When I was younger, one of the primary reasons I avoided working out was that I was pretty embarrassed about how much my breasts moved during exercise. By the time I entered high school, I was a 34D, which looked especially large on my petite frame. Our society assumes that larger breasts are the best thing ever, but I think most larger-chested women will attest that they have disadvantages, too. It makes buying tops and swimsuits difficult, looking modest tricky, and – worst of all – large boobies can make exercise painful and embarrassing.
Happily, when I experienced my Healthy Tipping Point “Ah Ha!” moment after college, I realized that exercise doesn’t have to be painful or embarrassing just because you’re a card-carrying member of the B.T.C. (Big Titty Committee). All you need is a really great, well-fitted sports bra. What works for a 34B does not necessarily work for a 34D, 36DD, or 40E. B.T.C. members need extra support, coverage, and both horizontal and vertical bounce control.
Ironically, when I began to run more regularly, my breasts shrunk from a D to a C cup. But now I’m pregnant, and in eight short weeks, my girls went from a C to a DD. In many ways, I feel like I’m back in high school – none of my previously supportive bras work anymore, I’ve got terrible bounce, and my back pain is off the charts. That’s why I headed to the the Healthy Tipping Point Facebook page to ask my fellow B.T.C. readers for sports bra recommendations. Over 60 people responded with praises for their favorite sports bras. Here are the best of the best for high-impact activities like running, by popular vote.
Moving Comfort Fiona Bra Comes in Sizes: 30B – 30DD, 32B – 32DD, 34B – 34DD, 36C, 36B – DD, 38B – DD, 40B – DD, 42C – 44DD
Features: Seam-free interior, molded cups, limits vertical breast movement, front adjustable straps, adjustable black closure.
Price: $44
HTP Readers Say:
(Source)
Enell Sports Bra Comes in Sizes: Uses special 1 – 8 fitting system that supports bra sizes 32C – DDD, 34C – DDD, 36C – DDD, 38C – DDD, 40C – DDD, 42D – DDD, 44D – DDD, 46D – DDD, 48D – DDD, 50D – DDD, and 52D – DD
Features: Wide non-stretch straps evenly distribute weight of larger breasts, high necklace to stabilize breasts during high-impact activity, front hook-and-eye closure, wide band prevents chafing, full back with cross strap design, moisture-wicking fabric.
Price: $64 – $66
HTP Readers Say:
Ta Ta Tamer by Lululemon Comes in Sizes: 32C – DD, 34B – DD, 36B, 36D, 36DD, 38C – D
Features: Removable cups, hook-and-eye closure at the back, adjustable wide straps, straps can be worn straight or crossed, chafe-resistant flat seams.
Price: $58
HTP Readers Say:
Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra
Moving Comfort Juno Sports Bra Comes in Sizes: 30C – 30DD, 32B – 32DD, 34B – 34DD, 36B – DD, 38B – DD, 40B – DD
Features: Racer-back style, molded cups, no-chafe seams, front and back mesh zones
Price: $52
HTP Readers Say:
(Source)
Freya Active Comes in Sizes: 28D – H, 30D – H, 32C – H, 34C – H, 36D – H, 38C – H, 40D – H
Features: Soft cups with inner sling that extends to shoulder strap to minimize bounce, molded cups, wide straps, flat bottom band for good anchorage
Price: About $60, available at various online retailers but not company website
HTP Readers Say:
Moving Comfort Maia Bra Comes in Sizes: 32C – E, 34C – 34E, 36C – E, 38C – E, 40C – E, 42C – D, 44D
Features: Underwire, molded cups, back adjustable straps, adjustable back closure.
Price: $46
HTP Readers Say:
Others recommendations from HTP readers:
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Title Nine – “Rates bras by barbells. More barbells = more support.”
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Shock Absorber – “I definitely recommend the Shock Absorber brand.”
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Lily of France Sports Bras – “Best for bigger girls. When I was 250+ pounds, I used those because they give amazing support, and I still use them now. Love those bras.”
