Fashion The 13 Best Plus-Size Bras for All Day Comfort and Support These bras won’t let you (or your girls) down, especially our best overall pick, the Delimira Full Coverage Underwire Bra. By Alexis Gaskin, Rebecca Carhart, Rebecca Carhart Instagram With more than 10 years of experience in the product research space, Rebecca was most recently the senior commerce writer and strategist at Travel & Leisure. Her work covers everything from luggage to comfortable clothing to travel essentials for your next getaway. InStyle's editorial guidelines and Emily Cieslak Emily Cieslak Instagram Website Emily Cieslak joined the Dotdash Meredith team in 2020, and more recently joined the InStyle team in 2022 as an Assistant Commerce Editor. She has worked in many sides of the fashion industry, empowering her to tackle fashion topics from an insider's angle. As an Assistant Commerce Editor, Emily combines her knowledge of retail and styling expertise when covering new trends and offering readers advice on how to shop for and style themselves. Her work has been published in Byrdie, Real Simple, The Knot, and Brides. Emily has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on August 5, 2022 @ 03:46PM Pin Share Tweet Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Thirdlove/ TomboyX/ InStyle While shopping for lingerie can be difficult for anyone, finding a stylish and supportive plus-size bra has its own challenges. But your boobs deserve the best, so we spoke to a group of experts — including Ra'el Cohen, ThirdLove co-founder and chief creative officer, and Dionne Thompson, the design director for Intimates and Innovation at Torrid — to find the most supportive options without spillage, too-tight bands, and slipping straps regardless what you're searching for. Whether you're in the market for a lounge bra that you can wear every day, a workout-friendly sports bra, or even a sexy lacy number, we've rounded up the best plus-size bras that won't let you (or your girls) down. We paid extra attention to evaluating the bra's design, construction, and materials (to ensure it will last with proper care). Reminder: body fat is normal, and so are rolls, but we know when it comes to bra shopping, side spillage is enemy number one, so many of the selections below keep that in mind. Read on for our top plus-size bras to shop: Our Top Picks Best for Every Day: Delimira Full Coverage Underwire Unlined Minimizer Lace Bra Best Strapless: Auden Strapless Bra Best Plunging Option: Cacique Front Close Smooth Plunge Bra Best Push-Up: Curvy Couture Tulip Lace Push-Up Bra Best Wireless: Anita Rosa Faia Twin Soft Cup Comfort Bra Best Back-Smoothing Option: Vanity Fair Full Figure Beauty Back Smoother Wireless Bra Best Racerback: Tomboyx Racerback Soft Bra Best Minimizer: Chantelle C Magnifique Underwire Minimizer Bra Best Bralette: Cantiq Mesh Vintage Soft Cup Bralette Best for Every Day: Delimira Full Coverage Underwire Unlined Minimizer Lace Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart What We Love: The fabric's durability prevents the bra from losing shape after constant wear and wash. What We Don't Love: Thin straps need to be adjusted occasionally to keep the material from folding and rolling into itself. Before I purchased this unpadded style from Delimira on a whim, I thought I hated all underwire bras. But this style proves you can have large sizes and comfort without losing the sex appeal. The affordable price and extensive size range appealed to me at first. Then after a few wears, I became enthralled with the durable and flexible materials, like polyester and spandex, which keep the bra in good shape after long-time wear; I know I won't need to repurchase it unless I want more color options. While the underwire helps keep large breasts from falling out of the cup, expect some slight digging after extremely long days — and I mean 10-plus hour days. One tip: Avoid over-tightening the straps to keep the thin structure from leaving marks. The material isn't as thick as I would have liked it, and because of this, the straps often get twisted when readjusting. But for how well the cups and bands fit, that's easy for me to look past. Price at time of publish: $22 Size Range: 34B-48F | Colors: 36 | Padded: No | Type: Minimizer Best Strapless: Auden Strapless Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart What We Love: This strapless bra can be worn in four ways. What We Don't Love: It tends to run big in the cups, so consider sizing down. For any special occasion dresses or clothing that will show your bra straps, you need a