We Tested 64 Bras to Find The Best for Large Busts
Ten supportive and comfortable bras for over a DD-cup size? Yes, really!
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Because bras aren't always designed for larger chest sizes, it can be especially difficult if you're busty to find a bra that properly fits and feels comfortable, supportive and flattering. And not only are they hard to find, but good bras for big busts tend to be pricey, so you also want to make sure you're investing in a bra that will actually last.
Pro Tip: "The larger the bust, the more stability that might be needed in a bra to maintain proper support, so it's extra important for those with larger busts to be in the correct band size," notes Madison Anne, a bra educator with over one million followers on TikTok. "A snug band can help keep the cups in place and the breasts lifted."
To make bra shopping a bit easier for you, we at the Good Housekeeping Institute put 64 different bras through the wringer to find the best. We evaluated bras in our Textiles Lab and had consumer testers try them out for real-user feedback. While bras for large breasts can encompass styles with larger cup sizes (over DD cup size) or those with wider bands (over 38 band size), the picks ahead are primarily bras that are available in larger cup sizes.
Best Deal
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive
- High durability scores in our tests
- Great fit and stays in place
Cons
- Lace straps visible under some tops
After testing this Natori bra in both 2017 and 2023, we found it continued to be a top-performing style. It has a classic underwire fit that lifts and shapes, and it uses extremely smooth fabric for a luxe (as the name implies!) feel. The bra earned top scores among wearers of all cup sizes, including those with larger cup sizes who especially liked the full-coverage design. A few testers commented that the lace straps were difficult to wear under certain clothing.
This bra also proved to be durable in our Lab evaluations: It washed well and completely recovered without misshaping after being stretched out.
Tester notes: "It was perfect in every way! It felt invisible, but did its job perfectly,” said a tester who wears a 34DDD bra. This beloved bra was rated highly by our consumer testers who said it fit well, felt supportive, stayed put and was easy to take on and off.
"If there’s a best bra in the world that universally fits the many different types of busts, from big and small to round and pointed, this is it," said one GH editor. "I’ve owned many bras, and I thought I’d found the perfect bra for me, but this one completely blows it out of the water. I don’t know if any other bra can compare," she said.
| Band sizes | 30–38 |
| Cup sizes | B–G |
| Material | Nylon and spandex blend |
Vanity Fair Full Figure Beauty Back Smoothing Bra
Pros
- Full-coverage cups
- Wide straps for support
- Smoothing side panels
Cons
- Matronly look, according to some testers
Currently on sale for under $25, this Vanity Fair bra is an excellent value. The full-coverage cups help prevent spillage, especially important for large chests. It features smoothing panels to prevent any bulging on the sides and wide, adjustable straps for a more comfortable feel.
During our evaluations, the stretchy side panels maintained their shape after stretch-recovery tests. This bra is sold in both underwire and wireless versions; for larger busts, we recommend the underwire, which creates better separation between the cups.
Tester notes: "The bra is super comfortable and very supportive," said a tester with a 38C bra size. She even reported that she felt confident running down a flight of stairs in this bra, experiencing no bounce. Testers did note that the bra looks a bit matronly, though, because of the fuller coverage design.
Along with being a favorite of GH testers, this style has more than 56,000 reviews on Amazon from real users who shared feedback, like that the bra has held up well in the wash and that the straps stay in place on their shoulders without slipping.
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| Band sizes | 34–46 |
| Cup sizes | B–H |
| Material | Nylon and spandex blend cups with polyester and spandex blend back |
Lane Bryant Comfort Bliss Lightly Lined Balconette Bra
Pros
- Impressive support, according to testers
- Five hook-and-eye closures and adjustable straps for a customized fit
- Creates natural cleavage with medium-coverage cups
Cons
- Visible under some tops, according to testers
Balconette bras have a chic, feminine look with straps that are set wider apart to create more lift and cleavage than a traditional underwire. Many of them lack the support needed for larger busts, except for this style from Lane Bryant. It combines the style of a balconette bra with impressive support so there's no fear of slippage, thanks to the medium-coverage cups.
The five hook-and-eye closures in the back offer ultimate security and a customized fit. There's also a wide bottom band and side wings that help create a smooth look, but some testers did note that the band was more visible under certain tops. In the front is a small cutout between the cups and band for ventilation to prevent dreaded under-boob sweat. This bra also held up to our Lab tests with minimal changes in appearance or shrinkage post-laundering.
