Finding the right sports bra isn’t an easy task. While you can rely on a cheap and cheerful number if you’re just lazing around the house between Zoom calls, you probably need to think about upgrading to some extra support if you’re heading back to the gym.
Without the motion-reducing structure of a decent sports bra, exercising can be both painful and uncomfortable, especially if you’re lucky enough to be blessed with a larger cup size.
Plus, there can be longer-term effects for your breast health, as the skin and Cooper’s ligaments (those near the breast which give them their size and shape) can become irreversibly damaged through excess movement, causing sagging.
In fact, a study by the University of Portsmouth found that breast tissue, if left unsupported, can move up to 15 whole centimetres when you’re working out.
To help you stay cool and comfortable, we’ve found a handful of the best larger-sized sports bras to help you look and feel your best.
1. Freya Epic Moulded Crop Top Sports Bra, £42, freyalingerie.com
Thanks to its soft underband and wide straps, this streamlined sports bra from fashion-forward, plus-size lingerie brand Freya is the perfect fit for high-intensity workouts.
The cups are made from a breathable foam that moulds to the chest, allowing for better airflow during sweaty training sessions, while the full-coverage design means you won’t be worrying about any slips or accidents during burpees and push-ups.
This bra runs from a size 28D to size 40G, and has a trend-ticking splash of colour and pattern along the seams too.
2. Free To Be Elevated Bra in Misty Pink, £38, lululemon.co.uk
The latest addition to Lululemon’s popular Free To Be bra collection has been helpfully designed specifically with women who are a DD-E cup in mind.
It’s made from a soft fabric that offers low-friction support during gentle workouts, making it the perfect partner for a sleepy Sunday morning yoga class.
Notably, this bra is also made with Lululemon’s famous sweat-wicking technology that banishes the fear of visible underboob sweat after a few rounds of sun salutations.
We love the pretty, latticed back design on the straps that will jazz up any boring gym outfit.
3. Panache Sports Moulded Non-wired Bra, £38, figleaves.com
With rave reviews from plus-sized gym-goers online, this wire and seam-free bra is one of the best all-rounders for running and gym activities.
The breast is held in structured and supportive inner cups that won’t gape, bulge or bounce when you’re skipping, punching, sprinting or squatting.
Panache also say the ergonomic design of the wide straps and racer-back style, along with cushioned hook and eye clasp, work together to help to ease pressure on the chest when you’re exercising.
It runs from a regular B cup right up to a GG, so whatever your size, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your body shape.