Finding the right bra can be a bit of a challenge for those with bigger busts.
The fit matters — specifically how much support the garment offers, whether there is any lift, padding, coverage, or lining. On top of that, you may be hunting for something special, like a bralette, sports bra, or push up bra.
Once you’ve discovered what works best for you, you might be wondering where you can find the best bra for your chest size. Luckily, there’s something for every budget and style. And, nowadays, plenty of brands offer inclusive, and expansive bra sizing for every build, including Skims and Victoria’s Secret, as well as a wide range of options at stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom.
For help with recommendations for bras specifically designed to meet your needs, the Post has consulted expert Fashion stylist and Wardrobe Consultant, Amanda Sanders. Read on for Sanders’ top picks below or jump to the expert recommendations section for answers to some frequently asked questions.
- Best plunge bra: Infinite Possibilities Plunge Bra
- Best full-coverage: Skims Full Coverage Bra
- Best T-shirt bra: OnGossamer Women’s Next to Nothing Micro T-Shirt Bra
- Best splurge bra: Le Mystère Lace Tisha Bra
- Best strapless: Le Mystère Soiree Strapless Bra
- Best budget: Vanity Fair Women’s Beauty Back Full Figure Wirefree Bra
- Best sports bra: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Hold Up! Sports Bra
- Best balconette: Wicked Unlined Bow Balconette Bra
- Best underwire: WACOAL Basic Beauty Full-Figure Underwire Bra
- Best push-up: Bombshell Add-2-Cups Chain Shine Strap Lace Push-Up Bra
Sanders Picks
Best plunge bra: Infinite Possibilities Plunge Bra
Pros:
- Convertible straps
- Underwire for additional support
- Lightweight
Size range: 30C – 38F
Color Options: Black, Almond
Cons:
- More expensive
- Only two color options (black and almond)
“This sexy Le Mystere bra gives you an amazing plunge and is convertible to a halter neck,” shared Sanders.
Even women with a larger bust can find the right-fitting plunge bra, according to Sanders. She suggested trying something like the Infinite Possibilities bra — with brushed cups and lightweight foam at the sides for a sculpting effect. The stylist also loves that the straps are convertible, affording many different wear options: “It’s not only sexy but, supportive, and you get two bras in one!”
Best full coverage: Skims Full Coverage Bra
Pros:
- Wide size range
- Bonded Adjustable Straps
- Hidden Cushion Underwire
- Wide wings
Cons:
- Not particularly stylish (more of a basic, everyday bra in terms of style and cut)
Size range: 30A – 46H
Color options: Sienna, Sand, Clay, Onyx, Bronze, more
Sanders shared that she has been impressed with Skims wide range of choices for women of all shapes and sizes, and colors, especially with options like their full-coverage bra. “I like the wide variety of skin tones this bra comes in, and the many options in size,” said the stylist. “It’s also a very soft material.” When it comes to full-coverage bras, more material does not have to mean more discomfort. This choice from Skims is a blend of nylon and elastane and offers wide, non-digging wings to smooth your back and sides.
Best splurge bra: Le Mystère Lace Tisha Bra
Pros:
- Very stylish lace neckline
- Full coverage smooth contour cups
- Hidden underwire and lace trim
- Hook-and-eye closure
- Wide adjustable straps
Size range: 32B – 44G
Color Options: Natural
Cons:
- More expensive
- Only one color option (natural)
If you’re prepared to splurge on a comfortable and stylish bra for bigger busts, then head no further than the La Tisha Bra from Bloomingdales. “This is one of my favorite bras for fuller women,” exclaimed Sanders, who loved the intricate details on the neckline of this bra. “It really creates support and cleavage and lifts the girls to create a smaller waistline. Also the lace creates a nice feminine touch.” Reviewers say that this bra also works well under a variety of tops, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
Best t-shirt bra: OnGossamer Women’s Next to Nothing Micro T-Shirt Bra
Pros:
- Cups stretch in four ways
- Fully adjustable straps
- Underwire
- Silver metallic accents
Cons:
- Not particularly stylish (more of a basic, everyday bra in terms of style and cut)
Size range: 32A – 36DDD
Color Options: Black, Rouge, Blue Spell, Salmon Rose, Champagne
Bra shopping becomes even more difficult when you combine a large cup size and a small frame. Sanders has a solution and that would be On Gossamer: “On Gossamer excels in small back bands up to DDD cups so a good choice for a petite customer with a full bust.” She explained that their Next to Nothing Bra is among the best options for those looking for something lightweight and moveable. The cups stretch in four directions allowing fit flexibility. “Truly feels like next to nothing!”
Best strapless: Le Mystère Soiree Strapless Bra
Pros:
- Reviewers agree the bra stays in place without needing to be adjusted
- Underwire cups, slip-free technology
- Adjustable detachable straps that can convert five ways
- Hook-and-eye closure
Cons:
- More expensive
- May offer slightly less support than non-strapless options by the nature of the cut
- Only available in two colors (black and nude)
Size: 32B – 40G
Colors: Black, Nude
According to Sanders, the best strapless bra is the Le Mystère Soiree bra.
“Just because you have a large chest, you are no longer limited in the styles that can properly support you,” explained Sanders. The goal is to find a garment that stays in place without digging into the skin. “Technological advancements have made even thin soft materials strong enough to support. I have worn this bra for endless hours and it has never slipped or I have had to yank it up,” she said.
Keep in mind that this bra also features removable straps — so it can be worn five ways in addition to strapless — making it a very versatile choice.