strapless bra. Push aside the fear that gravity will prevent it from staying in place — the right strapless option will stay put and prevent boob spillage. Auden's padded strapless bra comes in four neutral colors that could work as a nude for different complexions or as an everyday choice to keep the attention on whatever you're wearing on top. If you're on the bustier side and fear an accidental nip slip, the spandex blend of the band stretches without strain. The tight banding adds back the extra support lost when worn strapless, so plus-size folks don't have to worry about sagging in the cup or sides. And it still comes with straps for customizable fits that prove anyone can wear this choice with many different fashion styles. Price at time of publish: $28 Size Range: 40G-48DDD | Colors: 4 | Padded: Yes | Type: Strapless Related: The Best Strapless Bras for Bigger Busts Best Plunge: Cacique Front Close Smooth Boost Plunge Bra Courtesy Buy on Lanebryant.com What We Love: The convenient and easy-to-use front-close system. What We Don't Love: The racerback straps peek through the back collars of some shirts. Low-cut tops require undergarments created specifically for a deep V or plunging neckline. This everyday choice from Lane Bryant's brand Cacique includes memory foam cups that contour to your body and offer ample support. Plus, the lined cups give breasts a slight push-up effect that embraces the plunging cut to create a sexy look. The straps are fully adjustable and have lace detailing on the back for a sweet and sultry touch. Extra support is the name of this bras game, with halter-like back straps that can be seen vividly with open-back tops. The best part is the front closure system that makes it easy to get on and off. Bonus: Many patterns come with matching panties or thongs. Price at time of publish: $63 Size Range: 34B-46DDD | Colors: 4 | Padded: Yes | Type: Push Up/Plunge Best Push-Up: Curvy Couture Tulip Lace Push-Up Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Barenecessities.com Buy on David's Bridal What We Like: The soft-lined cups that don't squeeze breasts together. What We Don't Like: Side spillage tends to happen with long-time wear. Most push-up bras utilize extra padding to give breasts a smooth shape and the desired lift, but for plus-size folks that don't need a lot of padding, there's this option from Curvy Couture. Light lining inside the cups stops nipples from poking through and gives breasts the push-ups they desire. The tulip shape and balconette cut create a sexy style that helps lift different breast shapes. The soft and stretchy microfiber material supports the breasts without squeezing them together, giving a flattering and full-figured look. According to my doctor, I have relaxed breasts – meaning my nipples point downwards – that sag slightly from years of fluctuating weight. Most push-up bras I've tried are too tight to move around in and cause my breasts to slip out of the cup; I've never had those problems with this bra. If you're top-heavy and have wide-set breasts, the back of the bra most likely won't cover body fat on the sides because of the centered curved straps in the back. Strap readjustment might be needed to fix material that finds its way under folds during constant wear. Shoppers can remedy this by sizing up in the band or keeping the closure on the loosest clasps. And don't worry, you won't lose any lift. Price at time of publish: $60 Size Range: 34C-46H | Colors: 9 | Padded: No | Type: Balconette Best Wireless: Anita Rosa Faia Twin Soft Cup Comfort Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Barenecessities.com What We Like: Molded cups and stretchy straps make this bra uber comfortable for all sizes. What We Don't Like: The design is straightforward and not flattering at all. In the market for a supportive wireless bra? Check out this seamless version from Anita by Rosa Faia that hugs the body in stretchy, comfortable material. Extra wide straps keep slippage minimal, with soft microfiber material that doesn't dig into the skin. The molded cups hold your breasts like two hands were there to keep them up. The full-coverage style has a slightly plunging neckline, keeping the bra hidden with low-cut tops. For cup sizes over a D, the brand added an inner sling at the base of the bra that offers more support for heavier breasts, easing tension from the shoulders and back. An inner sling is a design tactic that introduces extra fabric to mimic the aid of an underwire that helps lift breasts and hold the weight that might cause sagging and discomfort. Styles are