AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
Having a large bust can be a blessing, but bra shopping can make it feel like a curse. For starters, sizes larger than DD are considered specialty sizes, so they can be hard to find in regular stores even if they actually bother to stock them. Oftentimes the larger cup sizes aren’t cute and sexy, adding insult to injury. And then there’s the very real problem of comfort.
Large breasts can be extremely heavy, pulling your shoulders toward the ground and causing chronic back and shoulder pain. It’s infinitely harder to maintain proper posture when you’re carrying a heavy, busty burden. But there’s hope, so read on if you’re looking for the best bras for large busts!
What to consider when buying bras for large busts
I spoke to bra fit expert, Katie Weir of Weir Wonderful Fit, who has over 16 years of experience working in the lingerie industry and helping women find bras that fit wonderfully. She recommended her favorite large-bust bras that offer support, comfort and style, and provided the following advice.
Band size
Look for bras with a sturdy foundation to avoid shoulder strain. “When shopping for bras for a fuller bust, we want the support of the bra to come from our back band. Bra styles with a wide and firm back band are going to offer you lift and hold without bearing the weight onto your shoulders,” says Weir.
Fabric
Not all bra fabrics are created equal, and larger busts have specific needs. “Fabrics also play a huge part in the support of a bra,” Weir points out. “An all-over lace bra can look beautiful on the hanger but if it isn’t lined, the shape could be a disaster for a fuller bust. For DD+ busts, look out for mesh-lined, non-padded designs as this will offer a rounded, uplifted shape.”
Side support
Lift is important but it isn’t everything. For a smooth silhouette, you want your bust to sit forward rather than toward the side, which will make you look wider overall. The best shapewear for women always considers how to sculpt and support our curves. “If you’re looking for forward projection from your bra — your bust sitting in the center of your body — a side support bra is going to help to bring the breast tissue into the center of the cup and your body for a fabulous natural, perky look,” explains Weir.
Wide straps
“Many women hate a wider strap but it’s there for a reason,” says Weir. “They help distribute the weight and stop your bras from digging into your shoulders. A heavy bust will be in pure comfort and support in a bra which has a wide, firm back band and wide straps!”
Our top picks for the best bras for large busts
Best balconette bra for large busts: Panache Nina Balconette Bra
Best balconette bra for large busts
Panache Nina Balconette Bra
Balconette bras are excellent for large busts because they have a sexy, vintage look that also offers a lot of support. “I adore this shape as the style projects the bust for a beautiful rounded and structured shape,” recommends Weir. “Panache bras are so comfortable and well made, they’re worth the investment.” This bra doesn’t come in a lot of color choices, but as Weir argues, “Leopard print is a neutral!”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30DD-38J.
- Band sizes: 30-38.
- Cup sizes: DD-J.
- Color options: Black leopard and coral leopard.
- Style: Balconette.
- Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane.
- Price on publish: $71.
What we like:
- Flattering shape.
- Sexy, lacy design.
- Good side support.
What we don’t like:
- Only two color options and they’re both leopard.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Panache Nina Balconette Bra offers structured support with excellent side support.
Get it here: Panache Nina Balconette Bra
Most comfortable bra for large busts: Elomi Matilda Plunge Bra
Most comfortable bra for large busts
Elomi Matilda Plunge Bra
No matter your bust size, most women agree that bras are uncomfortable. For larger-busted women, however, it’s a catch-22: Wearing a bra means uncomfortable constriction but going braless is uncomfortable, too. “For my heavier-busted clients, I always recommend the Elomi Matilda,” says Weir. “The bra is a plunge shape and offers a lot of lift and roundness without the padding.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 32DD-46JJ.
- Band sizes: 32-46.
- Cup sizes: DD-JJ.
- Color options: Black, cafe au lait, clove, jade, leopard, pearl blush, rose, white, black dot, iris, siren song and wild cherry.
- Style: Side-support plunge.
- Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane.
- Price on publish: $39.99-$70.
What we like:
- Great support for heavier busts.
- Wide color selection.
- Wide size range.
What we don’t like:
- Thin fabric is prone to ripping.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Elomi Matilda Plunge Bra offers lift, shape and support for heavy busts in a wide range of colors.
