My 7 Favorite Comfortable and Supportive Bras for Full Figures
I have received a TON of requests for a post on bras for big busty ladies. That sounds a little like a sign you’d see along the interstate. “Big Busty Ladies.” You know the ones? 😉 So for our purposes and so we don’t feel so “seedy“, I’ll say, Full Figure Bras. I’m sharing my current favorite bras – period. I’m saying full figure bras because I am full figured. However, even the skinny among you will find a bra to LOVE!
I have procrastinated writing this post on full figure bras because frankly, I hate bras. Bras top the list of things I dread shopping for. They come in above (meaning worse than) shopping for swimsuits AND jeans! But they are a necessary garment for most of us.
There is little worse than having a stranger standing in a dressing room with you trying to help you wrangle your sausage rolls and honkin’ hooters into a torture device and just praying that her hands don’t get too close to your sweaty pits. And you’re hoping more than that that you remembered your deodorant and that it’s still working! And, WHY did you wear high rise underwear with mid rise pants TODAY? It’s like you don’t have a clue!
On top of that, I am overly sensitive to any type of “compression” garment. This applies especially to a tight band of elastic squeezing and cuts into all of my feminine flesh. Not only does it really hurt, it creates sausage rolls of back fat that aren’t already there. I mean seriously, some bras couldn’t feel any worse if they were made of a couple of bowls held together with rubber bands. 😉
You can be assured that bras I recommend are as comfortable as I have found for larger breasts and full flesh while still giving a decent level of support to the breasticles.
If you’re not fluffy or busty most of these styles will still be great options for you!
Full figure bra is a better description than busty because not everybody who’s full-figured has large breasts. Some of us just have wide backs, large tummies, back fat or lots of underarm boobs. In my case, I already have a wide back with back fat. However, since I ditched the breast implants and had a lift (almost a reduction), I have extra flesh under my armpits along with smaller boobs. Yes, the dreaded side-boob.
I wore a 38 G/H in most bras with the breast implants. A 40 in the band was more comfortable but if I was wearing the correct size it would have been a 38. Since my surgery, most bra stores or websites have measured and fit me in a 40 D.
I currently have one underwire bra that I will wear when I need a little more lift. My incisions are completely healed over, but as of right now I’m more comfortable in a wireless bra and have included the wireless bras I’m currently LOVING.
This post contains shoppable commissioned links. You pay no more for a product, I just might earn a little commission. 😉
Without further ado, here are the bras that make the cut in my lingerie drawer:
Wireless
The Embraceable Wireless Unlined bra by Soma is my top bra at the moment. the XL fits fine in the cups, I wear it in the XXL so I don’t feel squeezed. I have it in pink, black and this beautiful adobe rose color. While it looks kind of purple in the photo, it surprisingly matches my skin tone almost perfectly making it a “nude” for many women who have that blue/purple undertone in our skin.
The Embraceable Wireless Plunge Lace Trim braalso by Soma is my second favorite. It fits much the same as the one above but has the pretty lace trim and wider straps. Though neither bra gives a lot of separation and the lift is minimal to moderate depending on the size of your girls, they make up for it in COMFORT. I have this bra in the nude and black.
Soma has also just released the new Enbliss Wireless Bra and a bralette. They are my next on my try on list. Have you tried them on yet? If so, what are your thoughts?
I love an unlined bra but prefer to keep my nipples in check. Check out how I dim the headlights here.
Torrid’s Longline Lace Bralette is amaze-balls. Actually, most of Torrid’s lace bralettes are something to talk about. Lace is usually too itchy for me but theirs is super soft. The seaming on these bras will subtly show through a shirt but again, the comfort of these beautiful bralettes outweigh that drawback. They give a good amount of support too. I’m currently wearing my old size 2 (Torrid sizing) but could probably go down to a size 1.
Support The Girl
The bras in this “support” category come in extended sizes for those of us who may have actual melon size breast’s. Prior to having my explant, one were the size of a human head!
I wish I were joking and I wish I could have found the photos of my sister and my grown niece with their heads in the cups of one of my bras fur proof. I also have a beach photo with that same sister laying in front of a group of us. Her head is pretty close to my bosom as she was the first to note that “Hey, my head is the size of one of your jugs!” Having large breast’s isn’t what you might imagine.
Chantelle Intimate C-Magnifique Minimizer bra was my minimizer of choice. It’s currently included in the Nordstrom anniversary sale. I wore a 38 H in this bra. Once this bra is broken-in it is fairly comfortable for a very supportive full figure bra. The one downside to this bra was that I have narrow shoulders and these straps are wide-set so that caused some slippage. But again, there’s a slight trade-off for comfort AND support.
