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Athleta · Sports bras

Athleta Ultimate Bra D-DD+ Review (2026)

4/5
our rating
$54 seen $34.99Full price on Athleta’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026

Best for: D–DD+ cups doing medium-impact cardio.

Skip it if: You need high-impact encapsulation or underwire.

Comfort4/5
Performance4/5
Durability4/5
Value4/5

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The Athleta Ultimate Bra D-DD+ is the larger-cup version of Athleta's medium-impact racerback sports bra. It is made of recycled polyester and Lycra in SuperSonic fabric, lists at $54 and was $34.99 when we checked. Sizes 1X to 3X have a hook-and-eye back closure. It is aimed at cardio like running, training and HIIT, though medium impact may not be enough for high-impact running with a large bust. The page showed only one size, and it was out of stock.

What we like

  • Designed for D–DD+ cups
  • Racerback for full range of motion
  • 1X–3X sizes have hook-and-eye back closure
  • Mid-rise neckline

Watch out for

  • Medium impact only
  • Out of stock at fetch
  • Fabric percentages not listed
On this page
  1. Fit and sizing
  2. Fabric and feel
  3. How it performs for running and training
  4. Price and value
  5. Alternatives
  6. Who should skip it

Fit and sizing

The bra is designed for D to DD+ cups. The page shows that sizes 1X to 3X have a hook-and-eye back closure for added support, and it links to the A-C version for other cups. The page showed only size XS, out of stock, so we could not verify the full size run. Athleta's page does not list band sizes, so use the brand's size guide.

Fabric and feel

The page names the fabric as SuperSonic, described as sleek with supportive compression, and the fiber line reads Recycled Polyester/Lycra without percentages. Features listed include wicking, quick-drying, breathable and UPF 50+. The neckline is mid-rise for medium coverage. The recycled material claim is the brand's.

How it performs for running and training

Athleta lists it as best for cardio: run, train and HIIT, but the impact rating is medium. For large busts, medium-impact bras often feel adequate for walking, cycling and strength work, but running is where the gap shows up. If you run with a larger bust, an encapsulation or underwire bra like the Brooks Dare Underwire or the Panache Power Wired is a stronger option. Our best sports bras for a large bust page covers more.

Price and value

List price is $54 and the sale price on the page was $34.99, an online exclusive. That is reasonable for a cup-specific bra. See Athleta for brand details.

Alternatives

For a cheaper high-support bra with hook closure, see the Gymshark High Support V-Neck. For an adjustable high-support one, the Nike Indy High Support has a plus option.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you want high-impact support, an underwire, or adjustable straps.

Specs

ForWomen
SizesXS–3X (D–DD+ cups; 1X–3X have hook-and-eye)
Extended fitsPlus sizes
FabricRecycled polyester/Lycra (percentages not on the page)
Recycled materialsYes (brand states)
SupportMedium
Cup sizesD–DD+
Alpha sizesXS–3X
ClosurePullover
Adjustable strapsNo
LonglineNo
StyleRacerback
PocketNo
Good forRunning, HIIT, Gym training

The verdict

A comfortable medium-impact option for D-DD+ cups, with a hook-and-eye closure in 1X to 3X. Buy it for cardio and everyday training, on sale. Skip it if you run regularly with a large bust and need maximum support, and look at an encapsulation or underwire bra instead.

Check today’s price at Athleta

Alternatives to consider

Compare all side by side

Frequently asked questions

What cup sizes is it for?

D to DD+.

Is it high impact?

No. The page says medium impact.

Does it have a hook closure?

Sizes 1X to 3X have a hook-and-eye back closure, per the page.

What is it made of?

Recycled polyester and Lycra in SuperSonic fabric; percentages are not listed.

Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026

Notes: Ratings estimated from specs and review consensus (owner reviews, brand-page reviews, tester sites); not tested by us. Only size XS was shown on the page (out of stock); full size run not verified. 'Recycled Polyester/Lycra' per page data. Padding not stated (null). Closure is pullover except hook-and-eye in 1X–3X per the page.

  1. athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=531143212

Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.