One tester, who wore a 34D, noted that the Maias underwire created a more flattering shape than other bras she tried. Stretch is to improve comfort, but the fabric should not be too stretchy because of the bounce and movement of the breasts, said FITs Min Zhu. However, the Infinity Shape may work for lower-impact exercise. The Glamorise No-Bounce Camisole Sports Bra is a highly rated budget bra for people who wear larger band and larger cup sizes (up to 50J). You should not be spilling out of the cups. The instructions say to slip into your bra like a T-shirt, but that was more awkward in practice than it sounds, she said, at least when the straps are in the X-back configuration.. Its cups are lined with a smooth fabric, and its band and straps feel smoother than those of the Glamorise model. The Extreme Control is a U-back, adjustable bra that has a mesh back panel but no wires or excess padding. A supportive sports bra offers backup to the bodys structures to reduce bounce, and most important, the discomfort that comes with it. The rep said that the wire shouldnt poke out if the bra is washed according to instructions (hand-wash or gentle cycle, air-dry) but noted that most underwire bras show such signs of wear over time. Not in 28G, in any store I've been to. Anyone know any good sports bras for smaller ribcages with larger busts? When it comes down to groceries or bras, I'm gonna have to go with groceries. I could see choosing to wear it in situations where I was going to be out the whole day and wanted to wear a sports bra, but also to look like Im not just dressed for a workout, she said. The list goes on. The straps on this bra are wide enough to distribute weight but still allow for a good range of motion. Although you cant adjust the straps on this bra as easily during exercise, some people might prefer the Spot Comforts U-back cut for quick changes. For support and bounce control that comes in smaller band sizes, we like the Panache Sports Wired Bra. The bras padded straps are comfortable and the cups are lightly lined, which helps prevent headlighting. (This arrangement, however, can sit in a weird spot on the back for some people, causing pressure; dont use this feature if it hurts.) They also feature things like adjustable straps, side boning, and silicone grips to ensure that these bras are supportive enough to handle larger cup sizes. This bra didnt fit our size JJ tester, and currently it doesnt have a ton of reviews. They won't have the 28G you're looking for, but trying a bunch of them might yield something you like better than your current option. Unfortunately, you probably can't get one under 50. (One tester noticed that the mesh sides rubbed her when she wasnt wearing a shirt.). It also comes in a relatively limited selection of sizes (32C to 40DD) in comparison with most of our picks. It comes only in XS to L sizing, with the largest size fitting about a 36DD or 40B based on the brands size chart. The Energise offers the most coverage compared with other encapsulation bras we looked at, coming higher on the chest and sides than the Panache Sports Wired Bra. We considered all those styles when looking for bras to test. Wicking: The best sports bras are made of a wicking material, which transports sweat from the inside of a bras cup to the outside so that it will evaporate more quickly. If you can afford it, we recommend buying a few sizes and returning those that dont fit, especially if you havent had a professional fitting or the chance to try a few bras on in a store. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. It will also cause bacteria to grow, which causes a bad smell.. Because its so hard to find a correctly fitting bra, check retailers return policies before buying online. The bras I found online have a variety of band sizes smaller than the 32 you're used to finding at stores, and go up to cup sizes way larger than you'll find at your not-so-trusty lingerie mall chain. Powell advised us that wearing a shirt over the bra minimizes this effect. Bustle may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from Bustle's editorial and sales departments. If you're willing and able to wait, you can sometimes get even better deals--I picked up my Panache Sport new with tags for something like $19 plus shipping. All agreed that it was supportive, one putting it on a par with the SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra, our pick for D/DD cup sizes. You can also consult a given brands measuring tools and customer service department for additional sizing guidance. Its U-back design makes it easy to adjust and to get on and off. (The straps are 1 inches wide for the six largest sizes.) Usually they arent adjustable and come in fewer sizes. With adjustable sliding straps and a hook-and-eye clasp, the Sports Wired can also convert into a J-hook for added support. It comes in sizes 2XS to XL. One 34DD tester reported still being able to adjust the straps without taking the bra all the way off. It comes in 18 sizes (34C to 42DDD). The SheFit is a combination bra (it uses both encapsulation and compression to reduce breast movement), and customizable adjustability is the name of its game: The inch-wide shoulder straps adjust at the front with Velcro, the band adjusts at the back with Velcro, and two internal hook-and-eye clasps bolster the front-zipper closure. A combination bra (it utilizes both encapsulation and compression to reduce breast movement), the Spot Comfort has seams that separate the breasts to prevent the uniboob look, and its ample side and front coverage still keeps everything secure while youre running. Breast movement can cause tension on connective tissues called the Cooper ligaments (PDF)and it can hurt. Pinning down the right fit may take some trial and error. SheFit, which sells another one of our picks, has a 30-day return policy for bras that have been washed and worn, with free shipping