal sports bra size? Book a virtual fitting to get fitted from the comfort of home.

Catalyst Sports Bra

Our most supportive sports bra ever. And one that doesn’t give you the dreaded uni-boob. Keeping you in place while you move, this bra reduces overall breast movement by 76% (During treadmill running; based on University of Portsmouth Research Group in Breast Health study, 2018).

Catalyst Benefits

Performance Molded Cups
Supportive, breathable design separates and encapsulates your breasts, dramatically reducing movement by 76%.
Tri-Flow™ Ventilation
Increased airflow where your body gets its hottest – right between your breasts.
Easy Adjustability
Straps featuring high-grade plastics, and an adaptable back closure.

See My Size

Need help finding your size? Book a Virtual Fitting

Size 1
Fits 32A, 32B, 34A, 34B

Size 2
Fits 36A

Size 3
Fits 36B, 36C, 36D, 38B

Size 4
Fits 32C, 32D, 34C, 34D

Size 6
Fits 32DD, 34DD, 32E

Size 6+
Fits 34E, 32F, 34F

Size 7
Fits 36DD, 38DD, 36E

Size 7+
Fits 38E, 36F, 38F

Size 8
Fits 40D, 42D, 40DD, 42DD, 40E

Size 8+
Fits 42E, 40F, 42F

Catalyst Bra FAQs

No, the straps are ‘fixed’ and feature adjustable ladder straps for length flexibility.

Absolutely. We have many customers who prefer the high level of support that the Catalyst and Front Zip Catalyst provide for their day to day.