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With our sights set on warmer days, it's time to turn our attention from snuggly separates and pajama sets to more delicate lingerie buys designed for romantic nights. But for those of us who wear a size C-cup or greater, lacy come-hither styles that pull double duty to be supportive and sexy feel like a fantasy. Ladies with larger chests have historically felt ignored by the lingerie industry, but that's changing thanks to an increased brand focus on inclusivity. “Larger sizes have been traditionally overlooked by retail brands, or are offered in a handful of options that are comfortable but not beautiful," explains Ra'el Cohen, Chief Creative Officer of ThirdLove, a label that has built its name on foundation pieces for a wide range of sizes.
It turns out that well-endowed women might be bypassing a surprising selection of bras designed to highlight their assets. “Lace bras are a great option for fuller-busted girls,” explains lingerie expert Jenny Altman. “Lace stretches and molds to your shape, [where] molded cup bras either fit in the cup or they don’t. This means if you’re larger in one cup than the other, one style will fit both boobs. If you gain or lose any weight and your breasts change, the lace will still fit.” And it turns out that there is a slew of flirty options created with bigger chests in mind. “Many full-busted women are convinced that they need a pad or a contour cup for lift so they don’t always look for a lace bra,” explains Alicia Miller, fit expert at Chantelle. “Lacy and seamed bras are actually some of the most supportive bras out there and can provide better shaping for full tissue than a typical T-shirt bra.” Keep reading for our favorite laced-out bras.
Fleur du Mal Fuller Cup Lily Embroidery Plunge
“Having a full bust doesn’t mean you have to hide what you have,” offers Altman. Reach for this alluring demi by Fleur du Mal to pair with anything from low-cut dresses to a simple white tee. The fuller-cupped iteration of their best-selling Lily style manages to tame your ta-tas with seductive floral embroidery and a bit of hard-working underwire.
Cosabella Savona Curvy Longline Bralette
Getting a little assistance and volume is just as important for gals with fuller girls, according to Altman. But look for options that continue to hold you in as they hold you up, like this wireless lace buy that feels soft and comfortable as much as it supports.
Lively Lace T-Shirt Bra
If you’re hoping to spice up your everyday go-to, look for a tried-and-true style that features femme touches. “[What makes a good lace bra] is understanding what the best bra is for a larger chest and then enhancing it with lace,” explains Michelle Cordeiro Grant, founder and CEO of Lively. Your wardrobe basic doesn’t have to be boring, but it does need to offer strong, extra wide straps for lift and support, she said: “A supportive inner sling will help keep you in all the right places, and a wide sporty band offers the ultimate comfort and holds to the body.”Le Mystere Sophia Lace Bra
When you’re in need of a little extra something to keep you in place, opt for a full coverage bra fashioned with mesh sides and memory foam cups for flat, controlled sides, and a perky silhouette that doesn’t pucker. “This bra looks so sexy under the guise of an awesome support bra,” Altman raves. “Memory foam cups mold to you for softness, and the scalloped lace is flattering and always lays smooth.”
Chantelle Champs Elysees Full Coverage Unlined Bra
Available for up to an H, the Champs Elysee Full Coverage Unlined Bra is a mix of strong and soft with sheer embroidered tulle and a soft knit lining. A strong power-mesh band provides lift and helps create the look of a longer, thinner waist. “The type of lace is important," offers Miller, “something with a slight stretch to accommodate fullness but also with enough rigidity to lift. Seaming will provide additional support and a slimmer silhouette for a full cup."
ThirdLove Graphic Lace Contour Plunge
Beautiful, feminine, and effortless, this plunge bra's lace rests over the label's signature memory foam cups that mold to your body to give your ladies smooth support with a flirty twist.
This article has been updated and was previously published in Feb. 2019.
