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Original poster

Sports bra for large breasts that doesn't pull on your shoulders

56 replies

ofwarren · 05/02/2023 10:59

I'm a 34G and have started attending the gym.
I don't really wear normal bras day to day, I just stick with my molkes but obviously need proper support in the gym.
I've bought 2 sports bras that do hold me in but it seems the support is coming from my shoulders. I can see red marks and deep grooves there and I get an ache like I've been carrying weight (which obviously they have).

I can spent up to £40
Does anyone know of a good one?

OP posts:
onitlikeacarbonnet · 05/02/2023 11:24

M&S underwired high impact sports bra.
I’m a 36GG and nothing moves.
I didn’t get fitted (I’m trained to fit others, though don’t do it regularly anymore), I just tried a few.
I managed to get one in the sale.
I sometimes can’t change afterwards and need to wear it all day and it can rub a bit at the front of my armpits but I think that’s just standard for those large of boobage.

I once had a multi-way version that you could change to a crossover back. It was good but the shoulder straps were narrow and the elastic stretched out quite quickly.

Make sure that you’re supported even if you don’t have the shoulder straps on. The majority of support should come from the bra around your body. So it needs to be very snug. If you can comfortably fit your fingers under the back strap, it’s too big. I would also say that you need to make sure your shoulder straps aren’t adjusted too tight if it’s digging in there.

JarByTheDoor · 05/02/2023 11:35

I found Panache very good at that size, with no shoulder redness or grooves, though it's a workout just getting into the thing. I guess it has to be tight and firm in order for the weight to be borne by the structure of the bra and transferred to the chest rather than being hung from the straps, IYSWIM.

daretodenim · 05/02/2023 11:39

Shock Absorber every single time. Ones that have two back fastenings. You need the bra to be tight around the ribs. I actually find it a bit uncomfortable, but no boob movement at all is absolutely worth it.

If it's too much pressure on the shoulders then the ribs always need to take more. And don't forget to play around with adjusting the straps.

Polkadotties · 05/02/2023 11:40

If your shoulder straps are taking the weight then the band isn’t small enough

Rainbowshit · 05/02/2023 11:45

Freya underwired.

Agree with PP that maybe a smaller band is needed.

Rainbowshit · 05/02/2023 11:45

What dress size are you?

benten54 · 05/02/2023 11:57

You need a proper fitting. Sports bras should be tight around the band as that what does the lifting and compression not the straps.
Don't get some crappy MnS version get a proper one. Try Berlei, Panache and other brands suggested here but please go do a decent supplier that will fit you properly.
I'm a 34GG and a size 18 and I run half marathons and those buggers don't move in my Berlei, no shoulder marks. The shoulder straps should be pretty wide too. They look like industrial machinery but they work.

daretodenim · 05/02/2023 12:06

Wanted to add that with larger boobs I'd definitely look at it as an investment and not any kind of fashion statement. I've had shock absorber ones for years and some are nicer looking than others but they've all remained just as strong as they were in the beginning. I have bought some cheaper ones but it was a waste of money. In the end I buy less and less often (like max once a year) and get the more expensive ones that make me feel what it must feel like to be a man running!

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 05/02/2023 12:13

Rainbowshit · 05/02/2023 11:45

Freya underwired.

Agree with PP that maybe a smaller band is needed.

I'm a 36G. I used to swear by Shock Absorber, until I discovered Freya Active sports bras.

EasilyDirected · 05/02/2023 12:18

I like M&S racer back ones, you can’t feel the straps at all. I can’t wear the band too tight, I find that painful (don’t get me started on boob or bust) but these work well for me. Keep everything in place very well.

JarByTheDoor · 05/02/2023 12:21

Yep I used Shock Absorber as a teenager because at that age I still had a strong dislike of underwires, but the industrial-strength scaffolding of the Panache bras and the way they structure the fabric to put pressure on the right areas is so much more effective for complete boobular immobility.

