Back in 2011, I wrote a post called “Sports Bras for the B.T.C.”  B.T.C., if you will recall your middle school acronyms, stands for Big Titty Committee.  While women with smaller breasts can get away with any old sports bra, a larger chest requires a seriously great sports bra.  To me, a great sports bra must meet many requirements, the most important of which are fit and bounce control.

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The first installment of Sports Bras for the B.T.C includes a round-up of recommendations from over 60 HTP readers, endorsing more than 15 great bras.  Personally, I’ve always been a huge fan of Moving Comfort’s Fiona bra.

 

But recently, I headed to a local running shop to locate a new and even more supportive running bra.  Because if there’s anything that seals your status as a member of the B.T.C., it’s getting pregnant and nursing a baby.  Not only am I new cup size, but I’m also a new band size.  My old bras simply aren’t up for the task.

 

I tried on three different bras.  Here’s my review of each one.

 

Under Armor Armor Bra (Size A, B, C, D, DD)

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For larger chests, the Armor Bra comes in 32D – 38D and 32DD – 38DD.  I like this bra a lot; unfortunately, they didn’t have my correct band size in stock.  First of all, it’s an extremely pretty bra, which isn’t a requirement of mine but certainly doesn’t hurt.  I also liked the feel of the fabric and molded cups.  The seaming is bonded, which eliminates chafing, and the straps are stretchy and adjustable.  Bounce control was excellent.

 

Moving Comfort Maia Bra

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This bra is one of the ones mentioned in the original sports bra post.  The Maia comes in sizes 32C – E, 34C – 34E, 36C – E, 38C – E, 40C – E, 42C – D, 44D – a very nice range.  The Maia is actually two bras in one; there is an inner bra with underwire and an outer bra that comes up pretty high on the necklace.  The straps in the back are adjustable.  I couldn’t try this bra on in my true size, so I can’t speak to bounce control; however, I really liked how high the bra came up.  I hate to show cleavage at the gym, especially when I’m on a spin bike or leaning forward, and this bra would definitely provide adequate coverage.

 

Moving Comfort Rebound Racer

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The Rebound Racer comes in size 30B – DD, 32B – DD, 34B – DD, 36B – DD, and 38B – DD.  Like the name suggests, this bra is a racer back-style bra with an adjustable back closure.  The shoulder straps are also adjustable.  The cups are subtly shaped and the front fabric comes up decently high, although not as high as the Maia.   The bounce control is extremely effective, and I really liked how the shoulder straps were adjustable.

 

I ended up buying the Rebound Racer, mainly because it was the only bra that I could find in the store in my exact size.  A bonus – because the Rebound Racer has Velcro straps, it can function as a nursing sports bra!  And that makes me a happy momma, indeed.

 

Whether you’re in the B.T.C. or not, what’s your favorite sports bra and why?  What features are most important to you in a sports bra?  I really like adjustable shoulder straps – I think I have a ‘short’ chest area so a lot of non-adjustable bras seem too big in the straps.

{ 59 comments }

 

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat July 9, 2012, 8:04 am

    I’m not part of the BTC by any stretch of the imagination, but I did review the Under Armour Bra a little while ago – (The link is http://eat-spin-run-repeat.com/2012/03/06/test-drive-the-armour-bra/ if anyone is interested) and I’m a 34B. It had more support than I needed, but I definitely liked the design and the smoothness of the material. It came up a little higher on my chest than my other ones do (which are mostly Champion sports bras) but if I was going for a really hot run, I might even wear it without a T-shirt or tank over top, which I wouldn’t do with my other ones.

  • LindseyAnn July 9, 2012, 8:13 am

    All due respect, while yes we can “get away with any ol’ sports bra”, some of us who are in the IBTC (Itty Bitty Titty Committee) could use a nice one, too. What if you’re like me and tend to use it as a running top, but would like one with a little more modesty so you’re not showing the world your nips? How about options for storage? (North Face “Stow-N-Go”. It’s incredible.) How about for a multi sport athlete? What if you just want something nicer than the $10 big box special?
    On behalf of the IBTC, our girls may be small, but they deserve nice things, too.

    • Elle July 9, 2012, 8:41 am

      Hahaha! Well, as part of the ITC (Intermediate Titty Committee), I vote for the Nike Hypercool that I got as a present recently. Looks pretty (lovely purple colour) and works both underneath or as a top!