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Champion – “I wear the Target seamless bra and I’m a 34DD. I just wear two at a time. No chafing and they hold the girls in place.” And: “I’m a 36DD and use one from Kohl’s – it’s around $40 – $50, has an underwire, and is very supportive.” And: “I recommend this Champion sports bra.”
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Bali – “I’m a mama of three kids with one on the way. I had very large boobies, nursed all my kiddos, and even had a reduction. I LIVE for my Bali underwire sports bra. It holds those bad boys in! I ran 5 miles yesterday and am happy to say I have no black eyes!”
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Wacoal – “I recommend this Wacoal’s sports bra.”
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Fruit of the Loom: “I’m a 34D and I’ve always worn the cheap 2 – 3 pack Fruit of the Loom bras from Wal-Mart. They have an adjustable strap. My boobs only have tiny bit of bounce, and they are only $9 for the pack. I’m dead serious!”
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Under Armor: “I bought the Under Armor Endure sports bra recently and it’s great!”
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Natori: “The Performance sports bra is incredibly ugly (almost medical looking) but super effective/supportive (which is hard to find with my small rib size).”
I’m sure my breasts will continue to grow throughout pregnancy, but I’m ordering two new sports bras today because my underwear drawer is simply out of options. I’ll let you know how they work!
Whether you’re smaller-chested or a fellow member of the B.T.C., what’s your favorite sports bra?
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{ 109 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m the one that loves Lily of France.
It’s such a great, comfortable sports bra. I love it!
P.S. I went from a 42FF bra to a 34DD when I lost 110 pounds. It was really difficult finding bras that fit and gave support.
@Lisa:
Oh my goodness!! That fact made me SO HAPPY! I have about 180 pounds I’d like to lose. So far having lost 26, so I have a long way to go. But to know I could rid myself of the ridiculously large girls makes me so frickin happy. I’m currently about the same size you were 110 pounds ago. Congrats on the weightloss, and THANK YOU for giving me hope!
Bahaha, my ex Bf loved my Tata Tamer
I was not that thrilled.
Great post! I love the TaTa Tamer. In high school and college I was a lot larger chested, but after loosing a few pounds and running I am now a 32C but still like the extra support.
Another vote for the Under Armour Endure. The zipper can be visible under tops, but it fits me perfectly and is so easy to get off and on!
i just love you for blogging about stuff that so many people stay away from but EVERYONE THINKS ABOUT.
that said, my boobies are more on the “itty bitty” side so I can’t exactly weigh in on bras for big boobies — so i just go with lulu power Y tanks (i’ll take one in every color, Santa) for yoga. great tanks with only minimal nipple show-age.
My problem is having less perky boobs post-baby. I was A before, and am a B that requires support now. There is a LOT more bounce. But most of these bras only come in bigger sizes!
I put so much faith in reviews. Thank goodness for the Internet! How else would I buy anything these days?!?!
I have the champion sports bras from Target and have to double stack them. Wearing two at a time defintely works and they are a cheap(er) option – but man does that make for a lot of laundry!
I actually just ordered the maximum support champion bras from their website – the 360 support I believe. They are supposed to be enough support for running high impact activity, so let’s hope they work! If not, I’ll be back here looking at your suggestions!
I’m tiny chested so Im not too fussy about my sports bra..I think I wear ‘em more for formality sake rather than functionality!
This information is so needed. I am a big fan of the Moving Comfort Fiona Bra. I still get a lot of rubbing under the band on long runs (10+ miles), but it is the best I have found. I have a pretty short torso and my breasts are set pretty far apart, so nothing that closes in the front works. The Juno bra does not stand up well at all.
I am actually having a really hard time right now, because I have lost about 20 pounds and my band size has gone down, but the cups have stayed the same. This means that I was a 38DD, but now closer to a 36F. I wish they made the Fiona with even bigger cups.
I am probably going to look at having a reduction once we have kids and am done breastfeeding.
I am very small chested but love Moving Comfort bras. Good support and I have two that have lasted me 2+ years with pretty regular washings.
While my ta ta’s are definitely not huge, they aren’t quite small either. I swear by Target sports bras!
