Finding a well-fitting and comfortable bra often ends up being a lot more difficult than it should be, particularly when you have a larger bust that requires more support. Those with big busts can end up with backache and other painful issues if they don't own a bra that provides support and offers adequate weight distribution. We think there's no reason that this should be the case ― everyone deserves to wear a bra that fits just right!
To make sure you buy the best bra for your needs, we've reviewed a range of options from Amazon, John Lewis, ASOS and eBay, including soft non-wired pieces in pretty fabrics as well as practical underwired ones with wide straps that create plenty of uplift. Read on to find the perfect bra for your size and shape!
Quick List - Top Bras for Larger Busts
Fantasie
A Simple Yet Stylish Everyday Bra With a Hint of Lace
Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes. With 10 years industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling, to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more.
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Melissa Melles is a Wardrobe Concierge based in Manchester, helping both women and men find their style and have confidence in what they wear by organising their wardrobes.
With 10 years of industry experience, Melissa's clients trust her expert opinion when it comes to style advice. Her experience spans from TV, music and editorial styling to working in Paris showrooms, to personal shopping in luxury department stores and more. Find out more about Melissa via her Instagram or head over to her website.
Key Points to Consider
Most bras designed for those with bigger busts tend to be in the traditional design, also known as an encapsulation bra. These have two clear cups with two shoulder straps and a chest band. With the right straps and fastenings, these bras can be perfectly supportive but still look pretty.
Other options, such as bralettes and crop tops, aren't as suitable for those with bigger busts as they don't provide enough stability or security. This doesn't mean that a more supportive encapsulation bra can't include elements of these styles to mix things up, though.
Want to know more about the different styles of bra available? Check out our favourite sports bras for larger busts here!
It's a common choice to go for a traditional style bra, these come in various styles; balconette, t-shirt, push up etc. It can be pretty uncomfortable sometimes to wear these styles as they can dig in and create a bit of a bulge on the back, which can be a little annoying if you're wearing a tight top. But they are great for providing a nice shape.
Choosing the right cup size is essential if you are to feel secure in your bra. For bras that are created with larger busts in mind, the range of cup sizes should be large and go up a long way. Most start at around a D or DD and go up from there.
Having a cup size that is too big or too small will result in pressure being put on parts of the bra that don't have enough resistance, and therefore parts of your body like your back, neck and shoulders will feel strained.
It's really important to wear the right size in your bra, so make sure you get measured properly. Fitters in different brands and stores sometimes measure slightly differently. I recommend getting measured at a few different places and going with the average.
It can be the case that as the cup size goes up, the chest band size should go up with it, but this isn't necessarily always so. If you're petite with a larger bust, you'll need to find a bra that goes up high in cup sizes but also starts low in band sizes.
The difference is sometimes distinguished by calling some bras 'plus size' and some bras 'fuller bust'. Plus size bras usually have a larger cup size and band, whereas those focusing just on the bust have bands that go down to a smaller size.
The band and cup size are two different things, so don't be confused about going for a bigger band just because you have a bigger cup size. You will find bras such as a 30 DD or a 34 F. It all depends on your frame. This is where it's good to get measured and seek professional advice before bra shopping.
Even once you've selected the right cup and band size, that doesn't mean that you won't need to further tailor your bra to your particular body shape. Adjustable straps and a few hook options on the chest band will allow you to make your bra fit just right.
These features will also keep your bra in place throughout the day. Straps that are too tight will rub and force the band to sit too high, while those that are too loose can be irritating if they're constantly falling off your shoulders.
You generally should always wear the bra on the tightest fitting at the back, and with time and wear, it will mould to your body and be more comfortable. It's essential to adjust the straps according to where they can loosen throughout the day, so be sure to check on that.
If you already have a large bust, it's unlikely that you'll want a bra with huge amounts of padding (and the push-up effect that it creates) in the way that those with a smaller bust might. This being said, a little padding can help to cushion your chest and absorb the bounce created by movement.
Some bras will have at least a thin layer of padding to help keep the shape of the bra, but if you don't want any then we reckon you'll be pleased with our ranking as there are plenty options that come without it!
Padding doesn't always mean pushing up or giving you a better shape. I often wear a padded bra to avoid that awkward air con moment. Some women can be pretty embarrassed about that, a padded bra can hide that and prevent it from happening.
A larger bust can be heavy, which takes its toll on the rest of your body. This is why it is crucial that your bra helps to lighten the load. An underwire will help your bra do this as it redistributes weight, taking it away from your back and shoulders.
Wires, however, can dig into your skin and cause irritation so you might not want to wear them all of the time, especially if you're just relaxing at home. If this is the case, then it's worth looking at more of a crop top-style option or a non-wired bra.
If you're after something more comfortable for bedtime, why not try a sleep bra?
