The most important function of a sports bra for a runner is to give maximum support that will prevent as much bounce as possible. As a large-chested runner, finding a bra that can drastically cut down on bounce all while giving shape and comfort is a huge challenge.
In this review, my tester found that essencially any sports bra that has to be pulled over your head to get on, already has too much stretch and therefore will not provide enough compression and support to keep everything in place. Bras that are sized based on actual bra size (as opposed to L, XL, etc.) also seemed to be a relevant factor in getting the ideal fit. My tester found four bras that she would recommend for other well-endowed women.
Moving Comfort MAIA ($46)
This sports bra was based on actual bra size (38E) It features an underwire bra with molded, seam-free cups. It goes on like a regular bra and has three adjustable hooks in the back. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable. The bra provided shape, support, and comfort while running.
Enell ($64)
Enell only makes bras for well-endowed women. Bra size is based on bust and rib measurements. This bra fastens in the front with 11 hooks. Putting it on is tricky, but once it is fastened it provides the support needed for running. It also provides an adequate shape. It stays in place and has wide shoulder straps for comfort. This bra has the most coverage of all the bras tested.
CW-X Ultra Support ($70)
This bra goes on like a regular bra. It has 3 adjustable hooks in the back and 3 adjustable shoulder hooks. It provides adequate support while running, but provided only moderate shaping. It has wide padded shoulder straps for comfort.
Champion 360 Max Support ($40)
This is the only pullover bra that my tester would wear again. Once pulled on it has 3 adjustable hooks in the back. It has a molded cup that provides minimal shaping. The bra is comfortable while running and provides adequate support.
Three sports bras were found to have adequate support.
Under Armour Support Shaper D ($40)
This bra is a pullover bra with a fastener in the back that can be hooked once the bra is on. It is easy to get on, but provided minimal bounce support and no shape. This is the largest bra offered by Under Amour.
Brooks Epiphany Bra ($30)
This bra is a pullover bra. It is easy to get on, but provides no bounce support and gives no shape. My tester found that it rode up in the back and the shoulder straps dug in at the shoulders.
Nike Pro Sports Bra ($34)
Another pullover bra. It is also easy to get on, but provides no bounce support and gives no shape. The shoulder straps are narrow and dig in.
Ten bras were tested in this review. Four did really well, three were adequate, and the last three did not fit my runner. Generally, large-chested runners are looking for superior support and comfort; appearance is low on the priority list. Designers should focus on minimal stretch, wide, adjustable shoulder straps, and hook back closure. Individual support will give busty gals the bounce elimination they need to get through the repeatitive motion of running.
Sports bras provided by: Jam Collective (Moving Comfort), Enell, Blumenfeld PR (CW-X), Weber Shandwick (Champion), Under Armour, Maloney&Fox (Brooks), and Nike --Thank you.
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Comments
$70 for a sports bra? Yikes.
These bras seem great! Wich bras had no chafing?
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