Best Sports Bras for Women Over 50
Last week when I posted The Most Comfortable Bras for Women Over 60, there was a lot of interest from the AWSL community in a sports bra round-up. I decided to dive in and begin researching the most supportive, comfortable, and easy-to-get-on and off, athletic bras out there.
Since various physical activities require different levels of support, this post has a wide variety of options. You certainly don’t need a high-impact bra for yoga like you would for a dance class or cycling! I also know AWSL readers have various bust sizes, so I took that into account when considering factors like full coverage, underwire, padding, and strap size.
As I mentioned in last week’s post, if you order a new sports bra, don’t forget to donate your old one(s) to a local woman’s shelter.
Best Sports Bras for Older Women
Fruit of the Loom Front Closure
Several AWSL readers mentioned that they prefer to wear athletics bras that fasten as it can be difficult to get the pullover styles over your head. This breathable, full-coverage bra from Fruit of the Loom has full coverage and hook and eye-front closures. I would recommend this one for low-impact exercise, as the soft cotton will still allow some movement.
Champion Spot Comfort
This sports bra by Champion takes the pressure off your shoulders with gel-infused straps. It’s wire-free and comfortable while still supportive enough for your favorite exercise activity. It’s a great budget-friendly option as it’s under $20. Comes in sizes 34C-42DDD.
Lululemon Enlite Front-Zip Bra
If you’re looking for a high-support bra that also has a front closure, you should check out this bra from Lululemon. It is an investment piece compared to some of the others I am sharing, but you all know how I feel about quality items that will last. This bra was created with running in mind, so it will keep everything right where it needs to be throughout any high-impact activities you engage in. Find it in a 32A-40DD.
Natori Yogi Convertible Bra
This underwire athletic bra from Natori fastens in the back. The straps can be taken from their standard position to crisscross, allowing you to wear them with various workout tops and tanks. Reviews say they are invisible under clothing and the full-coverage cups provide medium to high support. This is the bra that my friend with a larger bust recommends. It comes in sizes 32A-38H.
Glamorise No-Bounce Camisole Sports Bra
The stitching on this bra by Glamorise allows you to get high-impact, full-coverage support without requiring an uncomfortable underwire. I thought the addition of the breathable mesh at the neckline would be wonderful for those looking for additional coverage while still allowing you to stay cool. Get yours in sizes 34C-50J.
Wacoal Underwire Sports Bra
You all read in my previous post that I typically don’t opt for an underwire bra because I am smaller-chested. If I were well-endowed, then this one would be my pick! The underwire is built on the outside of the bra, so you receive the lift and support you need without the feeling of an uncomfortable wire against your skin. The straps are wider but close-set so they won’t dig or slip, and they can be adjusted from the back. The unique design prevents the “uniboob” that so many women complain sports bras give them while also preventing any bouncing during your high-impact workouts. You can find this one in sizes 32C-40I.
Tank Top with Built-In Bra
Tank top/sports bra combinations are so convenient. They’re also great if you hate doing laundry as you are only producing one item of dirty clothing rather than two! I would suggest these for low-impact activities like walking. I linked a few more options that I thought looked nice down below!
Shop more of the best sports bras for older women:
Do you have a favorite sports bra you can share with us? Please share in the comments and let us know why you like it.
I really like the Soma zip-front sports bras. They have good support and are very comfortable. Will be checking out some of these other recommendations as well.
Thank you for the post. I added the Nordstrom Glamorise to my Wish List–hoping that it shows up for Anniversary Sale later this year. I currently wear a Kohl’s Tek Gear Front Zip style that works very well for me when I take dance classes. I can recommend this brand because it holds up well and has a very secure zipper!
I second (or third) the recommendations for the Wacoal sports bras. I have a large-ish chest and need a supportive bra for jogging. The Wacoal works well and I find it comfortable. I’m also looking for a zip-front sports bra like the one you showed from Lululemon? Has anyone tried it? I don’t love the back cross-straps look but as long as I don’t have to pull it over my head, I would try it.
I never pull bras on or off over my head! So much easier to step in and pull up, then pull down and step out š.
I’m assuming you have narrow hips:) That works for me too.
I will have to try this
I purchased ANGOOL Strappy Sports Bras for women from Amazon, and I love them! I am small-busted and do only low-impact exercise. They give good support, and have straps that cross in back. They are a pull-on style, and I find I have to take them off by going down, instead of trying to pull them over my head and shoulders. No problem getting them on over my head; but I have issues with one shoulder so I can’t get them off that way.
I can’t wear racer-back bras; they drive me crazy. I don’t like the pressure along my spine.
