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We Tested 64 Bras to Find the Best for Large Breasts

Nine supportive and comfortable bras for over a DD-cup size? Yes, really!

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collage of three bras designed for larger bust sizes against a pink and purple grid background. the image features a bright pink molded bra on the left, a nude underwire t shirt bra with lace trim straps in the center and a blue full coverage lace bra on the right. the styles represent supportive bra options tested for comfort, lift, fit, shaping, strap support and all day wear for people with larger breasts.
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Because bras aren't always designed to accommodate larger chest sizes, it can be especially difficult if you're busty to find one that fits properly and feels comfortable, supportive, and flattering. Not only are these do-it-all bras 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 product that will actually last.

Our top picks:

To make bra shopping a bit easier for you, Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab experts put 64 different bras through the wringer to find the best. We evaluated bras in our Textiles Lab and had our consumer testers who wear a variety of bra sizes try them out for real-user feedback. After several years of testing, the Pure Luxe Custom Coverage Contour Bra from Natori continues to come out on top for its supportive, comfortable fit for many bust sizes.

a model wearing a beige natori pure luxe coverage bra, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Bra with lace straps on a pastel background
A tan bra with lace detailing on the straps set against a purple background
a model wearing a beige natori pure luxe coverage bra, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Bra with lace straps on a pastel background

Pros

  • Comfortable and supportive
  • High durability scores in our tests
  • Great fit and stays in place

Cons

  • Lace straps visible under some tops

We’ve tested this Natori bra several times over the past decade, and it continues to be a top-performing style. The classic underwire bra lifts and shapes, and it’s made with an extremely smooth fabric with a luxe (as the name implies!) feel. The bra earned top scores among wearers of all bra sizes, including those with larger cups who especially liked the full-coverage design.

The lace straps can be more difficult to conceal under certain clothing, but at least they lie flat, and they even held up well in the wash. This bra also proved durable in our Lab evaluations: it completely recovered without misshaping after being stretched.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: “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 highly rated by our consumer testers, who said it fit well, felt supportive, stayed put, and was easy to put on and take 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.

RELATED: The Best Bras

Band sizes30–38
Cup sizesB–G
MaterialNylon and spandex blend
woman modeling a black padded bra with decorative center from vanity fair, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Light beige padded bra on a lavender background
A beige bra laid flat on a light purple background
woman modeling a black padded bra with decorative center from vanity fair, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Light beige padded bra on a lavender background

Pros

  • Full-coverage cups
  • Wide straps for support
  • Smoothing side panels

Cons

  • Matronly look, according to some testers

Priced at $50 but typically on sale for $30 or less, this Vanity Fair bra is an exceptional 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 and offers more support.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: "The bra is super comfortable and very supportive," said a tester with a 38C bra size. She even reported feeling confident running down a flight of stairs in this bra and experiencing no bounce. Testers did note that the bra looks a bit matronly because of its fuller coverage design.

RELATED: The Best Bras for Older Women

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On Sale
woman modeling a brown bra from freya, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Brown padded bra with adjustable straps
Brown bra with adjustable straps displayed flat
woman modeling a brown bra from freya, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Brown padded bra with adjustable straps

Pros

  • Rated comfortable and supportive by testers
  • Available in small band sizes
  • Cute and feminine design, according to testers

Cons

  • Some testers found the UK sizing confusing

Available in cup sizes ranging from B to HH (the UK size equivalent of L), this bra from Freya stood out in our evaluations and performed well across the board for those who wore 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. However, the bow details are somewhat noticeable through tight clothes. It's also available in small band sizes for those who are petite with large chests.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: Consumer 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, including 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 carefully reviewing the size chart to determine the best fit. We always recommend the same.

Band sizes28–38
Cup sizesB–K (UK sizes)
MaterialPolyester, nylon, and elastane blend
a model wearing a beige thirdlove t shirt bra, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Lingerie accessory for support and shaping
a model wearing a beige thirdlove t shirt bra, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
Lingerie accessory for support and shaping

Pros

  • Online quiz to find your best size
  • Testers gave it perfect scores for comfort and fit
  • Pleated straps to prevent slipping

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 tens of thousands of online reviews and high ratings.

Combining molded foam cups, a structured underwire, and pleated straps that don't slide off the shoulders, the bra stood out with consumer testers and in our washability tests. It held up to continued laundering without major changes in appearance. When we assessed stretch recovery, the bra didn't fully return to its original shape, though, so you may notice that it loses its structure with extended wear. It comes in 10 colors and a newer lace fabrication.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: 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.

A Textiles Lab analyst who claims that this is her favorite bra shared that the half-size option is "a miracle for those with larger chests that fluctuate depending on the time of the month." "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."

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a model wearing a beige lane bryant comfort bliss lightly lined balconette bra, good housekeeping's best bras for large breasts
Bra laid flat on a light purple surface
a model wearing a beige lane bryant comfort bliss lightly lined balconette bra, good housekeeping's best bras for large breasts
Bra laid flat on a light purple surface

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 set wider apart to create more lift and cleavage than a traditional underwire. Many of them lack the support needed for larger busts, but this Lane Bryant style combines the balconette bra style 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 consumer testers said the band was prominent under certain tops. In the front is a small cutout with a mesh insert that lies between the cups and the band for ventilation, preventing dreaded under-boob sweat. This bra also held up to our Lab tests with minimal changes in appearance or shrinkage post-laundering.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: When asked if she'd recommend this bra to others who 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."

woman modeling a light peach bra from elomi, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
best bras for large breasts  glamorise
woman modeling a light peach bra from elomi, good housekeeping's best bras for large busts
best bras for large breasts  glamorise

Pros

  • Textured shoulder straps that stay put
  • Popular among wearers with large breasts and a small band size
  • Side support panels for 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 Madison Anne, a bra educator with over one million followers on TikTok. 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 the shoulders. Although some people 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. The seams and the bow may be more visible under clothes, too. When we evaluated the bra, several GH staffers commented on its "unique" and "pretty" appearance.

