These Sports Bras for Big Boobs Don’t Pinch, Squeeze, or Chafe

This sports bra fits my 34E chest like a glove and provides enough compression for most low-to-medium-impact exercises (think: squats, deadlifts, brisk walks). On the other hand, one of our testers with a 34D chest needs less support and can go harder in this bra—she’s worn it for runs, CrossFit, and rec volleyball.

Something we can definitely agree on: It’s stretchy, easy to put on, and durable—we’ll be reaching for this bra for years. Also, the criss-cross design in the back is really cute (normalize pretty and functional bras!).

Best for Low-Impact Workouts: Athleta Transcend Square Neck Crop Bra

Pros

• Very soft
• Stretchy
• Can be worn as a top

Cons

• Straps and band aren’t adjustable

I loved this Athleta bra as soon as I put it on; it’s soft, lightly compressive, and has enough surface area to cover my chest (no sideboob or underboob here). But the best part is that I feel comfortable wearing it without a tank top or T-shirt over it, unlike a lot of other sports bras I’ve tried.

It has a built-in shelf bra, so I’m not relying on compression alone to hold me in. Plus, it’s supportive enough that I can bend over for a deadlift without worrying about my boobs falling out, and snug enough that I can do upper body movements without the straps falling down or the band riding up.

Bonus: I definitely see myself wearing this in place of a white tank top in the summer to avoid wearing a regular bra (because sometimes, it’s just too hot for that).

Best for Running: Lululemon Run Times Bra

Pros

• Adjustable band and straps
• Cushioned shoulder straps
• Wide range of sizes
• Molded cups to prevent uniboob

Cons

• Not comfortable for long periods of time, according to our tester

Lululemon specifically designed this bra for running, which tracks with our tester: “This is the most sturdy and secure sports bra I own,” she says. “It’s tight in a way that feels like it’s been spray-painted onto my body, and I love to wear it when doing a high-impact workout.”

It has lots of details you’d find on a regular bra, like a hook-and-eye clasp on the band, adjustable straps, and molded cups that lift and separate your boobs without feeling bulky or annoying (like foam pads can). It even comes in traditional cup and band sizes—so if you’ve had trouble finding a great fit in the past, you might win with this one.

Every aspect feels well thought-out, down to the ability to unhook and criss-cross the straps to hide them underneath a racerback top—not to mention, the straps are cushioned for extra comfort.

Best for Yoga: Athleta Purpose Crop Bra

Pros

• Washes well and holds up over time
• High neckline provides plenty of coverage
• Built-in shelf bra

Cons

• No adjustability
• High-neck design traps sweat

I’ve had this bra for about six years, and it’s still going strong—even after countless washes, runs, hikes, spin classes, strength training workouts, and yoga flows. While Athleta says it’s designed for low-impact workouts, I’ve found that it’s compressive enough to keep my boobs in place through light cardio and other medium-impact activities.

Aside from a friend’s glowing recommendation of it, what sold me on this bra years ago was the high neckline. I tend to get self-conscious when I have cleavage showing, and I love that I don’t have to worry about spilling out of the top. If I’m wearing this, I know I’m going to feel confident at the gym—full stop.

Most Compressive: SHEFIT Ultimate Sports Bra

Pros

• Adjustable straps and band
• Straps can be worn straight or criss-cross
• Zipper closure in the front makes it easy to take off

Cons

• Tricky to put on
• Stiff fabric

I lovingly refer to this sports bra as “boob jail.” Hear me out: If you need extreme support for running, sports, or HIIT workouts, this bra will come through for you. It has thick, adjustable straps that hold my E-cup boobs up and an adjustable, Velcro band that I can tighten around my rib cage, so it’ll sit exactly where I want it to.