We all know that plenty of plus-size women love to work out. But when it comes to comfortable sports bras in larger sizes, the market has been seriously lacking.
For me, my favorite way to stay active is kickboxing β but with all of that activity, my size 44DDD breasts get a workout of their own, usually in the worst way possible.
ACTUAL PHOTO OF ME AFTER THE GYM:
I think I speak for all bigger babes when I say that finding the right sports bra is like looking for a unicorn. And bigger breasts aren't the only challenge when it comes to finding a good fit for plus-size women.
My colleague Jessica Torres, who is typically a size 18/20 and rocks a 46D, has issues finding a sports bra that doesn't have a band so small it cuts into her back. Β
It's a nightmare. But it doesn't have to be.
In order to find the "one sports bra to rule them all," Jess and I tried on 6 different plus-size sports bras and rated them based on style, fit, and support β so you and your girls can survive any level of workout comfortably.
6. Ashley Stewart
Molded strappy racerback sports bra ($24, Ashley Stewart)
Coming in last place was this strappy, sexy number from Ashley Stewart in which I am wearing a 2X and Jess is wearing a 3X.
Firstly, I thought the bra itself was cute as hell.
It was definitely the sexiest bra each of us wore out of this haul. With a deep cut, neon pink pipping, and delicate backing, if either of us were to wear only this and leggings to the gym, we'd definitely be the baddest bitches in the place.
However, the sizing caused major boob spillage for me.
I was coming out of the front and the sides, giving me the dreaded "quad-boob" many busty babes know all too well. Technically, this could be remedied by going up at cup size β but since they are offered in traditional plus-size sizing and not intimate sizing, the bigger version would have left me with less support than I already had.
For Jess, the bra completely lacked the support she needed.
When we did the jiggle test (not pictured because def NSFW) our boobs were all over the place.Β
"I would definitely wear this bra for style purposes, but never to actually work out."
And the back was basically useless.
"The straps were just there for display; it looked good but it didn't do anything and I don't even have big boobs. I would have also wanted better coverage for my back fat."
While it was certainly aesthetically pleasing, it overall wouldn't serve us well in the gym.
5. Lane Bryant
Maximum support sports bra ($60-$75, Lane Bryant)
As a brand that prides itself on its plus-size activewear, both Jess and I had high expectations for this bra β and they definitely delivered.
The support was pretty much unparalleled for Jess.
"This bra was made for extreme sports. There wasn't an ounce of jiggle-room in this one."
And with sizes ranging from 38DDD to 42H, that is great news for bigger boob-ed babes.
Her only complaints?
"Moving around caused the band to roll up a smidgen, which could get pretty annoying during an intense work out. But mainly I just wish it was slightly cuter."
As for me, the support of the bra was something i had never experienced before.
My boobs legitimately felt weightless, which I was over the moon excited for. The fabric was breathable and my back fat felt nice and secure.
The only struggle I had was with the straps.
Since the support is so intense, it was a little hard pulling the straps up, and I felt flashes of fabric burn across my skin as I were pulling them up.Β
Truly, a price worth paying IMO β considering the level of support I felt.
4. Old Navy
Go-Dry Cool Light-Support Long-Line Plus-Size Sports Bra ($24,Old Navy)
Jess and I both had the same exact reaction when we put this bra on: We couldn't stop gushing about the comfort.
I have had some horrible sizing mishaps in my day when it came to sports bras, so allow me and my boobs to bask in this comfort for a moment.
Sigh.Β
Ok, not only was this adorable from the front and the back, it didn't roll up on my body once when I moved and was true to size in a 2x.Β
Though I definitely wouldn't wear it to a traditional gym, this bra is great for low-impact workouts, and I could totally see myself working this bra during yoga class.
Meanwhile, Jess (in a size 3x) was ready to walk out of the shoot and never wear another bra ever again.
The soft, breathable fabric worked hugged her curves effortlessly, and she felt it was pretty complimentary to bigger bellies.
"This bra is ideal if you want to workout in only your bra since it has a lot more coverage on the back and front. The small mesh detail on the top kept me feeling sexy without revealing too much. I would even wear this sports bra as an everyday outfit."
#WINNING.
3. Torrid
Torrid Active Β Tie Dye Sports Bra ($29, Torrid)
This traditional sports bra from Torrid legit made both of us feel like '70s Sporty Spice. Neither of us had any issues with the sizing, though we *technically* had to each go up a size; I was wearing their size 2 (equivalent to an 18/20) and Jess was in the size 3 (around a 22/24).
For me, this tye-dye top was an activewear dream.
I really loves the full coverage it provided and felt secure enough that I would workout in it without a coverup shirt.
My back felt especially secure, and it did a great job of keeping me "in" at every angle.
For Jess, the support wasn't as amazing.
"The bra is adorable but once I put it on I felt that it squished my boobs as close to my chest as possible, rather than just giving me the support I wanted."
2. Fashion to Figure
Nicki Camo Sports Bra ($26, Fashion to Figure)
Welcome to the mecca of plus-size athleisure sports bras, people! This camo number with its mesh overlay deserves to be worn in and out of the gym. With sizing mirroring Torrid's, I found myself in the 2 while Jess wore the 3.
And it couldn't have fit either of us better.
Jess admittedly that she was pleasantly surprised by this one.
"I didn't think I would like this sports bra as much as I did. The mesh on the front and back was surprisingly sexy."
Jess also noted that this size was the best for her back, claiming its full coverage gave her the extra support she didn't know she needed.
For me, I couldn't get over how in place I felt.
The back and the front sculpted to me perfectly, and when I bounced around nothing moved at all which I could definitely see being a motivator to go extra hard at the gym, since I wouldn't have to be self conscious of all my jiggly bits.
Plus, I'm not so humble that I don't recognize how fly my boobs look in this bra.
With a leather jacket and high waisted leggings, I'd ooze confidence.
1. Torrid Underwire
Underwire Sports Bra ($41, Torrid)
When it came to fit, style and support, nothing compared to the Torrid underwire sports bra.
"Once I put it on I was shocked by how amazing it fit and the amazing support I had," confessed Jess.
Wearing a 46D, Jess could't get over how a bra in traditional sizing conformed to her body.Β
The front straps are cushioned to help ease the aches of bouncing yourself around, and the fabric itself wicks away moisture, keeping your boobs sweat-free during your workouts.
I loved how my 44DDD felt like they had strong support but weren't caught in a vice grip on my chest.
I had a great range of motion in this bra, and really felt like it would work for most of what I do at the gym.
But the thing that won us both totally over was the convertible clasp in the back.
The difference this made in look and support was so significant.
On the left I am unclapsed and the right hoisted in.
The lift was pretty noticeable, and I loved that you could change your support to fit your workout intensity as your go.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Overall this was one of the most pleasant try-ons I'd ever experienced. In the past, bra shopping β especially sports bra shopping β was a painful and fruitless experience. Now that so many brands are making an effort to be size inclusive, we're starting to see athletic pieces pop up that actually cater to a variety of plus-size bodies.
Each of these bras satisfy a different aesthetic and functional needs, so really, they are all kind of winners in our book. I can't wait to buy a bunch of these bras in every color, and truly embrace my workout life, bounce-free.
