If you are plus size and exercising, you need the best plus size sports bra with the right support. A sports bra will help support your breasts and minimize jiggling and discomfort. Exercising and vigorous moment can lead to your breast tissue stretching out which can lead to your breasts sagging. A well-fitting bra can be a benefit to any woman, but especially those who are plus sized, as breasts may be larger and in need of more support. In addition, to supporting your breast tissue and preventing sagging, a quality sports bra will help support the extra weight of your breasts and relieve some of the strain on your back.
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Comparison chart of best plus size sports bra
| Product image | Name | Material | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Leading Lady | 96% Cotton, 4% Spandex | $$$ | 4.8 |
 | Hanes | 58% Cotton, 37% Polyester and 5% Spandex | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | Champion (6632) | BODY: 85% nylon/15% spandex. MESH: 67% nylon/33% spandex | $$$ | 4.5 |
 | Glamorise Zippered | 61% Polyester, 34% Nylon, 5% Spandex | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | Champion Shape U | Body: 82% Nylon, 18% Spandex; Liner: 100% Nylon | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | Just My Size | 95% Nylon/5% Spandex | $$$ | 4.0 |
 | Rainbeau Curves | 88% Cotton, 12% Spandex | $$ | 3.8 |
 | Champion Vented Compression | Body: 88% Nylon, 12% Spandex; Mesh: 67% Nylon, 33% Spandex | $$$ | 3.8 |
Independent review of best plus size sports bra
To help get you started shopping for the best plus size sports bra, here are a few to consider:
#8 Champion Women’s Plus-Size Vented Compression Sports Bra
One of the most well-known brands in sportswear, Champion is known for producing quality exercise wear and other sports items. The bra is made of 88% Nylon and the rest spandex to make it more breathable. It is machine washable, making it easy to keep clean. This sports bra is built with unique moisture management technology that allows moisture to be whisked away, keeping you cool and dry while you are working out. It has a racerback design to provide maximum support while allowing for flexibility. It has a supportive compression fit that you don’t have to worry about clasping. Hot zones have added mesh and keyhole design to offer maximum ventilation. This bra comes in a range of colors and plus sizes, providing a fit for anyone.
#7 Rainbeau Curves Women’s Plus Size Jenna Bra
This bra is available in sizes 14-24 and zips up the front. This is perfect for ladies who don’t want to squeeze their breasts into compression bras. It is made of 88% cotton and 12% spandex, allowing it to be flexible while whisking away sweat. Straps crisscross in the back for more support while still remaining flexible for your workouts. The center of the back also has a keyhole cutout to allow for more breathability. This sports bra stays in place, thanks to its elastic underband.
#6 Just My Size Women’s Pure Comfort Bra
If you’re looking for the best plus size sports bra that is the most comfortable as well, this one by Just My Size may be your perfect choice. It comes in a wide variety of colors and can be washed in the machine. Sizes range from 1x to 5x and it is a pull-on sports bra. Many people love it because the cups are stretchy and unlined, allowing for both support and maximum ventilation. There is no underwire and you can wear it without everyone seeing the seams. The straps also have encased elastic along the top to help insure your comfort.
#5 Champion Women’s Plus-Size Shape U Sports Bra
Champion is a name that has been producing quality exercise wear for some time and their bras certainly uphold an excellent standard. This is one of the best plus size sports bra on the market for a variety of reasons. The stylish colors and design make it easy to use as outwear for those who wish. It is made of 82% Nylon and the rest spandex for maximum ventilation and support. You can put it in the wash between use and the durable design will come out looking fantastic. The back has crisscross straps that adjust and a hook & eye closure, to make getting dressed more comfortable and easier. It uses moisture management technology to insure you aren’t working out while wearing a soggy bra. For those looking for a little extra modesty, there are removable foam inserts. The straps are wide and gel-cushioned to be easier on your shoulders during even the most intense workouts.
#4 Glamorise Women’s Plus-Size High Impact Magiclift
This sports bra by Glamorise comes in three different colors; black, white, and pink and black. It has a zipper closure so you don’t have to pull it over your head and then cram your breasts into it. You can toss in in the washer when it gets dirty. The material is 61% polyester, 34% Nylon and 5% Spandex. This blend allows the fabric to whisk away moisture while staying supportive. There are non-stretch, two-ply cups to give you the best bounce control while keeping your sports bra in place. It is stylish enough to wear alone and comfortable enough to wear under clothes.
#3 Champion Women’s Plus Compression Sports Bra
Offered in both black and white, this compression bra from Champion is ideal for those who are shopping on a budget. It offers solid support with its 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend. It is easy to get into without any clasps to worry about and machine washable. The bra uses Silky Double Dry ™ to keep you cool and dry during your workouts. The mesh is both highly supportive and breathable. For those just starting a workout routine, this is a great sports bra to add to your wardrobe.
#2 Hanes Women’s Comfort-Blend Flex Fit Pullover Bra (pack of 2)
Hanes is another high-quality brand everyone knows and their bras live up to the name. These are ideal for low-impact exercise such as weight training or yoga. The two-ply construction is machine washable and it is a compression, pullover design. Made of 58% cotton and a blend of polyester/spandex makes the material breathable. The fabric is stretchable and the racerback straps allow for maximum flexibility while still offering support.
