Gear Institute: Best Running Bras C/D Cup

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By Kim Fuller                                                            Published by Gear Institute

Finding the right running bra is hard, especially when you’re sporting a larger cup size. For this test, the tester acquired 5 sports bras that were recommended for C/D cups. Some of the bras were considered running-specific, and some of them were for more all-around activity. It was clear that the companies that make run-specific sports bras excelled at it for all cup sizes, even in comparison to the companies that make bras that are specifically for larger cup sizes. 

It all comes down to support, and it’s pretty easy to know immediately whether a bra is going to be supportive enough for running—just jog up and down the hall in your house a couple times and you’ll certainly know if you don’t want to go out for a run with one. 

This year’s test has a clear winner. Lululemon’s Enlite Bra is new to the market as an extra-supportive running bra. It’s designed to maintain the natural shape of a wearer’s chest while also controlling movement. The breathable built-in cups were engineered to soften bounce, and they do just that. 

The Enlite Bra was also the highest price point of the test at $98. For women with C/D cups who are looking for high-impact support that’s hard to find, it may be worth the investment. 

The Saucony Impulse Bra Top also provided great support throughout testing, but has a tighter and more constrictive fit.  

Middle-of-the-road bras included the Salomon Medium Impact Bra and the Handful Y-Back. Both bras were not great for C/D cup running, but each had unique qualities in style and fit. 

The Oiselle Gifted Verrazano Bra was the tester’s least favorite. The garment provided a lot of chest coverage, but not complete support during running, and the adjustable four strap design added hardware that complicated the bra rather than complement it. 

The tester has a size D cup, and tested five bras for three months while running in both warm and cold weather conditions. Time spent wearing each bra and running ranged from short 20-minute interval sessions to more casual fun runs, to trail and road running races.

For more reviews beyond this 2017 test, check out our other running bra tests, road running shoe tests, trail running shoe tests, and other related running gear tests.