Get it here: Elomi Matilda Plunge Bra
Best bra for large busts over DDD cup size: Panache Allure Full Cup Bra
Best bra for large busts over DDD cup size
Panache Allure Full Cup Bra
“Full coverage bras are a great option for ladies with a large bust above a DDD as you feel secure,” Weir explains, with a caveat: “But often they can be boring.” That’s why she recommends this full-cup bra from Panache. “The Allure is a luxurious-looking bra without the price tag. The all-over lace design elevates your lingerie drawer but the shape and support are perfect for everyday wear.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30DD-40J.
- Band sizes: 30-40.
- Cup sizes: DD-J.
- Color options: Black, coral and ivory.
- Style: Full cup.
- Material: Stretch microfiber and lace.
- Price on publish: $71.
What we like:
- Unique and pretty lace.
- Wide size range.
- Includes a supportive underlayer of microfiber.
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Panache Allure is a full-cup bra that offers support with a feminine, flirty design.
Get it here: Panache Allure Full Cup Bra
Best strapless bra for large busts: Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Multiway Bra
Best strapless bra for large busts
Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Multiway Bra
When your bust is large, it can feel like strapless bras are out of the question. In reality, you just need a high-quality structured foundation. Weir recommends the Luxe Strapless Bra from Curvy Kate, calling it “the award-winning, life-changing strapless bra! The support, shape and uplift this bra offers without the straps are pure magic.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 28D-40J.
- Band sizes: 28-40.
- Cup sizes: D-J.
- Color options: Biscotti, black, caramel, cocoa, ivory and jet black.
- Style: Strapless.
- Material: Nylon, polyester and elastane.
- Price on publish: $53.90.
What we like:
- Vertical seams on cups provide added support.
- Wide selection of neutral colors.
- Affordable.
What we don’t like:
- Runs small.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Multiway Bra offers structured, heavy-duty support for heavy busts at an affordable price.
Get it here: Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless Multiway Bra
Best T-shirt bra for large busts: Cleo Faith Plunge Bra
Best T-shirt bra for large busts
Cleo Faith Plunge Bra
A T-shirt bra is a smooth, full-coverage bra designed to look invisible under the thin, hugging material of a T-shirt. Weir describes the Cleo Faith Plunge Bra as “super smooth and super comfy, with a beautiful soft molded cup and smoothing back band, making it the perfect T-shirt bra. There’s zero nipple show-through or lines, making it invisible under clothing.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 28D-38H.
- Band sizes: 28-38.
- Cup sizes: D-H.
- Color options: Black or beige.
- Style: Plunge.
- Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane.
- Price on publish: $71.
What we like:
- Straps can be worn multiple ways.
- Smoothing cups.
- Wide size range.
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Panache Cleo Faith Plunge Bra is smooth, comfy and invisible under clothing, making it the ideal T-shirt bra.
Get it here: Cleo Faith Plunge Bra
Best underwire bra for large busts: Curvy Kate Smoothie T-Shirt Plunge Bra
Best underwire bra for large busts
Curvy Kate Women's Smoothie T-Shirt Plunge Bra in Beige (CK2910) | Size 34D | HerRoom.com
Many women decry the tortures of underwire, but for heavy breasts, it serves an important purpose. But is it possible to have comfort and structured support at the same time? “This is Curvy Kate’s latest innovation and this plunge bra is so lightweight, you won’t even know you’re wearing it, let alone realize it’s underwired,” says Weir. In short, it’s an underwire bra that doesn’t feel like one.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30D-38I.
- Band sizes: 30-38.
- Cup sizes: D-I.
- Color options: Black or latte.
- Style: T-shirt plunge.
- Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane.
- Price on publish: $66.
What we like:
- Back smoothing.
- Lightweight padded cups.
- Straps can convert to racerback.
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Curvy Kate Smoothie Spacer Bra is a smooth and comfortable plunge-style T-shirt bra that offers the support of underwire without the discomfort.
