Find Your Perfect Fit: The Best Plus-Size Sports Bra for All Your Workout Needs

Shopping for a sports bra can lead to some challenges. Finding bras that offer the support, comfort and performance you need is one thing. But finding a sports bra that comes in your size can be an even greater challenge.

We’re here to help! Let’s get into it...

You are the size you are. There are no pluses or minuses. Only your unique body, shape, size and needs. 

While size and shape inclusivity are important (nay, essential) to us at Knix, we don’t differentiate our designs by size. Instead, we strive to create underwear in a size range that everybody (or a huge majority) of people can find accessible.

There’s no special category in our menu, no subset of our regular range. Just the freedom to shop for sports bras without the toxic labels…

5 Features to Look for in a Sports Bra for Larger Busts

No matter where you’re shopping for a sports bra, there are some features to look for in the style and brand you’re shopping from. Here are our top priorities:

1. The Coverage and Support You Need

When you have a larger bust, bounce elimination is important. This is especially true if you’re doing high impact exercise (like running or other aerobic activity). Excess bounce can cause self-consciousness and actually put some people off exercising at all. 

But worse than that it can exacerbate back and neck strain and even (over a prolonged period) cause injury. It’s also worth noting that breast tissue does not contain muscle so a lot of bounce (again over a prolonged period) can cause the breast tissue to stretch and contribute to sagging.

Look for a full coverage cup that will contain your entire breast. Adjustable straps and closures will help ensure you can alter the bra to get your perfect fit (and that as the bra loosens over time, you can adjust for continued support).

2. The Style You Crave

When you’re a size a lot of brands don’t cater for, you may find yourself sometimes forced to compromise on the style you love for something that fits. 

In our opinion, that shouldn’t be the case. There’s no reason that performance and size-inclusivity should come at the cost of the style you crave. 

So whether you plan to wear your sports bra as a workout top, or keep it as an undergarment, make sure you LOVE it.

3. The Comfort You Deserve

Sometimes “supportive” garments can cross a line into discomfort. But let’s face it, if your sports bra isn’t comfortable, you probably won’t want to wear it. So make sure that you find a sports bra that is both supportive and comfortable. There’s no need to compromise.

Comfort can mean features like wide straps that won’t cause dents in your skin, soft materials and features like covered zips. 

Another key to ensuring comfort is getting the right size. Squeezing yourself into a too small bra, or having a too-loose bra will not be comfortable. You want a bra that’s snug without being tight, like a reassuring hug. Over time, the bra should mold to your body so that you barely notice it. After all, you should be focusing on your workout, not your underwear!

4. Designed to Keep You Dry (and Free from Chafing)

Sweat is a natural and healthy by-product of exercise and we’re big fans of working up a healthy sweat!

But sweat can also cause discomfort. It can pool beneath your breasts and between skin folds and cause chafing and irritation. To avoid all of that, look for workout gear that is made of sweat-wicking or moisture-wicking materials, including your bra.

This will quickly wick moisture away from your body to keep you drier for longer. 

5. A Brand that “Gets it”

Obviously we’d love you to see you in a Knix bra. But no matter what brand you choose to support, it’s worth making your dollar count. Do brands that carry limited sizes or don’t consider body diversity deserve your hard-earned dollars? That’s for you to answer.

But there’s great power in supporting brands that are really trying to change unrealistic standards for women’s bodies and for beauty. These brands invest in understanding what works for all bodies; not simply taking their smallest pattern and increasing the dimensions.

If you want more choice, and products that serve you better, choose brands that are stepping up to do the work!

Best Sports Bras up to a G Cup

Okay, without further ado, let’s look at the best sports bras we recommend for larger cup sizes!

Best Overall: 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 cup sizes — and everything in between!

Best High Impact Sports Bra: Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra

This maximum-support sports bra will hold you in place, even during that grueling BootCamp burnout. Plus it's easy 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.”

Size options:

32A to 42G cup sizes- and everything in between!

Cutest Sports Bra: Momenta Racerback Sports Bra

Flattering and functional, the Momenta Sports Bra can be worn under any workout gear or on its own. With sizes 28A to 44H, enjoy the comfort of the seamless design, with no clasps or closures to dig into the skin or pull on fabric. Sure to be your new go-to option and everyday sports bra.

How it fits:

Easy to pull on and off, with a scoop neck and racerback, built-in padded cups, and seamless and smooth silhouette that can be worn under anything. It may feel a little snug at first, that’s normal — it’s designed to relax and adapt to your shape as you wear it.

What reviewers say:

“Super comfortable, supportive, easy to get in and off, and I didn't need a "break-in period."

“It’s the most comfortable and supportive bra I’ve ever owned!”

