A big part of activewear for women is finding a good sports bra, and preferably one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. So the idea of sewing our own is a pretty appealing idea. Luckily the range of sports bra sewing patterns are expanding quickly these days, and some also offer a lot of support with more intricate construction.
So here is a compilation of sports bra sewing patterns currently available, with comments from me regarding things such as support and construction.
A big list of sewing patterns for sports bra-making:
I first saw this pattern when visiting the stall of a Swedish bra making vendor at a sewing fair. The reviews seem really good and while the constructions look quite easy it looks like it could offer good support and the option to add foam bra cups
German sports-bra pdf-pattern company that comes in a great range of sizes. I have sewn this pattern and really liked it! But it does need some extra stability layers, such as power net.
Sports bra patterns that are easy to make and best suited for small busts. And with the addition of stable power net lining it could offer good support too for small to medium busts.
A huge size range and with lots of design options. From the styles shown on the website this looks like a model that will fit many well, but perhaps it doesn’t offer the super support that the Endurance bra does from the same pattern company.
Large range of sizes, with lots of design option and looks very supportive, according to the description it caters to lift larger cup sizes without the “uniboob” look.
Looks like a medium support bra that according to the description works by compressing the chest to hold your breasts in place and the that the fit and support is fairly dependent on the fabric choices. Lots of cool design options, this is definitely one of the most fashion-like, innerwear as outerwear, bra pattern I’ve come across.
Two strap options with sizes ranging from A to G: The thin strap versions don’t appear to be very supportive, but I think with some power net lining the racerback version could probably give it some stability for at least some breast.
This bra pattern stands out to me because it looks more like a regular bra, but with added stability, which is a style that I personally like, rather than having the bra just pressing the boobs together.
The actual fit of this bra pattern is hard to gauge since it looks kinda off on the model. The support comes mostly from the fabric, not much when it comes to structural support from what I can tell from the tutorial. But hey, it is free!
I created this pdf-guide to help you sew supportive sports bras. It covers what fabrics and notions you need in order to create a fully supportive sports bra and how to build a strong, non-bouncing foundation. I also show step-by-step tutorials for some common assembly steps to make the sewing process easier.
Want to add a simple built-in-bra to your workout top? In this tutorial, I show how it can be done.
This was a pretty extensive list, but I’m sure there are more patterns out there. Please share in the comments section and if you have any tips, tricks and favourite materials for making your own sports bra
Also, join my Sewing Activewear Facebook group if you like. Several folks, there have made their own sports bra and can offer great advice.
I don’t know how available Simplicity patterns are where you live, but they recently put out a sports bra pattern (8339) with coordinating tank top (8338) and leggings (8212) patterns. Like several of the later entries in your list, the Simplicity design looks like it would offer minimal support unless a stable lining was added. I haven’t sewn it yet, but have the pattern and will be reviewing your tips on activewear when it comes to the top of my queue.
This is very timely as I’m looking at sports bra patterns. I haven’t seen any reviews for the Kelly sports bra and I’d be interested as Beverly drafts bras so I’ll presume she knows about keeping bigger boobs in place. I’m trying to get my friend in the US to get me the Simplicity ones mentioned above as they are not offered here yet, or maybe ever as we miss out on a lot in Australia.
Yes I think the Kerri sports bra is the way to go for bigger boobs, which is also the conclusion I got from skimming some reviews of the pattern (there are some on blogs). My overall impression is that there are not much to choose from when it comes to more supporting sports bra patterns, compared to the crop tank top versions, which there are plenty to go around. I really like the design of the Simplicity ones and is tempted by that one too.
I own Jalie 2563 and made one sports bra several years ago but after trying a RTW sports bra from Panache (no bouncing whatsoever, believe me, I jumped up and down at the store), I almost forget that I could sew one.
I must confess that when I see a woman running or at the gymn without proper breast support, I fell sorry for them. They are damaging themselves and aren’t even aware of it!
Yes and it is painful too! I know that if I’m wearing something with not enough support and am jumping, it hurts! Perhaps there are some tricks and construction ideas you can get from the Panache if you are planning to make another sports bra? I have one from Shock Absorber that I’m thinking of mimicking and tweak to fit me even better.
I looked at your post because I am interested in making some sort of support bra. I had a lumpectomy in November and my exercise routine is sorely lacking because of the pain. The trampoline is totally out right now, which was my favorite way to exercise. running or jogging–forget about it!! Even the very expensive sport bra I got at the oncology wear center was no help at all. What’s a girl to do? Make your own, right? But finding a pattern that will work is not working out. I am going to join the Facebook group for active wear and see if they can offer any help. Thanks!
Oh I can imagine! You have come back from such an ordeal. I hope that you are on the road to recovery, hugs. As for bras it sounds like you might need to construct your own pattern, or at least tweak a pattern to make it work for you. Or even better, take a class in bra making if there are any available in your area. I know several people who have done that and came back with great fitting me-made bras.