#1 Leading Lady Women’s Plus-Size Light Impact Sports Bra
This bra by Leading lady comes in a range of colors and is recommended for low-impact exercise such as walking, yoga or Pilates. The racerback straps allow for a scooping neckline and full support while remaining a pullover style. It is made of 96% cotton and the rest spandex. The front is designed to be modest, with a dual-layer front panel. For those ladies who struggle to find a great fit, this bra is perfect because it comes in sizes from 36B to 56G. It is easy to toss in the wash between trips to the gym, helping to keep you on track for your fitness goals. The cups are designed to be generous so your breasts aren’t extra sweaty during workouts.
Tips on Selecting the Best Plus Size Sports Bra
You can find sports bras offered from many different bra companies. Look for bras that come from brand names that specialize in sports bras for plus sized woman such as Champion and Lane Bryant. You want to steer clear from bras that are marketed as sports bras simply based on their fabric and not their design because they won’t provide the support you need.
There are a wide range of different styles and types of support that are offered. There are compression brans, which will squeeze the breasts down to the chest wall. While there are others that have a molded cup design, holding the breast in an upright position. You will find different sports bras that hook in the back, or in the front and some without any. To get the best plus size sports bra for you, check out some of the tips below.
- What Support Is Needed?
When you are considering the type of support you need, you will want to think about the type of activity you will be doing that needs the sports bra. There are various levels of impact associated with different exercise. Consider the following examples:
- Low Impact Exercise: Yoga, walking, weight training
- Medium Impact: aerobics, fast walking, cycling, skating
- High Impact: baseball, running, basketball, horseback riding, soccer
- Sports Bra Types
When it comes to shopping for sports bras, there are basically two types: encapsulation and compression.
With a compression type sports bra, you will find a piece made of stretchy material that will squeeze your breasts to your chest wall. This can create what gets called the ‘uni-boob’ appearance. The bras don’t typically have a closure system and are pulled over your head. Then you tuck your breasts in the most comfortable position. These can be typically used for women who are breast sizes A through C. These bras that come with a racerback style tend to offer more support than those with straight straps.
With the encapsulation type sports bra, you will have separate cups that generally have underwire, similar to standard bras. These bras have a design, construction and are made of fabric that make them ideal for women who have C-cup breasts and larger.
- Outerwear vs. Underwear
Whether you are considering a compression or encapsulation-style sports bra, some styles will be more intended to be worn as activewear while others are meant as lingerie. The bra style, and fabric color makes a difference in appearance, you want to make sure the sports bra is capable of providing the right support for you through your activities. It is more important to select a bra that will offer support than style when it comes to choosing the best plus size sports bra.
- Bra Clasps
You will want to carefully consider the clasp your sports bra comes with for simplicity sake. Compression style bras offer the simplicity of slipping it easily over your head without having to worry about how you clasp it. If you have large breasts, this can become a problem getting them into the bra. It can also pose trouble for those who have shoulder issues. Another possibility to consider are bras with hook closures. You can usually find these in most sports bras, but you can also find them with clasps in the front on occasion. Finally, there are sports bras that have a zipper in the front. These are better suited for those who have small to medium sized breasts. This is because those with larger breasts will have a difficult time getting the zipper up.
Regardless of which bra style and clasp that you select, make sure that there is a small piece of fabric between the clasp and your skin so it doesn’t chafe or get irritated.
Four Things to Look for In The Best Plus Size Sports Bra
The following are the top four considerations to keep in mind when you are shopping for the best plus size sports bra:
- Support
By far the most important thing to consider is how supportive your sports bra. Be sure to consider the activity and level of impact as discussed above. It’s important to note that the faster you move or the larger your breasts are, the more support you will need. Smaller breasts and slower activities won’t need quite as supportive a bra. When possible, try the bra on and try some of the activity you plan on doing in it before committing to it.
- Comfort
It may seem basic, but it is important to really consider how comfortable that bra will feel when you have been wearing it for a bit. A bra that is comfortable while standing or walking, may not work for you while riding a horse or doing aerobics. Before committing, do some movement and test your bra out. Try it in front of a mirror while looking at the seams and straps. Make sure your clasps and straps sit comfortably.
- Fit
The best plus size sports bra needs to fit perfectly and stay in place. Make sure it doesn’t ride up or move when you are twisting or shifting about. It should stay in place and not chafe your skin when wearing. Look for a wide, elastic rib band to help keep the bra in place.
- Moisture Control
You want to make sure your sports bra is made of a material that helps to wick the moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable while exercising. You will find most sports bras are made of cotton, making them comfortable but not always sweat resistant. Your best bet is to find a bra that is made of cotton blended with a material that is more breathable.
Conclusion:
If you’re just starting out with a workout routine, there are plenty of budget-friendly, supportive bras that will work well for you. If you have already owned a couple, it’s time to get the best you can afford.
Here is also my guide on best bra for backless dress.
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