Get it here: Curvy Kate Smoothie T-Shirt Plunge Bra
Best supportive bra for large busts: Panache Serene Side Support Bra
Best supportive bra for large busts
Panache Serene Side Support Bra
Support is a general term that comes up a lot when describing bras, but there are different kinds of support, and they’re not all equal. “Side support is a girl’s best friend when it comes to a large bust,” explains Weir. “This simple yet supportive bra ensures all of your breast tissue is lifted and projected for a perky, uplifted shape.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 28D-40K.
- Band sizes: 28-40.
- Cup sizes: D-K.
- Color options: Black, aubergine, cornflower, dark cherry and vintage.
- Style: Side support.
- Material: Polyamide, elastane and polyester.
- Price on publish: $74.
What we like:
- Straps can convert to racerback.
- Good side support.
- Some fun color choices available.
What we don’t like:
- On the pricier side.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Panache Serene Bra offers plenty of side support, which helps create a perky silhouette and distributes weight from your shoulders and rib cage.
Get it here: Panache Serene Side Support Bra
Best sports bra for large busts: Freya High-Octane Underwire Sports Bra
Best sports bra for large busts
Freya High-Octane Underwire Sports Bra
If you wear a larger cup size, the standard “small, medium and large” sizing system is not going to cut it. For high-impact support, you need a sports bra designed to carry heavy breasts. “With zero bounce, fun designs and moisture-wicking properties, this sports bra keeps you cool, calm and supported,” says Weir. The Freya High-Octane Bra has a flattering scoop neck and convertible straps for extra-customized support.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 28D-40HH.
- Band sizes: 28-40.
- Cup sizes: 28D-40HH.
- Color options: Black, haze and pure leopard.
- Style: Sports bra.
- Material: Microfiber (polyester, polyamide and elastane).
- Price on publish: $54.60-$78.
What we like:
- Individual support for each cup.
- Straps can convert to racerback.
- Wide size options.
What we don’t like:
- Might not suit broad shoulders well.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Freya High-Octane Sports Bra is a high-impact, underwire sports bra designed to support cup sizes through HH.
Get it here: Freya High-Octane Underwire Sports Bra
Best wireless bra for large breasts: Royce Maisie Cotton Lined Non-Wire Bra
Best wireless bra for large breasts
Royce Maisie Cotton Lined Non-Wire Bra
Many people will try to tell you that if you wear a cup size larger than a D, you essentially have to have underwire. But there are supportive bras without an inner skeleton. “It’s comfy, easy to wear and pretty,” Weir says of the Royce Maisie Non-Wire Bra. “Lightly foam molded for a natural shape, this is a great wireless bra for shape and support under your outfits.” It’s also made from a cotton blend, which is more breathable than the synthetic fabrics most bras use.
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30D-40FF.
- Band sizes: 30-40.
- Cup sizes: D-FF.
- Color options: Blush and navy.
- Style: Wireless T-shirt bra.
- Material: Modal, cotton, polyester, polyamide and elastane.
- Price on publish: $66.
What we like:
- Natural cotton lining.
- Soft and comfortable bra.
- Full coverage.
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Royce Maisie Non-Wire Bra is a soft cotton bra with molded cups for excellent support without restrictive underwires.
Get it here: Royce Maisie Cotton Lined Non-Wire Bra
Best plunge bra for large busts: Scantilly Senses Plunge Bra
Best plunge bra for large busts
Scantilly Senses Plunge Bra
While there are many plunge bras on this list, the Scantilly Senses bra stands out for its design. “This plunge bra is one of the most amazing fits,” says Weir. “It has a rounded shape with supported cleavage for a full, natural look.” It tops the list in the plunge bra category because its design goes beyond functionality. “I love how the harness details can add to an outfit by framing the decolletage,” says Weir, and I have to agree!
Specifications:
- Sizes: 30DD-38H.
- Band sizes: 30-38.
- Cup sizes: DD-HH.
- Color options: Black and cherry.
- Style: Plunge.
- Material: Sheer stretch mesh.
- Price on publish: $50.99-$61.60.
What we like:
- Sexy and unique design.
- Extra harness details help prevent spillage.
- Includes good side support.
What we don’t like:
- Limited color options.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Scantilly Senses Plunge Bra is flattering and supportive with harness detailing that adds a sexy detail to low-cut outfits.