Johanna and Cindy I have just found this post because I too am recovering from a lumpectomy and looking for a good supportive bra. My dr said to get a no wire, front opening sport bra to wear all the time. Most are bright colors that I would not want to wear under clothing and they have big chunky zippers. So I am looking to make some but not too pleased with the selection of patterns available. Just wondering since it is over a year later if either of you have found any more patterns or classes specific to sports bras.
You might consider checking out maternity/nursing bras. Many of them hook in the front and come in wire-free options. They can appear a little odd with the cup flap, but it doesn’t really bother you while wearing it. They do tend to be supportive. And they usually aren’t brightly colored.
I have a similar issue…I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery 6 years ago. I am fighting lymphedemia under my arm. I have not been able to find any support bra to help. If anyone can give me ideas, I would love to to hear them
Not sure if you still want more links to patterns, but So Sew Easy has a “Ultimate sports bra pattern” for free download through Craftsy. Thank you for a very good list, and also the tutorials!
Hi! Only just found this post, and I watched your video on making a sports bra on YouTube, too.
I was wondering if you have any updates on sports bra patterns for a larger bust, but (relatively) small band size? I’m usually around a European size 75 H, and most of the larger sizes don’t account for the difference in width. That means while the band will fit, the cups are often too wide and too shallow at the same time – I need that side support! I haven’t found any patterns that I’d not be afraid to try (I’m sort of a beginner/intermediate sewist…). I am hoping with time, I will be able to improve my sewing and drafting skills enough to draft my own pattern, because RTW sports bras are SO expensive in this size!
Also, someone commented on the Panache sports bras – those are the best fit I have found so far. A lot of sports bras also have straps that are too long for me – the sliders can only go so far, and that’s not far enough for me. (My boobs sit quite high on my torso, apparently.) The Panache bras actually have very little stretch in the cups – almost none, I’d say. They are shaped really well, which means they encase each breast individually and just sort of hold the boobs in place. So if you were to try to replicate that, you’d have to make two individual cup shapes, not a uni-boob type thing (which always irks me, because then there’s still too much movement sideways, if you know what I mean).
Anyway, sorry for the longwinded comment, haha! I thought you’d be interested to learn what things are important in terms of support for women with larger band-to-bust differences. Please keep us updated if you find more patterns that would be more supportive!
Porcelynne’s Laurel is very supportive and caters for small to large bands and big cups (I made 30 i, but it goes from 38-52 band and A to N cup), while being really comfortable.
I wonder what you think about this design as a sports bra. http://www.braandcorsetsupplies.com/2018/07/13/introducing-ingrid/ It is marketed as a non-wired one but it looks very similar to the sports bras I wear to the gym and for running. I take an A or B cup so don’t need lots of support. What would you suggest to adapt this to a sports bra?
Remember to choose a pattern that matches your skill level and desired level of support. Additionally, always follow the instructions provided with the pattern and consider making a muslin or test version before using your preferred fabric.
I prefer the Alison Sports Bra Pattern from Bra Making Supplies! I mean it has that support on the back which is SO SUITED for women who have bigger breasts. You know when you have bigger breasts, your posture is really affected and they causes back pains too! But all of these sports bra sewing patternsmake it so easy to adjust the level of support and coverage, ensuring a comfortable fit for every activity!
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18 Comments
Caitlyn
April 27, 2017 at 3:17 pmI don’t know how available Simplicity patterns are where you live, but they recently put out a sports bra pattern (8339) with coordinating tank top (8338) and leggings (8212) patterns. Like several of the later entries in your list, the Simplicity design looks like it would offer minimal support unless a stable lining was added. I haven’t sewn it yet, but have the pattern and will be reviewing your tips on activewear when it comes to the top of my queue.
Johanna
April 27, 2017 at 3:21 pmThank you for the tip! I’ll add it to my list and yes it looks like not much built in support, but I like the style lines and the back variations
Summerflies
April 28, 2017 at 10:05 amThis is very timely as I’m looking at sports bra patterns. I haven’t seen any reviews for the Kelly sports bra and I’d be interested as Beverly drafts bras so I’ll presume she knows about keeping bigger boobs in place. I’m trying to get my friend in the US to get me the Simplicity ones mentioned above as they are not offered here yet, or maybe ever as we miss out on a lot in Australia.
Johanna
April 28, 2017 at 3:29 pmYes I think the Kerri sports bra is the way to go for bigger boobs, which is also the conclusion I got from skimming some reviews of the pattern (there are some on blogs). My overall impression is that there are not much to choose from when it comes to more supporting sports bra patterns, compared to the crop tank top versions, which there are plenty to go around. I really like the design of the Simplicity ones and is tempted by that one too.
Andrea
April 28, 2017 at 2:58 pmI own Jalie 2563 and made one sports bra several years ago but after trying a RTW sports bra from Panache (no bouncing whatsoever, believe me, I jumped up and down at the store), I almost forget that I could sew one.
I must confess that when I see a woman running or at the gymn without proper breast support, I fell sorry for them. They are damaging themselves and aren’t even aware of it!