Ok, BTC Might be one of the funniest things ever! I’ve never heard this before (perhaps because I’m really not a member of the BTC
)
As a mid-sized gal I still found that running added a new challenge to my work outs in the ta ta dept… I tried the ta ta tamer from lulu but found it a little too restrictive for my taste (I felt a bit like I was in a medieval device) but lulu’s 50 rep bra has changed my life!
Great post as always!!
I unfortunately spend highschool and early college years double-bra’ing it, chafing, bleeding… the worst!
When I got to the US, I discovered Fiona Sports Bra. It has been a lifesaver! I do occasionally still get chafing on a long run, but it is by far the best sports bra I’ve used.
I am interested in trying a action back one as well.
Also- is there something similar to the fiona that people reccommend? You can’t have too many sports braS!
I guess I’m fortunate that I don’t have to put much thought into this subject. I’m definitely on the smaller end of the scale and can workout in a normal bra perfectly comfortable if I happen to forget a sports bra. But really any sports bra works for me. There’s always pros and cons to both right!
“Our society assumes that larger breasts are the best thing ever, but I think most larger-chested women will attest that they have disadvantages, too. It makes buying tops and swimsuits difficult, looking modest tricky, and – worst of all – large boobies can make exercise painful and embarrassing.” YES! TIMES A BAZILLION!
I am a 32DD, and it is a HUGE pain in the butt to find a sports bra, let alone ANY bra that fits me right. It always irks me that people will say, “I wish I had that problem…” No you don’t! Grrrr… rant over.
On the positive side, I am excited to try some of these new suggestions!
@Brita: It is most definitely one of those “grass is greener” problems!
I’m a lot smaller chested than I used to be post weight loss (38C down to a 34B) and I love the built-in bras in a lot of the Lululemon tanks, especially the Push Ur Limits and No Limit tanks. When it comes to wearing tops that don’t have built-ins though, I like Champion’s padded ones. They don’t squash the girls down and make me look flatter than a wall!
I’m a lifelong member of the BTC!
For years I used flimsy sports bras and always felt super self conscious. If it were not for the Tata Tamer (I’m sure the other bras are great too – I haven’t tried them), I probably would not have gotten into running.
A great bra can make all the difference in the world
Ever since you recommended Fiona to me awhile ago, I’ve never looked back! I have three of them now, and they are great! THANKS!!
I’m a member of the “Small Girls’ Club”…36A or 34B according to Victoria’s Secret. I adore the Nike sports bras. Yes, I get uniboob but they are the only ones that can get me through a 3 hour long run with no chafing!!
As a former running-store-worker, I can attest to Moving Comfort. Those things sold like crazy! They look great (read: you can tell that I have 2 boobs, rather than one), but they still left chafing marks under my ribcage on long runs.
As another small-chested girl (32B or 34A) I totally agree with the Nike sports bras. nothing too fancy, but they have worked great for me for over a decade!
Wow, this is an amazing collection! I don’t actually have a specific sports bra brand. I’m pretty sure I got it in a pack at Wal-Mart like another commenter.
I should probably get some new ones as mine are pretty old. Especially because I have no idea what size I am anymore. I’ve been a DD since I was in middle school and after I lost weight, they shrunk considerably.
Bras in general are the bane of my existence. I am 32H, the worst size ever. I thought when i started to exercise and lose weight, “great my boobs will get smaller!” but all that happened was that my band size went from a 40 to a 32. I loved the moving comfort Fiona bra when it still fit. I still wear it sometimes for yoga but there it doesn’t it really well for high impact sports.
My boobs also made me feel really awkward when I was a teenager. I have had time to make peace with them but I totally plan on having breast reduction surgery when I am done having kids. I was talking with a Nordstrom’s salesperson when I bought a bra recently and she said that they get alot of women in who augment their breast so much that they unintentionally size themselves out of most bras. I guess if you are use to be a smaller size and having tons of options it never occurs to you that the b.t.c. has such a horrible timing finding bras that fit. Victoria’s Secret only fit when I was in jr. high.
