So you need a large bra size and/or have a bigger body. But you can't find a sports bra with back and side smoothing designed for big busts and plus sizes. Spilling out of the back or sides of your bra is no fun. Especially when you’re working out and want to keep everything contained. Not to mention, if you’re at a gym or running or otherwise in public, it’s…not a good look.
Swooping and scooping can help when you’re planning on doing something sedentary, but it’s not that useful if you are bouncing or moving around. If you have bulges under your arms, or carry back fat, you want a sports bra that can hide back fat or side fat, contain the extra tissue, and keep you looking smooth while you exercise.
The secret to side and back fat bulge control is to find a sports bra with a higher back or sides to help everything look flatter and sleeker. Another helpful feature is a bra with power mesh material in the back and sides. Think of power mesh as a bit like control pantyhose material for your bra. It helps smooth you out and make you look better.
The secret to side and back fat bulge control is to find a sports bra with a higher back or sides to help everything look flatter and sleeker. Another helpful feature is a bra with power mesh material in the back and sides. Think of power mesh as a bit like control pantyhose material for your bra. It helps smooth you out and make you look better.
Don’t fall for the trap of trying to get a larger band size to hit the bumps. That will just make everything worse, as the band will push up and make the rolls look worse. And, it will be uncomfortable too— even worse when you (and the bra) move around.
Keep in mind that the band on a sports bra should generally fit more snugly than a standard bra for better support. And, you should fit normally inside the cups. Any spillage will be get worse when you run or jump. Try it on and jump or box or practice whatever sport you intend to participate in, to test whether the bra will keep you in place and support you properly.
If you are a D cup or above and want a sports bra to control side and back fat, stick with encapsulation bras. Compression bras won’t have enough support and can cause the dreaded “uniboob” effect.
And, of course, the bra should also do its job of preventing your breast tissue from bouncing up and down while you work out.
Every sports bra on this page will give you the back and side smoothing for big busts that you want. I’ve sorted them by size range/body type (full figure, full bust, average figure, etc.) and labeled them to show whether they are suitable for low, medium, or high impact exercises.
Ideal for running while busty, this bra will seriously reduce bouncing, no matter what sport you try. It’s got great shaping and support too (no uniboob). There’s a racerback option so you can keep the straps off your shoulders while you work out.
Inset straps are designed to keep them from falling off your shoulders. That's also a bonus if your shoulders are narrow, since the straps are less likely to slip while you move around. The front mesh in the center is breathable, so it stops under-bust sweating, and the allover fabric is designed to push moisture away from your body.
Powermesh (there’s that control top fabric again) helps smooth out your back and sides and hides unsightly lumps. It also keeps you confined inside the bra where you belong.
You don't have to settle for basic black or white either, it's also available in lime/cobalt/ gray/mango, beige, abstract ice, abstract paint, kaleidoscope, cyber print, galaxy print, pixel, geometric and stripe prints (37 in all).
UK sizes 28D-H, 30D-H, 32C-J, 34B-J, 36B--HH, 38B-HH, 40D-GG.
High impact
Low impact: walking, yoga, Pilates
Medium impact: cycling, hiking, skiing
High impact: running, gymnastics, jumping
Jump, run, or head out to the trampoline park, you won’t bounce around in this bra. It has excellent support, as well as shaping. See those seams? They lift and round your breasts, so you never look like you have only one boob. It’s also available in an extensive size range, including the rare 28 band and up to a K or JJ cup, depending on band size.
The fabric is soft and specially designed to dry quickly so you won’t feel sweaty during or after your workout. Nobody wants bra sweat.
Wider underwires are more comfortable, and great if you have wide breasts. And the bra arches in the center, which is better if you have a larger stomach. Double fabric keeps you contained, and the high sides and back smooth you out and tame bulges.
Keep in mind that the band on a sports bra should generally fit more snugly than a standard bra for better support. And, you should fit normally inside the cups. Any spillage will be get worse when you run or jump. Try it on and jump or box or practice whatever sport you intend to participate in, to test whether the bra will keep you in place and support you properly.
If you are a D cup or above and want a sports bra to control side and back fat, stick with encapsulation bras. Compression bras won’t have enough support and can cause the dreaded “uniboob” effect.
And, of course, the bra should also do its job of preventing your breast tissue from bouncing up and down while you work out.
Every sports bra on this page will give you the back and side smoothing for big busts that you want. I’ve sorted them by size range/body type (full figure, full bust, average figure, etc.) and labeled them to show whether they are suitable for low, medium, or high impact exercises.
