The Ultimate Guide To Buying A Sports Bra
With the warmer weather, summer holidays, the Olympics and the fantastic win by the women's football team, some of us will be thinking about exercising. We like to make sure we have the right equipment for our sporting activities and it’s equally important that when we exercise we are wearing a supportive bra that helps reduce the impact on our breasts. When it comes to exercise, support and comfort are key. We have put together the ultimate guide to buying a sports bra with tips to help you find a sports bra that fits correctly and provides the maximum support and comfort, as well as our best sports bra recommendations.
What Is A Sports Bra
A sports bra is a bra that gives support to help control the breasts so that they do not move about too much during sport. Most provide motion control as well as the ability to wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. It is particularly important to get the right support and fit from your bra when you are exercising. During your sporting activity the bra stretches and contracts as it absorbs the impact of the exercise. Over time the fibres in the fabric and the elastic weaken. Then it is time for you to change your sports bra.
It is important to check your sports bras regularly so that the bra can do an effective job of controlling and supporting the breasts during exercise. So if you've not checked your sports bra in a while then we would recommend putting it on your to do list.
Regularly Check Your Sports Bra Fits Correctly
So when do we need to check your sports bras?
- If you are exercising regularly then you need to routinely check your sports bra fits correctly and will give you the maximum support and comfort
- When taking up a new sport it's important to make sure you have the right sports bra for the sport
- If you are starting exercise/ sport again after a break then check your old sports bra fits correctly and that your sports bra doesn't have signs of wear and tear
- If your weight has changed your sports bra may be too big or too small
- After pregnancy, as pregnancy and breast feeding can alter the breast size, so again your sports bra may not fit correctly
What to look out for when choosing sports bras for maximum support and comfort:
There are features to look out for when choosing a sports bra.
- Sports bras with padded straps provide added comfort, support and help take the weight off the shoulders.
- T-back or cross back straps also help to support the back and stop strap slippage which can be annoying during exercise.
- Look out for flat seams on sports bras. They help to make the bra comfortable, minimising any chances of chaffing.
- Some sports bras are non-wired with soft cups which are very comfortable.
- Manufacturers are now making more underwired sports bras. Make sure to choose bras where the underwire is flat or invisible to avoid wires digging in as you move around during exercise.
- Highly breathable, lightweight, soft fabrics are recommended for comfort and to aid movement.
- Look out for fabrics that help take the moisture away and keep you fresh and feeling comfortable whilst exercising.
- If you have a fuller bust, check out our bra recommendations for heavy busts to learn more about the specialist bras we stock to provide you with comfort, confidence and style.
Signs That Your Sports Bra May Need Changing
Signs that your sports bras may need changing include:
- Too tight -The fit of the sports bra has changed and the sports bra has become too tight
- Too loose- The fit of the sports bra has changed and the sports bra has become too loose
- Bra band loose - If the bra band at the bottom is looser than it used to be
- Fabric thinning or fraying - Look for signs of wear and tear -The fabric of the sports bra has become thin in places or is fraying around the band
- Fabric resistance gone - The fabric resistance has gone. Do you have a bit more bounce as you are exercising? Perform a stretch test to check this by gently tugging the elastic straps and band. If you don't feel any resistance, then it may be time to get a new bra
- Straps fall down or frayed - The straps fall down as they may have stretched out with washing a wear or have they started to fray from over wear and over washing
- Colour changes - Has the fabric colour changed on your sports bra, has if faded or dulled
- Stretching -The sports bra stretches vertically. You can do this by comparing your old bra with a new sports bra. Place a new sports bra on top of a similarly styled old one. If the old sports bra has a wider band and longer straps, then it's time to replace the bra with the new sports bra
- Straps dig in - The straps dig into your shoulders, you may need a different size or different support from your sports bra
- Type of sports bra - Are you wearing the right style of sports bra for the type of exercise - compression sports bras for low impact sports such as yoga and pilates or a medium or high impact sports bra for running or aerobics
Washing & Drying Sports Bras
Some thing else that may also affect the wear and tear on the sports bra is how you wash and dry your sportswear and bra. The more you wash your bra the quicker it can wear out. Drying them in a machine can also damage the elastic and supportive nature of the fabric over time. Air drying sports bras can help prolong their life.
The Best Sports Bras for Large Breasts
We’ve pulled together our top picks of the most comfortable and supportive sports bras for large breasts:
Elomi Energise Sports Bra
A super soft sports bra that’s not only kind to your skin, but the full cup bra features an underwire that gives you optimum support. Designed specifically for high impact activities, this bra is one of our best sellers and features a revolutionary underwire construction which finishes below the neck edge of the bra, allowing extra supportive bust separation. The cup itself is made up of four different sections and includes extra side support and sweat wicking materials. As an added bonus, this bra also features a jay hook which allows the wearer to choose between straight straps or racer back designs. In navy, black, nude and white in cup sizes D to K.
Louise said, "The band is wide & comfortable with 4 hooks. The J hook on the straps provides extra support and stability. The cups are snug, well made and give good coverage over the chest."
This is such a popular sports bra that we have also added to the collection the Energise Print Underwired Sports Bra.
