Hi ladies! Still on a fitness kick over here, I’m psyched to write about a topic that’s quite literally near and dear to my heart: the search for a full-bust sports bra that’s actually cute and keeps the girls in check while running, zumba, hip hop yoga, or whatever activity you love. (Kind of surreal to hear the instructor calling out yoga poses over lyrics that would make your mama blush, but whatevs.) And by full-bust, we’re not talking C, D or even DD since those sizes are pretty easy to find from any major bra brand. We’re talking sports bras that can accommodate for-real full bust sizes, DDD and up. Supermamas that have the energy to work out while pregnant or nursing? I found some seriously good nursing sports bras for you, too.
Nothing’s more demotivating than feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious while you’re working out. Show of hands, anyone resorted to double-bagging? I can attest that’s neither effective nor a good look. After baby #1 I found an awesome Moving Comfort style and even starting running. Since it’s discontinued and also laughs in my face when I try to smoosh into it post-nursing baby #2, I’m shopping for myself, too and am only recommending bras I would actually buy.
Full-Bust Sports Bras
1. Moving Comfort ‘Juno’ Bra: This is the version closest to the one I own except the back on this one is much cooler. It also works for nursing mamas since the straps adjust with velcro from the front. And it’s not beige! (Fit note – it is tight, you may want to go up a band & cup size).
2. Panache Ultimate Maximum Control Sports Bra: I already love this brand for non-sports bras and this one is so cute! Like the ones A & B cups can wear! It also has a hook in back to convert to racerback style for even more security. Up to cup size J in UK sizing so it’s important to remember to convert from US on the size chart. (Update! I’ve been wearing the pretty gray & floral print version for a few weeks and love it! A few fit tips: the band is really snug, probably because there’s no underwire, so if that bothers you size up. I bought it in my true size, and the cups are a little roomy on top since most of my ‘volume’ has settled since pregnancies & nursing – easily fixed by converting it to racerback style to eliminate bounce.)
3. Wacoal Coolmax Contour Underwire Sports Bra: This one’s so pretty I’d wear it as an everyday bra at home or running errands. It boasts moisture-wicking fabric, a key feature since nothing’s worse than a lake of sweat collecting in your bra. It gets amazing reviews, and goes up to G in some band sizes.
4. Freya Underwire Moulded Sports Bra: Love the cool colorblocking and cheerful color schemes! More importantly: Coolmax fabric for comfort and straps that convert to racerback. The navy color’s on sale if your size isn’t sold out (mine is, boo!) Up to cup size H in UK sizing.
5. Nike Pro Hero: In love with the neon yellow & black accents on this bra. This one barely made the cut – only goes to 38E – but it has great reviews.
6. Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra: So comfy looking – this bra has lots of fans! The underwire is flat and on the outside so no poking into sensitive areas, and the back has 6 hook settings for a custom fit. Extra support built into G & H cups.
7. Panache Convertible Wireless Sports Bra: This is lower impact support, but may be the holy grail in terms of number of unique sizes – 28DD to 40GG in UK sizes (so DDDDDDD in US), with near-perfect reviews. (Fit note: order one cup size up)
8. Energise Sports Bra: Hard to find high-impact support for larger band sizes! In UK sizes starting at 34H to 46DD, up to GG in some cup sizes. (Important fit note: site recommends ordering one band size down and one cup size up (34C should order 32D)
Nursing Sports Bras
(Maternity and nursing sports bras are a bit more challenging to find, but I tracked down some good options – aside from the Moving Comfort bra, these are probably better for low to medium impact activities.)
1. Motherhood Maternity Nursing Striped Sports Bra: Stripes forever. Probably better for lower impact stuff like yoga and walking and it’s only a bit over $20, so not a huge investment if there’s too much bounce – I’d use it as a regular nursing bra at home too. In sizes M-XL.
2. Moving Comfort Juno Racerback: This one’s a regular sports bra that has clever adjustable front straps, so you can use it post-nursing too! I have an earlier version of this bra and seriously – there is no bouncing. Like at all. It’s also wire-free, so no worries about clogged milk ducts, yay! Up to E cup but runs small, in gorgeous turquoise and white or black.