The Under Armor Endure is my go-to bra for my 34-D chest.
I have ALL THREE of those Moving Comforts and they are all fantastic!
Thank you for this! I’m a nursing mama and my pre-preggo 36A boobs are now 36C! (I hate them, the hubs LOVES them!) I swear by Champion bras – I’m a PE teacher so I wear them to work. Right now, I am doubling up on bras and the boobies stay in place! Wait until you’re nursing – your boobs get bigger than you can ever imagine…
I cannot give enough praise to Lululemon’s 50 Rep Bra. The problem with the TaTa Tamer (which does offer great support) is that it doesn’t come in anything lower than 32 (I am very narrow in the ribcage but have relatively large breasts). The 50 Rep bra provides an incredible level of support, is actually sexy (gives me cleavage, which I NEVER have) and the elastic band makes it fit around the ribs. It is only super supportive when you get the optional insert-able cups, so definitely ask for them.
Thanks for this post! I’m a 34D (BTC member haha), and I have yet to find a good sports bra because all of the ones at department stores only come in S/M/L and I always run into the problem of the bands being too loose.
I’ve never been able to find one in my size but thanks to your post there are two that I can try. Thanks a whole bunch.
Love the Fiona — it can also be used when breast feeding.
I wasn’t finding regular bras that fit well — I went to a breastfeeding boutique and got two breastfeeding bras that will grow and change as I continue through my pregnancy and then once the milk comes in after I deliver — the Bravado (http://www.bravadodesigns.com/) bras. Bravado was recently purchased by Medela. I’m loving the bras so far. The best part — they can be transformed into a normal bra after I’m finished nursing!!
This is great, thanks for sharing! I am medium sized (34B-C), but I don’t like lots of extra bounce, so some of these would be super useful. Thanks!
I would definitely NOT recommend the TaTa Tamer! It works for pilates/weights but now for any type of medium/high impact. The price tag is $68 and it just didn’t deliver. It’s also the biggest pain in the butt to wash…the cups are difficult to get in and out.
My favorite are the champion bras from target, cute colors, inexspensive and perfect for my non-existent chest!
@Katie @ Peace Love and Oats: Whoops! I didn’t read through the comments before posting mine and it was exactly the same as yours. All I needed to say was “Ditto!”.
Oh my gosh this so helpful!!
I too have fairly large tatas and then that combined with my very small frame (I’ll just say it…I’m a 30D) makes it SO hard to find sports bras or regular bras that come in my size! But, I see several options in this post that may work!
I am in the opposite club…the IBC. haha. But at least I have some!! I used to be a A but with birth control, I’m a full B! They are plenty for me.
i am a 34 D and LOVE the tata tamer-best bra for the money for sure
I am ALL about the Moving Comfort Juno! I totally lucked out last year and at a running store, I found 2 in my sized for $30/each. I was so pumped. I call it a straight jacket for my boobs
I rarely comment, but thank you for posting this!
Looks like another downside of being a BTC member is getting stuck with unfortunate looking bras.
Thank you so much for this! I usually only buy Target sports bras, but I think that a nice, supportive one would be a great investment.
I use the Champion seamlesses, which I also buy at Target. The others you list here look intriguing but since I’m super “price-sensitive”, the Champions do the job for what I’m willing to pay. They work just fine for running, and I’d like to find something like them to wear with regular clothes.
I’m a Target Champion wearer as well. They work great for my barely-there boobs, they come in pretty colors, and they are the right price.
Agree!
I’ve always been small chested, and while our high school problems were completely opposite, they stemmed from the same embarrassment of our breast size. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate my Acup status mainly by telling myself all the problems your post discusses with exercise. I am thankful that even the cheapest of sports bra supports me, and that I can run without bouncing! I just wish sometimes the sports bras didn’t make me look like I have no boobs!
@Rachel: mwhahah exactly the same here!!!!!!
