When it comes to finding the right bra, we can all agree that it’s no easy feat. But things are changing thanks to more innovative technology and more women-designed products. In that spirit, we’re taking on the challenge of finding the absolute best bra for your needs.
For our first undergarment challenge, we sought out the best unlined, everyday bra for gals with bigger boobs. In particular, our associate style editor was on the hunt for some support for her 32DDDs, which she had previously found to be difficult. (Note: That size may sound huge, but it falls more in the biggish size range. We *highly* recommend getting a professional sizing if you haven’t lately.) Finding this style can be tricky because designs for breasts that fall in between average and sizable are often heavily padded and/or have thick straps, making them stiff, overly molded and, quite frankly, uncomfortable. After trying out a seemingly endless number of options that claimed to tackle this particular issue, she discovered one option that clearly stood out as the winner.
Negative Underwear’s Mesh Sieve Demi Bra ($70) is that lightweight yet supportive bra you and your bigger breasts have been looking for. Although Negative doesn’t currently market this style to busty gals, it runs big and is crazy comfortable. According to Negative Co-Founder Marissa Vosper, “[This bra] really speaks to the core ‘cut the crap’ mantra of Negative as a brand.”
Why We Love It: First off, the underwire is surprisingly just. So. Comfortable. Designed for women, by women who value simplicity and comfort, each bra is made from Belgian honeycomb micromesh. “We spent years on what felt like a sourcing scavenger hunt — seeking out the best fabric mills, the best elastics makers, the best hook and eye suppliers,” says Negative Co-Founder Lauren Schwab. “We sampled and then wore-tested every component part until we found pieces that we loved and most importantly, that felt good when we wore them.”
Available in black, white, and peach, the underwire demi cup style features a flexible, elastic waistband and smooth grosgrain straps that don’t dig, and it is constructed sans itchy tags thanks to the thoughtful detail of a heat transferred care label. Second, it’s hella supportive. It gives your girls alift without an aggressive push-up effect, and it feels secure without being overly restrictive. This might be the toughest obstacle that gals that are more well-endowed women encounter and so we give this company major props for nailing a very difficult balance. Lastly, we love this affordable staple because it’s seamless and can be worn with almost any top all while being pretty damn sexy.
The Downside: Unfortunately this bestseller doesn’t come in enough sizes. As of now the biggest size offered is a 36C in width and 32 DD in cup and although it definitely runs large (our editor fits a 32DD), we think women with even bigger breasts would really enjoy its appeal. And Vosper agrees, asserting that increasing the size range is a priority. “Not all of the materials and products we make are immediately suited to grade up and down the size spectrum,” she says. “But we’re committed to figuring out what is, and making it happen.”
So there you have it, folks: a bra that’s supportive, stylish, and not too spendy! Hopefully, the bra will come in even more sizes in the future.
What kind of bra do you need? We want to hear about it! Tweet us and tell us @BritandCo!
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(Photos via Negative Underwear)