Johanna
April 28, 2017 at 3:43 pmYes and it is painful too! I know that if I’m wearing something with not enough support and am jumping, it hurts! Perhaps there are some tricks and construction ideas you can get from the Panache if you are planning to make another sports bra? I have one from Shock Absorber that I’m thinking of mimicking and tweak to fit me even better.
Cindy M in Oregon
April 28, 2017 at 5:28 pmI looked at your post because I am interested in making some sort of support bra. I had a lumpectomy in November and my exercise routine is sorely lacking because of the pain. The trampoline is totally out right now, which was my favorite way to exercise. running or jogging–forget about it!! Even the very expensive sport bra I got at the oncology wear center was no help at all. What’s a girl to do? Make your own, right? But finding a pattern that will work is not working out. I am going to join the Facebook group for active wear and see if they can offer any help. Thanks!
Johanna
May 2, 2017 at 8:20 amOh I can imagine! You have come back from such an ordeal. I hope that you are on the road to recovery, hugs. As for bras it sounds like you might need to construct your own pattern, or at least tweak a pattern to make it work for you. Or even better, take a class in bra making if there are any available in your area. I know several people who have done that and came back with great fitting me-made bras.
Donna Kraft
August 7, 2018 at 10:12 pmJohanna and Cindy I have just found this post because I too am recovering from a lumpectomy and looking for a good supportive bra. My dr said to get a no wire, front opening sport bra to wear all the time. Most are bright colors that I would not want to wear under clothing and they have big chunky zippers. So I am looking to make some but not too pleased with the selection of patterns available. Just wondering since it is over a year later if either of you have found any more patterns or classes specific to sports bras.
Karsa
November 28, 2018 at 4:55 amYou might consider checking out maternity/nursing bras. Many of them hook in the front and come in wire-free options. They can appear a little odd with the cup flap, but it doesn’t really bother you while wearing it. They do tend to be supportive. And they usually aren’t brightly colored.
Bonnie
September 25, 2021 at 8:22 pmI have a similar issue…I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery 6 years ago. I am fighting lymphedemia under my arm. I have not been able to find any support bra to help. If anyone can give me ideas, I would love to to hear them
Maria
April 26, 2018 at 3:50 pmNot sure if you still want more links to patterns, but So Sew Easy has a “Ultimate sports bra pattern” for free download through Craftsy.
Thank you for a very good list, and also the tutorials!
Billie V (Bruennhilde on Insta)
September 13, 2019 at 12:19 pmHi! Only just found this post, and I watched your video on making a sports bra on YouTube, too.
I was wondering if you have any updates on sports bra patterns for a larger bust, but (relatively) small band size? I’m usually around a European size 75 H, and most of the larger sizes don’t account for the difference in width. That means while the band will fit, the cups are often too wide and too shallow at the same time – I need that side support! I haven’t found any patterns that I’d not be afraid to try (I’m sort of a beginner/intermediate sewist…). I am hoping with time, I will be able to improve my sewing and drafting skills enough to draft my own pattern, because RTW sports bras are SO expensive in this size!
Also, someone commented on the Panache sports bras – those are the best fit I have found so far. A lot of sports bras also have straps that are too long for me – the sliders can only go so far, and that’s not far enough for me. (My boobs sit quite high on my torso, apparently.) The Panache bras actually have very little stretch in the cups – almost none, I’d say. They are shaped really well, which means they encase each breast individually and just sort of hold the boobs in place. So if you were to try to replicate that, you’d have to make two individual cup shapes, not a uni-boob type thing (which always irks me, because then there’s still too much movement sideways, if you know what I mean).
Anyway, sorry for the longwinded comment, haha! I thought you’d be interested to learn what things are important in terms of support for women with larger band-to-bust differences. Please keep us updated if you find more patterns that would be more supportive!
Karey
September 26, 2019 at 6:07 amPorcelynne’s Laurel is very supportive and caters for small to large bands and big cups (I made 30 i, but it goes from 38-52 band and A to N cup), while being really comfortable.
Karey
September 26, 2019 at 6:08 amSorry 28 – 52 band for Laurel
Bel
October 10, 2019 at 3:38 amI wonder what you think about this design as a sports bra. http://www.braandcorsetsupplies.com/2018/07/13/introducing-ingrid/
It is marketed as a non-wired one but it looks very similar to the sports bras I wear to the gym and for running. I take an A or B cup so don’t need lots of support. What would you suggest to adapt this to a sports bra?
Limelight Teamwear
June 21, 2023 at 4:37 pmRemember to choose a pattern that matches your skill level and desired level of support. Additionally, always follow the instructions provided with the pattern and consider making a muslin or test version before using your preferred fabric.
Alexandra G. Martin
September 7, 2023 at 1:33 pmI prefer the Alison Sports Bra Pattern from Bra Making Supplies! I mean it has that support on the back which is SO SUITED for women who have bigger breasts. You know when you have bigger breasts, your posture is really affected and they causes back pains too! But all of these sports bra sewing patternsmake it so easy to adjust the level of support and coverage, ensuring a comfortable fit for every activity!