Ulla Dessous Kate Sports Bra
The Kate underwired sports bra, designed by Ulla Dessous is perfect for high impact activities, including running. Extreme comfort is provided from the high quality materials and unbeatable control is provided in the way that only an underwired bra can provide. Features of this bra include ergonomic release straps, large side support panels, layered cups for a moulded fit and slimming effect seams. A sports bra which gives you miles of support, constructed with clever panels that give you added shaping and control, the upper cups are layered with tulle which mould to your body – keeping you comfortable during your workout. The material of this bra is anti-bacterial, meaning that hygiene and odour are kept in check! Cup size runs to an L cup. Pictured is the wired sports bra. We also have a soft cup version - Kate Soft Cup Sports Bra. The Ulla Kate Underwired Sports Bra is a five star bra and one customer said,
"I so love this bra. It is comfier than any other bra I’ve ever worn. I love the wide shoulder straps and the plain design that doesn’t show through clothing. I feel supported and I look great."
Triumph – Tri Workout Bra
One of our bestselling sports bras, it’s designed for intense activity. The smoothing, seam free cups are made from cotton which eliminates any rubbing and chaffing and is kind to the skin. Support is provided by an under band, meaning high impact sports are absolutely fine. This bra's deep centre gives excellent separation and its stretch straps with velcro adjusters make the bra easy to adjust, meaning you can find your perfect fit. As an added bonus, the straps are constructed from gel, which provides further comfort. The non-wired workout bra is suitable for high impact activity such as running, but comfortable enough to wear during yoga sessions too. Available in black or white in sizes 32 to 42 B to DD.
Glamorise No-Bounce Cami Sports Bra
This bra is perfect for women looking for a good level of upper bust control, good levels of coverage across medium impact sports. The open mesh design provides a very welcome, breathable containment and support, whilst ensuring you stay cool and dry. As expected, the straps on this bra are nice and wide, providing excellent levels of comfort. Now in black with grey edging. Available in black/grey or cafe in sizes 34 to 50 C to F.
One customer said, "A very good fitting bra."
We also have a Glamorise Sports Bra that is also proving very popular and is comfortable and supportive.
Anita Active Extreme Control Sports Bra
This bra is perfect for high level activities, such as jogging, horse riding and tennis. Three section, tailored cups have a crescent shaped side support, which creates a brilliant bust shape alongside maximum support and comfort. The support straps are padded for comfort and the fabric is a highly functional piqué fabric for quick moisture absorption and transportation. Available in white, black/gold or black in sizes B to H.
Described as,"This is a wonderful bra for wearing to my Zumba class."
PrimaDonna The Gym Underwired Sports Bra
High Impact active bra made from soft, breathable jersey fabric to keep you fresh and cool during exercise. Seamless, non-padded, specially formed cups keep your breast comfortably in place during exercise Finished with soft, flat seams and cushioned hook and eye fastening for maximum of comfort. For a chic look and extra protection the multiway straps can be worn straight over the shoulders or crossed back. The PrimaDonna sport series offers great support for fuller busted ladies in cup sizes C to H cup.
A customer said, "After a wonderful conversation with the experts at AmpleBosom I decided to try this sports bra. I love the fact it has wires, and it keeps the bosom in place in all kinds of activities with plenty of support for heavy breasts. It is very soft and comfortable and in a very delicate colour. Worth the investment?"
Freya Dynamic Active Soft Cup Sports Bra
High impact workout bra made from breathable microfiber fabric for moisture control. With wire-free cups, wide flat underband elastic and padded straps for support and comfort. The straps come with J-hook adjuster for racer back style option. Dynamic is a perfect collection for high intensity exercise, yoga training or regular running. Comes in white and jet in cup sizes C to J.
One customer said, "Very comfortable to wear and gives a good line under tops."
Goddess Wire Free Fuller Bust Sports Bra
This Goddess non wired full cup sports bra offers excellent support and has a tall back. Made from moisture-control fabric to keep you cool and dry while exercising. It has a wide underband for comfort and support and comfortable adjustable straps. Available up to a JJ cup.
Sports Bras at AmpleBosom.com
These sports bras are loved universally by our customers and staff. Many choose to wear these sports bra all day, every day. As well as workouts, bear in mind these sports bras are also perfect for low intensity activities such as walking or cycling. Some of these sports bras are equally suitable for everday wear. This ultimate guide to buying a sports bra showcases some of our favourite sports bras, but we have an extensive range of sports bras so take a look at our full collection of sports bras today.
If you would like any help finding a well fitting and comfortable sports bra then please give our friendly team of bra specialists a call on 01439 798388 or email us here, we will be happy to help.
Also visit our bra fitting guide, our handy bra measuring guide, our useful size guide page with size charts for bras, briefs and nightwear and our blog for advice, tips and recommendations. We are here to help you find your perfect fit!
Our Facebook group is a place for you to ask questions and seek guidance from our team of bra specialists. We share our expertise for finding the perfect bra for you. Give answers to common bra fitting problems and share exclusive updates on new arrivals, latest trends and special offers. You can also chat with like-minded ladies and share your favourite styles and brands with one another.
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Written by AmpleBosom 14/09/2019 and updated by Francesca 03/10/2023 and Sara 25/07/2024.