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Welcome to Bargain vs Bougie, Metro.co.uk’s new series pitting products at varying price points against each other.
This week we’re looking at high impact sports bras. As someone with a DD chest and a regular fitness routine, I’m always on the hunt for a supportive – but not ugly – design.
Why brands think bigger breasts need unattractive bras is a personal gripe, so I set out to try bras from a mix of retailers, billed as being designed for high impact workouts, to see whether I could find a good one at a reasonable price.
From £17.99 to £75, I’ve worked out in bras across the price spectrum. Spoiler: I think you need to spend £40 for a properly good one, as a particular bra stood out to me and I’ve since bought two more of them.
I’m hopeful a day will come when bigger busted people won’t need to fork out for a sports bra, but for now, bougie(ish) seems to be the winner.
Here’s how I got on, from cheapest to most pricey.
H&M, £17.99
By far one of the cheapest options out there for high support, but not one of the best in actuality.
I used to swear by H&M sports bras. As a financially strapped student working three part time jobs to pay the rent, this was all I could afford – and I found they actually did the job back then.
Gross, I know, but I still have the ones I wore aged 20. It’s been useful for this test though, as my old and well worn ones offer more support than this new style. The material is also much thinner than those old ones, so you can feel it’s cheaper.
What a shame they’ve changed the designs, making them less supportive.
Though it’s billed as high support, I think it’s actually medium as you get some chest compression but still lots of bounce. It won’t be great for long distance running, but for weights exercises at the gym or classes, it’s a nice cheapy buy that will do the job.
On affordability and style, it ranks well. On support, it’s okay, but it’s nothing to write home about.
Score: 5.5/10
M&S, £25
Oh, M&S, I really wanted to love this. But alas, it’s my least favourite bra of the batch.
Firstly, M&S had considerably less aesthetically pleasing designs among their high support options.
But the real problem when I tried this, was my boobs moved up and down a lot during my workout and didn’t feel compressed at all. They felt like they were just hanging there, tbh.
Even with low impact exercises like yoga, this doesn’t do it for me.
I also think if you try this bra to combat the lack of support, size down a cup so it sits tighter.
4/10
Gymshark, £40 (currently £28)
This is the winner for me – and I’ve genuinely gone and bought it in two more colours since testing it.
The bad things first: it’s a struggle to get on and take off, but that is owing to the support it gives. Once you’ve managed to pull it down over your head and adjusted your cups, it’s very comfortable and stays put.
I only had minor jiggling when running and working out in the gym, so the support offered is great and I’ll be wearing it for my upcoming 5k Race for Life charity run.
My cleavage slightly rose to the top of the bra as I worked out, but nothing was exposed. I actually quite liked the subtle cleavage it gave me – unlike the M&S one, this flatters boobs.
Also, the colour options are nice.
9.5/10
Lululemon, £48
For starters, this looks very similar to the H&M one – so if you’re trying to save a buck on style, keep that in mind.
Overall, I like this sports bra. I’d say you should order two sizes to compare, as I found it came up slightly small in my usual size and my boobs felt wedged in.
Often with high impact bras, the issue is the breasts moving up the top of the bra – this has the opposite issue.
There’s no risk of boobs moving up and cleavage being on display, it’s more that they move down. I didn’t feel as supported around my underboob, which is bizarre.
However, things stay put during a gym workout, which is all it really needs to achieve. My PT also loved how the back of this looks, as it has a crisscross design.
7.5/10
Nike, £59.95
I’ve gone running in this and done weight lifting – and it always does well in giving me support. I noticed some bounce when skipping, but otherwise I worked out without being too aware of the bra.
It is, however, steeper in price – so you’d expect it to deliver.
This is comfortable to wear and easy to put on due to hook and eye fastening at the back.
I also felt very comfortable working out in this without a vest over top, which I seldom do in sports bras.
8.5/10
Puma, £60
I found the sizing options a bit confusing here – there isn’t a 34DD option, so I went for 36D and found it a slightly too large. I’d recommend ordering a couple to compare.
This offers decent support, but for the price I’m not convinced it’s the best. You could happily do a light jog in this, but for a long run? I’d look elsewhere.
For other sports, it’ll do the trick, and avoid cleavage showing thanks to a higher neckline.
7/10
Sweaty Betty, £75
Now, this is a luxurious bra, but it’s personally way above anything I could afford to spend on gym wear.
However, if this is in your price range, it’s soft, easy to put on, feels lovely on nipples if they’re sore, and I love the plum colourway.
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There’s no risk of cleavage jumping out here, as it all feels very secure and comes up high on the chest without feeling suffocating. Though, there isn’t much compression so I like this best for medium impact work.
When running, there’s a bit of movement, whereas when doing weight work and vinyasa flow yoga, it’s perfect.
If you’re a runner, save your cash and look elsewhere.
7.5/10
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