There are so many uncomfortable bodily changes that occur during the menstruation phase of our cycle. The usual culprits include cramps, food cravings, and fatigue, but there’s also one period symptom that seems to always take us by surprise (even though it happens every dang month): breast swelling. It’s caused by fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, according to Sophia Yen, MD, MPH, the co-founder and CEO of Pandia Health. While quite common, tender and swollen breasts can cause discomfort and pain during movement, so if your girlies begin to feel uncomfortable while exercising, doctors say sports bras for sore boobs may help.
What to look for in sports bras for sore boobs
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a sports bra for sore boobs is the fit. “Women should wear a well-fitted sports bra that is designed for the activities they are likely to perform—higher support would be needed for running and jumping and less for walking or yoga,” says Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group.
Looser and low-support bras aren’t going to offer sufficient support to keep the boobs from moving around, so it’s best to avoid them, adds Dr. Purdie. To check if your sports bra fits, ensure there are no large gaps or that the breasts are spilling out. “A large gap would indicate the cups are too big, and the breast tissue spilling out would indicate the cups are too small,” Dr. Purdie explains.
Another factor to consider is the material. “Bras made with spandex and elastane typically offer better support,” Dr. Purdie says. When it comes to straps, Dr. Purdie recommends wider straps, as they tend to offer more support without digging into the shoulders. No underwire works best, but if you do end up opting for an underwired bra, “it should be well-lined and not cut into the breast,” recommends Dr. Purdie.
We know that tender boobs are no fun to deal with, so we tapped two doctors for their input and sports bra recommendations. Below, you’ll find sports bras that offer support, reduce movement, and will actually hold your bust in.
For small chests
Under Armour, Women’s Armour High Crossback Zip Bra — $55.00
Sizes available: 32A-44DDD
For people in the itty bitty boobie committee, Dr. Purdie recommends Under Armour’s High Crossback Zip Sports Bra. This sports bra is great for sore boobs because it has a front-zip and crossback straps—which happen to be adjustable—that gently compress the boobs and prevents them from jiggling around (soreness, be gone). Albeit compressive, the mesh inserts and outer vent hot air during workouts, no matter how sweaty they get. Plus, your boobs will sit comfortably in the bra thanks to the foam pads. From high- to low-impact, this sports bra has got you covered (literally and figuratively).
Colors: 6
- Has adjustable straps
- Crossback design
- Breathable
Champion, Absolute Sport Bra, $15-$22
For a compressive sports bra without the frills, Champion’s Absolute Sports Bra is one you’ll want to add to your list. Made of a blend of polyester and spandex, a material that Dr. Purdie recommends, this bra marries the perfect blend of compression and comfort, offering enough support for folks with smaller chests during high-impact workouts like running and high-intensity interval training. The straps are wide enough that they won’t dig in your skin, and the Absolute bra comes in two basic colors—black and white—so you can pair them with anything. Who’s ready to put in the work?
Sizes available: XS-2XL
Colors: 5
- Features wide straps
- Great for high-impact workouts
- Affordable
For medium chests
Lululemon, Run Times Bra — $68.00
Sizes available: 32C-42DDD
Keep your girlies tucked in with Lululemon’s Run Times Bra. Available in medium to larger bra sizes, the Run Times comes recommended by Dr. Purdie because it offers a good amount of compression. Thanks to the nylon and stretchy elastane blend, this bra is not too tight nor too loose; it offers just the right amount of room while holding in the boobs, so you don’t have to worry about nip slips during workouts (phew). And whenever you need additional support, don’t forget to use the adjustable straps. While designed specifically for running, the compression this bra offers renders it suitable for all types of high-impact workouts, from jump rope to sprints. Put this on, and you’ll be ready to step foot on the pavement.
Colors: 8
- Great for high-impact workouts
- Has adjustable straps
- Stretchy yet compressive
Champion, Comfort Sports Bra — $28.00
Sizes available: 34C-42C
Exercise like a “champion” in the Comfort Sports Bra. This high-impact sports bra is designed just like a regular bra minus the underwire, so if you like this type of style, this bra is for you. Featuring hooks in the back and adjustable straps, the Comfort Sports Bra feels like second skin. It’s constructed out of a blend of mesh, polyester, nylon, and spandex, so it’s compressive yet forgiving in all of the right areas. You can count on this bra not digging into your skin, all claps to the gel-infused straps. Whether you’re running, hiking, or walking, this bra promises no bounce, and it’s available in sizes 34C and 42C, ideal for medium- and large-chested folks.
Colors: 6
- Affordable
- No underwire
- Gel-infused straps
Nike, Dri-Fit Alpha Sports Bra — $51.00
Sizes available:
Cross training, anybody? Then you’ll want to opt for Nike’s Dri-Fit Alpha Sports Bra. Made of moisture-wicking polyester and stretchy elastane, the Alpha will keep sweat at bay as you put in the work at the gym while minimizing the bounce, making it ideal for sore boobs. For added support, the wide straps can be adjusted to offer you more compression. Hitting the pavement will no longer be uncomfortable, and you’ll have eight skin-complementing colors like purple and ocean blue to choose from.
Colors: 8
- Moisture-wicking
- Has adjustable straps
- Features bra-like hook
For larger chests
Elomi, Women’s Plus-Size Energise Underwire Sport Bra — $52.00
Sizes available: 32GG-46DD
For people with larger chests, Dr. Purdie says you can do no wrong with Elomi’s Energise Underwire Sports Bra. This bra is available in larger sizes, from 32GG to 46FF and is ideal for all types of workouts. Featuring a polyamide and elastane blend, this bra is like a hug for your girlies. They offer just the right amount of tightness, so your breasts don’t move freely. What’s unique about this bra is that it has a three-section cup. This means that the bra supports your boobs while offering a good lift and bust separation ratio. Even more, use the movable J-hook whenever you need racer-back support.
Colors: 5
- Three-section cup
- Features movable J-hook
- Has adjustable straps
Panache, High Impact Underwire Sports Bra — $51.00
Originally $70, now $51
Featuring a sweetheart neckline, this high-impact sports bra is fashionable as it is functional. With underwire cups, this sports bra offers ample support and keeps your breasts in place. You can also adjust the compression level with the adjustable shoulder straps—which have a magnetic and hook-and-eye closure. It’s available in a whopping 46 colors and patterns, from teal lime to abstract print and is ideal for running, incline walks, hiking, weightlifting, and more.
Colors: 46
- Stylish
- Available in 46 colors and patterns
- Has adjustable straps
She Fit, Ultimate Sports Bra — $75.00
Sizes available: XS-6XL
High-intensity workouts call for a high-impact sports bra like Shefit’s Ultimate Sports Bra. This one has all the bells and whistles: two-way stretch fabric that’s made of nylon, spandex, and polyester to reduce bouncing, padded straps that won’t dig into the skin, and convertible straps that can be worn in an X- or H-formation. It also boasts a zippered front with a hidden hook that makes taking the bra on and off easy. What’s not to love about it?
Colors: 11
- Reduces bounce
- Can be worn in X- or H-back formation
- Has padded straps
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