Workout Week: Sports Bra
Aug 8, 2019
There are as many opinions about sports bras as there are women. I recently discovered a new style that is so comfortable, I forget that I’m wearing it. And when you’re trying to push through a hard workout, the last thing you need is your bra digging into your rib cage.
This Champion Curvy Show Off Bra is a medium impact bra that is perfect for weight training, hiking, and pilates. I won’t wear it when I run (because it’s not enough support for a real bounce), but for everything else, it’s fabulous. This bra is so comfortable, not overly constricting, but still supportive.
Need support for high impact activities?
I discovered these Marks and Spencer High Impact Bras earlier in the summer, and I love them. They give me the support that I’m looking for without that flat, constricted effect that so many sports bras give you. I really like that they clip in the back, so I don’t have to strain my shoulder pulling them over my head. And the moisture-wicking fabric is nice during the heat of summer.
While these M&S bras are my #1 love right now, I also like the style and fit of this Old Navy bra.
If you have a favoritisms sports bra, especially if you have unique needs (plus-size, small bust, large bust), leave your recommendation in the comments. Because my requirements may not be your requirements.
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I have had good luck with the Victoria’s Secret Angel Max Sports Bra — I wear them for Orangetheory classes and they are very supportive. They’re somewhat stiff to get on, but I got the hang of it and unhook for easy off.
Recommend for high impact support for C/D cup. On CLEARANCE right now for $15. Seriously, for the price, if you want high impact support, try it. It’s a dupe of the bra Lululemon sells for $100.
https://www.victoriassecret.com/vs/sale/clearance-sport/victoria-sport-angel-max-sport-bra-751e633b-13df-4413-92fc-645d70b3c91f?stackId=481ebb0b-58ad-4057-a3e1-75f40912cfaf
I love this bra for OrangeTheory too!! I went to my VS a few days ago to ask why they were on clearance and there weren’t any full price options and was told that they will only carry one sport bra going forward and it isn’t this one. I am very bummed. She said customers were surveyed and they weren’t buying it to actually work out in. Apparently they didn’t ask us OTF clients as lots of ladies at my studio wore this bra.
I hit the gym or the trail everyday and I’m a 34DDD in a normal bra. I like the basic Nike swoosh bra for lower impact workouts like weights or eliptical (https://www.nike.com/t/swoosh-womens-medium-support-sports-bra-knTPGAvo/842398-321), The price is right and it’s a classic.
And it’s pricey, but I swear by Lululemon’s Enlite bra for running (https://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-sports-bras/Enlite-Bra/_/prod8555508?color=26673). I used to have to double up sports bras for running, but this one I can wear by itself.I would recommend trying it on in the store to get the best fit since it’s bra sizing.
I do also want to try the FE/NOM Flyknit from Nike (https://www.nike.com/t/fe-nom-flyknit-womens-high-support-sports-bra-eoTVDqL3/AJ4047-606)
Do you wear your normal size in the Lululemon Enlite? I have a terrible time hooking the clasps on that thing and went up two band sizes from my regular, and then it wasn’t really supportive enough for running…. And they don’t carry F cup sizes in the store.
For running, I have the Brooks Juno. I’m between a 32G and a 34F and wear the 34DDD. For barre classes, I have something cuter from Athleta that comes in a D/DD.
I actually sized down in the enlite. It’s a bitch to get on, and it’s pretty tight, but it provides the support I need. That was the recommended approach from the salespeople at Lulu when I tried it on. It should be tight enough to be supportive. I’ve just accepted the fact that large boobs are a pain, so it doesn’t phase me too much.
I’ve used the Juno bra previously as well. I just like that the Enlite bra has fewer seams and opportunities to rub. Sometimes the straps on the Juno would get me around my neck.
The only sports bra I use for high impact sports (running, Barry’s Bootcamp, HIIT workouts) is the Ultra Run Bra by Sweaty Betty. It has been a game changer – the only one I wear now. (Switched from Champion and Shock Absorber brands) Zero bounce for my C cup. It’s amazing! Although the other bras they sell provide me with no support at all so I wouldn’t even try the others.
I second this bra! I discovered it last year and it was a game changer for my HIIT workouts and running.
I swear by the Brooks Juno. I size up – I’m a 36DDD and wear the 38F – so it’s not super constricting but still supportive for high-impact workouts. For low-medium impact (like low-impact bike rides, hiking, etc.), I find Old Navy sports bras in L/XL work just fine!
Same!
The best plus size sports bras, at a reasonable price, are at Lane Bryant. Sizes 36-48, cups C-H.
I have a few of the Panache Women’s Underwire Sports Bra 5021. There’s a great range of sizes, especially in larger cup sizes. Fantastic for high impact – I use it for running, and NOTHING moves. They’re a little pricey, but worth it. Not many stores have the larger cup sizes in stock but I found some on Amazon and eBay.
Seconding this recommendation! I have a small ribcage and a larger cup and the Panache is perfect for me. The non-underwire version is great as well. Bra sized sports bras forever.
Yaaas I live by this bra!
I have tried several high-impact sports bras for my 34FF frame and, after finding Panache, have never looked back. You might try Bare Necessities or HerRoom; I know that the seasonal colors go on sale a few times a year.
I love Brooks sports bras for running. I like the Juno and Rebound Racer for racerback style. The Jubralee is not racerback, and while I don’t love regular bra straps with a racerback tank, it’s so nice to be able to take it off like a normal bra instead of doing a second workout to get it off. Brooks has a great try/return policy, so I was able to order a bunch of different styles and sizes to see what worked best.
Thanks for posting the marks and Spencer non-racetrack bra. I have been searching for a supportive sports bra with conventional straps for awhile.
I’m a cheapskate with a small bust (34B) so I just get what’s on sale at Nordstrom Rack or Marshall’s. My favorites right now are a reversible Nike racerback (for running) and an Under Armour racerback I got on crazy sale (for cycling or hiking). I have an Old Navy racerback for running too but I never wear it — it feels bulky and I think it’s a size too big.
I have other sports bras, but one I haven’t seen is for cute sports bras.
I look for bras that I don’t mind showing off in my lower arm hole cut shirts I wear weightlifting. I’m a 34 C and absolutely love Forever21 for those. I’ve also found great high neck ones there that I’ll run in just the bra as a top during the summer humidity and at the beach.
This is my favorite for yoga and weightlifting: https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/activewear/2000334086
I have multiples of the linked one and the high neck one of those so I always have a clean one.
I’m large chested (36-D or 34DD) so I need high impact support regardless! Moving Comfort’s (Brooks Running) Juno bras were the game changer for me. They’re a little cumbersome to put on at first, but it doesn’t take long to used to and for the support – definitely worth it.
I swear by Chantelle High impact for above D+ sizes. They are on sale now and great value
https://www.barenecessities.com/product.aspx?pfid=Chantelle2941&cm_mmc=GLPA_NonBrand-_-Bra-_-Chantelle14-_-Chantelle2941&BillboardPopupEnabled=false&BorderfreeEnabled=False&color=Black&amsk=w9a4hfr3k4&cmp=p1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs4vXpI374wIVFsRkCh3UygyYEAQYASABEgIkHPD_BwE