If you want a full figure bra that is supportive AND pretty (and at the time of this post is also included in the Nordstrom anniversary sale) the Chantelle Intimates ‘Rive Gauche’ Underwire Bra is it. One of the prettiest ever! It fit me to a “T” but because I’m a freak about how things “feel” I only wore it for short periods of time. I passed this bra to a friend after my downsize and she LOVES it! It was a 38 G.
If you have large melons, you might also look at Elomi bras like this one. They are also beautiful and fit well. If you are buying bras online, it’s important to read customer reviews as well as look at the fit guide. You may know your actual bra size, but each brand or individual bra style may run a bit different.
Fit tip: Go to a reputable lingerie store or department store like Soma or Nordstrom and get professionally fitted for a bra. It’s a good place to start.
However, stand your ground when it comes to how the bra feels and fits. If you’re made uncomfortable in any way, there are other stores. Or simply come back another day and try another fit expert.
Sport
I have a couple of pull on sports bras fromTorridhowever, Natori wins as my choice for sports bras that have a back clasp system and are easier to put on.
The Natori Yogi Underwire Sports Bra, with its soft comfortable fabric, comes in some fun colors like the pink shown above. Crossing the convertible straps make it perfect for wearing with tank tops and it offers extra support. Although the Yogi isn’t offered in jumbo sizes like some of may need, the cups run slightly large as I have two of them in a 40 DD from when I was actually wearing a G cup.
Natori’s Performance Bra is one bra I have bought over and over. I just ordered these in a new size so I’ll update on size later. Review after review raves about the comfort and I will have to agree that the seamless construction and fabric make it a dream. This bra also has a convertible strap. I have worn it as an everyday bra in the past and the only complaints I have are that it doesn’t come in nude and the 3 support “seams” in the bottom of the cup can show through clothes. But that’s not bad if that’s the only trade-off for comfort.
Have any of you curvy ladies tried Third Love bras? I’m just curious. Drop a reply in the comments. I see they have a strapless that might be worth a try on.
Strapless
I haven’t found a strapless that I feel is worth adding to the list at this point. I’m open to any suggestions though.
If you’ve seen my video for how to comfortably keep OTS tops off your shoulder you know I have a secret for wearing a regular bra with my OTS looks.
The Top Shelf 😉
The fact is, I have more than these seven bras in my bra drawer. However, these are (or were) the bras I repeatedly reach for and buy in multiples.
I hope you find a least a bra or two in this list that will help take the sting out of bra shopping, especially if you’re shopping for full figure bras.
Happy Bra Shopping (hopefully),
Paula
Shop this post
<
It’s always a project to get fitted…no matter what size you are. It’s funny, because even though I talk about this fact a lot, I hadn’t been fitted in probably 10 years. And things change, move and go south!
The other huge factor that I think we all forget to talk about is that bra sizing isn’t always different than clothes sizing. Maybe not as obviously but it can still differ from brand to brand.
I’m going to have to try the non underwire….I’ve always worn underwires except at the gym. But it’s time to be open to new things, right?
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
PS…I love your photo….
Author
You’re right Jodie it really dies t matter what size we are, it’s always a challenge to find the right fit! If you get the fit right, the wireless can be really comfy. The new ones from Soma look especially nice with their deeper plunge center. I’m going to have to try a couple on too.
Hugs,
Paula
I ordered 2 of the Soma wireless after your post a couple of weeks ago. Love them. I always buy from Victoria Secret but you had me at ‘wireless’ =) Now I want the plunge one. I still like my push up bras from VS as I am not naturally well endowed but love the comfort of the Soma for every day.
Author
Yay, I glad you like them! I agree that there are times that a push up just looks better under clothes, but with technology improving all the time, I’m hoping there will be seeing more oomph from wireless.
P.S. I went to VS as one of my first fittings after surgery and got a bra that is lighter weight but still has some lift. I still can’t really wear it much, but it will be nice when I can because it’s not so padded that it will add to hot flashes. 😁
I’m chuckling a little because as I read this I am wearing that exact Natori Yogi bra (in the color too) as I have just returned from the gym. I had a breast reduction in college and had 3 pounds of boob removed! I was ecstatic to finally be able to wear cute bras. That all ended when I had my babies and gained over 60 pounds. Now I’m back to large breasts. Some of my bras are a 32G and it’s just so hard to find one that is supportive and comfortable. I really prefer a minimizer bra, I need to check out that one from Chantelle, of course I really need a proper fitting. I try to do that once a year and your description of the process is spot on!