Sports Bras With Back and Side Smoothing for Big Busts
(cup sizes up to K, band sizes up to 42)
Ideal for running while busty, this bra will seriously reduce bouncing, no matter what sport you try. It’s got great shaping and support too (no uniboob). There’s a racerback option so you can keep the straps off your shoulders while you work out.
Inset straps are designed to keep them from falling off your shoulders. That's also a bonus if your shoulders are narrow, since the straps are less likely to slip while you move around. The front mesh in the center is breathable, so it stops under-bust sweating, and the allover fabric is designed to push moisture away from your body.
Powermesh (there’s that control top fabric again) helps smooth out your back and sides and hides unsightly lumps. It also keeps you confined inside the bra where you belong.
You don't have to settle for basic black or white either, it's also available in lime/cobalt/ gray/mango, beige, abstract ice, abstract paint, kaleidoscope, cyber print, galaxy print, pixel, geometric and stripe prints (37 in all).
This sports bra is great for back and side smoothing, and comes in a considerable range of big bust sizes, up to an H cup.
UK sizes 28D-H, 30D-H, 32C-J, 34B-J, 36B--HH, 38B-HH, 40D-GG.
High impact
Sports by Impact Levels
If you're not sure what impact level you need, here are some guidelines:Low impact: walking, yoga, Pilates
Medium impact: cycling, hiking, skiing
High impact: running, gymnastics, jumping
Jump, run, or head out to the trampoline park, you won’t bounce around in this bra. It has excellent support, as well as shaping. See those seams? They lift and round your breasts, so you never look like you have only one boob. It’s also available in an extensive size range, including the rare 28 band and up to a K or JJ cup, depending on band size.
The fabric is soft and specially designed to dry quickly so you won’t feel sweaty during or after your workout. Nobody wants bra sweat.
Wider underwires are more comfortable, and great if you have wide breasts. And the bra arches in the center, which is better if you have a larger stomach. Double fabric keeps you contained, and the high sides and back smooth you out and tame bulges.
A great choice for big busts and plus sizes, this sports bra comes in extensive big bust cup sizes up to K.
Beige, blue, or charcoal/lime, white, and black in UK sizes 28D, DD, E, F, FF, G. 30-36D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, and K, and 38D-JJ.
High impact
The unique strap design lets you lock in the adjustment so it won’t slip. Essentially, inside of the slide along the strap, there are six fixed “stops”. An extra bit of fabric underneath the strap keeps the adjustment hook away from your skin, so it won’t rub and cause irritation.
One more unusual feature on this bra: the underwires are essentially on the outside. You may think, at first, that you’re putting the bra on inside-out (check the tag side!) but while it may seem odd at first, it’s actually a comfort feature. Since the wires are outside, they won’t rub against your skin and chest, especially while you are jumping around.
The sides and back are tall and made of mesh that will smooth out your back and sides and also keep you cooler, allowing moisture to escape.
Comes in 21 colors, including beige, black, royal blue, toffee, mint, and lilac. US sizes 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 C-H; 42D-DDD.
High impact
If you absolutely must put them in a machine, hook the back together and put the bra in a mesh lingerie bag. Then wash on gentle cycle in cold water.
Don’t put them in the dryer (actually don’t put any bra in the dryer) as it will wear them down faster and the heat will break down the material and the wires. Lay them flat to dry, or drape them on a rack (with the center of the bra over one of the rods and the straps hanging down on either side).
If you like the Elomi Cate, this bra is for you. It’s modeled on the same frame, but transformed into a sports bra with back and side smoothing for plus sizes. There are four part cups and side support panels for great lift, support, and shaping, without uniboob. And, it will keep everything in place so you can jump and roll and kick without having your chest knock on your face.
Perfect for plus sizes, this sports bra has power control fabric on the back and sides to prevent back fat and underarm bulges. Extra panels in the sides push you forward and out from under your arms. The sides and back do get taller as the bra size (band and cup) gets larger, so it may not work if you are at the higher end of the size range and have a short torso.
The straps can be worn standard or racerback (with a J-hook), allowing you to get a bit more support, and concealing the straps under a sleeveless top.
It’s made out of moisture wicking fabric, which will keep you cooler and (incidentally) is also good if your inner body temperature is having mood swings.
With all of that, it still looks an awful lot like a regular bra, so you could use it that way if you want.
Comes in black, white, navy, and beige.
UK sizes 32GG-J, 34G-K, 36DD-K, 38D-K. 40D-J, 42D-H, 44D-GG, and 46D, DD.