and returns. This bra also comes in smaller band sizes that go up to a size K, but it's UK sizes so refer to the sizing chart to ensure best fit. For people who wear larger cup and smaller band sizes, we recommend the Panache Sports Wired Bra. Two of our panelists received a professional fitting by the staff at The Pencil Test in Portland, Oregon, a shop that specializes in D-cup and larger bras. This comes in a variety of colors, and Amazon reviewers are loving it some claim they've had it for years and it's still as great as it was when they first got it. Testers said these bras didnt offer sufficient bounce control and that the bands rolled up during medium- or higher-impact exercise, especially with inverted movements during yoga or burpees. Great bras have separate layers of fabric for the inner lining and outer shell to help with moisture transportation. (In a separate blog post, you can read more on how to find the right bra for you.) To determine what makes a good sports bra, we spoke with eight experts ranging from breast-biomechanics researchers and sports bra consultants to specialty lingerie shop owners, sportswear designers, and textile scientists. After considering over 80 exercise balls and testing seven, we found TheraBands Pro Series has the sturdiest seat, optimal texture, and the tightest air seal. The Energises material feels soft and sateen-like against the skin. I got a Panache Sport in a sale for $40, and got a similar sports bra by Chantelle from another user for $20. Our 2019 tester who wore a size small didnt love the fit of this bra. The fabric isnt quite as soft as that of other bras weve tried (though by no means rough). Sports bras generally have racerback, U-back, or convertible straps. Lawson also recommended having enough sports bras in your wardrobe so that youre not held back from exercising just because you dont have a clean, dry bra. Heat and chlorine shorten the life of the spandex (the stretch) of the bra, as well as any foam padding, said sports bra scientist and consultant LaJean Lawson. For example, one of our testers thought they should wear a 40H, when in fact the professional fitting revealed that a 34JJ bra fit much better. The material on the Champion Freedom Seamless Racerback compression bra felt scratchy despite the fact that the bra lacked seams. Anna Perling is a former staff writer covering kitchen gear at Wirecutter. The Pencil Tests Holly Powell said she found that the Sports Wired offered a slightly better blend of compression and encapsulation than the Non Wired version when the bra fit correctly. After extensive research and testing with passionate runners, heres what we recommend. The bras external support seams and zipper make for less of a smooth line under shirts. Nordstrom carries the Panache Sport, but they're expensive and don't have 28 bands in-store. We found the straps stretchy yet firm, and the bra had the second-skin feel of a basic compression bra. Those with larger cup sizes or a bouncing running stride may not find the support they need here. As of late summer 2021, weve compared more than 170 bras and tried 31 total finalists with testers who have cup sizes ranging from A to JJ. It has sturdy, constructed cups for bounce control, it adjusts easily, and it comes in 70 total size combinations so you can find the correct fit. *At the time of publishing, the price was $66. Both are overly stretchy, and we dont think they do a great job compressing breasts to the chest. Combination bras blend the other two styles, using some cup definition to separate the breasts and fabric to pull them close to the body. If you have a larger band and larger cup size and want a sports bra with a front closure and maximum coverage and support: The Enell Sport bra is a great option (the company says it fits a rib-cage measurement up to 53 inches and a bust measurement of up to 60 inches). Prevent movement by flattening the breasts and pulling them close to the body. For an option thats easier to change out of than a pull-on racerback style and has slightly more coverage, we recommend the Champion Spot Comfort U-back bra. Testers praised the support and great look of the combination Oiselle Queen Bra, which has perforated molded cups and wide, padded, adjustable straps that can convert from a U-back to a crossback. A lot of reviewers say it's like wearing a second skin, and is perfect for everyday wear. The encapsulation Brooks Dare Racerback Run Brawhat the company suggested in place of the now discontinued Brooks Juno, a former pick for D/DD cup sizesdisappointed our D and DD testers. You adjust the inch-wide, non-stretchy straps by pulling them up to the desired tension and securing them with Velcro at the shoulders. Most sports bras seem to come in S/M/L type sizes, and they either fit my boobs or my ribcage, but never both. One of our four Ultimate Sports Bra testers, who wore a size medium for several 6-plus-mile runs (and some burpees), reported, My ideal sports bra is one I dont think about at all while Im wearing it, and this hit the mark.. Most reviewers agree this bra is better for bigger chest sizes, but the small band sizes available make this a great option for those who need it. Its also meant for lower-impact activities, according to a Wacoal representative. So if it doesn't fit, I'm spending money to try something on. As sports bras age, they also stretch; hooking the band tighter or shortening the straps can help combat this effect. Special thanks to Dr. Carl Baird of Evolve Performance Healthcare in Portland, Oregon, for letting us use his gym, and to Holly Powell at The Pencil Test in Portland, Oregon, for fitting testers and allowing us to take photos in her store. average projection? This is especially true for sports bras: A materials stretch and ability to bounce back compresses breasts against the chest to reduce movement. We have some budget options in our Competition section, but