WHAT ONLINE REVIEWERS SAY: This bra is especially popular among those with large breasts and a small band size. One online 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."

Other reviewers were impressed by the separation this bra offered, including one who said, "What I liked most about [the bras]... is that they have adequate separation between the cups which divides and uplifts your breasts."

Band sizes34–46
Cup sizesE–K (UK sizes)
MaterialPolyester, nylon, and elastane blend
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Wonderwire Front Close Bra
Now 30% Off
Credit: Glamorise

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 back closure. 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 design with features like wide, padded straps to prevent digging in at the shoulders and cushioned underwires to prevent poking and prodding. Plus, the smoothing fabric in the back helps enhance your natural shape and mitigate bulging. Because the bra is designed with larger cups to provide full coverage, it can peek out under lower-cut tops.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: "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!"

Visual Effects Minimizer Bra
$70AmazonAlso Consider
Credit: Wacoal

Pros

  • Minimizer helps prevent shirts from gaping
  • Full coverage without padding
  • Breathable mesh lining

Cons

  • Some online reviewers said the band runs 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 clothes that don't stretch. Wacoal even claims this style can reduce your bust size by up to an inch. The cups are full-coverage, without any padding, and feature a soft, breathable mesh lining for a comfy feel despite being compressive.

WHAT ONLINE REVIEWERS SAY: This minimizer bra is a favorite among online reviewers with larger chests. 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 online reviewers noted that the bottom band fits a bit snug and recommend sizing up in the band for a more relaxed fit, which is to be expected of a minimizer bra.

One GH analyst who wears a 32DD says Wacoal bras are some of her favorites, thanks to their supportive design. Her personal pick is Wacoal's Shape Revelation Shallow Top Bra, which isn't a minimizer and actually provides a little added lift to shallow breasts.

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The Bliss Bralette
Credit: Haper Wilde

Pros

  • Soft and smooth fabric, loved by testers
  • 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 and elastane-blend fabric that’s soft, stretchy, and holds everything in place. It’s available in XS–6XL sizing, which fits wearers with 30A–50F bra sizes (some sizes are limited in stock).

The thick bottom band provides decent support without a wire. Because it lacks molded foam cups or padding, this bralette doesn’t offer as much shaping and nipple coverage as other picks. Bralettes tend to perform poorly in our durability evaluations. Still, this style aced every test: It received a perfect score in our stretch-recovery test and barely shrank after laundering.

WHAT TESTERS SAY: 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."

RELATED: The Best Bralettes

Band sizesXS–6XL (standard bra sizes 30A–50F)
Cup sizesN/A
MaterialNylon and elastane blend
Video poster
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How we test bras for large breasts

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In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we test all types of undergarments, including underwear, shapewear, hosiery, and, of course, bras. In our latest tests, we evaluated 64 styles of bras and have amassed thousands of data points, which we analyze to determine the top bra picks.

Before testing, we also researched popular brands and new releases, considered online customer feedback, and evaluated bras' materials, sizing, color options, and more. While bras for large breasts can encompass styles with larger cup sizes (over DD) or wider bands (over 38), the picks ahead are primarily available in larger cup sizes.

Our testing is split into two categories: in-Lab testing and consumer testing. We considered our research and the data from our bra testing to choose the best bras for large busts. Here’s a more detailed look at what goes into our bra testing:

a bra being tested for stretch recovery at the good housekeeping institute in the textiles lab
Good Housekeeping / Lexie Sachs

✔️ Lab testing: In our Textiles 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, stretch it to a standard length for a set period of time, and then measure how well it recovers to its original shape after it’s released.

We also put bras through repeated wash tests to analyze how well they hold up to regular laundering, focusing on appearance after washing and shrinkage.

✔️ Consumer testing: And most importantly, we test bras by having hundreds of consumers try them on and wear them. We choose consumers with a wide range of band and cup sizes, including testers with D–H cup sizes, to ensure more inclusive test results.

Our consumer testers wear the bras and then complete surveys, rating their performance and appearance. They consider the comfort and support of each bra, how easy it is to put on and take off, its visibility under clothing, and how well it stays in place. Consumer testers can also share their opinions on what they liked and disliked about each bra.

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What to look for when shopping for the best bras for large breasts

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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 2 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 is 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 let the bra 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 tends to hook on the back of the band. Some bras feature front clasps for easier closure and a smoother back, while others may not have a closure and can be slipped on. "On a new bra, start on the loosest set of hooks and eyes. That way, as the bra naturally stretches over time, you can move to tighter hooks as needed," Anne said.

What is the best bra for heavy breasts?

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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 of foam, and a firm bottom band to mimic the support of an underwire without any wires. 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, such as wide straps and a back hook-and-eye closure, can provide enough support for large chests. Opt for styles sold in traditional bra sizes (cup and band) for a better fit.
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How should bras for large breasts fit?

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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 breastbone, 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 "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?

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Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst after teaching fashion courses 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, and bralettes. 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 the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she's been testing a range of apparel products, including bras, since 2018. She has a B.S. in fiber science from Cornell University and updated this article based on testing by Aidan Collins and Rachael Chen.

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