Best sports bras for large breasts: high-impact running bras

If you’re anything like me, adjusting your bra is not something you think about before heading out on a run. Luckily, Under Armour's ingenious design in the HeatGear High Sports Bra erases that annoyance entirely.

Unlike traditional bras adjusted from the back, this one is adjusted from the front along the straps and therefore, easily accessible to adjust mid-exercise. It's super supportive, acing high-impact workouts from intense intervals to burpee-filled circuits. The mesh panels and cut-out on the back and sides ensure breathability, while the HeatGear technology banishes any sticky discomfort.

There are no removable cups with this bra, which I really love as they often come out during a wash. There’s also enough padding to provide some modesty without adding weight or fluff. The HeatGear also comes in plus sizes, which is well, a big plus!

Despite its pull-over style, the flexible fabric makes slipping in and out effortless. I also loved the high neckline and didn’t feel restricted wearing it. The bright orange colour is also fun. Simply put, it's a strong all-rounder running sports bra choice and our favourite on test.

The Decathlon Jog Kokoon Running Bra immediately impresses with its luxurious lycra-like fabric; a surprising find given its affordable price of sub-£30. Its front-facing zip and hook-and-eye closure make it incredibly easy to put on and take off, a feature I really appreciated, particularly when tired after a long run.

The bra's support is notable - it seems to lift rather than compress, which made me feel comfortable and protected on my run. However, if you're opting to forgo your running top, it could leave you feeling a bit more exposed.

While the fully adjustable, slightly wider straps offer great support, there's a notable surplus of material around the cups. This excess reduced breathability during longer runs, a minor setback in an otherwise impressive design.

It’s no wonder comfort is high considering that the Jog Kokoon was originally designed for women suffering with breast cancer, the original version (the Jog Kokoon Plus) was made with a pocket for inserting a breast prosthesis. The Kokoon is true to size, though for tighter support we'd recommend sizing down.

If racerbacks are your go-to style, this bra is a game-changer. At first glance, the Movmynt boasts a sleek, minimally seamed design. But its brilliance lies in the thoughtful details. It's simple yet packed with smart touches - exactly what I look for in a bra.

This bra has no underwiring and the fit and reinforced straps provide support, so you stay comfortable and focused on your run.

Strategic perforations along the front band combat cleavage sweat, a surprisingly comfortable front phone pocket adds convenience, and a small fabric loop on the rear bottom band proves handy for carrying a shirt when things heat up.

I loved the bright colour (also available in black), and for those runners who like to wear minimal clothing when working out, this bra looks good enough to wear on its own.

The Movmynt offers medium-to-high impact support, not the highest support out of the bras tested, but it makes up for it in comfort and style.

For support-seekers like me, the Lululemon Run Times Bra is a game-changer. It holds everything securely in place during my runs, providing stellar support and comfort. The Run Times is the bra I kept on reaching for thanks to its reliability during those weekend long runs.

The Run Times Bra lives up to its name, its design cleverly separates and flatters, providing adjustable straps ideal for racerback tops. Crafted mainly from nylon and Lycra, it offers stretch and comfort, secured by a three-row hook-and-eye closure. It has underwiring to provide support, I usually avoid underwiring due to comfort concerns, however I think this bra might have converted me!

The formed cups don’t come with removable pads either, so there’s nothing to slide out of place—or get lost in the bottom of your washing machine.

When it comes to comfort, this was my favourite of all the bras I reviewed. I used to reserve my running bras for exercise only, but with the Run Times Bra’s comfort and great support, I find it hard not to wear all day, every day, whether for work, going out, or working out.

This Bobydoo Shock Absorber running bra means serious business from the moment you lay eyes on it. With silver detailing, it exudes confidence and durability, feeling soft and silky inside while boasting sturdy straps.

Putting it on, my breasts felt incredibly cared for amidst the gentle interior. It's snug around the armpits but otherwise makes me feel empowered to conquer anything. It has wide, padded, adjustable straps and reflective tape across the cups for high visibility. The fastening is an easy-to-use hook and eye design with an optional, upper strap clip to create a racerback design.

During the bounce test, there was a very slight bounce - I'm a 34C/D, and this bra significantly minimised movement. From long runs, to weight training and interval workouts, it delivered superb support.

Getting the Shock Absorber on can be a tad tricky, but removal is a breeze. I’d rate this a solid seven out of ten for comfort, and a fantastic nine for support.

The Kalenji Zipped Running Bra is a flexible, high-support design made specifically for cup sizes up to an H-cup. The bra is fitted with a front clasp and zip, making it easy to slip on and off. The front clasp does disrupt the seamless look of this bra, but I appreciate that the design prioritises support across the entire breast with the low band offering a secure fit.

The best thing about this bra is how supportive it is, I am impressed by how well it restricts movement without feeling too tight. It has multiple breathability elements, with ventilation access along the straps and between the cups. It isn’t the most attractive design, but this bra is very functional and this is key for running!

The Power Running Bra is designed to be secure and supportive, with a fully opening back and adjustable straps. The high neckline is normally a feature I enjoy with a running bra as it’s a design that offers high support for larger chests. However, the first thing you notice about this bra is the awkwardly wide and tall built-in cups that create an unflattering shape (though this extra coverage could prove a plus for E+ cups).

The ventilation is also quite poor, especially in the cleavage area. Yet most importantly, the level of support is very high - you do feel firmly strapped into the bra. The low band provides a nice fit and doesn’t shift while in motion. The Power bra is also made from 76% recycled materials, so it gets an extra point from me for sustainability, an underrated characteristic amongst running bras but very important nonetheless.

The Racerback 2.0 Sports Bra is designed for running; it claims to be a highly supportive, stylish, and comfortable fit. With seamless adjustable straps and back closure clips that help you feel supported from the back to the front.

These adjustable elements are by far the most attractive feature of the bra for me. There are no awkward contortions required to adjust the straps. Even while in motion, you can simply unhook the strap and adjust it with ease.

The built-in cups are comfortable but don’t offer the level of support I was expecting from a bra designed for runners. For low-to-medium cardio, this is a comfortable bra to exercise in. The Racerback offers great breathability, and is suitable for exercising in warmer weather since it’s moisture-wicking, with an extra hit of ventilation between the cleavage and across the back.