I’m a 32DD, and I love love LOVE the Moving Comfort Fiona bra. Most sports bras for larger ladies are absolutely hideous and look more like modified straight jackets than apparel. I love that I can wear the Fiona bra alone with a pair of shorts (when I’m feeling brave!), and I don’t have that tell-tale pectoral soreness after a hard workout. Plus, I can throw it in the washer and dryer (not recommended), but it’s held strong for one marathon training season already.
Exercise gear is so expensive! So I am always looking for a bargain. A co-worker that I power walk with at lunch said I needed a better bra and she told me she wore the Champion sports bras from Kohls and I bought some (on a major sale!) and they seem to work fine! They are the ones Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently reviewed (recently as in a month or so ago?)
okay, I read this post because I love reading your writing (asked for the OB book for Christmas from hubby) but sadly/happily I am more a member of the TTC (teeny titty club) at a size 32A or 34AA. That being said – I really DO have something there!
I really like Lululemon’s 50 rep bra – it is perfect for long runs and no chafing!
I am a card carrying member of the BTC – in high school/college I layered cheaper sport bras and have moved on to the Enell and leap frog bras (Title 9), I love that Enell will custom make a bra for you if your measurements don’t fit into their preset size ranges.
I use the TaTa Tamer as well (I’m a 36D) and it really works.. I do have to agree with the initial commenter that the rib cage size runs small.. so it tends to dig in a little (not super comfy). I was even fitted at the store, so keep that in mind if they come back in your size!
Congratulations Caitlin!!!!!!It has been a long time since I last had the chance to do some “blog-reading” and the baby news was such an awesome one!!!!Congrats to you both!!!
I just ordered a Lululemon Ta Ta Tamer! I sure hope its as great as the reviews. I’m planning on wearing it for my marathon this weekend. I know they say never do anything new, but my chafing with my old bras is so out of control that I don’t even care. I can’t imagine anything could be much worse.
I ran in my teenage and early adult years and would have bloody shoulders after each run. I was a 30F back then… I finally gave up running after the birth of my child in my late 20′s. I had a breast reduction surgery 1-1/2 years ago (insurance paid due to neck and back pain) and am now a 36C. I couldn’t wait to run after the surgery, and purchased the Moving Comfort Fiona bra. Love, love, love! There is no movement when running and no chafing. I highly recommend it! After 20 years of pain (and no running) I’m so happy to feel the wind blowing my hair, have no bounce in my BOB’s (big ol’ boobs), and to have entered and finished 5 races! Glad to see Fiona is a favorite!
I read this post, but totally can’t relate – I’m a member of the IBTC (Itty Bitty Titty Committee) and after 3 kids anything I did have is smooshed! All I need is a workout top with a built in and I’m good to go!
As a 34DDD, I am a card-carrying member of the BTC (wait until you see the logo I came up with
), and I’m embarrassed to say I’ve tried almost all of the bras on your list. My favorite is the Juno, followed closely by the Maia. I’m not wild about the Fiona for running, although I’ll wear it for yoga or mid-impact sports. I’ll be eager to hear what you think.
I also echo the commenter who suggested the Bravado nursing bras. I LOVED them when I was nursing. My youngest is 7 now, so I’m sure the styles are even more updated and supportive than they were when I bought them. Good luck!
I’m interested in how you lost cup sizes by running! I’ve been struggling with it for a year and a half because I am a 34DD now and am miserable! All of my clothes look scandalous because I’ve got these enormous knockers behind them! I just want to be a C cup again without surgery.
Also, I am currently running in the Ta Ta Tamer from Lululemon and hated it until I made it a racerback style. Now it’s my favorite non-bank-breaking sports bra!
I use the Moving Comfort Fiona bra. I love it! I’m a size 36 D (down from 38 FF). I’ve always wanted to try the Ta Ta Tamer though.
The Moving Comfort Fiona is my favorite! My prepregnancy size was 28F, and at 37 weeks pregnant I’m at 34E, I can only imagine what it will be like when nursing!
