Many might think women with large busts have won the genetic lottery, but a bigger cup size does come with its frustrations, from reports of back pain to the neverending search for the right bra. So you can expect there’s a lot to consider when it comes to bra shopping for bigger breasts, especially with so many options and opinions out there.
How should a bra for large busts fit? | What bra features to look for? | What is the best style for larger busts? | Best bras for large busts | Best smoothing underwire | Best plus-size smoothing underwire | Best wireless | Best minimizing | Best plus-size minimizing | Best high-impact sports bras | Best low-impact sports bra | Best strapless | Best nursing | Best demi-cup | Best push-up | Best bralette | FAQ | How we chose | Meet the experts
Before you even get to browsing, experts tell Shop TODAY that you need to know your correct size because that can change depending on many factors. "As the sizes go up, fit becomes even more important," says bra expert and author of “The Bra Book” Jené Luciani. "You should have yourself measured (or measure yourself) at least every six months to a year, as even as little as a 5-pound weight loss or gain can affect your bra size."
"The wrong size is 99% of the bra problems that we see," Lori Kaplan, bra expert and owner of Bra Tenders adds. "Everybody is wearing the wrong size bra."
With that being said and with the help of experts, we're breaking down everything busty girls need to know when it comes to shopping for the best bras.
Shop TODAY Snapshot: Best bras for large busts
- Best smoothing bra, expert pick: Fantasie Rebecca T-Shirt Bra, $75
- Best underwire bra, expert pick: Elomi Charley Spacer T-Shirt Bra, $76
- Best wireless bra, editor's pick: Shapermint Smoothing Comfort Wireless Bra, $34.99
- Best minimizing bra, expert pick: Fanatsie Fusion Support Bra, $64
- Best full-coverage bra, expert pick: Goddess Keira Support Bra, $52
- Best strapless bra: Soma Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless Bra, $62
How should a bra for large busts fit?
Once you've nailed down your current sizing, you'll be able to find the correct bra to support you. "A bra is designed to support the weight of your breasts," says expert bra fitter and founder of Soutien NYC Lily Flast. "Ideally, we’d like 80% of the weight distributed by the band and 20% by the straps." However, Luciani even suggests looking for a 90/10 support distribution.
Bra band
The band should also have at least three to four rows of hooks and not gape in the front, and the bra experts mention that women usually tend to wear a bra that has too big of a band and sits too low. And Flast says a low-sitting band can cause breast friction that can lead to skin irritations.
"A good way to test [the band size] is to slide two fingers underneath your back band — if you can pull it away from your body significantly, it’s too big or it’s stretched out and needs to be replaced," says Luciani. For proper support, the band needs to be horizontal all the way around, and she says if it's riding up in the back, then it's sliding down in the front.
Wire
On the other end, you don't want the bra to be squeezing or digging in anywhere, especially if you opt for a wire. The underwire, which Flast says will provide the most shape and support, should sit against your ribcage where the breast tissue starts and reach to where the breast tissue ends at the armpit. "This should never poke into your breasts," she says.
If you have heavier breasts, Luciani says she generally recommends a wire to help “anchor the bra down,” but thanks to new fabrics and technology with cups, many big-breasted women can enjoy the comfort of wire-free bras.
Cups
When it comes to cups, the experts all agree that you don't want to feel like you're spilling out and suggest finding a cup size that fully covers all of the bra tissue. And to avoid falling victim to "side-boob," Kaplan says the cup should start behind the breast: "We see a lot of women that buy bras where the cups are cutting their boobs in half, like right where there’s a lot of meat on the sides here. And you got to capture that," Kaplan explains.
What bra features to look for in larger busts?
Similar to fit, there are a few features the experts note that will help provide you with the most comfort and support. While you're looking for a proper band fit, you'll also want to find a wide band. And the experts mention that wider straps are ideal since 10-20% of the support comes from there, too.
Another important feature to look for when shopping is the type of cup. Luciani notes that you'll want to avoid demi cups since they don't provide enough coverage. Instead, the experts say you'll want to look for cups that are molded to provide lift, which is also functional for sagging busts. Kaplan notes that molded and padded are not the same thing; a molded bra is a shaped cup whereas padding is designed to push up and make breasts appear larger.
"Look for side boning too as you don’t want the cups to collapse," notes Luciani. "I also recommend foam cups for this reason so it has a little more structure to it to combat the weight of the heavy breasts."