available in various nude shades and neutral basics. However, its simplistic design could use some lace or pattern to look good while feeling good. Price at time of publish: $69 Size Range: 32A-48F | Colors: 7 | Padded: No | Type: Full-Coverage Best Back-Smoothing: Vanity Fair Full Figure Beauty Back Smoother Wireless Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Kohls.com Buy on Macy's What We Love: The stretchy fabric creates a smooth foundation under your clothes. What We Don't Love: The brand needs more extended band sizes. This wireless smoothing bra from Vanity Fair prevents lumps from forming along your back and sides. You can safely wear your favorite form-fitting tops and dresses without any worries about this bras outline design. This full-figure style was my go-to before I gained weight, and now I'm just hoping the brand extends their band sizes so I can have this style back in my weekly rotation. Before your first wear, consider flattening the cups of the bra with an iron or hard-bound books to flatten out the cone-like shape of the bra that gives slight Madonna in Gaultier vibes. The lightly padded cups keep nipples from peeking through, while the four-way stretch fabric contours to the body and maintains its shape in the wash. Additionally, the adjustable straps are placed close together in the back to ensure they won't fall during the day. Price at time of publish: $50 Size Range: 36C-44DDD | Colors: 9 | Padded: Yes | Cut: Full-Coverage Best Racerback: TomboyX Racerback Soft Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom What We Love: The double-layer cotton is cozy and breathable on hot days. What We Don't Love: It can be slightly compressive for larger chests. If you like the appeal of a bralette but need more material to keep folds and rolls from spilling out, then you should try this racerback bra. TomboyX was brought to life to fill a gap in the undergarments market to create styles that work for any body, "no matter where they fall on the size or gender spectrum." The patterns on their undergarments feature bold and fun designs of dinosaurs, flowers, and forest animals, as well as primary colors of black and gray. Jersey material keeps the fabric from clinging to sweaty skin, while the spandex stretches with the body, without concern of the bra losing its shape. You won't have to worry about flashing anyone when raising your hands with the elastic banding that stays put and won't flip up causing boobs to fall. As with any bralette/cropped cut like this, those with larger chests should consider sizing up to keep the material from compressing breasts. Even with the slight compression on larger busts, the brand's size guide is true-to-size with their respective chest, underbust (band), waist, and hip measurements. This style differs from other brands with the inclusive fit testing that TomboyX does for their undergarments, having worked with body types covering sizes 3XS to 6XL. Price at time of publish: $32 Size Range: 3XS-6XL | Colors: 16 | Padded: No | Cut: Racerback Best Minimizer: Chantelle C Magnifique Underwire Minimizer Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom Buy on Barenecessities.com What We Love: The bra reduces your bust up to one inch and smooths your back. What We Don't Love: The brand needs more extended band sizes. Well-endowed people who wish they could go down a cup size will love this minimizing bra from Chantelle. The smoothing bra minimizes your bust by centering the breast tissue up to one inch. It also boasts solid wings that prevent awkward lumps from forming around the bra's straps, making this choice a seamless option under clothing. Slight readjustments through the day might be necessary to keep any significant underboob from peaking out of the unlined cups. Minimizers are compressive by nature, which is why Chatelle removed unnecessary padding and kept it as thin as possible while still being supportive and maintaining nipple flashes. Price at time of publish: $78 Size Range: 32D-44F | Colors: 7 | Padded: No | Cut: Minimizer Best Bralette: Cantiq Mesh Vintage Soft Cup Bralette Courtesy Buy on Cantiqla.com What We Love: The stretch is next level, fitting snugly without ripping the mesh. What We Don't Love: The ribbon underneath the breast is thin and gets lost under larger breasts. If athleisure wear is the new work wear, then bralettes are the new bras. At first, bralettes were not made for large busts in mind, let alone larger bodies, but brands like Cantiq decided to fix that issue with styles that work for many body types. This pin-up-inspired