Get it here: Scantilly Senses Plunge Bra
Best lace or mesh bra for large busts: Bravissimo Millie Bra
Best lace or mesh bra for large busts
Bravissimo Millie Bra
In department stores, the DD+ section is often full of sensible, beige-colored grandma bras. But well-endowed girls deserve to have fun, too! The Bravissimo Millie Bra is lacy and sexy without compromising lift. “This has all-over lace with a mesh inner for all the support,” says Weir. “Millie is one of Bravissimo’s best-selling styles and I believe that’s down to the pretty design, great shape and forward projection in a wide size range.”
Specifications:
- Sizes: 28D-40K.
- Band sizes: 28-40.
- Cup sizes: D-K.
- Color options: Ivory, black, hazelnut, caramel, dusky blue, blush, green, cobalt, deep navy and teal/magenta.
- Style: Balconette.
- Material: Stretch lace.
- Price on publish: $64.50- $78.
What we like:
- Sexy, lacy design.
- Wide range of color options.
- Wide range of size options.
What we don’t like:
- Somewhat pricey.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
The Bravissimo Millie Bra is lacy on the outside, with an inner mesh lining to provide more support.
Get it here: Bravissimo Millie Bra
How we selected the best bras for large busts
Weir of Weir Wonderful Fit is a bra fit expert, and I relied on her expertise to guide me in making the choices for this list. I prioritized bras that provide the sturdy, foundational lift needed for heavy breasts, but I also looked for bras that are pretty, flattering and fun. I consulted the customer reviews and also stuck to bras that were less than $100, because affordability is important.
How a bra should fit large breasts
Many people with extra-large cup sizes spent years wearing too-small bras because they didn’t realize how they were supposed to fit. When trying on a bra, there are three key elements to consider: cup, band and straps.
Cups
“Breast tissue should be totally encapsulated by the cup at the front, top and sides, with the underwires of the bra reaching right around all the breast tissue,” explains Weir. “The underwires should not move when you move, the back band and wires should sit firmly against the body. The wires at the front of the bra should sit flat against the breastbone, between the bust with no standing away.”
Bands
“On a new bra, your back band hook and eyes should be worn on the loosest setting with the band only being able to pull away an inch from the body,” says Weir. “Any further and this indicates that the band is too big.”
Straps
As for the straps, “The sliders on the straps should be tight enough to give tension and oomph to the bra, but not holding or lifting the bust, as this is the back band's job,” says Weir.
What are the top brands for bras for large busts?
Weir recommends Panache, Curvy Kate, Elomi, Freya and Fantasie as her top favorite bra brands. “I love all of these as they offer a wide size range, from D-O cups, which do not compromise on support with incredible shapes,” she says. “With these brands, women don’t feel alienated, but catered for.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are underwired bras better for large breasts?
“You can find decent non-wired bras for the larger bust,” says Weir. “I love the Curvy Kate, Lace Daze Bralette and the Lemonade Dolls collection, too.” But she cautions that there’s another reason large-busted women gravitate to unwired bras. “Many of my clients who are wearing non-wired bras for comfort are only wearing them because they don’t know their correct bra size. They’ve been finding underwired bras uncomfortable because they are digging into the armpit areas, which indicates the cup is too small.”
How do I choose a bra size for large breasts?
When you’re choosing a bra for a large bustline, you should make sure that the cups fit entirely around the breast tissue, and the band only pulls away from your body an inch or so. “The back band should sit straight at a right angle with no riding up,” says Weir. Based on Weir’s advice, I recommend looking for bras with side support and sturdy bands. Wider straps also help distribute weight better.
Which is better, wired or non-wired bras for heavy breasts?
Weir leans toward underwire as her preferred bra for large busts and explains her reasoning. “I do feel that non-wired bras could never offer the level of support and shape of an underwire,” she says. “Underwires separate and lift a fuller bust to the next level. I believe that underwired bras are also best for taking that literal weight off your shoulders, I think a non-wired bra doesn’t offer the same amount of lift and so it can dig into the shoulders even in the correct size.”
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AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