New York Post Picks
Best Budget: Vanity Fair Women’s Beauty Back Full Figure Wirefree Bra
Pros:
- Wide assortment of colors
- Affordable
- 4-way stretch fabric that shapes and smooths
- 2-ply cups
Cons:
- Some reviewers say this bra was less durable than more expensive, high-quality options
Size: 32D – 46DDD
Colors: Star White, Orchid Dream, Blue Sea Glass, Totally Tan, Cappuccino, more
Sanders has stressed that straps are a critical feature when looking for a quality bra: “Opt for a bra that has straps with give but don’t allow your breasts to move around too much when you walk.”
The straps on this Minimizer full-figure bra are non-slip and thicker than most, making it a great option for someone who doesn’t want to worry about readjusting. Reviewers also agree that the material of this garment does have a minimizing effect — slimming down the size of the bust — which can be exceptionally helpful when looking to fit the style of certain outfits.
Best push-up: Bombshell Add-2-Cups Chain Shine Strap Lace Push-Up Bra
Pros:
- Large range of colors and designs (lace, embroidered, bows, etc)
- Adjustable straps
- Back hook-and-eye closure
- Maximum lift
Cons:
- More of a special occasion bra (may not be ideal for everyday wear)
Size Range: 32AA – 44G
Colors: Black Ivy, Purple Shock, Grape Soda, Toffee, Purest Pink, more
Per our stylist, everyone deserves to look and feel fabulous — and that is just what the Bombshell is here for. Even ladies with larger busts may want a lift, and Victoria’s Secret now offers their best-selling bra in an expansive range of sizes for every body type. The reviews speak for themselves: “When I first went up to a DDD I was so sad, because at the time bombshells did not go up to that size. I am so glad they do now! They literally feel like your boobs are floating on a cloud.”
Best balconette: Wicked Unlined Bow Balconette Bra
Pros:
- Large range of colors and designs (lace, embroidered, bows, etc)
- Natural lift without padding
- Adjustable straps
- Back hook-and-eye closures
- Partially made from recycled materials
Cons:
- Thinner straps may be less ideal for some shoppers, per reviews
Size Range: 32AA – 44G
Colors: Lipstick, Sage Dust, Black, Blue Topaz, Noir Navy, more
A balconette bra can also be challenging to size for larger busts as this design offers more rounded cups and less coverage than a regular bra. “I suggest looking for a bra that feels like it has some weight to the wings — they provide a majority of the support,” shared Sanders. The wings on the Wicked Unlined Bra are lined with elastane to offer a bit more stretch, and the back hook-and-eye closure provides a snug, yet flexible support across the back. There’s even an innovative sling to provide some lift without any padding.
Best underwire: WACOAL Basic Beauty Full-Figure Underwire Bra
Pros:
- Adjustable close-set straps
- Unlined underwire
- Full-figure fit
Cons:
- Not particularly stylish (more of a basic, everyday bra in terms of style and cut)
- Some reviewers suggest sizing up
Size range: 32D – 44H
Colors: Sand, Ancient Water, Black, Coronet Blue
“If you really want maximum support, a shaping bra with underwire is your best friend,” noted Sanders. WACOAL’s Basic Beauty Full-Figure Underwire Bra is just that. This simple, sophisticated choice is great for everyday wear. The garment offers ultra-soft fabric to smooth the cups, and unlined wiring to enhance the natural shape of the breast. Reviewers agree that this bra succeeds in offering support and coverage, but are mixed in terms of sizing, and some suggest sizing up for the best fit.
Best sports bra: OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Hold Up! Sports Bra
Pros:
- More affordable and on-sale
- Lightweight and fast-drying technology
- Longline for extra support and coverage
Cons:
- Best for medium-impact activities
- No under-wiring, so perhaps less supportive than regular bras
Size: XXS – XLDD
Colors: Cobalt, Dark Maple, Toasty, Smoked Gray, True Black
Sports bras can be tricky. Sanders explained that it can be difficult to find a bra that fits larger chests without wiring — like sports bras.
“There are a few good wireless bras on the market that can provide a moderate level of support, however, you will never get the same type of look and support from a wire-free garment,” she said.
If you’re looking for a sports bra that is built specifically for ladies with larger busts, we suggest you check out the wide selection at Aerie. The OFFLINE By Aerie bra is designed with molded cups that provide a “bra-ish experience” as well as an extra band for additional support and a held-in feel. The DD options are built specifically for women with large busts.
Expert Recommendations
How should you find out what bra works best for you?
“Visit a trained professional,” stressed Sanders. “Many brands including Le Mystere have trained fit specialists in most major department stores and boutiques. Fitting is an art not a science and every bra varies. A fitter knows the product and how to get you into a bra that will make you look and feel fabulous!”
What should women with larger chests look for in a bra?
“I suggest looking for a bra that feels like it has some weight to the wings—they provide a majority of the support,” explained Sanders. “Also, check the straps. Opt for a bra that has straps with give but don’t allow your breasts to move around too much when you walk.”
When it comes to sports bras or wireless bras, it can be a bit more challenging to find something with support: “There are a few good wireless bras on the market that can provide a moderate level of support, however, you will never get the same type of look and support from a wire-free garment.”
What type of bras offer maximum support?
According to the stylist, the best bras for women with large chests are wired. “If you really want maximum support and shaping a bra with underwire is your best friend,” she shared. Her favorite brands for wireless bras are Le Mystere, Wacole, and Chantel.
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