Jennifer, you mentioned some time ago the brand of cotton panties that you like. Could you provide that information again?
Thank you SO MUCH for all the helpful info you provide!!
Kathy, apologies for my typo. The brand is Knix!
You gave me a great idea to check out sports bras. It never fails, all my bras straps seem to sneak off my shoulders. But a sports bra would not. Thanks for the suggestion.
I hadnāt thought of that. Racer back straps should stay in better in a regular bra as well.
I tried on sports bras one day awhile back and they were the ones you pull over your head then adjust your breasts so they are actually in the cups. It was a struggle but the worse was taking them off. Having a rotator cuff injury, pulling anything over my head is nigh on impossible. I would get stuck in these things and wonder if I needed to call in reinforcements. Seeing oneās with back or front closures has me interested once more.
Jockey’s seam-free mid-impact bra has a front zip and racer back. It’s made from recycled materials and is a reasonable price. Great for walking and gym – what’s not to like? Icing on the cake – there’s a sale on now.
Thanks Maeve.
I haven’t worn sports bras but I’m going to check some of these out. Good to know about the readers that like the ones from Target. I purchased one for my daughter and she loves it. Thanks for researching!
I love Target for so many things.
I have had good luck with Somaās minimizer bra. Comfortable enough to wear all day and lots of support. My go to for horseback riding.
Good to know, thanks
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks so much for this post.
I am going to try the Wacoal, as I wear that brand in regular bras!
The Fruit of the Loom bra is nice cotton fabric but runs extremely small. I had shoulder surgery last year and tried this front closure bra first to great disappointment. I also found the front closure to irritate the skin. Many front closure bras lack the proper fabric around the front closure so it can dig in. I ended up with some off brand moderate compression zip front bras, again sized way too small. And using cotton shelf bra camisoles from Pact as I am not large busted. Never found a bra that worked.
I wear my regular bra, since I do low impact exercise in an ac gym. I do have one from Target, and it has a closure like a regular bra. I do not like the ones that go over the head. I find it hard to wrestle with them.
Glad to hear I am not the only one who has wrestled with a sports bra! Induces a neck strain. š
I hate having to wrestle with my clothes. There are better alternatives.
I’ve worn the Fruit of the Loom one you mentioned as my house bra for years. Really comfortable.
I have two lululemon pullover bras that work fine . They do hold you tight so not movement.
I wear sports bras for tennis and mostly wear the true sports one. I really need to check out one of two of the ones you posted, thanks.
I’ve had good luck with getting sports bras at Target. I also like the type that zip in front – once they are covered in sweat I find it difficult to pull them over my head LOL.
Great point
The Natori Yogi bra has been my go to for years. So comfortable it can get me through the day.
Good to know, thanks.
I absolutely agree! Itās a great bra for exercise as well as wearing all day, if necessary! Some days just get away from me and I end up in my Natori Ygi bra all day!! Extremely comfortable
The Wacoal bra with the underwire on the outside has been my go to for years. Great support for those of who are well endowed and donāt want to be bobbing up and down. š I actually wear it all day sometimes if I am going to be busy. Itās great.
Itās a great concept too! Thanks for sharing
Glamorise is an awesome sports bra! I used it when I was a 34I and it has a high level of support. I have since had a breast reduction and have found a front closure bra by bcg with mid level support that I love. I got mine at Academy Sports but Target also carries this brand and I am sure it can be found online.
I have a funny story! A few years ago, I had to have a heart stress test, (the one where they inject you with a medication and you run on a treadmill). Prior to the test, the cardiac nurse gives me a sports bra to put on. Now mind you, I AM quite endowed. I put it in and then had my test. While Iām running, Iām thinking ā who wears these things, thereās absolutely no supportā. Well, I wore it home, and as I am changing back into my regular clothes, I burst into hysterics. Of course, my husband comes running into the bedroom. Here I had the darn thing on BACKWARDS!! No wonder I had no support! We had a real good laugh, over it, but to this day, I wonder what the doctor and nurse were thinking!!
That is hilarious! Thanks for sharing.
Hate to say it but I just purchased three sport bras at Aldi that were on clearance for $7.49 a piece and they are better than any of the others I’ve purchased over the years.
Well, I guess I have an excuse for not working outā¦none of these bras come on my size.
Thanks for the round up
I was thinking the same thing! Iām a 42C and these donāt come close to that size. Iām decently endowed but not overly so.
Kathy, have you checked out Knox. Itās an on line store, my daughter swears by their bras and sports bras, and she is well endowed. I believe some are pull on others with back closure.
Bare Necessities carries quite a few sports bras in your size, like this one
What size do you need? Let me see what I can find for you.