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The wrong bra is the ultimate outfit ruiner: visible straps, ill-fitting cups or a loose bottom band can turn even the most stylish look frumpy. Because bras aren't always designed for larger chest sizes, it's difficult to find a bra that properly fits and feels comfortable, supportive and flattering. Plus, because bras for large breasts tend to be pricey, you'll want to make sure you're investing in ones that'll last.
To make bra shopping a bit easier for you, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute sized up dozens of bras by enlisting testers with DD–H cup sizes.
Our top picks:
Best Balconette Bra for Large Breasts
Lane Bryant Comfort Bliss Lightly Lined Balconette Bra
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In our latest bra test, we put 64 different bras, including backless bras, strapless bras, wireless bras, full-coverage bralettes and, of course, bras for large busts, through the wringer to find the best buys. We evaluate bras in our Textiles Lab as well as have consumer testers try them out, assessing them for performance, appearance, comfort, stretch recovery and shrinkage. While bras for large busts 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 — although we feature some bras with extended band sizing too.
"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," noted Madison Anne, a bra educator who has amassed over 1 million followers on TikTok with her bra-fitting content. "A snug band can help keep the cups in place and the breasts lifted." Check out our bra sizing guide to ensure you are wearing the right size.
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive
- Durable design
- Great fit and stays in place
Cons
- Lace straps visible under some tops
After testing this bra in both 2017 and 2023, we found this bra from Natori to continue to be a top-performing style. It has a classic underwire fit that lifts and shapes with extremely smooth fabric for a luxe (as the name implies!) feel. The bra received top scores among wearers of all cup sizes, including those with larger cup sizes who especially liked the full coverage design. Though a few commented that the lace straps were difficult to wear under certain clothing.
This one also proved to be durable in our Lab evaluations: It washed well and completely recovered its shape 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
Pros
- Full-coverage cups
- Under $26
- Smoothing panels
Cons
- Matronly look, according to some testers
Currently under $26, this Vanity Fair bra is an excellent value. The full-coverage cups help prevent spillage, especially important with a larger cup size. It features smoothing panels to prevent any bulging on the sides and wide, adjustable straps for a more comfortable feel. In our evaluation, 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 for better separation.
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 with no bounce. Testers did note that this bra looks a bit matronly.
• Band sizes: 34–46
• Cup sizes: C–H
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3
Best Balconette Bra for Large Breasts
Lane Bryant Comfort Bliss Lightly Lined Balconette Bra
Now 42% Off
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 that helps create a smooth look, but some testers did note that it was more visible under certain tops. This bra 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
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," said 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 your shoulders. Although some felt that seamed bras are 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.
User notes: With nearly 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, 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)
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Pros
- Online quiz to find your best size
- Pleated straps to prevent slippage
- 10 color options
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. This classic T-shirt bra is a best-seller from the brand, amassing over 59,000 online reviews and an average 4.5 rating.
It features foam cups, a supportive underwire and pleated straps that stay put on shoulders, according to testers. In our battery of Lab tests, it held up to continued washing, but it didn't fully return to its original shape after stretch-recovery evaluations. It's currently available in 10 different shades.
Tester notes: Testers appreciated the brand's inclusive size range and the online quiz to help you pick out the perfect style and size for you. "[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: 32–44
• Cup sizes: A–H
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 from 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–50DDD 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."
• Sizes: XS–6XL
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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 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 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.
Tester notes: Testers who wear cup sizes D through G gave 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 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.
• Band sizes: 28–38
• Cup sizes: B–HH (UK sizes)
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 tricky, whether you have to struggle with pulling it over your head or hooking 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 comfort features, like wide straps with padding and cushioned underwires to prevent poking. Plus, the smoothing fabric in the back helps enhance your shape. Because the bra is designed to offer full coverage, it can peek out under lower-cut tops.
User notes: With over 30,000 Amazon reviews and an average 4.0 star rating, online customers applaud this bra's stylish appearance and supportive fit that's 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
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Pros
- Stays in place well
- So comfortable it outperformed even non-strapless bras
Cons
- Strapless style may not be ideal for everyday use
Great news: You don't have to sacrifice comfort for a strapless bra. This one was comfy and fit well, but it especially stood out for staying in place throughout the day, though it's not necessarily a style designed for everyday use. It was given the title of "best overall" in our strapless bra tests for women of all cup sizes and was especially liked by cup sizes D and larger. Plus, it's available in a variety of neutral colors to match different skin tones.
Tester notes: Our testers said that they typically struggle with strapless bras but unanimously agreed this one was secure and felt great. No testers reported any spillage or gaping, which are the common gripes with strapless bras. A tester with a 40DDD bra size said, "It stayed in place and gave great support." Some testers even said this strapless bra was more comfortable than their regular bras.
• Band sizes: 30–40
• Cup sizes: B–H
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 (perfect for anyone with a small band size) and cups up to UK size H (equivalent to US cup size K).
In our Lab tests, it showed no shrinkage and minimal changes in appearance after laundering. 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. "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 she "loved that it can work as a racerback and that the straps were not wide, but were very supportive and did not dig into [her] shoulders."
• Band sizes: 28–38
• Cup sizes: D–H (UK sizes)
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Pros
- Wireless
- Thin straps and low-cut design
- Molded cups for shaping benefits
Cons
- Less separation than other picks
This Knix bra offers a great balance of support and minimal coverage to wear with low-cut necklines. Because this has been a popular style for years, Knix recently upgraded this bra, making it available in 99 different sizes and designing thinner straps so they are easier to conceal under clothing than other full-coverage styles.
It's wireless for comfort but has molded cups for shaping. In addition, there's more coverage around the sides to prevent spillover, however it provides less separation than other picks.