option is soft to the touch with a sultry appeal thanks to the see-through mesh and subtle strapping. If you're a fan of wearing a bra as a top, like Carrie Bradshaw ala Sex in the City, this equally sexy number looks good underneath a blazer, cropped jacket, or on its own. Check their size guide to get a proper fit — Cantiq's fit ranges from 23A-58K, but this is also based on the stretch of the products. Price at time of publish: $60 Size Range: XS-6XL | Colors: 8 | Padded: No | Cut: Bralette Best Front-Closure: Glamorise Wonderwire Front-Closure Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Barenecessities.com Buy on Kohls.com What We Love: Fashion meets function in this front-close, lacy bra with extra cushioning. What We Don't Love: The lace on the cup can create subtle bumps under clothes. Front-closure bras are a convenient haven for those who (like me) get pre-exhausted at the thought of struggling to put on a back-clasp bra. Glamorise's front-clasp system is held together with a small yet mighty connector that stays cinched without breaking. The structure of the bra has an extended underwire that covers the entire underboob to the start of the natural separation between breasts. The lifting design keeps breasts from squishing together or straining against the underwire when wearing the proper cup and band size. The cushioned band adds comfort, while its supportive molded cups and thick straps give your bust a smooth shape and a bit of lift. Underwire is bound to wiggle its way out of a bra after extensive use and poor washing habits. Glamorise limits this with padded wiring that slows down the inevitable poking. The lace applique is on the long side and will peak through low-cut shirts but can be remedied with a little intentional tucking. If that's a dealbreaker for you, the brand also sells a full-coverage style that offers more comfort but isn't nearly as sexy as this lacy option. Price at time of publish: $59 Size Range: 34B-50H | Colors: 9 | Padded: Yes | Cut: Plunging Best T-Shirt: Torrid Lightly Lined T-Shirt Bra Courtesy Buy on Torrid.com What We Love: The soft material and flattering plunge cut. What We Don't Love: The microfiber knit isn't very supportive in the back. Growing up in a larger than "socially acceptable" body, I could only shop at two places for bras: Lane Bryant and Torrid. The latter featured here is known for its various styles and cuts that work for different boob shapes with inclusive sizing at the forefront. I personally love the T-shirt bra because the no-fuss design doesn't sacrifice sex appeal. Unfortunately, the mesh paneling in the front band tends to shred after long-time use; however, the sturdy structure of the underwire cups keeps the bra intact and lifts your girls for a long time. The band runs small, so if you're larger around the top, consider sizing up to keep the fabric from rolling down. The smooth cups also make for a seamless transition between chest and shirt without needing a tank top between the two. Price at time of publish: $50 Size Range: 38B-50DD | Colors: 3 | Padded: Yes | Cut: T-Shirt Best Full-Coverage: Goddess Keira Full Figure Soft Cup Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Nordstrom What We Love: The brand's extensive sizing for both cup and band is impressive compared to other brands. What We Don't Love: There are only two hook clasps. With sizes ranging from 36DDD-56H, this is one of the more inclusive brands for bras that cater to larger band and cup sizes. The full-coverage style isn't the sexiest, but the sliver of mesh paneling and satin-like material is still flattering on the body. Design-wise, this bra offers a lot of coverage in the front and on the sides, with wide straps and banding that keep the bra in place and won't roll into any body fat. The clasps in the back are relatively small, with only three rows of two hooks that need readjusting to keep from twisting. Put this bra on when you need a break from heavy boobs hanging and straining your back or when you need something durable that also helps with your posture. Price at time of publish: $48 Size Range: 36DDD-56H | Colors: 4 | Padded: Yes | Cut: Full-Coverage Best for Workouts: Enell Full Coverage High Impact Sports Bra Courtesy Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Barenecessities.com What We Love: Front hooks make this sports bra easy to put on. What We Don't Love: The functional design is not the most stylish option. Are you looking for a supportive sports bra? Enell's full-coverage bra will keep up with you the entire workout without straining your