What is the best bra style for larger bust?
There are tons of styles out there but it's never a one-size-fits-all situation. It's more important to look for the key features of wider bands and straps, full-coverage cups and underwire for support. "My favorite bra type might not be the next person's," notes Luciani.
"You should never settle! If you want comfortable, full-coverage, sexy, plunge, strapless, etc.," adds Flast. "There's probably a bra out there for you and you should have the comfort look and confidence you want! "
Best bras for large busts to shop
Below, we rounded up some expert-approved and editor-loved bras for large busts to shop. You'll find a variety of bras for multiple occasions, from smoothing T-shirt bras to sports bras and editor-favorite wireless options.
Best underwire smoothing bras
Fantasie Smoothing T-Shirt Bra
- Seamless look
- Cup sizes up to H
- Brand notes cups run large
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire, T-shirt | Sizes: 30-40 band, C-H cups | Features: Balcony style, contoured, foam cups
For bands 38 and below, Flast loves the brand Fantasie for T-shirt bras (or everyday smoothing bras!). According to the brand, the cups provide a seamless look and shape, along with under-wiring for support. One Amazon reviewer called it the "best bra ever."
"This bra is molded and to me, that is one of the best aspects of this bra: it’s like your breasts are air cushioned throughout the day and I find it helps them feel less heavy to me as I am carrying them," they wrote.
Fantasie Rebecca T-Shirt Bra
- Seamless look
- Foam-like spacer
- Brand says band may fit larger
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire, T-shirt | Sizes: 30-40 band, D-H cups | Features: Molded cups, spacer
According to the brand, this bra says it's designed to support fuller busts — and is also one of Flast's favorites. The bra features a lightweight spacer and under-wiring for "lifted and rounded support," says the brand.
Freya Idol Balcony T-Shirt Bra
- Wider straps
- Foam-lined cups
- UK sizing
- Brand notes cups may run large
Style: Underwire, T-shirt | Sizes: 28-38 band, DD-HH cups | Features: Foam-lined, contour cups
Flast also likes the brand for band sizes smaller than 38. While this may be a balcony-style bra, the brand says it's still designed to provide the full-coverage support fuller busts' need, which surprised one reviewer. "Also worried that I was gonna spill out the top due to it being balcony, but I don’t, it lifts me nice and I feel security," she wrote.
Best plus-size smoothing bras
Elomi Charley Spencer T-Shirt Bra
- Three columns of hooks
- Full-coverage
- Inclusive sizing
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire, T-shirt | Sizes: 24-46 band, DD-HH cups | Features: Full-coverage, lined cups, wide band
When it comes to plus-size or bands 40 and above, Flast loves the brand Elomi. And this bra checks off all the boxes for large busts, including a wide band with three-column hooks, under-wiring and full-coverage cups.
Elomi Bijou Plunge T-Shirt Bra
- Wide band and straps
- Can wear with lower-cut tops
- Only two column hooks
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire, T-shirt | Sizes: 34-44 band, E-H cups | Features: Contoured lined cups, convertible straps, plunge design
This plunge bra still provides the needed coverage, but allows big-busted women to still rock lower-cut or V-neck tees. "There is no spillage on the sides or the top and the middle front touches the chest. This bra also passes the band test and there is enough padding for modesty and for shaping without it being too bulky," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
Best wireless bra
Shapermint Essentials Smoothing Comfort Wireless Bra
- Smoothing sides and back
- Comfortable material
- Extra wide band
- Straps can slip
- Up to 4XL (44H)
Style: Wireless | Sizes: 30-48 band, A-H cups | Features: Molded, removable cups, three column hooks, very wide band
Senior SEO editor Jess Bender says this bra has been the closest she's ever found to an everyday wear option. "The cut works for just about every option in my wardrobe, it gives me just enough lift and support to avoid the dreaded sagging look and I love how I can customize the straps, cups and closure to make it fit exactly how I like," she says.
This wireless bra features "ultra-stretch bonded fabric" to provide the lift and support that large busts need. And the brand offers up to 4XL, which the size chart notes fits a 44H.
