Best Bras for Large Breasts: 11 Options for Any Budget

I was recently shopping for a new bra at a boutique in my neighborhood when the saleswoman handed me one in a brand I’d never tried before. Before I could protest that it wasn’t my size, she encouraged me to give it a go, and I was shocked. It fit perfectly! This is something large-busted people deal with regularly—whether shopping for strapless, wireless, lacy balconettes, or smooth t-shirt styles, there’s so much variety in sizing. Kimmay Caldwell has helped thousands of women find bras they feel great in, and she agrees. ”There really is a bra out there for everyone, even when you think no bra fits you correctly,” she says. When shopping for a bra for large breasts, the most important thing to bring is a willingness to get it wrong—to try styles, shapes, and fabrics from different brands as you determine what works best for you.

Caldwell says people with full busts often get discouraged in a world where DD is seen as big, making G hard to find in some stores. But with independent boutiques, department stores, and websites stocking an ever-growing range of styles, brands, and sizes in a rainbow of colors and a huge array of fabrics, there's never been a better time to be shopping for full-busted bras. Below, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites that will have you covered at the office, at the gym, and out on the town!

Our top picks for the best bras for large breasts

How we chose the best bras for large breasts

Everyone’s breasts and bra preferences are different, so in addition to consulting with experts, looking at my own purchase history and most reached-for bras, I also read reviews and polled trusted shoppers.

What to consider when choosing bras for large breasts

Where you’re going

If you’re buying a bra for a special occasion or to wear under a specific type of clothing, that’s information you’ll want to have handy while shopping, whether it’s in person or online. Something that looks great under a button-down might not work under a cocktail dress.

How much coverage and support you want

If you’re looking for a bra with full-breast coverage, stick to styles like t-shirt bras and others that offer a higher-cut cup. Balconette and demi styles are lower cut, which usually means more cleavage. Underwire bras are generally, though not always, more supportive than wireless bras.

How much you’re looking to spend

Bras for full-bust people can sometimes reach three-digit price points, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton to get a ton of support or coverage. Setting a budget will help you narrow down a range of bras, and you might get great deals if you’re willing to consider more out-there colors and patterns.

Know your current measurements

According to ThirdLove, 80% of women wear the wrong bra size. You know your current bra size is incorrect if the cups gap, the back travels upwards, the straps constantly fall off your shoulders no matter how you adjust them, or if it feels uncomfortably tight. Bra sizing consists of the band size and a cup size. To find your numbers, grab a measuring tape and wear a non-padded bra.

To get your band size, measure around your ribcage under your bust, where your bra band sits. Hold the measuring tape tight, but not so tight that it digs into your skin. ThirdLove then recommends adding two inches (if its an even number), or three inches (if its an odd number) to the measurement to accommodate for the elastic in most bra bands.

To get your cup size, position the measuring tape around your chest at the fullest part of your breast. Then, subtract the band size from your bust size (without the extra 2-3 inches). ThirdLove refers to this number as the “overbust differential” and it corresponds to cup size. So, if the differential is 0 (as in the bust measurement and the band size measurement are the same), this would correspond to an AA cup; if the differential is 1, this would be an A cup; if the differential is 2, a B cup; and so on.

As a final note on measurements, consider the shape of your breast and the style of your bra. If you notice your breast shape is fuller towards the bottom but you don’t have as much volume towards the top, a demi-cup or balconette style may work best for you.

What type of bra is best for a large chest?

The great thing about this question is that there’s no right answer! Whatever style you prefer absolutely exists in large-bust sizes—I promise!

How should a bra for large breasts fit?

Just like when shopping for bras for small breasts, the cups of bras for large breasts should lie flat. If you notice there’s extra space, try a smaller cup size. The band should also lie flat without digging into your skin.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is considered a large breast size?

D cups and above are considered large, and remember—the alphabet doesn’t stop at DD! Bras come in a range of large sizes, with some retailers stocking bras in cup sizes I or J. Remember, band size and cup size are different, so someone who wears a size 32G will have different bra needs than someone who wears a 42D.

Do large breasts need support?

People with fuller busts will often reach for supportive bras for a number of reasons. Comfort is a big one, as is considering how a bra will work under clothing. Lower-support styles like bralettes and wireless bras come in larger sizes, but how much support you want is a choice only you can make.

Are underwired bras better for large breasts?

There’s no “always” in bra shopping, but an underwired bra is often going to offer more support and stability to people with full busts. Underwires get a bad rap, in large part because so many people wear versions that don’t work for them. Don’t be afraid to try different sizes, styles, and brands when looking for an underwired bra.

Which bra is best for heavy breasts?

There is no one bra that will be best for everyone with heavy breasts, as shape, size, and body proportions all play factors into how a bra fits. Look for one that’s both comfortable and supportive, and consider getting a professional fitting.