Size options:

28A to 44G — and everything in between!

Best for WFH / Lounging: Longevity Bra

With sizes 28A to 40 DDD, enjoy the support and feel of the Longevity Sports Bra—super versatile and easy-fitting, feels like you're wearing nothing at all. Sure to be your new go-to option and everyday low-impact sports bra.

How it fits:

Easy to pull on and off, with a scoop v-neck and low back, no padding, moisture-wicking fabric, and a seamless design and smooth silhouette that can be worn under anything. 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:

“I have always hated wearing a bra because i find them so uncomfortable, but a friend of mine told me about Knix and how she likes the bra that they make. So I gave it a shot! The fitting is so well, comfortable and i don't have any pinching anywhere or any unflattering fat squeezed out caused by the bra. I absolutely love it.”

“This bra is great! Super comfy and for me I have bra size 32HH, I got the medium and it fits great, has a fairly good support and keeps them in their place lol. Wearing regular bras is so uncomfortable , this is a game changer with how the straps on the back take away some pressure on my shoulders . Thanks!!”

Size options:

28A to 40 DDD — and everything in between!

Finding the Right Size is Key

If you’re ready for a change, we really recommend getting fitted. After all, if you go out and buy the wrong size bra, you risk finding yourself back in the same uncomfortable place. And trust us, it’s not easy to figure out the right size bra all by yourself.

Plus, you may discover a whole new style to explore — underwear fabrics and technology are constantly evolving. 

Now, at Knix, we understand many folks put off replacing their bra for precisely this reason: They dread the bra fitting. That’s why we developed our virtual fit program. Learn more about it today and book your appointment!

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 Put on a Sports Bra

There are already a lot of different variables to consider, so it starts to become clear that the question of “how to put on a sports bra” isn’t a straightforward or easy one. 

When it comes to getting a sports bra on and off, the biggest factor will be the different types of closures it has, or whether it has closures at all...

Pullover Bra 

A pullover bra has no closures. It can have a tank top, racerback or crisscross style of strap, but there is only one way you can put it on: Over your head, arms through the holes.

Follow these steps (think of it like a pullover):

• Grab the bra. Hold it upside down (by the band), cups facing you.
• Stretch the brand slightly and slide the arms into the armholes, bringing the band to your elbows.
• Now whisk the bra above your head and stretch your arms so the bra slips to your shoulders. The bra will be “stuck” above your bust now.
• Using both hands, shimmy the bra over your breasts and back. It’s now on!

Once the bra is on and covering both breasts, make adjustments before hitting the gym:

• Lean forward and massage your breasts into place
• Tighten (or loosen) any adjustable straps to ensure they’re snug but not too tight.

If you don’t want to go through the contortions that sometimes seem necessary with pullover bras, consider one of the following...

Front Closure 

Front closure bras do exactly that: They close at the front, often with a zipper or series of hooks.

Putting on a front closure sports bra is easier than a pullover bra, but may still require a little practice. Basically: 

• Put your arms through the holes, like you would a vest. 
• Adjust the shoulder straps so they are tight but not too tight.
• Pull the front two sides to close, again like you would a vest or jacket.
• You may need to squeeze or physically lift your breasts into place to get the closure secure.
• Once the bra is fastened, you can make adjustments by bending forward and fine-tuning the adjustable straps.

Back Hook Closure

Back closure bras work the same way most everyday bras do, so there will be the least amount of mystery about how to put these on. That said, because of the thickness and volume of material on sports bras, you may find getting in and out of a back closure sports bra a tiny bit more challenging than your everyday bra. 

Never fear: The process is just the same... Arms through straps and then fasten at the back. For some racerback styles there may be an additional clasp or hook at the top of the racerback. As always, make adjustments to ensure the sports bra is snug, but comfortable.

Caring for Your Sports Bra: Notes on Maintenance

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.

FAQs

Which Sports Bra Is Best for Heavy Breasts?

The best sports bra for heavy breasts should have lots of support, be comfortable, reduce bounce when moving, and be relatively easy to get on and off. Choose a high-impact sports bra with wide adjustable straps and full coverage cups. 

The Catalyst Front Zip Sports Bra has maximum support, meaning it will hold heavy breasts in place for even the toughest workouts. Most sports bras have removable pads, which can be annoying when working out. Look for one without removable padding.

What Is the Best Sports Bra for DDD?

Look for a sports bra with a full-coverage cup and thick straps that will help with bounce elimination. Underwire support can be helpful when getting in high-impact activities, but look for a seamless finish to prevent digging. Finally, look for moisture-wicking material that will keep sweat at bay and prevent chafing. The Catalyst Sports Bra is a great choice.