    • Allyson July 9, 2012, 10:54 am

      Thank you for posting that because I was thinking the same thing! While I am in no way a part of the BTC, I run a lot and find myself in need of super supportive sports bra. I definitely cannot wear “any old sports bra”. T’s are T’s and we all could use a good quality sports bra no matter what size we are.
      I must check out the “Stow-N-Go” that you mentioned! Running in the summertime will sometimes warrant a sports bra/running top!

      • Caitlin July 9, 2012, 11:16 am

        I stand corrected 🙂 I am just jealous that you guys get so many cute options!

  • laine July 9, 2012, 8:21 am

    Why why why do stores think the alphabet stops at D??? This drives me insane! I am a 36G and couldn’t start running until I found a bra that fit me (No, manufacturers, cramming myself into a 38DDD is not an option.) I couldn’t run without the Freya Active bra that I found at my local bra boutique, which stocks things that fit me. Full coverage, separate cups and zero moving.

    The problem with stores stopping at D (or DD, DDD, etc.), is that is results in most women wearing the wrong size bra. They will just try to sell you a bigger band to make up for the fact that the cups are too small.

    You can find the Freya Active bras at Nordstrom or online, but I always like to try things on.

  • Irina @ Chocolatea Time July 9, 2012, 8:46 am

    I recently bought the Armour Bra and I love it! I’m definitely not part of the BTC but a girl still needs support! The Armour Bra is not only pretty but incredibly comfortable as well.

  • brooke @ sweats & sweets July 9, 2012, 8:47 am

    Moving Comfort Fiona bra is hands down my favorite bra! Yes, the price is a little high, but the quality is fantastic. I think Moving Comfort has the best sport bras around, but I really love mine. If taken care of properly they last for a long time.

  • Sneakers2Sandals July 9, 2012, 8:50 am

    I’m not a BTC more like ATC (average) but there is something I realized I loved about the Moving comfort bra that closes in the back…

    AFter my run on Saturday I was SO sweaty and I realized how much I HATE taking of a sweaty sports bra (that is already tight and really nasty) and trying to get it over my head. I love the moving comfort bra that closes in the back because you can just snap it off and not have to go through the hassle of getting it over your head!

  • Rachel July 9, 2012, 8:53 am

    I’m actually a member of the IBTC (Itty Bitty Titty Committee) and since I tend to workout in sleeveless tops, I just buy ones that have a built in bra and I’m good to go. Pretty much any sports bra just makes me look completely flat chested. :-/

    (by the way, Henry is soooooo stinking cute! Congratulations again!)

  • Kate July 9, 2012, 8:54 am

    I LOVE the UA Armour! I’m totally a BTC member and have been living in it for the last couple of months. The girls are LOCKED and loaded.

    FYI, I did find that I had to go down a step from my usual band size in this one.

  • Allison k July 9, 2012, 9:12 am

    Yeah….I was a dd/ddd BEFORE pregnancy and nursing. I don’t know if anyone makes sports bras in my current size….and I think my old trick of layering compression bras…is prob not good while nursing??

  • Chelsea July 9, 2012, 9:13 am

    I’m terribly flat-chested, so this doesn’t apply to me, but I did want to comment and say I’m surprised at your terminology– isn’t “titty” kind of offensive?

  • Dori July 9, 2012, 9:16 am

    My problem with sports bras that run by bra size is that I have a very unusual bra size (I have to get all my bras altered at a fancy lingerie store) so I tend to have trouble finding one that fits right. My all time FAVORITE sports bra is the Lululemon 50 Rep Bra. It surprisingly offers incredible support. Unfortunately, they discontinued it (why do they ALWAYS do that??) so I managed to stock up on some stragglers I found at random gyms.

  • Shannon July 9, 2012, 9:23 am

    I have this exact bra and I bought it while nursing my son for that exact reason (and the bounce control, of course).
    Unfortunately, I found that the velcro aspect wasn’t as easy and wonderful as I had imagined it would be and became actually a hassle to use for nursing. Hopefully you have a different experience!

  • Sarah July 9, 2012, 9:30 am

    I’m not sure if it’s just the case in the US, but here in the UK if a sports bra only goes up to a size DD it really isn’t considered to be that great of a range. I’m a 34FF and don’t have a problem finding reasonably priced, extremely supportive sports bras in regular department stores (M&S, Debenhams etc).
    I also remember reading once that in the US bras are often sized “DDD” rather than “E” which seems really funny, like it’s a huge deal to have big boobs when it really isn’t!

