The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bras for Big Boobs
Rachel Aschenbrand-Robinson
Rachel Aschenbrand-Robinson
When you have big boobs, finding a bra
that's well-fitting, supportive, doesn't look like a medieval torture device, or something your grandma would've worn can be challenging, to say the least. In this long-overdue age of accepting your body as is, the DD cup and over set shouldn't have to settle for less. Here, we've narrowed down the most beloved bras for busty ladies, according to five of the industry's top experts: Lyn Lewis, CEO of Journelle; Jené Luciani, author of The Bra Book: The Fashion Formula to Finding the Perfect Bra; Heather Viskovic, Bare Necessities premium brands buyer; Cora Harrington, founder of The Lingerie Addict blog; and Jenny Altman, founder of intimates website I Love a Good.
The Best Sports Bras for Big Boobs
Anita High Impact Wire-Free Sports Bra ($51-$69): "Support doesn't have to come at the expense of comfort," says Viskovic. "With a large size range and a super soft lining on the inside of the cups and padded straps, this high-impact sports bra is so lightweight you'll forget you have it on!"Enell Sport ($66): Don't be dissuaded by the look of this bra. Harrington notes, "This bra isn't glamorous, but it gets the job done and that's what counts. The Enell Sport features wide straps, a wide band, and a wide back — and all that extra width means extra comfort for you. Even better, Enell offers customization so you can find your perfect fit."
Lorna Jane Reduce That Bounce Sports Bra ($70): Altman loves this option for its performance, as well as its clasp opening. "This open-back sports bra is perfect for intense workouts," she says. "The power mesh panels provide extra strength and compressive support, while the wide elastic hem band prevents it from riding. I love the clasp back for easy on and off and allowing for the perfect fit — a must, in my opinion."
Panache Ultimate High Impact Underwire Sports Bra ($70): According to Luciani, "Many women think that their only option is a sports bra that pulls over their head (AKA a compression style) and squishes breasts flat to their chest so they do not move. However, this is a terrible option for big boobs — a larger-busted women needs an encapsulation style much like a regular bra. The Panache one was studied and reduced bounce by 83 percent. It's made and tested for high-impact activities such as kickboxing!"
Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Sports Bra ($70): Lined, molded, wireless, and seamless, this bra is all about reducing friction in your most sensitive areas so you can focus on what matters most — your workout. "This bra works by compression and encapsulation, a hybrid approach to minimizing bounce," says Harrington. "It's also easy to find discontinued colorways of this bra on sale."
The Best Soft Cup Bras for Big Boobs
Gossard Glossies Lace Sheer Bra ($53): According to Lewis, this bra is destined to be a staple piece. "The lace on this cup is beautiful and remarkably smooth," she says. "It can be worn under lighter fabrics and is a go-to for an intersection of pretty and everyday."Soma Bralette Lace Plunge Racerback ($30): "Give a bralette a chance!" says Luciani. "I recently had a woman say that she cannot wear this because she has big boobs and I am here to say, you can wear this. It has a wide band, which offers additional support that would normally come from molded cups or an underwire. And who doesn’t love pretty lace?"
Wacoal Basic Beauty Bra ($37-$50): "This is one of the best, if not the best unlined bra out there," says Viskovic. "It’s so smooth and lightweight, and will give you such a natural shape you'll likely be grabbing this one every weekend."
True&Co True Body Lift + Scoop Neck Bra ($58): "The True Body collection has gotten rave reviews for being the softest, most lightweight bras out there," says Altman. "This one is awesome for women with larger busts who still want support and that 'I can't feel my bra when I wear it' comfort. It uses special placement of seaming to act as a wire underneath the breast, and goes up to a size 38DDD and 40DD."
Empreinte Melody Underwired Seamless Bra ($184): "The Rolls Royce of seamless, unlined bras for big boobs, Empreinte's lacy Melody style is pricey, but oh so worth it," says Harrington. "This bra was revolutionary when it first debuted, providing lift and shape without seams, and the sheer lace means this style is pretty, not frumpy."
The Best Full-Coverage Bras for Big Boobs
Panache Lingerie Jasmine Balconnet Bra ($67): Construction is everything when it comes to this style. "The seamwork on this style is next-level amazing," says Lewis. "It pulls the breast tissue in on the sides while lifting in the front with the center gore [the fabric connecting the bra cups in front] coming in super close to the chest."Elomi Cate Underwire Bra ($59): "Available in band sizes up to a 46, this bra is known for its amazing fit and support. If you're fuller figured (that is, both plus-sized and large-busted), you'll want to try this style," says Harrington.
Soma Vanishing Back Full Coverage Front Close Lace Trim Bra ($60): "I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Vanishing Back Bra by Soma," says Luciani. "This is the best coverage I’ve seen on any bra as far as preventing spillage. And the way it’s designed, the straps stay put. They even have a front-close, which is hard to find and a lot of women like."
Prima Donna Madison Full Cup Bra ($94-$129): The style's worth the splurge, according to Viskovic. "If you have the money to spend, then I would recommend this bra," she says. "This is another cut-and-sew bra with stretch levers lace that conform to each breast with no detail overlooked."
Chantelle Velvet Touch Full Coverage Unlined Bra ($74): "Velvet Touch by Chantelle feels so fabulous," says Altman. "It's velvety, smooth, lightweight, and full coverage. Even if you're a 32G or 40D, this is a flawless fit. Not many brands do the small band, large cup as well as Chantelle."