JarByTheDoor · 05/02/2023 12:22

Sorry that was to Ibiza.

BoredOfThisMansWorld · 05/02/2023 12:32

Am similar size . I have the panache too. It is great for running, but not quite comfortable enough for yoga or pilates; I think because the straps are so firm you can feel them and they can dig at the front in some poses.

Really key points for me are racer back option, to take any weight off shoulders, and personally I can't do compression. I feel as if I'm being suffocated. What I like about the panache is the moulded cups which prevent movement by containing, not compressing.

flabbygoldfish · 05/02/2023 12:36

Panache are good, shock absorber are not bad but not quite as good for some reason. I invested in a Maaree Solidarity bra (and they are an investment!) but they do the job of holding it all together and have lasted well.

benten54 · 05/02/2023 12:36

BoredOfThisMansWorld · 05/02/2023 12:32

Am similar size . I have the panache too. It is great for running, but not quite comfortable enough for yoga or pilates; I think because the straps are so firm you can feel them and they can dig at the front in some poses.

Really key points for me are racer back option, to take any weight off shoulders, and personally I can't do compression. I feel as if I'm being suffocated. What I like about the panache is the moulded cups which prevent movement by containing, not compressing.

You don't need scaffolding for yoga and you aren't jumping about. I was yoga obsessed and used to just wear a comfy non underwire bra and double up with a Lululemon bra top type thing that flattened them so they didn't pop out in an inversion.

tortiecat · 05/02/2023 12:37

I'm a 34F and swear by Shock Absorber. The underband is incredibly tight so I size up to a 36E.

Original poster
ofwarren · 05/02/2023 12:38

Rainbowshit · 05/02/2023 11:45

What dress size are you?

A 14

OP posts:
Facefortheradio · 05/02/2023 12:42

I'm a 34G and went for to get measured at M&S recently. Their flexifit non wired is amazing. I still had it on the other night when I was watching TV- that's how comfy it is. I haven't been for a run but have done Zumba and felt supported.

Original poster
ofwarren · 05/02/2023 12:43

benten54 · 05/02/2023 11:57

You need a proper fitting. Sports bras should be tight around the band as that what does the lifting and compression not the straps.
Don't get some crappy MnS version get a proper one. Try Berlei, Panache and other brands suggested here but please go do a decent supplier that will fit you properly.
I'm a 34GG and a size 18 and I run half marathons and those buggers don't move in my Berlei, no shoulder marks. The shoulder straps should be pretty wide too. They look like industrial machinery but they work.

Will most independents do this or is there a specific type of shop I need to go to?
I've not been fitted for a bra since a was a teen 🙈

OP posts:
WelshNerd · 05/02/2023 12:45

Royce Aerocool High Impact Sports Bra Blackberry

I have this in a 40K and is very comfy and no movement.

Definitely make sure you're wearing the right size. Just measure yourself using an online guide.

CatNamedBob · 05/02/2023 12:49

Shock Absorber - the ultimate run one. I'm a 34H and it's the only sports bra I've found that offers proper support for HIIT type classes.

AnnaMagnani · 05/02/2023 12:51

You need a fitting as you will probably be a different size in sports bra to normal bras.

I'm 34FF and v happy with my Shock Absorber - but it's not a 34FF!

StuckInTheUpsideDown · 05/02/2023 12:53

It’s higher than your budget (occasionally can find random colours on sale) but IMO nothing beats an Enell for stopping movement in the larger chest for high impact workouts.

www.boobydoo.co.uk/enell-sports-bra-ecru#92=521&186=405

OneHundredOtters · 05/02/2023 12:56

Go to Bravissimo, they are the best for big boob measuring by miles.

ladymacbeth · 05/02/2023 12:59

You want a bravissimo fitting and/or bra. I'm a 36J so feel your pain! They also sell panache, Freya etc that have been mentioned. Their Apollo is excellent www.bravissimo.com/products/apollo-sports-bra-ln823/#multi-ln823mut