HIGH-SUPPORT SPORTS BRAS
High-support sports bras keep you stable no matter your size or the sport. The sports bra you need depends on what you’re doing as well as your cup size.
HOW TO CHOOSE A SPORTS BRA FOR FULLER BREASTS
Women with larger breasts benefit from high support for low-impact activities like yoga and walking, as well as higher impact sports like cycling or HIIT. The most effective high-support sports bras use some combination of cup sizing, underwire and wide straps. Here’s what to look for when shopping for a high-support bra:
FIT: Your sports bra should fit snuggly, but you shouldn’t feel any pinching or digging. To find your best bra, first do a quick check to see if you’re wearing the correct size see How To Fit Your Sports Bra
TYPE: Especially beneficial for women with fuller cup sizes, encapsulation-fit bras lift and support each breast separately. Combination sports bras use both compression and encapsulation for more support than either style on their own.
CUPS: Built-in molded cups add shape and definition to breasts of all sizes.
STRAPS: Especially important when choosing a sports bra for fuller busts, wider straps provide support without cutting into the shoulders. Adjustable straps are ideal for a customizable fit, while cushioned straps add comfort.
BAND: When fitted correctly, the band provides most of a sports bra’s support. The band should fit snuggly and should not ride up your back. For more support, look for a wider band.
UNDERWIRE: Flexible underwire provides added support and shape.
CLOSURE: When shopping for sports bras for fuller breasts, look for front or back hook-eye closures. This provides adjustable support while providing easy on and off.
FIND YOUR FIT
For a sports bra that delivers the right amount of support and comfort, first do a quick check to see if you’re wearing the correct size, see How To Fit Your Sports Bra. Then consider what you’ll be up to: Training for a 10k or a yin yoga class? Once you know your size and your workout’s impact level, match up on the chart below to find the right level of support.
HIGH-SUPPORT SPORTS BRAS: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
SIZE: C-CUP
SPORT: High-impact sports like running, HIIT and team sports
SUPPORT NEEDED: High-support sports bra
TYPE: Both encapsulation and compression-encapsulation bras recommended
STRAPS: Wider straps to prevent digging; adjustable straps for extra support and flexible fit
SIZE: D-CUP
SPORT: Medium and high-impact sports like dancing, strength training, running and HIIT
SUPPORT NEEDED: High-support sports bra
TYPE: Both encapsulation and compression-encapsulation bras recommended
STRAPS: Wider straps to prevent digging; adjustable straps for customized fit
CLOSURE: Clasp-back sports bras recommended for comfort and support
SIZE: DD CUP +
SPORT: Low, medium and high-impact sports like walking, running, yoga and HIIT
SUPPORT NEEDED: High-support sports bra
TYPE: Both encapsulation and compression-encapsulation bras recommended
STRAPS: Wider straps to prevent digging; adjustable straps for customized fit
CLOSURE: Clasp-back and zipper-front provide easy on and off
LOW IMPACT WORKOUT:
MEDIUM IMPACT WORKOUT:
HIGH IMPACT WORKOUT:
-
ULTIMATE BRA: HIGH SUPPORT IN YOUR SIZE
The standard workout wear that most of us grew up with was a mashup of whatever was within reach—a random T-shirt, a basic sports bra, maybe some terry shorts. Of course, that’s all changed. Tech-forward activewear today brings comfort and performance to sports across the board. Arguably the most welcome advancement in athletic apparel? Better sports bras. Increased understanding of how to best protect our breasts has led to smarter sports bras and more comfortable workouts. For many of us, a supportive bra is a non-negotiable—if it hurts, it’s not happening.
SUPPORT FOR EVERY BODY
Even more good news: The evolution continues. Further pushing sports bra tech is the adidas Ultimate bra. Delivering extra-high support with a comfy feel through any type of workout, the Ultimate bra comes in 65 sizes from 30A through 48E, meaning more of us can get after our goals without having to over think it.
ULTIMATE BRA: THE SPECS
STRATEGIC SUPPORT
Hybrid compression-encapsulation fit and internal stabilizers work together to reduce bounce and curb breasts’ side-to-side movement. The Ultimate bra is built for high-impact training but is comfortable enough to feel supported through less intense activities like deep stretching and low-impact Pilates.
COVERAGE AND STABILITY
Molded cups provide built-in coverage and shape, while the high neckline keeps up-and-down movement in check. Stabilized pads minimize stretch as breasts shift while you’re moving.
ADJUST AND GO
Take some weight off your shoulders with the Ultimate bra’s wide, cushioned straps, designed to eliminate dig. Adjustable straps provide a secure, customizable fit. When adjusting your straps, fit them to be snug but not too tight, allowing for full range of movement without digging. It’s natural for straps to loosen over time—every month or so give them a quick tighten if you notice they’re starting to slip.
PRO TIP FOR EASY ON AND OFF
The full-front zip makes for easy on and off, so no struggling with a tight sports bra overhead. Tip: first close the front clasps then zip up in order to feel most secure for your workout. This is a simple way to make life a little easier especially if you’re getting in or out of sweaty gear or while breast feeding, or even recovering from surgery.
KEEP COOL AND CHAFE-FREE
Breathable power-mesh in high-sweat zones keeps the air moving as your workout warms up. Double down on the sweat-wicking action with a brushed-elastic band and moisture-moving fabric designed to reduce rubbing.
CHECK YOUR SIZE
To double check that you’re wearing the right size, start with your everyday bra or cup-size sports bra, whatever’s easiest. If the cups gap at the top, you may need to just tighten the straps. If you still have room, you may try a smaller cup size. If it feels roomy around the band, it could be a size too big. For a more in-depth look at finding your correct size, check out our guide on how to fit your sports bra, see How To Fit Your Sports Bra.
HIIT, BUT MAKE IT FEEL GOOD
HIIT—or any high intensity training—should only hurt in a good way. Hard in the moment, sure, but in a way that pushes you to challenge your body rather than abusing it with expired support wear. With the many advances of our time, why not work out in a sports bra benefiting your body and your routine? To find your recommended level of support, match your cup size to your preferred workout style. See bra chart above.
SEE THE ULTIMATE BRA IN MOTION:
SIZE: DD/E-Cup
IMPACT: High-impact sports, yoga, cycling & HIIT
SUPPORT LEVEL: High-support sports bra
FAQ: HIGH-SUPPORT SPORTS BRAS
What is the best sports bra for larger breasts?
The best sports bra for larger breasts is one that fits correctly—snug fit with no pinching or riding up—and provides enough support for whatever you’re up to. When shopping for a super-supportive sports bra, look for cup-based sizing and adjustable straps for a customizable fit. Other feature to look out for: underwire, front or back hook-eye closures and wide, cushioned straps.
What does a high-support sports bra mean?
A high-support sports bra is made to deliver the maximum structure and support. These are especially helpful for women with fuller breasts while engaging in high-impact workouts and sports—think running, HIIT workouts, high-energy team sports. High-support sports bras stabilize breasts while you move, keeping you secure with a combination of underwire, molded cups and compression-fit fabric.
What is a high-impact sports bra?
Traditionally, the term high-impact sports bra has referred to a bra made for sports like soccer, running or HIIT. While important, impact alone doesn’t give the full picture, as different breast sizes require different levels of support depending on the sport. To find the right support, consider your cup size as well as your activity or sport.
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