The Best Strapless Bras for Big Boobs
Chantelle Vous Et Moi Strapless Bra ($78): Don't worry about slippage with this option. Says Lewis, "This style is available in up to a G cup and survives the jump test every time. Once it's on, it's not going anywhere."Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra ($65): "If you're tired of hiking up your strapless bra, then your search is over," says Viskovic. "This strapless has a snug fit in the band, which is what you need first and foremost for a strapless, [and] with built-in side boning and padded cups, you'll never worry about your bra sliding down."
Panache Evie Strapless Bra ($63):"Panache makes the best one by far — up to an H cup!" Luciana says. "It has silicone around the band to stay put and structured cups. And see the wider bridge? That also offers support."
Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Bra ($75): "This is a great choice if you are bigger than an H cup," Viskovic says of her runner-up pick. "This one has seamed padded cups which give you a front and center shape, especially beneficial in the larger cup sizes."
Elila Lace Strapless Longline Bra ($54): Harrington recommends this style for a worry-free wedding day. "This is the strapless longline for brides, especially plus-size, full-bust brides," she says."The cut-and-sew cups give incredible support, shape, and lift, while the boned longline portion helps to keep everything in place."
The Best Pretty Bras for Big Boobs
Adina Reay Fran Bra ($135): "This bra is magical," says Lewis, "and one of the few lower coverage options for busty gals."MORE by Bluebella Artemis Wired Bra ($62): "London lingerie brand Bluebella has an entire collection devoted to larger breasts called MORE by Bluebella," says Altman. "This style has underwire and strategically placed seams to give the breasts uplift and nipple coverage. The wide back with three hooks instead of two offers extra support. And the light and stretchy lace on top is great so you don't get spillage!"
Panache Clara Bra
($67): "The balconette is the bra world’s best kept secret," says Luciani. "Because the cups cut straight across and the straps are wide-set, it creates two nice little bumps — a flattering look for women of all sizes. This one is made in four sections; that’s like platinum in the bra world."
Curvy Kate Scantilly Peek-A-Boo Balcony Bra ($90): "I love everything from this label, but the Peek-a-boo Balcony Bra is a clear standout,” raves Harrington. “It’s like nothing else on the market and everyone who's tried it agrees — this bra is super sexy."
Curvy Couture Tulip Lace Push-Up Bra
($60): Viskovic loves this style for plus sizes. "The light push-up pad here gives a natural swell that makes this bra a one of a kind in this size range," she says. "The lace motif resembles a tulip (seriously, how cute?) but doesn’t cover the entire cup, so it can be your sweet little secret, or not."
The Best Wireless Bras for Big Boobs
Fortnight Lingerie Luna Long Line Bra ($98): "This is one of the few wireless bras that actually does the trick for larger cup sizes," says Lewis. "The longline provides excellent support and the mesh cups are super strong."Bali Comfort Revolution® Smart Sizes Shaping Wireless Bra
($42): "This has been a longtime favorite of mine — the stretchy yet sturdy fabric provides support, along with the wider bands, and it’s SO comfortable," says Luciani.
Freya Fancies Bralette ($38): Harrington notes, "The Freya Fancies is a comfort bralette — perfect for wearing around the house, to bed, or for errands on those days you just want a bit of light support."
Hanro Cotton Sensation Full Busted Soft Cup Bra ($89): "This is a great comfort bra for DD/E girls: no wire, total comfort," says Altman.
Lively The Busty Bralette ($35): According to Altman, this style "was an aha moment for busty girls. It looks, feels, and fits as good as a DD deserves (and needs). It's that inner [supportive] sling that make it functional."
The Best T-Shirt Bras for Big Boobs
Gossard Glossies Moulded Bra ($49): "The cup is seamless and it's a super strong mesh material. It also comes in up to a J cup," says Lewis.Montelle Pure Plus Full Coverage T-Shirt Bra ($52): "This bra is everything you could ask for and more," says Luciani. "The band arches in the front/center so it’s not digging into your tummy. It has boning on the sides for support and a flattering sweetheart shape. Moderately lined cups and an underwire make it the perfect t-shirt bra."
Chantelle Modern Invisible Smooth Custom Fit Bra ($74): "This style is great for a t-shirt bra," says Altman. "It has light memory foam which gives good nipple coverage. Memory foam is not padding, it's a lightweight foam that molds to your shape to help even you out. Translation: no bulk."
Natori Pure Luxe T-Shirt Bra
($54-$72): "The super soft cups feel luxe against your skin while giving you a good shape," Viskovic says of this style. "It’s the ultimate comfort t-shirt bra."
Freya Idol Balcony T-Shirt Bra ($51-$68): According to Viskovic, "This t-shirt bra is the crème de la crème everyday essential. The support and lift this bra gives will have you feeling 22 all over again."
Curvy Couture Flawless Lace Smoother Bra ($68): "There's no reason an everyday t-shirt bra shouldn't also be pretty," says Harrington. "Curvy Couture focuses on fusing fashion, fit, and technology for bras that are the 'secret weapon' of a full-figured wardrobe. Everyone I know who's tried this brand has fallen in love."
What’s your favorite large-busted bra? Let us know on Twitter @BritandCo!
What’s your favorite large-busted bra? Let us know on Twitter @BritandCo!
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