I am definitely a fan of the Fiona! I love the adjustable shoulder straps the most. I was definitely a late bloomer; I’ve always been really petite. Through HS and college an A/B Cup. By the time I was in my late 20s I was a 32DD–but hadn’t gained more than 5 pounds. I picked up running again and thought that maybe I’d lose some of the mass, but NO! Obviously, I’m just destined to have a large chest and tiny body. I’m trying to embrace it!!
Gotta say I’m lucky in that department. I’m a 34AA, so they’re not going anywhere =p
My butt is a different story, however…
32DD and Moving Comfort Fiona or Maia for me. I recommend them to everyone who needs good support for running. I’ve been able to find good prices on eBay or Sierra Trading Post.
This frustrated 36DD says THANK YOU THANK YOU.
Damn, I wish I had this problem… Cheap sports bras from Target work just fine for me :/
Thank you thank you for this! I’m a 34-D which is kind of scary because they don’t seem *that* big. And my boobs haven’t gotten all that much bigger despite my gaining 15lbs over the past three years, so when I was skinny I must have been stacked!
I’m in the same dilemma, my sports bras are not fitting well with my pregnancy boobs. I went from wearing a 34b/36a to now a 36d. Originally they first grew to a 36c but I’ve now officially entered the d zone and raided my moms drawers for her extra regular bras — still need to figure out the sports bras though, and this post is really helpful! I’m also tossing around the idea of looking into a nursing sports bra — someone on twitter sent me a link to a great bra, but I’ll have to go back and look again.
Thank you so much for this post! After losing a lot of weight, I am in defn. need of new sports bras that are super suportive! For some reason, undergarments are the one thing I haven’t updated in my wardrobe but probably need to the most! I just ordered two from Moving Comfort and hoping they work out!
I really like the Champion brand ones with spaghetti straps from Target. Target never fails me! They’re comfy, cheap and hold my (not so) big chest up.
My favourite sports bra is a Nike one I got 3 years ago. I’ve fluctuated between a 32B and 32C over the years, but no matter what my size, it always fits me perfectly!
This is really helpful. I am a D cup and just wear whatever crap bra I happen to buy that’s on sale. It’s not doing good things for me.
This is so funny- I just read Emily’s post over at dailygarnish.com and recommended both the fiona and juno moving comfort bras to her. I have both and LOVE them. I’m normally a 34D but am pregnant as well (9 weeks!) and the ladies have already grown to a DD. I feel “locked and loaded” in the Juno bra and have been so impressed with the Fiona style. It looked too flimsy to me at first but it really delivers in support and non-bouncy-ness (that’s a word…?)
Good luck bra shopping!
Thank you for this! I have the problem with sportsbras that my ribcage is small as compared to my cup size, so it looks like some of these are worth checking out! I always end up with a big gap around the ribcage with regular sports bras, which isn’t supportive at all!
I *love love love* this post! Thank you so much!
My fave SB is Moving Comfort! The best ever for big breasted gals like me. Thank you again for this post!
I use the two moving comfort bras and I prefer the Fiona. The other one is so supportive I feel a little constricted, like I can’t take a deep breath, even though it’s obviously the right size since I’m not spilling out anywhere.
I also have found that I only need the super supportive ones when running really long distances, but since I’m a D and I’m 5’8″ and with an athletic frame – think wide shoulders and no hips – that might be because D cups are slightly more proportional to my body type.
I have the Fiona, Juno and Ta Ta tamer. By far my favorite is the Fiona. I was skePtical at first since it didn’t seem like much but it’s super comfortable, supportive and I never think
I have the Fiona, Juno and Ta Ta tamer. By far my favorite is the Fiona. I was skeptical at first since it didn’t seem like much but it’s super comfortable, supportive and I never think of it on a run. I find the Juno is tight and difficult to manouver over my head. Haha. The Ta Ta tamer compresses a bit too much and doesn’t feel as supportive. Hope you bought a Fiona! Can’t wait to read your reviews.
On a seperate note I’ve been curious about your pregnancy journey. Sorry if this is too personal, so please don’t feel you have to answer, but were you guys trying? If so, how long did you try for. My sister has been trying for 3 years now and I’m always curious how long it takes others to conceive.