  • Janie July 9, 2012, 9:33 am

    I LOVE the Shock Absorber sports bra (the name is entertaining too). I’m a 30E, and this bra is amazing. It was really hard to find a sports bra that was tight (and big) enough to keep the girls in but small enough around that it wouldn’t move while running. I highly recommend it for the BTC gals out there!

    xoxoxooxoxxo

    • Caitlin July 9, 2012, 1:48 pm

      I completely agree about the Shock Absorber! I’m a 34E, and it was impossible to find anything that really controlled all the bouncing until I got that sports bra. It’s totally worth the cost. The Shock Absorber also goes up to much higher cup sizes than some of the other ones mentioned here.

    • Sarah B July 9, 2012, 5:36 pm

      Another Shock Absorber fan here – either the ‘Run’ bra, or the Max Sports bra top which are level 4 in the Shock Absorber ranking, so designed for high impact exercising i.e. running. I have worn both types of bra for half ironman triathlons and they are great for swim/bike/running in and no chaffing!!! This is where I buy mine http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shock-absorber/ and they ship to me in NZ 🙂

  • Lindsay @ Running the Windy City July 9, 2012, 9:47 am

    I’m not necessarily big chested and I just bought the under armor sports bra. I love it! I’m also hoping to wear it alone during the swim portion of tri’s because the fabric is soft and it has great coverage.

  • Amanda K. July 9, 2012, 9:58 am

    i was NOT a member of the BTC until i started breastfeeding. now i can’t even consider running without my moving comfort bra. i tried to start running when my baby was 6 weeks, but i had to wait an extra week for my moving comfort bra to ship 🙂

  • Kristie July 9, 2012, 10:06 am

    I found the most amazing sports bra of my life a few days ago at a running store – which I was happy about since it took trying on 20 different bras to find one that I loved. It’s the Brooks Epiphany II, and oh my goodness it’s wonderful. I would say I’m neither in the BTC or the IBTC at 38C, so the big cup/mold supports look odd on me and the little compression ones don’t do much. The Brooks one has good support, fits well, gives me some shape and also isn’t so see-through that my nipples show through. Woo hoo!

  • Morgan July 9, 2012, 10:38 am

    I swear by enell. They will custom make a bra if you are an odd size (I have a 13 inch difference between my band size and bust size try fitting that lol). Enells bras are disgustingly ugly but I get almost no bounce which is the best I expect with boobs in the 30/32 GG size range.

    • RJ July 9, 2012, 4:36 pm

      I’m with you Morgan. Bought my first Enell bra about 4 years ago and would not dream of wearing anything else for a high impact sport. I tend to wear a 30GG/H. For yoga I have recently bought two Panache underwired sports bras. Decent control for gentler activities! I live in the UK though and it seems it is much easier to shop for bigger/unusual sizes here. Did you know that women in the UK have the largest boobs in Europe?!!

  • Laura @ The Bright Side July 9, 2012, 10:58 am

    I, unlike you BTC ladies have always been a part of the STC (Small Titty Committee). Then again I have given birth to no children yet. So maybe one day I will be in the same boat.

    I get my sports bras at TJ Maxx or Marshall’s, but I sure love Nike or Adidas sports bras. They completely flatten me up, but make me feel supported and are long-lasting.

    • Clare July 9, 2012, 12:22 pm

      President of the STC here! I was lucky enough to temporarily join the BTC while pregnant and nursing my three children and thought that my STC membership would be permanently rescinded!

      5 years after the birth of my third child I have now not only regained membership to the STC (and had my BTC membership cruelly revoked) but achieved “elite status” which is reserved for those members who are now even more flat-chested than they were pre-pregnancy. Boo.

      It’s more a bra/tank in one, but I really like the Lululemon Scoop Neck Tank. Supportive and flattering for members of the STC 🙂

  • val July 9, 2012, 11:02 am

    no way! people with small chests cannot just wear any old sports bra! they are often too big if you have a large rib cage and have to get a size medium or large. the fabric just hangs there. if anyone has reccos for the STC–that doesn’t flatten and isn’t too big…let me know!

    • ashlynn July 9, 2012, 1:08 pm

      I’m in the same boat. And, you’re right, you can’t wear any ol’ sports bra if you have a small chest. I recommend the champion sports bras at Target. Just the regular racer back ones. They are cotton on the outside and like a soft, silky material on the inside. Love em.