chest and back from all the compression. The secureness of this sports bra is no joke. It stays snug through jumping jacks, quick jogs, and even the stretchiest of pilates classes. Along with its moisture-wicking fabric that prevents dripping sweat from keeping you dry and cool, the sporty bra boasts a high-impact fit and convenient front-hook closures that support your breasts from flopping all over the place. It also supplies plenty of back support with the built-in cross-strap design, helping you maintain your posture and securing any back rolls that might cause discomfort during workouts. The size range is from 00-8, which (based on their size chart) equates to a standard bra size of 32C-52GG. Be sure to measure yourself correctly to find the right fit. Price at time of publish: $80 Size Range: 00-8 | Colors: 6 | Padded: No | Type: Sports Bra Related: The Best Plus-Size Lingerie Brands What to Keep in Mind Cups A good rule of thumb for plus-size folks is to opt for full coverage cups because they generally offer the most support. However, Cohen notes because breasts come in different shapes, not just sizes, knowing your breast shape can help you find the best bra. You can get away with nearly every type of bra if you have round, full breasts, but because this shape typically feels very heavy, especially with a larger cup size, full coverage will alleviate the stress on your back. For anyone with bell (slim on top but full on bottom) or east-west (wide-set breasts) shapes, full coverage will typically be your best bet, too, because they will offer the most support while also scooping the breasts together and offering more lift. Relaxed (nipples point downward) might benefit from a balconette style to create more fullness at the top. It will take some trial and error to find what works best for you, but these are some good places to start. Material Choosing between different materials comes down to your comfort preferences and style needs. Cohen says cotton is ideal when you want your bra to blend seamlessly under a tee while satin and lace create a sultry look. Mesh can add breathability, even if it's only incorporated in particular portions of the bra, like the panels, and make sure to look for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics, like nylon and spandex, for sports bras to control sweat. Size Straps slipping or digging into your shoulders, cup overflow, and gaping are all common signs that you are wearing the wrong size. Over time, bras stretch out from regular wear and tear, which is why Cohen recommends replacing your bras every six months to a year. If you're unsure of your size, you can have someone measure you in-store at places like Lane Bryant or Torrid. Additionally, brands like ThirdLove also offer virtual fitting rooms that guide you through the process of measuring your band and cup size. Your Questions, Answered How do I size a bra at home? Still confused? That's okay. We had Torrid design director Dionne Thompson walk us through self-measurements. (Oh, and while you're already there, you might as well do a self-breast exam too!) "Start by wearing your most comfortable lightly lined bra," shares Thompson. To find your band size, wrap a measuring tape directly under your bust (this is where your ribcage is), and remember that most bra sizes in the US are in inches. Similarly, measure around the fullest part of your bust to find your cup size. Thompson jokes that it does require a bit of math to get the correct size, "Take your fullest bust number and subtract the ribcage number; a 1" difference indicates an A cup, a 2" difference indicates a B cup, and so on." Can I wear a wireless bra if I have a large chest? Wireless bras are notorious for not offering much support, but Cohen has seen a significant shift towards them in recent years as customers prioritize comfort and brands begin to adapt. "Some features to look for in a wireless bra that will be most supportive for a larger breast size include wide straps, removable cups for definition and coverage, and a smoothing fit that doesn't pinch, squash, or squeeze," says Cohen. How do I wear a strapless bra without it falling down? A strapless bra should feature a wide, supportive band that sits snugly against the ribcage. But that doesn't mean it should be uncomfortable. "There's a misconception that strapless bras need to be uncomfortably tight. While the support comes from the band, it shouldn't be so tight that it's painful," says Cohen. "Look for stretchy fabrics, side boning, and a wider smoothing band to get your most comfortable fit."