I voted for the Fiona and wore it through my pregnancy and nursing. Check amazon- if you aren’t picky about the colors you can save lots of moola:)
Itty bitty is me.. I need no support! I use sports bras from Target and Forever 21
Haha, this is great. Especially since I forgot my sports bra (always double up!) on my run this morning. But it took so much to go out in the cold, I wasn’t turning around for anything!! ouch…
Founding member?? Mine came in soo early. I bought both the MC Fiona and the Maia and I like the Maia way more. I’m a 34DDD if it helps.
my favorite pregnancy purchases thus far have been the fiona and juno! i wear juno for running and it is fantastic, and fiona for lower impact (yoga, etc). i went up a cup size in the first tri and they’ve stayed stable since then, but i’m sure that closer to delivery (and once milk comes in) there will likely be a phase 3 . . . then again i want to be pregnant at least 1-2 more times so it’s not like these are going to go to waste!
Good post! I was really happy/relieved that there wasn’t a freebie or give-away at the end of this and it was just you sharing your opinion and thoughts on a necessary topic. I’m growing very weary of reading a review or discussion on a product only to have a “and leave a comment now to get your own!” endorsement.
Sorry for the rant, but good post! If IBT are Itty Bitty Tittie (or whatever) and BT are Big Tittie committee….then what bout the average, B-C cup gals? Are we like the ‘Mid-size Tittie Committee?
I second the Endure bra by Under Armour. It is is the most comfortable, most supportive, and cutest style for big boobs that I’ve tried.
As a 34G, this is a big issue in my life. I have so much trouble finding any bras, let alone high-impact sports bras. I was a D by 8th grade, a DD in 9th, and then suddenly in 12th I jumped up to a G (now I’m a freshman in college). Let’s just say I’m scared to see what happens when I get pregnant/nurse. But I do have 10-20 pounds to lose, so maybe I can get back down to a DD with that. For now though, I’m still wearing sports bras from when I was a DD. I’ve only started up running recently, after 2 years healing from an injury, but in my sports bras, the bouncing is very painful. So what I do is I take a hair elastic and tie it around the straps to hold them together and down more, adding support. It’s not ideal, but it does work! So at least until I can find a good sports bra in a 34G, that’s my strategy.
i am a nursing mom of girls that are 42GG and i love title 9′s “last resort” bra. it is fabulous for elliptical and walking (i will never run with girls as big as I have)
I love the ta ta tamer! It is seriously the best bra ever.
I love the Fiona – although I have all 3 of the Moving Comfort bras mentioned. Funny story. I am a member of the BTC, and ran cross country freshman year in college. I’m pretty sure that 98% of college cross country girls are in the itty bitty titty committee, so I was already super self conscious about my size. Well…when our coach (55 year old male) handed out our uniforms he also handed out yellow sports bras that we were all supposed to wear under our uniforms since they would show through the light yellow singlets…let me tell you these sports bras were definitely made for the IBTC because they did nothing for me (and there was no way I was going to ask my male coach if there were other options)! I couldn’t find another yellow sports bra anywhere so I ended up wearing a nude colored regular bra under the yellow one to our races. So awkward and uncomfortable!
Can’t really say that I am a member of the BTC, but I definitely prefer bras that separate “the girls.” No uniboob for me!
I’m a huge fan of the Power Y bras from Lululemon. I do have to admit, however, that I can also comfortably run with minimal (to none, although I’m hesitant to try that) support. Thankfully I’ve never yearned for membership to the BTC. Both of my sisters, my mother, and both of my grandmothers (as well as all of my female relatives, come to think of it) have at least a C cup. I really treasure my 32 A size. Hope you figure out the bra situation!
I have the Fiona & Juno – Juno is a good one!
I have a six month old and went through my entire pregnancy doubling up on my sports bras (not unusual pre-pregnancy either). When my son was six weeks old, after i had spent a ridiculous amount of money trying new nursing bras, i went to a bra fitting specialty store. AMAZING! The best fit I’ve ever had for regular, nursing and sports bras. Anita is the brand. Anita active for the sports bra….They ran around 60-70 dollars but that’s not completely crazy for a great bra. FYI, I was a 34D pre-pregnancy and my nursing ta-tas were an H cup….I totally agree with the self-conciousness about larger breasts!.