3. Belabumbum Ultrasmooth Maternity Nursing Sports Bra: Good for medium impact workouts, it’s wirefree and ventilated for comfort. Up to size 40E in sweet hot pink or always stylish black.
4. Cake Cotton Candy Seamless Nursing Bra: This one isn’t technically a sports bra, but with the racerback support and comfy styling it could definitely work for low-impact workouts. Reviewers LOVE this bra, and I think a few readers have commented on it’s awesomeness too. Fit notes: says it runs big so order a size down. S-XL, and fits up to a 38FF or 42E.
5. Cake Lingerie High-Impact Nursing Sports Bra: This seems to be the go-to nursing sports bra (larger cup sizes said more like medium-impact support). I like the padded straps, cool styling and convertible racerback option. UK sizing, so 32DD – 40H in US sizes.
Cheers to getting our sweat on!
-Amanda
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This is a great article! A frustrating thing about these bras is that most say order a cup size up or a band size down and a cup size up! This means that for me a 34J, I should order a 34K or even a 32K! Which size me out of most bras. Just aggravating that the bra companies say they go up to a J cup, but the actual cup volume is not a true J.
Thanks for showing some options for the full bust market! Now for a momiform article as well…
Hi Karen! I know, the sizing can be frustrating. BUT! I found the Elomi (#8 bra above) in cup sizes up to UK J/US M here, and a reader posted on Our Facebook that she has and LOVES this bra in the pink color: http://rstyle.me/~cz-7tH7R
Hope that helps!
Thank you for this! Have been searching and searching. Have you tried any of these on? Do you know anything about the fit and support? So helpful. Thanks again!
Hi Leigh! Yes, I have a moving comfort bra similar to the Juno ones w/adjustable straps, the fit is a bit tight so order up a size, the support & quality are A+. A Facebook reader has and loves the Elomi bra (#8 above), and I will post a review once I order & try out the Panache bra. All of the brands have great quality regular bras, and I read through reviews on those I haven’t tried to see notes on fit & support.
Yes, I commented on FB about #8. I have both #1 and #8 and love the Elomi one. It has a defined cup (no uniboob like #1) and I can run on the treadmill in it with no discomfort…none. I don’t even think about my breasts when I wear it. I don’t like the seams, they run right across the nipple and are very noticeable under my shirts, but the performance makes up for even that awkwardness! (im a 36H for reference)
I swear by the Panache underwire sports bra and run in them on the regular. Securing the back t-strap makes all the difference. I found that Amazon has a big selection of them. Also, if you are looking for a try-on review, I posted one on my blog a year or two ago. Thanks for the review, it’s SO HARD to find a great exercise bra that actually holds larger sized boobs still while running! =)
Thanks for the Panache info! Can’t wait to try it.
I can attest to the lack of bounce in the moving comfort bras. Not sure which model I have exactly but it’s either the juno or very similar. I ve been measured at a 32J while nursing and ended up with a 34D after some trying on. Not saying it’s an easy bra to get on but it holds those nursing girls down. And they last. I bought the 2 I have after my 2nd and they’re still getting the job done after my 3rd.
I have to give a recommendation for the Victoria’s Secret Knockout Sports Bra. It’s comes in some great patterns, and basically is a normal bra with a front zip sports bra over the top. So it doesn’t smush and the band actually fits. It’s amazing!!!
Yes! “And by full-bust, we’re not talking C, D or even DD.” Thank you!! I was a 34D pre-pregnancy and a 34H to a 34I while nursing. The lack of a good sports bra (I bought and returned four online, I think, before giving up) has absolutely kept me from getting back into any kind of running. I’m going to try a few of these brands!
Yes! Thank you! Loved the acknowledgement that full busted means DDD and up for some of us! None of this pussy footing around with a D cup. Great recommendations.
