The best bras for large busts

How I tested the best bras for large busts

For this guide I tested nearly twenty bras, wearing each for at least four hours at a time. I made sure to stay active while wearing them — whether lifting my babies, running errands, walking the dog, or attending a workout class — to get a true sense of how each style performed.

As part of the process, I had a virtual fitting with Bravissimo (which, by the way, is free for everyone!) and learned a ton about how a bra is supposed to fit around the band, cups, straps, and center gore.

Charlotte Spence, a Lead Lingerie Technologist at Bravissimo, shared this advice: "When purchasing a new bra, fasten it on its loosest hooks so you can tighten it later as it stretches with wear," says Charlotte. "If you notice 'under spillage,' try sizing down in the band and sizing up in the cup."

I tested each bra in several sizes to ensure a perfect fit, though that wasn't originally part of the plan. Unbeknownst to me, my cup size changed postpartum. I had to try at least two different size options to better evaluate each bra's support, comfort, and feel.

Learn more about how the Reviews team tests clothing at BI.

Best overall: Spanx Breast of Both Worlds Reversible Comfort Bra

From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I all but gave up on wired bras. My search for a comfortable bra to support my growing breasts led me to this aptly named pick from Spanx — and before testing other styles for this guide, it's the only bra I've worn since.

Despite how comfortable this hook-, wire-, and seam-free bra is, I am always surprised by how supportive it feels. I definitely notice a lift when I have this on versus when walking around my house braless. The bra also comes with removable pads should you want additional coverage. The ribbed under-bust design prevents the band from rolling up, which has happened to me far too many times. The reversible design, which features two distinct hues, is just the icing on the cake.

Best splurge: Evelyn & Bobbie Evelyn Bra

Evelyn & Bobbie bills this bra as a wireless push-up bra — and according to Insider Reviews Executive Editor Sally Kaplan, it actually does lift without any wires.

That's because it contains a patented EB Core, which Sally describes as "a low-stretch material that's built into the underside of the cups and band, which takes the weight off of your shoulders and distributes it more evenly."

She continues: "The specially bonded material that runs through the underside of Evelyn & Bobbie's molded cups is really where the magic happens. Because it doesn't have as much stretch as the rest of the material, it holds the breast's weight and helps shape it so there's no pancaking on the side. That extra support is also what keeps the band from stretching out so the bra can maintain its shape for longer than a basic molded cup would (hence no uniboobs or sagging after a few weeks of wear)."

Freelance style reporter Rebecca Strong also recommends the Evelyn bra in her guide to the best bralettes for large busts. "[This] bra is fantastic for wearing under lower-cut tops because of the V-neck design. It's smoothing on your back while giving your breasts a lift that doesn't sacrifice comfort."

Last but not least are the beautiful scalloped edges — which aren't just stylish, but also functional. Sally says they effectively prevent digging into delicate breast tissue.

Read more in our full Evelyn & Bobbie review.

Reddit favorite: Elomi Morgan Side Support Bra

To ensure I wasn't missing out on any must-try picks, I continued searching for the best bras for large busts on Reddit. There I was introduced to the Elomi Morgan Side Support Bra, which several people on various Subreddits were raving about for its optimal support, which, as its name suggests, helps avoid any side boob from spilling out.

I'm happy to report it totally lived up to the Reddit hype. Beyond the full coverage design (which I love!), its side support truly blew me away. The stretchy straps are adjustable for a customized fit, too. Best of all was the stretch lace top cup, which 1) is stunning and 2) helps create a rounded shape. Since my breasts have started to sag — especially postpartum — this was a huge plus.

Best bralette: Honeylove CrossOver Bra

Honeylove's Instagram-famous CrossOver Bra is an incredibly popular option among the best bralettes for large busts. Freelance style reporter Rebecca Strong describes precisely why she loves it in her Honeylove review.

"This bralette has it all: adjustable straps, a smoothing back, and even a bonded cradle for maximum support without the wires. I can convert the straps to a criss-cross back, making it versatile enough to wear with a range of tops and dresses, and I really appreciate that it has an adjustable band — something that a lot of bralettes are lacking." She's also calls out its removable cups "for occasions when I need a little extra coverage — and the mesh and lace detailing add some unexpected sex appeal."

"Another advantage to this bra is that it features four rows of hook-and-eye closures so there's plenty of room to loosen or tighten the band as needed," Rebecca notes. "As someone who's a 32DD, it can be tough to find bras that offer enough coverage but also aren't too loose in the band."

Best push-up: Soma Stunning Push-up Plunge Bra

I usually steer clear of push-up bras, but sometimes I need a boost if I'm wearing a top with a particular neckline. This comfy bra from Soma came out on top for its silky-smooth feel.

The contoured cups offered a natural-looking lift, while the underwire featured a soft material that felt cushioned against my chest for optimal comfort. The three-bar detailing at the center is just as functional as it is cheeky by enhancing cleavage and ensuring everything stays rightfully in its place.

TL;DR: Whether you're looking for a little extra boost or just a comfortable, well-designed bra, this Soma bra is a pleasant surprise worth adding to your top drawer.

Best wireless: Bravissimo Ultimate Comfort Bra

The U.K.-based brand Bravissimo bills itself as the "leading lingerie retailer for sizes D cup+," so I was intrigued to give its bras a try. After a virtual fitting with the brand, I was sent a few styles to test — and this aptly named style was my favorite of the bunch.

