The Best Sports Bras for Breastfeeding Moms
I’ve been breastfeeding Rory for about four months now and that means my chest has grown quite a bit! Once the doctor gave me the all-clear to start working out (about six weeks postpartum), I started to incorporate light activity and exercise into the mix. But it wasn’t until about a month ago that I started to add more high-intensity workouts into my routine, including running. Boy, oh boy, let’s just say that first run realllllly hurt the girls. I mean, whoa baby! Here I was huffing and puffing because I hadn’t run in so long, but all I could think about was stopping the bouncing to give my breasts a rest!
Sunglasses // Hat (similar) // Top (old from Athleta) // Sports Bra // Jacket (old from Zella) // Leggings // Gym Shoes (similar) // Socks
If you’re a breastfeeding mama or just a large-chested woman, I bet you’ve experienced this! In fact, I know many of you have because when I discussed it on Instagram I was flooded with responses from women in the exact same boat. One of my favorite things about Instagram stories is the ability to get advice from thousands of women. I ended up asking for recommendations for the best sports bra for a larger chest and I received hundreds of great recommendations. I knew I would be throwing this bra on for a good workout and then washing it immediately, so it didn’t matter to me if the recommendation was for a nursing/pumping friendly bra or a regular one. I ended up getting recommendations for both, which was wonderful. ย
I thought it might be helpful to compile all of those sports bra recs into a single blog post AND I even have a review of one of them that I’ve been using for the past few weeks.
Best Sports Bras for Breastfeeding and/or Large-Chested Women
Shefit Ultimate Sports Bra
I received quite a few recommendations for this bra. You can wear the straps 2 ways (H-back or X-back) and it also has a front zipper. This bra looks like it will really hold the girls in!
Shop ThisPanache Sports Wired Bra
This bra goes all the way up to a J-cup which is pretty awesome. It also looks pretty comfortable and I like that the cups have some shape (no uni-boob!).
Shop ThisBrooks Juno Sports Bra
Now, this is a bra that many breastfeeding mamas recommended to me because you can adjust the size as your boobs change size! It has adjustable straps and an adjustable back closure. I love Brooks shoes for running, so it’s no surprise that they would create a great runner’s bra!
Shop This$24 Syrokan High Impact Bra
At just $24, this was by far the most budget-friendly sports bra of the bunch and whoa did I get a lot of recommendations for it. I actually ended up buying it and I share my honest thoughts below!
Shop ThisLululemon Enlite Bra
Lots of women told me that this was one of the comfiest sports bras they own! I’m a big fan of Lululemon because the quality is so nice and their items last forever. This bra looks smooth and comfortable and it goes up to cup size E.
Shop ThisSenita Nursing Sports Bra
Here’s another nursing friendly option as the flaps open easily for feeds. It even has a pocket on the back that perfectly fits a phone (great for running!).
Shop ThisAthleta Advance Bra
Athleta is another athletic brand that I adore. Their products are always incredibly soft! This bra comes in gorgeous colors and I love that the straps are adjustable.
Shop ThisIngrid & Isabel Maternity & Postpartum Bra
I purchased a lot of items from Ingrid & Isabel for my pregnancy. It was pretty much my go-to workout and athleisure brand during those 9 months. It’s great that this sports bra works for both pregnancy and postpartum/nursing. Plus, it’s super cute!
Shop ThisMy New $24 Sports Bra
Now, let’s chat about one of the most budget-friendly options on the list…this $24 sports bra from Amazon. I received so many messages about this bra that I figured I had to try it out. In fact, here’s the one review from a reader that really sealed the deal for me…
“Seriously I run every single day and do high impact workouts and my boobs DO NOT MOVE! It’s very comfortable for a sports bra, super sturdy, and only $24! Lasts with wash and wear like crazy. It’s literally the sports bra to end ALL SPORTS BRAS!”
I told her that that was the most glowing review of a bra ever! I bought it immediately in white (they didn’t have my size in black), and I’ve been using it for every single run. It’s true, the girls do not move! In fact, it’s crazy how I don’t even think about my chest when running. I’ve found that if I pump right before I go and I wear this bra, then I am good to go! It’s nice because it has two clasps in the back and it comes in cup sizes. I ended up going up a cup and a band size from my regular pre-pregnancy bra size. It’s snug, but that’s the way it’s supposed to be!
I highly recommend this bra, especially for a $24 investment. I also just bought this Panache bra from Athleta during their recent sale. I’ve only used it for one run, but it held the girls in nice and tight. So that’s another one that might be a good fit.
Now, I would love to know…which bras am I missing? Are there any sports bras for breastfeeding or larger-chested women that didn’t make the list? Share your favorites in the comments below!
Casey