our experts and testers, as well as online reviewers, all preferred specialty bra brands. (Two of our top picks, the Elomi Energise and the Panache Sports Wired Bra, are eligible. *At the time of publishing, the price was $70. Coverage: Unlike with skin-revealing lingerie, its crucial that a sports bra come high on the chest and sides to help control movement. The Spot Comforts material didnt itch or chafe, and it wicked well on runs. This bra doesnt have any hardware to rub against the skin, either, whereas our other picks all have clasps, adjustable straps, or even a zipper front that can feel bulky. Amazon is an option if you enroll in Prime for free shipping and returns. Its a pared-down, basic bra thats easier to get on and off than similarly styled bras, and its currently available in two colors and four sizes (XS through L). The Infinity Shape has a mesh-like panel at the front cleavage area and on the back panel for ventilation, while the Seamless Racerback has no cutouts. Some Amazon customer reviewers seem to agree. At the same time, the effect can be desirable for those who want to minimize the protrusion of their breasts. I'm looking to by offline in physical stores, and can't afford more than $50 max. The bands run very small in these, so the 28 might suit you at a tight underbust of 25.5" but the 30 would be more comfortable if a little less supportive. The right running gear can help you make the most of your training. Despite our asking testers to measure themselves using a commonly referenced resourceor ordering with confidence in the typical size (or sizes) that work for themsome have still encountered discrepancies between their calculations and which sizes actually fit them. In our testing, we found the fabric itchy and thin, with no inserts or padding. If the breasts spill over the bras sides or the top of the cups, its time to go up a size for better coverage. Nevertheless, it resonates with our own experiences of wanting to scream every time we left a fitting room after trying on 10 bras, none of which fit just right. What I really liked about this bra is that it covered the breadth of my chest, said one tester, who wore a size large. The Champion Spot Comfort is the best combination sports bra weve found. This tester reported that the Absolute Workouts sturdy band didnt chafe and wicked well. Separate the breasts into cups and provide support with seaming, molding, or underwire instead of flattening them. Another tester, who wore a size M/L, disliked everything about it. Our testers have not been immune to the common bra-fitting issues outlined above. Wacoal Basic Beauty Contour T-Shirt Bra (30D-44DDD), Freya Deco Shaped Molded Multiway Bra (28D-38FF), Aedo Foam Strapless Invisible Bra (A-DDD), b.temp'td Ciao Bella Balconette Bra (30C-38DD), Panache Envy Stretch Lace Full-Cup Bra (28F-38K), Calvin Klein Perfect Fit Memory Touch T-Shirt Bra (30B-38DD), Parfait By Affinitas Charlotte Padded Push-Up Bra (28D-44G), The 11 Best Front Closure Bras For Big Boobs, E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E Is Wearing Platform Sneakers This Summer Instead Of Sandals, Amazon's Selling A Ton Of These Cute Clothes That Look Good On So Many Shapes & Sizes, Reviewers With Different Body Shapes & Sizes All Love These Clothes Because They Look So Good On, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. If you have a larger cup size and run long distances: Powell recommends the Shock Absorber Multi Sports Max. After polling the /r/ABraThatFits community, we found that people with bra sizes ranging from 34H to 38M to 40J recommended the Energise as their favorite sports bra. I was able to jump around, climb over ropes, and carry a medicine ball without my boobs getting in the way! This bra also produced some headlighting because the cups were not lined. The band and straps are firm enough to feel like they wont stretch out when youre moving. Simply click in place to wear all night with any outfit that needs it, and you can reuse it for months, too. Someone recently told me she got a 28G sports bra from Academy though. The SheFit Ultimate Sports Bra is not subtleone tester called it a contraption masquerading as a sports brabut it wowed those who tried it with its ability to keep breast movement at bay. If a bra is unworn, you have one year to return it, one of the best policies weve seen. After a sweaty workout, when a cotton bra is wet, its more abrasive, it doesnt dry quickly, and its heavier, said sports bra scientist and consultant LaJean Lawson. In addition, our experts noted that this is a good post-surgery sports bra because it fastens in the front. This padded push-up bra has four hook and eye closures for larger cup sizes, making this a bra that offers as much support and security as it does cleavage. So if you're tired of not finding bras for larger cup sizes and smaller bands, then look no more like they say on the X-Files, they're out there. Our size G tester said: The band was still pretty tight after wearing for a long time, and because this was wire-free, it did smoosh my breasts together, which isnt the best for sweat-wicking. This bra comes in German sizing and doesnt have quite as granular of a size range as our picks. One tester, who wore a size large for VR cardio workouts, noted that the crossback straps were a bit tricky to sort out initially. We asked a Wacoal representative about the bras construction; they said that the seams added necessary support. This bra has stretchy fabric that still bounces back to control breast movement while youre running and offers a firm band for extra support. Even with the underwires, its well lined and comfortable, with wide, adjustable straps and an adjustable band. Although we prefer the added support and lining of our picks, this bra is a favorite of thousands of Amazon customers. Testers said that the Adidas Dont Rest Alphaskin Sports Bra offered pretty good support.