User notes: Among the over 13,000 reviews, online reviewers report that this bra runs true to size and has ample support for a wire-free style. "This is hands down the best bra I've ever purchased!" said an online reviewer who wears a 34G bra size. "Finally something that supports with no unnecessary padding and no uncomfortable wire (and that side coverage is perfect)."
• Band sizes: 28–48
• Cup sizes: A–H
Pros
- Testers loved how the straps fit
- Over 30 color options
- Soft and smooth microfiber material
Cons
- Less nipple coverage than a padded style
The Scoop bra from Cuup is a great pick for those with smaller band sizes and larger cups — band sizes start at 30, while cup sizes extend up to an H.
This unlined bra is constructed without excess padding, and the microfiber fabric is buttery smooth. Because it's unlined, it offers less nipple coverage than a padded option. It's currently available in over 30 colors, including a variety of nude shades and bold hues.
Tester notes: Testers were impressed by the straps, which didn’t slip during wear and are thin enough to conceal under clothing, yet wide enough to offer the support necessary for large busts. "I was impressed with just how much support this bra offered," reported one tester with a 34D bra size.
• Band sizes: 30–44
• Cup sizes: A–H
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Pros
- Available in additional sizes
- Hook-and-eye closure
Cons
- Bottom band rolls with wear
This bralette from Cosabella is designed with a hook-and-eye closure back and wide straps to help support larger chests. There are over 20 neutral and fashion colors to choose from, and you can match your bralette to all of their underwear styles.
Additional size options are available as well, including ultra curvy and extended sizes in case the linked curvy option doesn’t include the best fit for you. Because of the longline design, the bottom band may roll up when bending over.
Tester notes: We have tested a variety of different bralettes from Cosabella's Never Say Never bralette line and the trendy lace is popular among our testers. When trying the Sweetie style, one tester said, "I liked the material a lot. It was very comfortable and breathable for a hot summer day." She also said, "It fit very well and was very stretchy yet supportive."
• Sizes: P–XL (covers 28 DD–40 H)
Pros
- Breathable mesh band
- Natural lift and shaping
Cons
- Embellishments are hard to conceal
This push-up bra from Curvy Couture is designed with a graduated foam padding that lines the bottom and sides of the cups to push breasts front and center and provide lift. Instead of the standard material, the panels along the back band are made of mesh to help provide breathability.
You should note that the bra is designed with a lace overlay, small bows and rhinestones that can be difficult to conceal under form-fitting clothing, but the brand does offer a less embellished option.
User notes: Online reviewers appreciated that this bra embraces their breast shape and offers a lifted, sexy look. "It quickly became my favorite [bra] because this thing is COMFORTABLE and it keeps the girls looking perky," said an online reviewer who wears a 36G bra size.
Another reviewer with a 40H bra size noted, "I don't want to squish them and try to make them smaller. I want to push them up to where they look great and that's what the bra does."
• Band sizes: 34–46
• Cup sizes: C–H
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Pros
- Minimizer helps prevent shirts from gaping
- Full coverage without padding
Cons
- Some reviewers note 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 up to an inch. The cups are full coverage without any padding and have a soft mesh lining for a comfier 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.
• Band sizes: 32–44
• Cup sizes: C–J
Pros
- Underwire for excellent separation and support
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Hook-and-eye closure can be difficult to fasten
A winner among the larger sizes in our sports bra test, this style compresses and separates — i.e. it keeps breasts from moving both up and down and side to side. The underwire is built into the outside of the sports bra to keep it from irritating your skin and rubbing while you're exercising. While the hook-and-eye closure is great for support and proper fit, it can be tough to fasten, according to testers.
Tester notes: Our testers said this bra was very supportive and stayed in place during their workouts: the adjustable straps didn't slip and the bra didn't slide around.
"There's no movement while jumping or bouncing or working out," said one tester with a 34DDD bra size. Another tester with a 34G bra size said, "I like how supportive the bra was and how the cups covered my breasts. Nothing was popping out where it shouldn't be."
• Band sizes: 32–42
• Cup sizes: C–I
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Pros
- Supports without feeling constricting
- Comfortable fabric is lightweight and smooth
Cons
- Wide straps may be visible under certain clothes
This amazingly comfortable bra is the perfect lounge and work-from-home style that provides support with a barely-there feel. Its pullover design means there are no pesky clasps. It's designed to have a snug fit with smoothing side and back panels.
The lightweight fabric also held up to repeated laundering and kept its shape even after being stretched out in our Lab tests. The brand offers a convenient size calculator where you put in your band and cup sizes to find your letter size in the brand's sizing.
Tester notes: Calling this bra "very supportive," one tester with a G cup said, "I love the fabric and the seamless style." Another tester said, "This bra felt like a cloud when I put it on, it was so comfortable!" Testers said the wide straps didn't leave any pressure on their shoulders, but were visible under some tops.
• Sizes: S–3XL
Pros
- Offers superior support
- Wrapped underwire helps shape
Cons
- May be too firm for some
If you're looking for extra support to prevent bounce, this full-coverage style from Soma has a firmer feel than what you might be used to and reviewers say it lives up to its name. The unique design also includes a wrapped underwire that runs up the sides of the cup to offer more shaping benefits, and the wider straps are padded to relieve stress on shoulders.
User notes: After trying many different bras, one online reviewer with a 34DD bra size said this is now her go-to bra. She said," It looks great underneath T-shirts and everything else, very smooth all over. The cups are just perfect." Another reviewer with a 34G bra size said it's her favorite bra "because it truly lifts and supports."
• Band sizes: 32–44
• Cup sizes: B–G
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How we test for 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 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 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.
Lexie Sachs
Executive Director, Strategy & Operations
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Amanda Constantine
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst
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
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
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.