High impact
This bra delivers both comfort and a style that’s close enough to a regular bra to wear even when you’re not exercising. It’s got built-in ventilation to keep you cool throughout your day.
This is a full figure style, so the straps are a bit wider (for more comfort) and the cups are slightly larger (for better containment) than an average figure bra. It also has tall, power mesh back and sides to keep you looking smooth and banish back and side fat.
The power mesh also adds moisture wicking and better stretch (since it stretches in every direction), it will be more comfortable. It’s seamless, so there are no lines to show under your clothing. If you hate wires, it also comes in a
Black, damask, white, pale pink, fuchsia
US 36C-44DD
Full figure
Medium impact
A great bra if you prefer less vigorous exercise, such as walking or yoga, but still need full figure support. This bra goes up to a 50 band and K cup! Since the cups ares partially cotton, it’s cooler and naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.
There are seams and inner slings for shaping, but no wires! Instead of wires, there’s a power mesh wide band for added support and comfort. In addition, the sides and back have more control fabric that will stretch to fit you, pull moisture away from your body, and tamp down on unsightly bulges and back fat.
And, it’s another bra that looks a lot like a regular bra.
Available in white, beige, and black; cups go from 38-50 B, C, D, DD, F, G, H, I, J, and K (UK sizes).
Low impact
A running sports bra that’s not too pricy and comes in actual sizes, including D and DD cups. It’s also wire-free (a bit less support, but no wire to rub against your skin). The straps can be worn standard or criss-crossed for extra hold and to help keep the weight off your shoulders.
It’s constructed out of moisture-wicking fabric to keep you drier and more comfortable while you work out. The encapsulated styling keeps your bust supported and minimizes bouncing so you’re more secure while you work out. The sides and back have power mesh for better stretch, shaping, and bulge management.
Black, beige, pink, blue, and white in US sizes 34-42B-DD.
Average bust
High impact
Beige, blue, or charcoal/lime, white, and black in UK sizes 28D, DD, E, F, FF, G. 30-36D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, and K, and 38D-JJ.
High impact
The unique strap design lets you lock in the adjustment so it won’t slip. Essentially, inside of the slide along the strap, there are six fixed “stops”. An extra bit of fabric underneath the strap keeps the adjustment hook away from your skin, so it won’t rub and cause irritation.
One more unusual feature on this bra: the underwires are essentially on the outside. You may think, at first, that you’re putting the bra on inside-out (check the tag side!) but while it may seem odd at first, it’s actually a comfort feature. Since the wires are outside, they won’t rub against your skin and chest, especially while you are jumping around.
The sides and back are tall and made of mesh that will smooth out your back and sides and also keep you cooler, allowing moisture to escape.
Comes in 21 colors, including beige, black, royal blue, toffee, mint, and lilac. US sizes 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 C-H; 42D-DDD.
High impact
Sports Bra Care Note
If you get a dark color, wash it separately a few times (like jeans) to make sure it doesn’t run. It’s best to hand wash your sports bras (and really most bras) because the elastic, wires, and padding can break down in a washing machine.If you absolutely must put them in a machine, hook the back together and put the bra in a mesh lingerie bag. Then wash on gentle cycle in cold water.
Don’t put them in the dryer (actually don’t put any bra in the dryer) as it will wear them down faster and the heat will break down the material and the wires. Lay them flat to dry, or drape them on a rack (with the center of the bra over one of the rods and the straps hanging down on either side).
Plus Size Sports Bras with Back and Side Smoothing
(cup sizes up to K, band sizes up to 50)
If you like the Elomi Cate, this bra is for you. It’s modeled on the same frame, but transformed into a sports bra with back and side smoothing for plus sizes. There are four part cups and side support panels for great lift, support, and shaping, without uniboob. And, it will keep everything in place so you can jump and roll and kick without having your chest knock on your face.
Perfect for plus sizes, this sports bra has power control fabric on the back and sides to prevent back fat and underarm bulges. Extra panels in the sides push you forward and out from under your arms. The sides and back do get taller as the bra size (band and cup) gets larger, so it may not work if you are at the higher end of the size range and have a short torso.
The straps can be worn standard or racerback (with a J-hook), allowing you to get a bit more support, and concealing the straps under a sleeveless top.
It’s made out of moisture wicking fabric, which will keep you cooler and (incidentally) is also good if your inner body temperature is having mood swings.
With all of that, it still looks an awful lot like a regular bra, so you could use it that way if you want.
Comes in black, white, navy, and beige.
UK sizes 32GG-J, 34G-K, 36DD-K, 38D-K. 40D-J, 42D-H, 44D-GG, and 46D, DD.