Best minimizing bras
Panache Jasmine Side Support Balconette Bra
- Elastic material
- Lifiting
- Pretty style
- Only two rows of hooks
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire, balconette | Sizes: 28-38 band, D-K cups | Features: Unlined, three-panel cups
If you're looking for a minimizing bra, Flast likes this option for band sizes 38 and below. It features a three-part cup which Flast says is a bra feature that she likes for lift and shape."[It] achieves more forward projection which is also the most effective minimizing shape for breasts," says Flast.
Fantasie Fusion Side Support Bra
- Four-panel cups
- Ideal for shaping
- UK sizing
- Semi-sheer
Style: Underwire| Sizes: 28-38 band, D-HH cups | Features: Unlined, three-panel cups
Another one of Flast's favorites for minimizing is this four-panel bra that offers ample side support and shaping. "This bra fits perfectly. It gives the girls a great shape, no back fat bulge, and it’s comfortable, wrote one Amazon reviewer. "I am able to work out in it as well. It’s full coverage, but doesn’t look like a granny bra."
Chantelle Rive Gauche Side Support Bra
- Four-part cups
- Side support
- Unlined
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire | Sizes: 32-42 band, C-I cups | Features: Unlined, four-panel cups
Bras for large busts can still be pretty and functional, as seen in this option (another one of Flast's picks). According to the brand, this lacy bra offers full-coverage and unlined cups for a supportive and lightweight fit.
Best plus-size minimizing bras
Elomi Matilda Side Support Plunge Bra
- Full-coverage
- Wide band with three hooks
- Unlined and sheer
- UK sizing
Style: Underwire | Sizes: 32-46 band, DD-K cups | Features: Unlined, three-panel cups
For band sizes above 40, Flast chose this full-coverage bra with unlined, three-panel cups that the brand says will keep your busts fully contained. It also features three columns of hooks and a wide band for optimal support. "If you are a truly large cup (over DD) you know the struggle is real. The shape is about as amazing as you can achieve at this cup size — while not rounded you’re also not pointy," wrote an Amazon reviewer.
Goddess Keira Satin Side Support Bra
- Many large cup sizes
- Offers seperation
- Maximum coverage and support
- Non-stretch
Style: Underwire | Sizes: 34-46 band, DD-0 cups | Features: Five-panel cups, mesh side-support band and wings
This bra has five-cup paneling, which offers maximum coverage for larger busts, according to the brand. In fact, this bra offers cup sizes that run up to size O, which is probably why it's one of Flast's other picks for band sizes above 40.
Best sports bras for high-impact
Janji Long Bra
- Moisture-wicking
- Breathable
- Removable cup insets
- Can roll-up
- Limited sizing
Style: Sports bra | Sizes: XS-XXL (band sizes 32-47) | Features: Removable cups, wide, racerback straps
Bender says she's tried dozens of sports bra options and this one is perfect for cardio workouts. She says it helps "tone down the jiggle" and offers great compression. And that's not all, Bender even notes that you can double it as a crop top, since it's longer in length.
"Its moisture-wicking material and breathable mesh lining were also instant wins when it comes to the dreaded post-workout chafing," she adds.
Merrell Ascend Power Bra X Sweaty Betty
- Four-way stretch
- Removable cups
- Thinner straps
- Medium-support
Style: Sports bra | Sizes: XS-XXL (band sizes 30-42) | Features: Removable cups, adjustable straps
Social editorial assistant Annie Shigo says she likes this sports bra for high-impact, cardio workouts. According to the brands, it features removable cups and offers medium support. Plus the bra has adjustable, T-shaped straps for adjustment.
Best sports bra for low-impact
FP Movement Free Throw Double Layer Tank
- Compression design
- Cropped-length
- Low-impact and support
Style: Sports bra | Sizes: XS-L (band sizes 33-40) | Features: Compression, four straps
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger says that while this may be labeled as a tank top, she actually likes it as a low-impact bra. "This sports bra-like top has become my go-to for yoga, or pairing with biker shorts to go on a walk. The fact that it has two layers makes me love it more, because it provides more coverage than your normal sports bra or bralette, and offers the same amount of support," says Hoeger.
Best strapless bra
Soma Stunning Starlet Multi-Way Strapless Bra
- Exposed elastic for hold
- Four-column hooks
- Wear five ways
- Brand says bra is firm
- Reviewers say to size up
Style: Strapless | Sizes: Band size 34-44 Cup Size: B-G | Features: Underwire, removable strap
A good strapless bra is difficult to find but this option from Soma is designed for bigger busts. According to the brand, the bra is firm for optimal hold and features exposed elastic to help from slipping down.
