I’m a 38DD and Wear This $29 Sports Bra Weekly for Pilates — I Can’t Believe It Actually Lifts and Supports My Chest

After a long hiatus, I recently returned to the gym. I was dreading it, but not for the seemingly obvious reason of pausing my workouts for a long time. No, what kept me away was the fear of finding a sports bra to support my larger chest.

Over the years, I’ve stuffed my 38DD breasts into many ill-fitting sports bras. Some gave me uniboob, while others created an immense amount of spillover, and some wouldn’t contain the bouncing. But when I decided to try Pilates reformer classes four months ago, I renewed my search once again for the perfect sports bra. Thankfully, this time, I discovered an under-$30 style that worked for my 38DD chest.

Shapermint Sports Bra

I actually owned the Shapermint sports bra for at least six months before I even tried it on. Truth be told, I really didn’t think it was going to be supportive, flattering, or comfortable. Well, I was wrong. The racerback silhouette is designed in stretchy polyamide jersey, with a deep scoop neck, wide shoulder straps, and removable cups. (Since I have a larger chest, I prefer to take the cups out.) The band stays in place throughout every Pilates move, and I like the lower neckline, since it stays hidden under my lower-fitting tank tops. 

I’m also especially enamored with the subtle seaming across the chest, which lends style and support. I particularly love it in black with contrasting white tipping, but it also comes in a variety of solids and other tipped colors, including navy, gray, and white. While I work out in an XL, it comes in sizes S–4X.

This sports bra has racked up over 1,000 five-star ratings from shoppers, many of whom have larger breasts like I do. A 44DDD reviewer called it an “excellent sports bra for larger chests,” adding that “the fit was spot on,” and their breasts are “completely covered and supported.” Other full-figured shoppers said it “delivers great jiggle reduction” during fitness sessions, and they “actually leave it on and don’t mind wearing it to the store or at home.” 

While I was more than thrilled to find just one sports bra that works for my chest, I actually found a second favorite that’s earned a spot in my rotation as well. Before I tried on the Baleaf Nuleaf sports bra, I never thought one with a strappy design would actually work for my larger chest. Imagine my surprise and delight, then, when this style completely exceeded my expectations. It’s designed in soft, satiny polyester, with enough stretch — over 30 percent, in fact — to help the bra move with me throughout my workouts. The brand’s signature Nuleaf fabric is super breathable, too, so I don’t feel constricted during bridges or planks. 

Baleaf Nuleaf Strappy Sports Bra

The sports bra has 3D molded cups with sewn-in pads (though I like keeping them in for a little extra shaping) and a wire-free design, and it stays in place while helping my breasts feel supported. The criss-crossing straps give it a stylish look, too. I own the navy version in a size XL, which fits perfectly. It also comes in light brown, black, and white, and sizes XS–XXL.

Multiple shoppers praised this sports bra’s design, comfort, and support. One reviewer compared it to a more expensive brand, calling it “the best sports bra ever” and specifically noting that it’s “comfortable [and] supportive.” A second reviewer said the sewn-in pads “don’t move around or come out in the washer,” and it provides “enough support for weight lifting [or] low-impact aerobics without feeling snug.” Still other shoppers said “the shape [it creates] looks darn good for a sports bra,” and it “works for the gym and for every day.” To all of that, I say, absolutely.

Ready to level up your sports bra game? Add these two to your cart now, then keep shopping for even more sports bras for large breasts on Amazon, below.

Iuga Strappy Padded Sports Bra

Yvette High Impact Sports Bra with Criss-Cross Back

Wingslove High Impact Wire-Free Sports Bra

Running Girl Strappy Sports Bra with Molded Cups