High impact
This bra delivers both comfort and a style that’s close enough to a regular bra to wear even when you’re not exercising. It’s got built-in ventilation to keep you cool throughout your day.
This is a full figure style, so the straps are a bit wider (for more comfort) and the cups are slightly larger (for better containment) than an average figure bra. It also has tall, power mesh back and sides to keep you looking smooth and banish back and side fat.
The power mesh also adds moisture wicking and better stretch (since it stretches in every direction), it will be more comfortable. It’s seamless, so there are no lines to show under your clothing. If you hate wires, it also comes in a
Black, damask, white, pale pink, fuchsia
US 36C-44DD
Full figure
Medium impact
A great bra if you prefer less vigorous exercise, such as walking or yoga, but still need full figure support. This bra goes up to a 50 band and K cup! Since the cups ares partially cotton, it’s cooler and naturally breathable and moisture-wicking.
There are seams and inner slings for shaping, but no wires! Instead of wires, there’s a power mesh wide band for added support and comfort. In addition, the sides and back have more control fabric that will stretch to fit you, pull moisture away from your body, and tamp down on unsightly bulges and back fat.
And, it’s another bra that looks a lot like a regular bra.
Available in white, beige, and black; cups go from 38-50 B, C, D, DD, F, G, H, I, J, and K (UK sizes).
Low impact
Sports Bras with Back and Side Smoothing
(average to full figure)
A running sports bra that’s not too pricy and comes in actual sizes, including D and DD cups. It’s also wire-free (a bit less support, but no wire to rub against your skin). The straps can be worn standard or criss-crossed for extra hold and to help keep the weight off your shoulders.
It’s constructed out of moisture-wicking fabric to keep you drier and more comfortable while you work out. The encapsulated styling keeps your bust supported and minimizes bouncing so you’re more secure while you work out. The sides and back have power mesh for better stretch, shaping, and bulge management.
Black, beige, pink, blue, and white in US sizes 34-42B-DD.
Average bust
High impact
Made for moderately intense activities, such as cycling or hiking, this sports bra is wire free and has a wide band to keep it in place. A front zipper closure is easy to open and locks into place when you close it. It’s a great feature if you have trouble reaching around your back to fasten your bra.
The cups are padded (for comfort, rather than size, to reduce chafing as you move around). If you don’t want the pads, or are doing something less strenuous, you can remove them.
Powermesh on the back, sides, and straps stop bulges and add moisture control, pushing wetness away from your skin. It will also dry quickly. The mesh also helps with back and side smoothing.
It’s got a racerback, so the straps are less likely to slip.
Sizes S-2X (equivalent of UK sizes 32C-E, 34-38 A-E and 40 C-E)in black, lapis, white, navy, and violet
Average Figure/Some Full Bust
Medium Impact
If you want to exercise after breast surgery, this bra comes with pockets for a prosthesis (sold separately). There’s also a bit of padding for shaping.
It has a zip front closure, which is great if you’ve had surgery, and have trouble reaching behind you to close a back fastening bra. The zipper has a soft lining, so it won’t rub against your skin and cause irritation.
It’s wire free, but the band is extra-wide for improved support and stability while you exercise (in other words, the bra will stay in place better). Power mesh material keeps moisture away from your body and minimizes side and back fat bulges.
Black
Sizes S-XL (equivalent to US 32-42B through D)
Medium Impact
The cups are padded (for comfort, rather than size, to reduce chafing as you move around). If you don’t want the pads, or are doing something less strenuous, you can remove them.
Powermesh on the back, sides, and straps stop bulges and add moisture control, pushing wetness away from your skin. It will also dry quickly. The mesh also helps with back and side smoothing.
It’s got a racerback, so the straps are less likely to slip.
Sizes S-2X (equivalent of UK sizes 32C-E, 34-38 A-E and 40 C-E)in black, lapis, white, navy, and violet
Average Figure/Some Full Bust
Medium Impact
If you want to exercise after breast surgery, this bra comes with pockets for a prosthesis (sold separately). There’s also a bit of padding for shaping.
It has a zip front closure, which is great if you’ve had surgery, and have trouble reaching behind you to close a back fastening bra. The zipper has a soft lining, so it won’t rub against your skin and cause irritation.
It’s wire free, but the band is extra-wide for improved support and stability while you exercise (in other words, the bra will stay in place better). Power mesh material keeps moisture away from your body and minimizes side and back fat bulges.
Black
Sizes S-XL (equivalent to US 32-42B through D)
Medium Impact