This post is speaking to me! I’m a 34 DD al-natural, so these babies like to bounce. I’ve been wearing Enell for about 6 years now and I have loved it up until now…. The full coverage is great but I can’t wear cute outfits to work out in because the ugly enell sticks out everywhere! And it’s a pain to put on!
Thank you so so so so much for your help!!
SO Glad you wrote this post! i only bought the Champion ones from Target because that was all I was exposed to. I’ll have to start looking at these options! and your right. BTC is NOT FUN and for all the same reasons you mentioned!
I’ve always been pretty small-chested, but I recently put on a few extra pounds and, well, the ladies got bigger, too! I always wished my chest was just a little bigger, but now that it is, I miss being flatter! I’m still nowhere near being in the B.T.C., but for the first time, I actually notice the ladies making exercise (and sleeping on my stomach) just a little more uncomfortable.
Fiona is on Amazon for $33.
THANKYOU for this post! I am definitly a BTC member…. even at my smallest weight of less than less than 120 at 5’6″ I am a 32D! I just want to scream sometimes “HEY, I RUN TOO!!!!” so. annoying. I saw you feature the moving comfort Fiona bra on your blog a couple years ago when you were experiencign “bacne” and I ordered one for myself! Been loyal to the bra ever since! I’ve had an Enell also but ordered too small of a size, I should probably get the right size and use it for running. My biggest fear is SAGGY BOOBS when I get older! gotta keep em high! LOL
my favorite is by far the TaTa Tamer and moving Comfort. I’m a big chested lady and my boobies have never felt so good in these sports bras! Before I bought these, I was doubling up on bras.
Card-carrying BTC-er. During pregnancy, I got up to a 38F, but now 6 months later (still nursing) I’m at 34DD. I’m wearing the Champion Double Dry+™ Spot Comfort™ Full-Support Sports Bra and loving it! Hoping I go back to C’s once nursing is over!!!!
I started wearing the Fiona bra when I got pregnant. My baby girl just turned one and I still love the Fiona bra. The best part is the adjustable velcro strap. It also makes it easy to nurse when you get back from a run with the baby.
TaTa Tamer all the way over here!
Thank you for posting this! I wear a 34DDD, and I’m always looking for a good sports bra. Definitely going to check some of these out!
I didn’t read the comments, so sorry if I’m repeating myself, but get ready-they’ll only get bigger when you’re breastfeeding. =/ I was a 32E before pregnancy, a 34G during pregnancy, and now I’m a 32HH while nursing. Um, you can’t even find nursing bras in that size, let alone a supportive sports bra. =( I enjoy breastfeeding but I’m looking forward to weaning in the next month or so so that I can start running comfortably again. Figleaves.com is a good resource for larger bras-and it’s British!
I love the Nike Victory Shape bra!
Gotta say, that Champion Women’s Powerback Underwire has been the best thing I’ve found for my 34DDD (sister size 36 DD which is what I get in this bra) boobies. Running can hurt… but watch out if you shoot archery. Twanged nips are no joke! @_@ Super painful!
hi caitlin,
first of all, i just started reading your blog last month and i love it. the diet and nutrition discussion is engaging, and in general, you provide so much intelligent conversation and reflection on such a wide variety of topics from the naked face project to buying a car/home! i really admire your efforts and find this to be such a refreshing change from the other healthy lifestyle blogs!
i have my jewish grandmother’s genes, so i’m also a card-carrying member for the BTC club — i definitely need new sports bras…..
but i was wondering if any of your readers might have suggestions for regular BTC bras too? i always have a heck of time and i need to buy some new ones…
thanks and best wishes on the new home and baby!
I wear old (like, a decade old) Body by Victoria bras and am currently wearing nursing bras… So my recs won’t be any help
Bras are so hard to find!
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