"I bought this bra as its extremely difficult to find a comfortable strapless for size 36DD, this bra stays in place. I love the fit and feel as its super soft and i can wear it all day without marks on my skin," wrote on Soma reviewer.
Best nursing bra
Sublime Adjustable Crossover Nursing & Lounge Bra
- Provides up to size I cups
- Removable padding
- Medium-support
Style: Strapless | Sizes: Band size 28-48 Cup Size: B-iI | Features: Wireless, removable cups
This nursing bra comes in tons of size options, including "busty," which goes up to a size I. Also, the brand notes that the stretchy fabric is ideal as your breasts change throughout pregnancy and postpartum. For nursing moms, the crossover feature allows you to easily pull aside the fabric for easy access.
Best demi-cup bra
Victoria's Secret Wicked Unlined Eyelet Lace Balconette Bra
- Different fabric options
- Demi-cups
- Lace might show through shirts
Style: Balconette, demi-bra | Sizes: Band size 32-44) Cup Size: A-G | Features: Underwire, unlined cups
Senior editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says she's been wearing the Dream Angels line for years and has this exact pair in four colors. "I personally hate even light padding, so I love the unlined styles (but it also comes in smooth fabric options if preferred)," she says. "And something about the balconette shape provides a subtle push-up effect without adding any extra bulk. It’s sort of magical!"
Best push-up bra
Luvlette Dream Curve Support+ T-Shirt Push-Up Bra
- Molded cups and removable pads
- Three-column hooks
- Limited sizes
Style: Underwire, push-up | Sizes: 32-44 band, C-G cups | Features: Molded, removable padding, three column hooks,
If you're looking for a sexier push-up bra, this bra features removable padding. Former Shop TODAY intern Domonique Tolliver says she loves this brand for it's inclusive sizing; she has a small band but a large cup size.
"The thick straps and triple hooks make me feel supported all day. The bra cup sizing correctly accounts for larger sizes that need a push up without spilling out," says Tolliver.
Best bralette bra
Okko Signature Bra
- Seamless look
- Durable fabric
- Thin straps
Style: Bralette, seamless | Sizes: 30-42 bands, A-DDD/F cups | Features: Molded, removable padding, three column hooks,
Many women with bigger busts might fear the look of a "uni-boob," but this seamless bralette is designed with a structured neckline to prevent that. Shigo says she loves this bra because it provides lift while still being comfy.
"It has features like a higher under arm-pit section so your boobs don’t fall out," she says. "And it has really strong fabric at the straps to prevent stretching!"
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not knowing your real size or being properly fit, say our experts. And Flast notes that if you are over a DDD, chances are mainstream stores aren't going to have your proper size, too.
Another mistake she says that she sees often is that some women focus too much on what their back looks like. "The band needs to be firm around your rib cage in order to provide the right support and lift. I remind my clients that our torsos are covered in flesh and to focus on the image in the mirror," says Flast.
While there are wireless options out there, the best support and lift you're going to get is with a wired bra, say our experts. Luciani also notes that well-structured cups and straps are needed for support for heavy breasts, too.
"Wider straps are also a good feature and even those that are lightly padded, as heavy breasts can cause shoulder dig-in and discomfort," she notes.
Generally speaking, padded bras are something that women with smaller chests look for to appear bigger. Instead, Luciani says you'll want to look for graduated padding.
"You may have large breasts but they may have more volume in the lower part of the boob as opposed to the top. So you’ll want to look for graduated padding in the bottom of the cup," Luciani says. "Some women have breasts that splay east/west and therefore they’d want the padding concentrated to the sides of the cup to push breast tissue inward."
Luciani says anything above a 34D is considered outside of "core sizing." She warns you'll want to stay clear of brands that say offer you "sister-sizing," because they're just trying to make a sale.
How we chose
We selected the best bras for large busts based on insights and recommendations from professional bra fitters and specialists and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other options were sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
Meet the Experts
- Jené Luciani is a renowned bra expert and the author of “The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide to Finding the Right Bra, Shapewear, Swimsuit, and More!”
- Lori Kaplan is an expert bra fitter and owner of Bra Tenders in New York City.
- Lily Flast is the founder of virtual bra fitting service Soutien NYC and an expert bra fitter.
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