Author
Wow, Kelly! Imagine if you’d not had the reduction before babies! I believe some specialty bras go to a “P”. I’ve seen a few women who might actually wear that size, but aren’t. 😜😵 Aren’t the Natori sports bras so NICE? I’m smitten.
I would like to share my bra fitting story. As a younger thinner woman, I always had a full bust, but not ridiculously so. After years of off and on steroid use due to allergies and bad food choices, the “girls” grew exponentially. About 12 years ago, I had been wearing bras from Lane Bryant and went there hoping to buy new ones. The older saleslady offered to measure and fit me. After measuring she shook her head sadly and said “Oh honey, we can’t help you here!” Needless to say I was upset and kind of wailed..”What am I supposed to do now??” That saleslady was kind enough to give the name of a boutique where I still buy my bras today. It was a by appointment, personal fitting and it made a world of difference in my life. However there was some hilarity that ensued following those first purchases. Driving home after that first appointment I called one of my best friends and was telling her about being measured and that I was wearing an H cup. She never skipped a beat and just went right on talking until a few seconds later she just stopped talking altogether. When I asked what was wrong she replied in awe “I just realized what LETTER you said!” I visited my mother soon after as well and asked her what she thought. Her answer? “Well now they’re up where they’re SUPPOSED to be!” Leave to the eighty- something lady to tell it like it is!
I’ve learned a lot about bras in these years in between. I am short-waisted so bandless bras work best. Underwire works best for me because I have full heavy breasts and a narrower band measurement. (Elomi is my go to brand lately, but for a slightly less supportive bra and more comfort I like Wacoal.) My initial horror from the saleswoman saying I couldn’t be helped, worked out in the long run for the best. I would encourage anyone, no matter their size to be professionally fitted.
Author
I’ve never heard of a band-less bra Robin. At least not for cups above a C… I’m going to have to google it now. 😉
I’m also short-waisted. And now that I’m also carrying extra weight in my mid section which makes bras extra uncomfortable when I sit down and those fat rolls push up into the band.
And oh how I wish I had a speciality bra boutique near me. The closest is hours away. 😔 But you’re right, a good bra fitting can be life changing.
Hugs,
Paula
Oh Paula… You make me laugh out loud, for real! The high underwear/mid jeans… =D, so true. I appreciate you!!
Author
You’re so sweet Bobbi Jo! Thanks for saying that. And that underwear thing… why is it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. ?!?! 🤦🏻♀️
Hugs!
Paula
Great post! I have not worn a bra without underwires in years and tend to buy only black bras. It’s very HOT here so I wear more cotton bras with underwire and they are hard to find in my size.
Author
Oh YES Neti!!! You know my love of cotton and you are right, finding a bra much about a C or D cup in cotton is nearly impossible. I started wearing the Soma wireless and the Torrid bralette when I was a G-Cup. … because – HOTFLASHES!
I have ordered from Third Love. After putting in all of the information they said I needed a 36F. I measure most places a 40DD/E. The cups fit very well but the band rolls up from my back fat and the straps don’t stay on my shoulders. I love how the cups fit and look but the band and straps falling make it a no-go for me. I just ordered a couple of the bras you mentioned from Nordstrom here is hoping they work.
Author
Ugh! I hate it when the bra rolls up. That was what several reviewers said about Third Love’s strapless bra. I have one ordered from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale so we’ll see.
I hope you have good luck with the new bras Victoria. I went to Nordstrom’s for a bra fitting when I was a G-cup and the girl suggested these two bras. I had to go up to the H cup in the minimizer though.
Hugs,
Paula
I’ve been every bra size and mid i also need a lift, which is why I created boostwr, a sleepwear line for us gals who have fuller bustlines with trim frames. I’d be happy to send you one 😇
Hi, You totally gained my interest with the picture of the melons. That was great. Hey, I host a link up party every Wed, so if you’re interested, you’re welcome to stop by and link your posts. http://www.thismainline.com
Author
Sweet! Thanks a ton Julie. I’ll definitely stop over and link up.
Hugs
Paula
What I hate the most about wearing bras is discovering the perfect bra on a website. Then after buying them you find them to be a discontinued item. Because I am small I can easily go bra less and substitue a camisole for a bra. Then use nipple covers or breast petals to give me the nipple modesty we all crave. That is unless for example we were young and were going to a dance club or to what might have been called a “pick up” club back in the day. Then of course we wanted guys to notice us.