Chelsea Miller is a model, fitness junkie, and advocate for changing the way we talk about health and curvy bodies. She writes about working out, health, her skincare obsessions, and more on her blog, Watch Her Glow, and we’re thrilled to have her as a contributor for THE/THIRTY. This month, she shares her picks for the most supportive sports bras on the market.
Boobs: They are the bane of my existence when it comes to working out and finding the right kind of support to keep them in place. That being said, I love working out and I also love just wearing workout clothes outside the gym, so it should come as no surprise that I’ve had a lot of experience in trying different kinds of sports bras.
So for all my girls larger than a C cup, let's talk! I’m going to share the good, the bad and the ugly. And though my personal experiences might not be the same as yours, maybe we can all just get a laugh out of it—if not your next favorite sports bra.
Up first, we have Sweaty Betty's High Intensity Run Bra ($65). What I love about this bra is that it lifts and keeps the girls exactly where they need to be. It seems flimsy and like it wouldn’t be very supportive in your hands, but then you put it on and it really does the job. The one thing that I don’t love about it is how high the neckline is, but I think taking it down might take away from its effectiveness. So I end up having to wear this one only when I am wearing a high neck shirt as well—to be honest, it just looks weird otherwise.
Another strong contender for me—which came as a surprise—is Panache ($70). I knew the brand more for its regular undergarments and was happy to find that I loved the athletic versions as well. I’ve tried both the wired and non-wired and was pleased with both. I personally prefer no wire, but I know most of my large-chested friends prefer something with wire because they feel more secure.
With these bras, I feel like they're still cute—they aren’t completely throwing fashion to the side to make room for functionality. They offer some cute colors and patterns and they just work well.
Another lingerie company coming in hot with tons of support is Freya Lingerie. They have a bra call the Sonic Carbon Moulded Sports Bra ($69)—sounds a little intimidating, I know. But they go up to a size H, and I feel incredibly supported. Almost a little too supported—I'm locked into place, though I know that's what some ladies are looking for. I do also like that this one is a bit more low cut, so I can wear my V-necks without the bra showing.
The last one or two really are the ones that I wear most often. I personally like that my breasts stay up where they belong, but that they are also free to move with my body a bit. When they are strapped in and down and have a wire, I feel like they don’t move with my body and I am almost working against them.
I prefer a sports bra with no wire, and it has to have a good stretch to it. Not the kind that starts to stretch out after a couple hours and becomes loose, but the kind that doesn’t look like it’s going to fit you when it’s on the hanger, but then you put it in and it supports you in the best possible way.
So I have two options for you: A little pricier (but slightly nicer-feeling) is the Lululemon Enlite Bra ($98, above). This was a splurge for me, I had a gift card and I don’t love their pants because, frankly, my booty is too much for them to handle. But I tried this sports bra and I LOVE it!
Now if you are looking for something a bit more affordable, I love Target’s C9 Champion line of stretchy sports bras—specifically, the seamless racerbacks are really great. The straps are thick, the material is the right amount of stretch, and I get the right kind of movement and support.
The moral of the story is that I have a lot of favorite sports bras, and I use different forms of support for different kinds of workouts. It’s about finding what works for you—and your boobs, of course.
Next up, check out the seven wellness podcasts we can't stop listening to.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