Tester notes: When asked if she'd recommend this bra to others that wear the same bra size of 48F, one tester said yes, "because many bras on the market for larger sizes do not come with this kind of all-day comfort." Another tester with a 40G bra size said, "I liked the level of support this bra offers, particularly with the thicker shoulder straps."
| Band sizes | 34–54 |
| Cup sizes | B–K |
| Material | Nylon and spandex blend |
Elomi Plus Size Full Coverage Underwire Bra
Pros
- Textured shoulder straps that stay put
- Popular among wearers with large breasts and a small band size
- Side support panels to help provide more shape and separation
Cons
- Seams and front bow are slightly more visible under clothes
"Seamed bras, like demi cups or 'cut and sew' cup constructions, are also a great help to lift and hold fuller busts, sometimes better than molded T-shirt bras," says Anne. This seamed bra from Elomi features side support panels to help provide more shape and separation.
The textured, adjustable straps help prevent them from slipping off shoulders. Although some wearers feel that seamed bras are more visible under clothes, Anne advises that it's not a huge concern as "how they hold your breasts can really make a massive difference!" Chic details, like semi-sheer panels and a tiny bow in the front, elevate this feminine style, however the seams and the bow may be more visible under clothes.
User notes: This bra is especially popular among those with large breasts and a small band size. One reviewer with a 34H bra size said, "The girls are heavy and need some lifting, lots of support, comfortable, underwire, smooth, but modest and pretty. This bra checks all of the boxes." Another reviewer with a 34HH bra size reported, "This bra is an excellent fit. Great support."
| Band sizes | 34–46 |
| Cup sizes | F–K (UK sizes) |
| Material | Polyester, nylon and elastane blend |
Pros
- Online quiz to find your best size
- Testers gave it perfect scores for comfort and fit
- Pleated straps to prevent slippage
Cons
- Bottom band stretched out a bit in Lab tests
Known for offering inclusive sizing (including half-cup sizes!), ThirdLove bras continue to perform well in our tests year after year. This classic T-shirt bra is a best-seller from the brand, amassing more than 59,000 online reviews and an average 4.5-star rating. Online reviewers sais the bra lifts and supports their chests while remaining comfortable.
It features foam cups, a structured underwire and pleated straps that don't slide off of shoulders, thanks to the textured design, according to testers. In our battery of Lab tests, the bra held up to continued washing without major changes in appearance, but it didn't fully return to its original shape after stretch-recovery evaluations, so you may notice that it loses its shape with extended wear. It's also available in 10 colors and a newer lace fabrication.
Tester notes: Testers gave the bra perfect scores for its overall comfort, stay-in-place abilities and fit. They appreciated the brand's inclusive size range and the helpful online quiz to pick out the perfect style and size for your body type and preferences. "[The straps] stayed in place and were super comfortable," commented one tester with a 34DD bra size.
"This was a great basic bra that felt very comfortable," said another tester with a 32C bra size. "I could easily wear it with almost any outfit, and it didn't dig into any weird places on my body."
| Band sizes | 30–48 |
| Cup sizes | A–H |
| Material | Nylon and spandex blend |
Glamorise Wonderwire Front Close Bra
Pros
- Front closure is easier to get on
- Cushioning on straps and underwire for comfort
- Smoother look in the back
Cons
- May be too much coverage for some preferences
Getting a bra on can be quite the struggle, whether you have to pull it over your head or hook the closure in the back. This one's ideal for anyone with limited movement or who prefers to close their bra in the front.
It also stands out for its comfortable features, like wide, padded straps to prevent digging in at the shoulders and cushioned underwires to stop poking and prodding. Plus, the smoothing fabric in the back helps enhance your natural shape and mitigate bulging. Because the bra is designed to offer full coverage, it can peek out under lower-cut tops.
Tester notes: With over 32,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.0-star rating, online customers applauded this bra's stylish appearance and supportive fit that they said is comfortable all day.
"As a woman of a certain age with large, deflated breasts, I have found this bra to be the best fit and the most comfortable to put on and wear (I'm no longer planning my day around when I'll take off my bra!)," said one satisfied tester who wears a 42H bra size. "I recommend this bra for every full-figured woman looking for comfort!"
| Band sizes | 34–50 |
| Cup sizes | B–H |
| Material | Polyamide, polyester and elastane blend |
Freya Idol Molded Balcony Bra
Pros
- Available in small band sizes
- Rated comfortable and supportive by testers
- Cute and feminine design, according to testers
Cons
- Some testers found the UK sizing confusing
This bra from Freya stands out not only for being available in cup sizes ranging from B to HH (the UK size equivalent of L), but also for performing well across the board for those who wear larger bra sizes. It's designed to offer excellent support and shaping while remaining hidden under most tops because the cut isn't high and the straps aren't too thick. It's also available in small band sizes for those who are petite with large chests.
Tester notes: Testers who wear cup sizes D through G gave the bra high marks for comfort, fit and support. "The bra was very supportive and held everything perfectly in place," said one tester with a 34G bra size. She especially appreciated that "it fit just right" and explained, "It is hard to find a bra like that for me."