Yes! Not that there’s anything wrong with D cups But it’s nice to see brands catering to larger cup sizes since fitness magazines have made me feel like a freak of nature for not fitting the A-DD size range. It’s like, “oh, you’re busty? No exercising for you, honey, you’ll knock yourself out”
I had the Motherhood Maternity Nursing Striped Sports Bra when I was nursing. I was a 34E. I really liked it once it was on, but I have to say it was tough to squeeze into. Perhaps that’s a general problem with tight / supportive sports bras that need to go over your head. I would personally recommend a sports bra with clasps to avoid that awkward topless shuffle required to squeeze into a sports bra even on a good day.
Agreed, the shuffle is definitely sucky, I think it happens more when the band is too small. It’s downright frightening to get into mine that was tight before and beyond small now!
I’m a 36 DD/E and all I wear is the Moving Comfort Juno and Fiona bras. They’re awesome and the adjustable Velcro straps are a lifesaver. You can change them depending on what you’re doing. Running, Crossfit, Spin, weight training, etc…
My new discovery is the Shock Absorber Women’s Ultimate Run Sports Bra. It is a non-underwire sport bra that works. And bonus: it’s racerback with two clasps in the back, the upper clasp is what keeps the bounce away (I hate pull over bras). You can get in on Bare Necessities or Amazon. Two things to watch out for: (1) there’s an older model on Amazon that isn’t as good, both clasps are hook & eye, which is annoying. (2) Sometimes it’s listed as UK sizing, sometimes American. I’m usually a 34D, but in this bra I order 34DD (UK) or 34E (American). I love it, so it’s been worth a few orders and (free) returns to find the right one!
Thanks for the info, AJ! I was intrigued by that brand on Amazon, but couldn’t find consistently good reviews – maybe it was due to wonky sizing. This helps!
Thank you! I’ve been needing a good nursing sports bra. I had bought a zip-front underarmour one (hoping the zip-front would work for easy-on/easy-off for nursing) and HATE it. It cuts weird and not comfortable at all. Definitely will be trying out these!
Emily – yup! I didn’t like the 2 zip front sports bras I had previously – they just kind of mash everything to your chest and create pools of gross sweat. I didn’t find any online either that had good reviews. It’s all about lifting & separating!
Awesome, thank you! I’m full busted and have a lot of breast pain, so finding something that holds things down is crucial (and has never happened). Can’t wait to try one…Moving Comfort seems popular so maybe I’ll start there.
Thank you for this…exactly what I need right now. F cup at the best of times, but still breastfeeding too! I was doing a workout video the other day and had to stop when they started jumping jacks…that ain’t happening with my current bra situation!! I’m looking forward to checking these out and hopefully finding one that works for me. If it’s cute that’s a bonus 🙂
Loved this article – thanks! I was fitted for a Freya sports bra in a bra shop and it’s fantastic. Everything stays put, whether I’m doing yoga, walking/running or doing crazy Zumba moves. I was just about to order #4 from Amazon and the price was making me hesitate. But given the use I’m getting out of the current one, price per wear definitely applies.
The lululemon tata tamer is everything. I’ve had mine 4 years, and I run A LOT – no chafe, not stretched out of shape, hook and eye. They don’t go beyond DD, but that’s something.
Just FYI, the Moving comfort Juno is hard to get off when you’re sweaty. The Fiona is also a good one for the larger ladies and much easier to get on and off. I own both the Cake bras… the seamless nursing bra would only work for VERY low impact. It is very comfy, but I could not work out in it. I bought two of the high impact bras, they are so good. I run distances and do crossfit and the ladies stay in place. Just FYI, though: it has underwire. I didn’t realize this when I ordered and I was a little apprehensive because I don’t wear underwire while nursing, but it works. It is really expensive but so functional. For reference, I’m 34F-G.
Oh, forgot to say that the MC Fiona and the Cake High impact have clasp backs so you don’t have to yank over your head.
Unrelated because I do NOT have this problem, but TME related… I finally bought the RM fringe crossbody today! It’s on sale in all it’s bohemian hippy tan suede glory and I couldn’t *not* get it!
great ideas! choosing ur sport bra can be very challenging… I always choose smth like this http://www.cosabella.com/en-us/activewear it’s comfortable;)
Hi ladies – I’ve been wearing the Panache bra for a bit – see update for fit tips!