  • Erika July 9, 2012, 11:36 am

    I refuse to spend a ton of money on a sports bra. It doesn’t matter how much you spend they still get worn out fast because of the all the washing and stretching. I found some cheaper yet supportive (enough for me) Danskin brand at WalMart. They are cute too! Also, you aren’t suppose to wear underwire when breastfeeding so I’m glad you didn’t get that one.

  • Maria July 9, 2012, 11:57 am

    The TA-TA tamer from Lulumeon is AMAZING!!!!!! Sadly, my old one no longer fits, but that just means I have to go back and get a bigger one 🙂 I’m in my last month of pregnancy and just went up a whole new size…I can’t imagine them getting any bigger!

  • Amy @Macncheesenpeas July 9, 2012, 12:00 pm

    As a member of the B.T.C I can testify as to how great the moving comfort bra is. I just got it about 2 weeks ago and it has completely changes the way I run! It’s so comfortable to wear only one bra!

  • Penny July 9, 2012, 12:02 pm

    I feel like I should get to be the president of the BTC since I’m an appalling 30 to 32 DDD. <— That's 3 d's. triple d. Trip dawg. 🙂

    When I run, I wear two regular bras, and a sports bra on top of them. That's a total of 3 bras. My mountains do. not. move. My lungs don't move too much either, but hey, I have my priorities. 🙂

    • Laine July 9, 2012, 2:04 pm

      I’m serial commenting on this post, but I’m sort of crazed about bra fitting. I think if you shopped at a store (like Nordstrom or some local bra boutiques, not VS) that carried sizes about DDD you’d actually be a different size. I’m a 36G, but you can bet if I went to a store that didn’t carry about D+, they’d be trying to shove me into a 40DDDD.

    • Brigid July 9, 2012, 2:35 pm

      I’m the same size as you, and I comfortably wear the Moving Comfort Fiona. It was totally changed my exercise life, for real. I highly recommend it!

  • Johnna July 9, 2012, 1:01 pm

    I’m coming around to the fact that I really need to purchase a few new sports bras- they discontinued my beloved Frog Bra (only bra I’ve ever found that’s tight enough around my ribs but doesn’t. move.) I like the look of that Rebound Racer, but how do the straps adjust in the front? Does it velcro inside? Is it bulky there?
    Thanks for the great post!

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats July 9, 2012, 1:30 pm

    I just discovered padded sports bras, which are fantastic for those of us in the itty bitty club… Haha

  • Cindy July 9, 2012, 1:41 pm

    Now that I am in the UK there are more options for bigger cup sizes. My issue at the moment is band sizes and finding a band/cup that fits right. What my bra size is at a boutique here isn’t the same when it comes to sports bras for some reason.

    After having a breast reduction nearly 2 years ago I find that I don’t need as much support (they pretty much don’t bounce around as much) but I do find that spinning requires some more support. Right now I am wearing the Nike sport top that has a built in bra and a simliar New Balance one. Since I am trying very hard to lose weight, I am hesitant to invest £30+ on one bra right now, so I’m trying to get though the summer with what I have, but I hope to be able to find ones like the ones you reviewed or the CHAMPION Powerback Underwire Sports bra that Tina at carrotsncake reviewed a few weeks ago.

    I hope you do a follow up post on how you find your new sports bra!

  • Sam @ Better With Sprinkles July 9, 2012, 2:08 pm

    I’m definitely more in line with the IBTC (itty-bitty titty committee) rather than the BTC. One of the only benefits – I can pretty much wear any sports bra without a problem. I usually just grab Walmart’s cheapest and I’m good to go.

  • Susanna July 9, 2012, 2:27 pm

    As a member of the STC, I can get away with pretty much any bra or support top. My requirements for a sports bra are: 1) cheap 2) cheap 3)cheap. I often find mine on sale and buy a few. I have 3 ugly aqua green one from InSport and I love them. There is this add that says that bras should not celebrate birthdays…Well, I have had some bras for 6+ years. If you take care of them and they still provide support, why replace your bras every year?

  • Kelly Anne July 9, 2012, 3:10 pm

    Great post! I am a DD and I have all three of these bras and love them all!

  • Lindsay Simone July 9, 2012, 3:38 pm

    The 3 sports bras I wrote about here (http://bit.ly/MdRpR7) are def my favorites–the under armour one you mentioned, included. Nevertheless, they all work nicely to keep the girls in place, allowing “sweaty boob syndrome” to be the only thing a girl needs to worry about. What else could a well-breasted woman ask for?! Exactly.