Testers also liked this bra's appearance with one 36DD-bra-size tester who said, "I love the design of the bra — feminine, flirty and cute." Some testers found the UK sizing confusing and recommended looking at the size chart closely to determine the best fit.
| Band sizes | 28–38 |
| Cup sizes | B–HH UK sizes) |
| Material | Polyester, nylon and elastane blend |
Panache Porcelain Elan Molded T-Shirt Bra
Pros
- Smooth design for a discreet look
- Available in larger cup sizes than most
Cons
- Lower stretch-recovery scores
While many bras have cute lace details, this one is totally smooth so it won't be visible under tight-fitting clothes. It's also available in a wide size range, including bands as low as 28 and cups up to UK size H (equivalent to US cup size K). And the straps can be unhooked in the back and converted, so it's wearable as a standard bra or cross-back style to hide under racerback tops.
In our Textiles Lab tests, the bra showed no shrinkage and minimal changes in appearance after laundering, but the fabric did stretch out a bit in our stretch-recovery tests.
Tester notes: Even better, testers with larger cup sizes rated it supportive and said it stayed in place all day long. "This bra was amazingly supportive," said one tester with a 34D bra size. "It didn't look like an old lady bra," reported one 34E bra size tester. "In my size, bras can look like armor, but this was attractive and light!"
Appreciating its thoughtful design for everyday wear, one tester with a 34G bra size said, "I loved that it can work as a racerback and that the straps were not wide, but were very supportive and did not dig into my shoulders."
| Band sizes | 28–38 |
| Cup sizes | B–H (UK sizes) |
| Material | Polyamide, polyester, cotton and elastane blend |
Wacoal Visual Effects Minimizer Bra
Pros
- Minimizer helps prevent shirts from gaping
- Full coverage without padding
Cons
- Some reviewers noted the bottom band is snug
If you struggle with gaping button-down shirts and blouses, a minimizer bra is the perfect solution to help people with larger breasts fit into non-stretchy clothes. Wacoal even claims this style can reduce your bust size by up to an inch. The cups are full coverage without any padding and have a soft mesh lining for a comfy feel.
User notes: This minimizer bra is a favorite among wearers with larger chests. It has over 3,000 reviews on Amazon and an average 4.3 star rating with comments like, "This bra is perfect for large busted women" and "This bra is amazing!" A reviewer with a 38G bra size said, "The fit is amazing and provides all-day support. Walcoal brand is wonderful even if it is pricey, I feel it is worth every penny."
Another reviewer with a 36DD bra size said, "I detest underwire bras, but this one is surprisingly comfortable and I actually forget I'm wearing it." Some reviewers noted that the bottom band fits a bit snug and recommend sizing up in the band for a more relaxed fit.
One GH analyst who wears a 32DD says Wacoal bras are her favorite by far, thanks to their supportive design. Her personal favorite is Wacoal's Shape Revelation Shallow Top Bra, which isn't a minimizer and actually provides a little added lift.
| Band sizes | 32–44 |
| Cup sizes | C–J |
| Material | Nylon and spandex blend |
Pros
- Soft and smooth fabric
- Durable material aced Lab tests
- High comfort scores from testers
Cons
- Less shaping and nipple coverage than other picks
Rated the most comfortable bra by our consumer testers, this bralette from Harper Wilde is made using two layers of thick nylon/elastane fabric that's soft, stretchy and holds you in place. It's available in XS–6XL sizing, which fits wearers with 30A–50F bra sizes.
The thick bottom band provides decent support without a wire. Because it lacks foam cups, this bralette doesn't offer as much shaping and nipple coverage as other picks. Bralettes tend to perform poorly in our durability evaluations, but this style aced every test: It received a perfect score in our stretch-recovery test and barely shrunk after we laundered it.
Tester notes: This bralette was especially popular among testers for its soft and smooth material. Some even reported they forgot they were wearing it. "I usually take bras off as soon as I’m home, but I wore this to sleep it was so comfortable," said one tester with a 32DD bra size.
Another tester with a 36C bra size said, "Many [bralettes] often lose shape or support over time, but this bra felt significantly more supportive while being just as soft and comfortable as other bralettes."
| Band sizes | XS–XL (standard bra sizes 30A–50F) | Material: |
| Cup sizes | N/A |
| Material | Nylon and elastane blend |
How we test bras for large busts
In the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles Lab, we test all types of undergarments including underwear, shapewear, hosiery and, of course, bras. In our latest test, we tested 64 styles of bras and have amassed thousands of data points, which we analyze to determine top bra picks. Our testing is split into two categories: in-Lab testing and consumer testing.
In our Lab tests, we primarily focus on evaluating performance and durability characteristics. Bras are meant to conform to your body, but shouldn’t stretch out with repeated use. In the Textiles Lab, we run a standardized test to measure how well a bra maintains its shape: We mark the fabric and stretch it out to a standard length for a set period of time and then measure how well the fabric recovers back to its original shape after it's released.
