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If there’s one thing I’ve come to realize since becoming a full-fledged woman, it’s that there are bras and there are BRAS. I’m a gal who no longer has the luxury of roaming the neighborhood or zipping to the store without a bra, unless I want to frighten everyone in my path. My post-pregnancy chest has relegated me to the big-boobed section of the department store and what I see isn’t pretty. Even worse than the gargantuan sails they call bras, are the lack of supportive sports bras I have to contend with. Finding a bra that keeps everything in on a regular day is hard- how am I supposed to find one that keeps my ladies from doing figure 8’s while I’m on the elliptical?
If you find yourself in the same predicament, I’m here to help. First and foremost ladies- stay away from your garden variety sports bras (sorry, Target) and sports bras masquerading as “bralettes”. If you’ve got a larger chest, you need to start shopping for “maximum support” styles with 2 cup designs, and they may cost a little more. The good news is I’m going to show you a handful of options and they all cost less than $75. You’re welcome!
Source: VictoriasSecret.com
1. Knockout By Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret has been making bras for a long time so it goes without saying they are a contender in the sports bra world as well. I personally have heard amazing things about their sports bras and I have one in my shopping cart as we speak! The Knockout is all about “bra-within-a-bra technology,” where an inner lining clips together and then is doubled up by a front close zipper. While they foolishly skipped making this bra in a 32DDD and stopped only in a 40DD, I’m guessing tons of women enjoy the concealed wire for maximum support and the padded support straps.
Source: Amazon.com
2. Panache Underwire Sports Bra
If you want to see a bunch of happy women talking about how much they love their sports bras then you need to check out the Panache Underwire Sports Bra. Panache carries the widest size selection I’ve ever seen, starting at 28DD and going to 40GG (even going up to a J in band sizes of 32 and 34!). Not only is there a wide selection of colors to meet your style needs, the padded and silicone wrapped straps bring you the support and comfort you’re undoubtedly looking for for the ladies. You can find Panache sports bras on Amazon.com
Source: Wacoal-America.com
3. Wacoal Sport Underwire Bra
Wacoal is one of the leading bra designers in the world and is a safe bet for larger chested women because of their diverse sizing and pretty designs that still make you feel sexy (which is hard to find these days in larger sizes). Averaging a 4.6 stars out of 5 on 386 reviews, this Sport Underwire Bra ranges in sizing from a 32C to 42DD. Per the name, this bra DOES have an underwire, but it’s sole purpose is to keep your ladies in check as you pound out the pavement. It’s also made with moisture wicking material to keep boob sweat at a minimum and has an extra inner sling for cup sizes that are G or H. You can find Wacoal at Macys, Nordstrom, Amazon and the Wacoal website.
Source: Amazon.com
4. Glamorise No Bounce Full Support Sports Bra
If you are on the hunt for a full support bra without the wire, the Glamorise No Bounce Full Support Bra may be what you need. Often times, the larger the breasts, the more painful the wire, amiright? The Glamorise ranges in sizes starting from 34C to 50G and comes with an extra mesh coverlet to prevent extra cleavage spillage. Depending on your size, this bra can be as little as $28, but the support is no less lacking. Non-stretch straps that won’t weaken, but a stretchy band make this a comfortable but serious sports bar. You can find the Glamorise on Amazon.com
Source: SweatyBetty.com
5. Sweaty Betty Ultra Run Sports Bra
When you’re in search of a maximum sports bra, it’s a pretty safe bet that a running bra will fit the bill because of it’s ability to support such a high impact activity. Basically, if a sports bra can handle a run, it can surely manage a trip to the gym. Padded shoulder straps, moisture wicking fabric and a general full coverage style, this Ultra Run bra comes in sizes from 32A to 38F. You can find this bra on SweatyBetty.com.
Source: Nordstrom.com
6. New Balance Shockingly Unshocking Sports Bra
New Balance has designed the ultimate in sports bra with their Shockingly Unshocking Sports Bra. Why, you may ask? Because their technology is all about 4-way boob control. Like I mentioned in the intro, when you are performing repetitive cardio, your breasts tend to move in a figure 8 formation, not just up and down. The design of this bra minimizes movement in all four directions, and also has stabilizer fabric and a snug band to keep everything in check. This bra is only for C, D, and DD cup sizes and can be found at New Balance, Kohls and Nordstrom.
Source: Lululemon.com
7. Lululemon TaTa Tamer III
I’ve never bought anything from Lululemon but if I did, I’d start with this sports bra. Described as a great bra for “heavy duty support”, the TaTa Tamer III is constructed like a traditional bra, with hook and eye closures. You can wear the straps both criss-crossed or regular, and enjoy the mesh fabric panel between the cups that minimizes cleavage sweat. The wide straps are great for larger cup sizes, and this style is perfect for those wearing a C through E.