  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See July 9, 2012, 3:42 pm

    I’m not part of the BTC, but it’s always super interesting seeing what other bloggers review and pick out!

  • amy July 9, 2012, 6:32 pm

    love the moving comfort maia….coming from the chairman of the b.t.c. and rocking a double letter cup size:)

    my secret to best price shopping…amazon! i bought my first three bras at the running store for over $60 and last year found them on amazon for under $30. best. find. ever.

    good luck on your “non-bounce” back to fitness!

  • Meghan July 9, 2012, 6:58 pm

    Getting pregnant and nursing took me from a B and small sports bra to a D or Dd depending on how Much he ate. I took your former suggestion and for moving comfort bras. So worth the $. And yes I use them as nursing bras if I haven’t had a chance to shower yet.

  • AmandaonMaui July 9, 2012, 7:12 pm

    I’ve been loving my new Handful bra. They have a range of sizes, and so they might be worth checking out. They’re selling out their current style in preparation for their future design. Maybe they’d let you test it out!

  • April July 9, 2012, 7:46 pm

    When I first started running, I was happy for the fact that I had a smaller chest, after hearing all the horror stories from my friends. Turns out, I had a lot of trouble finding the right support too! Size doesn’t always matter, I think it’s more of a support and sensitivity thing.

  • Krista @ Can't Survive on Yarn Alone July 9, 2012, 8:58 pm

    While I have a variety of brands, I gravitate to racerback sports bras so a good breathable back and/or openings is important. No super sweaty gross upper back!

  • Jess July 9, 2012, 9:56 pm

    I don’t have a favourite brand, mainly because my memory is terrible. I just try on everything they have when it is sports bra time. I am that ridiculous person who jogs on the spot and jumps around in the changing room to check the bounce control. I am halfway between a D and a DD, so I just have to try both sizes on and see what works and what really doesn’t.

  • Kelsie July 9, 2012, 10:20 pm

    I just bought the Rebound Racer in white and black this week! It’s the first time I’ve actually gotten a sports bra true to my size, and it makes an amaaaazing difference. 🙂

  • kerry July 10, 2012, 1:06 am

    I’ve gotta give a shout out to to icebreaker! I just bought an icebreaker sports bra this fall, and I’m in love. I’m from the average club, and it has just the right amount of stretch and support for me. Plus its made of merino wool, awesome natural fiber that doesn’t stink or itch…hellloo long back country hiking trips!

  • Kathleen July 11, 2012, 9:15 am

    where can you buy bras like these?

  • Autumn July 11, 2012, 10:37 am

    When I was looking for a nursing sports bra, I found the Fiona and will never buy a different sports bra! The sizes don’t go quite as high as I wish they did (my engorged breasts almost needed a bigger size than their DD) but for comfort, stability, and the ability to unvelcro the strap in the front, in a hurry to feed a hungry baby, it can’t be beat! I didn’t have any cleavage showing either, it comes up higher than most sports bras. Sounds like the Rebound Racer has some of these same benefits.

    And now that I’ve stopped nursing, I’ve been able to hike up the straps several inches and I can still wear it for light workouts with my substantially smaller breasts. Win win.

    • Autumn July 11, 2012, 10:38 am

      PS– I found a great deal on the Fiona on Amazon.

  • Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf July 12, 2012, 3:46 pm

    I have a serious thing against racerbacks, and as far as the affordable bras I’ve found, I also can’t handle one that isn’t an underwire. I think finding one with comfortable traps and don’t give me a uni-boob are the biggest things! I’ve not really found a spectacular bra that I can afford yet, but my walmart one that meets my basic criteria is actually surprisingly my favorite so far.

  • Bonnie Smith July 19, 2012, 2:54 am

    I love the Moving Comfort Rebound Racer most.It’s simple. But I also love cute and sexy sports bras.
    There R some sexy, cute and cool sports bras for yong girls and women.http://www.best-sports-bras.com/

  • Katie September 21, 2015, 2:22 pm

    Okay- I really appreciate this article. But as an actual card carrying member of the BTC it was kind of disappointing to discover that none of these bras go up to my size. I am currently training for a 10k and have large open sores around my breasts from chafing due to wearing improperly fitting sports bras while running and I desperately need a good fit. But there seems to be no solutions here. Anyone who sites an under armour bra as an option for members of the BTC is seriously out of touch. Because their sizes aren’t big enough for anyone with legit BTs. So disappointed.

    • Caitlin September 21, 2015, 3:24 pm

      What size are you? Have you tried Enell?

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