Underwires, while uncomfortable, can relieve the pressure. A non-wired bra can leave you just as uncomfortable at the end of the day, you need the support. But also, an underwire provides the shape where a non-wired doesn't, no matter the style, if it's underwired, you will ultimately have a lift.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fantasie Illusion Underwired Side Support Balcony Bra | ![]() | A Simple Yet Stylish Everyday Bra With a Hint of Lace | |
2 | Panache Andorra Non-Wired Bra | ![]() | A Wire-Free Option That Still Provides Uplift | |
3 | Freya Starlight Balcony Bra | ![]() | Perfect for Larger Busts With Small Band Sizes | |
4 | Figleaves Harper Fuller Bust Geometric Lace Plunge Bra | ![]() | A Flirty, Modern Plunge-Style Bra | |
5 | Naturana Minimiser Soft Cup Bra | ![]() | A Silky Finish Makes This Minimising Bra Feel Luxurious | |
6 | Ivory Rose Fuller Bust Strapless Multiway Bra | ![]() | A Convertible Strapless Option for Low-Cut Outfits | |
7 | Triumph Doreen Non-Wired Full Cup Bra | ![]() | Offers Plenty of Support Without the Need for Underwire | |
8 | Glamorise MagicLift Bra | ![]() | Cushioned, Wide Straps Will Keep Your Posture In Check | |
9 | Pour Moi? Fuller Bust Amour Padded Lace Balconette Bra | ![]() | Add a Splash of Colour to Your Lingerie Collection | |
10 | Wacoal Halo Lace Moulded Underwire Bra | ![]() | A Versatile Nude Bra That Can Be Fastened Multiple Ways |
If you're looking for a bra that will take you from day to night by being stylish and sexy, look no further than this option from Fantasie! The colour is versatile, while the lace adds something special to its simple design.
The addition of lace doesn't make this bra impractical though, as the band over the top of the delicate fabric helps to keep everything in place. This is a superb option for those who have a large bust but a small frame, as it goes all the way down to a 30 band size while still offering larger cup sizes.
Not having an underwire doesn't mean having to lock your bust away under layers and layers of fabric for support. In fact, it can be a nice opportunity to play around with different shapes like this bra from Panache does.
Whilst this one largely resembles a standard encapsulation bra, it does also have the look of a crop top, which is pretty and youthful. A good range of sizes at both ends of the spectrum, and all without any sign of an uncomfortable underwire ― what's not to love?
The cups on this bra are crafted to give you excellent comfort and support without having to pile on the amount of fabric needed to keep everything in place. The side panels are sturdy but the top panels allow for some stretch, allowing them to mould to your unique shape.
This bra is semi-sheer, which also gives it a sexier feel than a lot of other bras for larger busts. Going all the way down to a chest band size of 28 also means that smaller ladies with a large chest can still enjoy wearing this bra.
If there's a bra that proves that not all bigger bras need to be boring, it's this one. It can be hard to find bras for larger busts that will work for all ages, but this bra manages that with ease. It modernises a classic lace design by adding interesting geometric shapes.
It's also exciting to find a bra that comes in a plunge style, as bras for bigger busts normally come in a balcony or full cup shape. As long as you don't need a high level of support or extra thick straps then this bra should work well for you.
The soft satin finish on this bra makes it look a lot more expensive than it actually is. In fact, it's one of the cheapest bras on our list considering how luxurious it feels!
This product's aim is to reduce how big your bust appears, which might be something that you're seeking if you feel self-conscious about your chest. We love that it's a lot less bulky than other non-wired options on the market. Plus, it's offered in a huge range of band sizes.
We all have those few dresses and tops that you don't want to have a bra strap sneaking out the side of. Some people will just forgo the bra, but that's trickier for those with a bigger bust who still require a bit of uplift.
This convertible bra tries to solve this conundrum and features boned sides to stop it from bunching up or falling down. There is only so much support a strapless bra can offer, though, so this piece might not keep everything in place if you have a larger cup size.
Functional bras don't have to be devoid of any pretty patterns. This bra, which is great for women with a large bust who don't want an underwire, offers both of these things. Some sites market it more as a nursing bra, but it is not limited to this function by any means.
The range of sizes that this bra comes in makes it accessible to all sorts of people, and the simple white colour won't show through your clothing. The only issue we found is that quite a lot of fabric is used in this bra, meaning it might not sit as nicely under certain items of clothing.
One ailment that people with larger busts often end up with is backache. This bra tries to solve this issue by adding extra reinforcements in the form of cushioned, wide straps and a more substantial back section. The cross design helps to disperse the weight, making it easier for your body to carry the load.
This bra's focus is comfort and practicality, which means it is sadly lacking in the style department. There's also a lot of material that might be hard to conceal under a thin t-shirt or blouse.
Most of the choices on this list come in fairly standard colours including black, white and nude ― but not this one! It adds a welcome burst of colour to your wardrobe, combining blue lace with a pink under-layer to create a look that is simultaneously alluring and fun.
This is one of the few bras on our list to include extra padding, so it is important to take this into account if you prefer a more tailored fit. It definitely won't be for everyone but it really is a lovely piece of lingerie.
This is the perfect t-shirt bra in our opinion. The simple shape and design is effective without being too fussy, and it is covered in a delicate lace which is pretty but won't bunch up under tops. The straps can be fastened either the standard way or as a racerback, depending on your choice of outfit or which you find the most comfortable.
In the biggest band size, this bra unfortunately only goes up to an E and it only goes up to an F in the band sizes where the cup is larger, so it won't work for every figure. If it offers your exact size though, it's well worth buying.
Since the materials used in bras are often delicate and are made up of lots of different pieces, you should be careful when washing them. Unfortunately for the washing machine devotees out there, that means washing by hand is the best option when it comes to keeping your bras in tip-top condition.
When washing bras, always use a laundry bag, this will prevent the bra from misshaping in the washing machine, which can often happen. It will keep everything in place. Also, if it's a delicate silky fabric, it can be a good idea to hand wash even it's a machine-washable bra.
Written and researched by Emma Cramp
No. 1: Fantasie|Illusion Underwired Side Support Balcony Bra
No. 2: Panache|Andorra Non-Wired Bra
No. 3: Freya|Starlight Balcony Bra
No. 4: Figleaves|Harper Fuller Bust Geometric Lace Plunge Bra
No. 5: Naturana|Minimiser Soft Cup Bra
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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