Constructed from soft jersey fabric for ultimate comfort, I found this bra ideal for all-day wear (I had it on for 12 hours and was never once uncomfortable.) Think of it as a more elevated — and supportive — version of your favorite sports bra. I'd also be remiss not to mention the hidden mesh cups (AKA a layer of mesh fabric built into the design), which added support and breathability.

Best for extended sizes: Cacique Smart Lift Unlined Full Coverage Bra

As you can guess by the name, this Cacique bra stands out for its innovative Smart Lift technology, featuring a seamless design for superior support and a second-skin-like feel sans extra pads, pinching, or pushing.

Full-coverage bras offer me the best blend of support and lift, and this one was no exception. I wore it under several different shirts — a sweater, a tank top, and a tee — and no matter what I styled it with, it didn't show (this, of course, is thanks to its seamless design). The adjustable straps kept everything in place, while the U-shaped back helped minimize bulging and created a smoothing effect for a sleek silhouette.

Best strapless: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra

Freelance writer Casey Clark tested a dozen of the best strapless bras for large busts in order to find one that looks invisible under a halter top and stays firmly in place.

"Since I wear a 44D, I'm always a fan of a bra that has round, wide cups and thick band — and this bra has both," she writes. "The band didn't shift, nor did I feel any spillage, so you could definitely wear this on the dance floor at a wedding and feel secure."

"It's worth noting that ThirdLove offers this bra in half-cup sizes —which isn't something you see very often — and it comes with removable straps that you can hold onto for when you want that extra support and lift (although you really won't need it)." Casey adds.

Best T-shirt bra: ThirdLove T-Shirt Bra

It's no surprise this is ThirdLove's best-selling bra — it's the perfect everyday T-shirt bra. Versatile, lightweight, and designed for all-day wear, it practically disappears under clothing, whether it's a shirt or a dress (I tested it with both!). The memory foam cups provide a custom fit by molding to your shape while offering excellent coverage.

The pleated, adjustable straps aren't just pretty — they're designed to stay in place, which was a game-changer for me since I hate constantly readjusting slipping straps.

This bra is a demi-cup style (a half-cup bra), which I found incredibly flattering for my larger chest. That's because it provided great support and shape (hello, perkiness!) without unnecessary bulk. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this pick since I almost always favor fuller coverage.

Finally, one standout feature: It's the bra on this list available in half sizes, making it an ideal option if you're between sizes.

Best budget: Understance Ivy FlexWire Full Coverage Lace Bra

It was love at first sight from the moment I put on the Ivy FlexWire Full Coverage Lace Bra from Understance. It's ever-so-slightly lined and padded (the brand says it's about the thickness of a coin) to conceal my nipples, and I found the mesh overlay to be incredibly helpful in terms of preventing spillage.

The bra features the brand's signature FlexWire, which strikes the perfect balance between bend and prodigy to form to your specific shape, offering excellent lift and separation (read: no uniboob here).

I also think it's worth noting that this bra has cotton cups, which are much softer and more flexible than foam cups, which are naturally bulkier. Suffice to say, this one's a winner — and a steal.

What to look for in the best bras for a large bust

Band Fit: According to Spence, the band provides most of the support for your bust. "A properly fitting band should sit horizontally around your body without riding up or digging in."

Cup Size: "Properly fitted cups should contain all the breast tissue without bulging over the top or sides and without wrinkling fabric," says Spence. With this in mind, she recommends looking for "a smooth transition line where the fabric ends, with no visible ridge that could create lines under clothing."

Underwire Placement: Spence says that the underwires in your bra should sit flat on your ribcage (not your boob!) all the way around to your armpits. Additionally, the underwire between your breasts should rest smoothly against your chest without pressing uncomfortably, chafing, or sticking out.

FAQs on the best bras for large breasts

What are the best bras for sagging breasts?

Personally, I find that full-coverage bras provide the most reliable support for my breasts since they provide all-day comfort and lift. Similarly, wired bras provide a subtle yet effective lift, creating a smooth, sculpted shape that stays in place.

How should I wash my bras?

To make them last, bras should be hand-washed. Spence recommends soaking them in cool water and detergent before gently rubbing them and rinsing them in clean, cool water.

However, if you're in a time crunch — or are lazy like yours truly — you may opt to throw your bras in the washing machine (no judgment). Just be sure to put them in a delicate washbag, like this one from Evelyn & Bobbie. You'll also want to ensure the machine is placed on the "delicates" cycle.

Even if you do machine-wash your bras, you should probably avoid the drier, which, per Spence, can damage and affect the fit of your bras due to the intense heat.

Which is better for large breasts: wired or non-wired bras?

Good news: Both wired and non-wired bras can work for large busts, and the choice depends on one's specific needs. What's more, explains Spence, "Wired bras typically provide more structure and definition, which create better lift, even weight distribution, and a more separated shape."

Today's wireless bras, on the other hand, prioritize comfort without sacrificing support. Spence adds, "Non-wired bras designed for fuller busts have improved, as they frequently incorporate stretch lace that molds to your shape, supportive side slings, extra lining in larger sizes, and traditional back closures for secure fitting."

So basically, both styles work well for large busts. It's good practice to have a mix of wired and non-wired bras for different needs and activities.