We also put bras through repeated wash testing to analyze how well the bras hold up to regular laundering, focusing on appearance after washing and shrinkage.
And most importantly, we put bras to the test by having hundreds of consumers try them on and wear them. We choose consumers with a wide range of different band and cup sizes, including testers with DD–H cup sizes, for more inclusive test results.
Our consumer testers wear the bras and then answer surveys, rating their thoughts on the performance and appearance of the bras. They consider comfort level and support of each bra, how easy it is to put on and take off, visibility of the bra under clothing and how well the bra stays in place. Consumer testers can share their opinions as to what they liked and disliked about each bra as well.
What to look for when shopping for the best bras for large busts
Not all bras are created equal, and it's important to keep that in mind when shopping for them. Here are a couple of things you can consider before you buy another bra:
✔️ Sizing: Before buying a bra, be sure to measure your bra size if you haven't within the last year. Once you've determined your best cup and band size, it's still important to consult each brand's sizing charts and to talk with the brand's fit expert, if available, because every brand's sizing is a little different.
✔️ Snug bottom band: "A well-fitting bra will have a snug (but not uncomfortable!) band that doesn't move throughout the day, and provides nearly 90% of the bra's support," said Anne. "Typically, you don't want to be able to pull a firm band more than two inches away from your back — excess stretchiness could indicate it's too big."
✔️ Underwires: A bra's underwires are the small plastic or metal wires that line a bra's cup for structure and lift. While they aren't necessary, they can help provide extra support. If you're more interested in comfort than support, opt for a wireless bra.
✔️ Padding: Most bras offer some level of padding to help maintain shape and to provide coverage. Push-up padding in a bra is thicker at the bottom and sides of the cup to push your breasts up for a fuller look.
✔️ Straps: A common feature of bras are adjustable straps, which are made with a slider that allows you to lengthen or shorten each strap to best fit your body. Wider straps are often more comfortable and provide more support for wearers with larger breasts. Convertible straps are great because they allow the bra to potentially be worn in different ways — standard over-the-shoulder, strapless, one-shoulder, racerback, cross-body and more.
✔️ Closure: The most typical type of closure for bras is the hook-and-eye clasp, which tend to hook on the back of the band. Some bras feature front clasps for easier closure and a smoother look in the back, while other bras may not feature a closure at all and can just be slipped on. "On a new bra, start on the loosest set of hook and eyes. That way as the bra naturally stretches over time, you can move to tighter hooks as needed," Anne said.
Which type of bra is best for a heavy bust?
There's no need to limit yourself to one type of bra. There are a variety of styles on the market that provide enough support for large breasts. Here's what to look for when considering different types of bras to ensure they're supportive enough for your cup size:
- Underwire bras are the most popular style for large busts as the wire provides shaping as well as lifts and separates the breasts. Look for a wider bottom band and padding around the wire to prevent any digging in.
- Wire-free bras have structured cups, usually made with foam, and a firm bottom band to mimic the support of an underwire without the use of any wire at all. Molded cups are key here to provide lift.
- Strapless bras have a bad rap for being uncomfortable and failing to stay up. However, supportive strapless bras do exist. Look for styles with minimal padding in the cups and boning along the sides for added support.
- Bralettes with adjustable features like wide, adjustable straps and a back hook-and-eye closure can offer enough support for large chests. Opt for styles sold in traditional bra sizing (cup size and band size) for a better fit.
How should bras for large breasts fit?
To determine if a bra fits you properly, examine the fit of the cups, band and straps. You shouldn't see any gapping or overflow in the cups, the band should lie flat against your breast bone and the straps should feel comfortable and stay in place.
Anne advises that you want to make sure that truly all of your breast tissue is inside the cups. "The wire should capture even the tissue that extends into your armpit, and you shouldn't see any bubbling or spilling over the tops of the cups when the cup size is correct."
When trying on a bra, she recommends to "just lean forward a bit and tuck your hand into the cup between the fabric and your tissue. Then 'scoop' the tissue forward, and then 'swoop' it up with your fingers!" She calls this the "Scoop and Swoop" as a trick to ensure you are wearing the right bra size. "Doing this might reveal the cup is still too small once all the tissue is settled, and that you still need a bit more room," said Anne.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been a leading expert in bras for decades.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst after working as a lecturer at The Ohio State University. She has tested and written about intimate apparel of all kinds, including men's and women's underwear, lingerie, bras for small busts, bralettes and more. Constantine referenced recent bra testing and used her relevant expertise when selecting the best bras for large busts.
Emma Seymour is the associate director in the Textiles Lab at Good Housekeeping Institute, where she's been testing all types of apparel products, including bras, since 2018. She has a B.S. in fiber science from Cornell University. She updated this article based on testing by Aidan Collins and Rachael Chen.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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