Thursday, January 29, 2015

Plus Size Comfortable Bras for Full Figured Women

Full Figure Plus Size Low Cut Wonderwire Lace Bra Underwire #1240 Cappuccino
Do you need a comfortable bra for a large bust? Got a full figure and feel discouraged when you go lingerie shopping?

First, they don't have your size.  Or, if they do, nothing fits.  You pop out of the front, the back rides up, the cups don't cover properly, or worse, you get squeezed.  It's not comfortable, and you can't wear it for more than five minutes. Sometimes, the bra promises support but there's no support to speak of.  Hey, you have a big chest, you need lift! And support! A comfortable bra for plus sizes and large cup sizes would be good too.

Luckily, there are bras that come in large cup sizes (including H, K, and L) and larger back sizes (like 40, 44, and 50) that are not available in department stores or a certain “Very Splashy” lingerie store.

And, even better, they’re pretty! No more great granny bras, even if you’re a 38J!

I've also included some tips on deciphering the mess that is bra sizing (especially in larger sizes) and some bra features and descriptions to look for when choosing a bra. As usual, each bra includes the colors (as I write this) and the sizes available for each bra.

Note that the bras on this page are designed for average height full-figure women. If you're short, check out this page.

Comfortable Bras for Large Busts and Full Figures



Full Figure Plus Size Low Cut Wonderwire Lace Bra Underwire #1240 Cappuccino

Sure it looks glamorous, but that sheer mesh hides a comfortable secret or two.  The wires are padded, in their own special channel, so they don't chafe or rub against your skin. Even the straps are padded, so they are more comfortable and won't dig into your shoulders. Meanwhile, the angled seams and side panels give you support, better lift, and and centering (which also helps minimize side boob).

EU sizes 34B through 48H, in black, cafe, cappuccino, and mocha.




Wacoal Women's Awareness Underwire Bra, Ivory, 32D

This bra is both comfortable and pretty, with floral print fabric, and a criss-crossed panel between the cups. There are no seams to show through your clothes.

The fabric is lightweight, but minimizes you slightly. And the underwires are padded (as are the straps) so they won't rub against your skin. Larger cup sizes have side slings for better support (and to move extra tissue forward). This style also has great lift, so it's a good option if you're sagging.

Comes in 30 different colors! Some of those are ivory, beige, cappuccino, red, blue, wine, pink, and black.  US sizes 32D, DD, DDD, and G; 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, and 44 C, D, DD, DDD, G, and H.

US vs. European Sizes

Of course there is a bit of twist (isn't there always?).  The sizing isn't consistent.

European sizes for larger cups are different than American sizes. DD in the US is E in Europe.

US DDD equals European F and UK E.

European bras go up a full inch above size D, while American bras go up half an inch.





Goddess Women's Plus Size Alice Underwire Full Cup Bra, Black, 34G

Super-supportive, while still delivering comfort, even in large cup sizes like K and L.  This bra keeps everything lifted and centered where it should be, thanks to powermesh back and sides, and multi-part seamed cups.

Side support panels help push you forward (instead of leaving everything hanging on your sides.  Powermesh minimizes side and back bulges, and the seams give lift and support.

It has fully adjustable straps so you can get them just the right length, and there's a leotard back to minimize strap slippage.

The neckline is a bit high, so it's not the best choice for low-cut tops.  The higher neckline does have some advantages: it minimizes spillover and reduces bounce.  The arched center will be more comfortable if you carry weight in your belly.

Also, the material may feel a bit scratchy at first, but it should wash out.

Comes in UK sizes 34-44 G-N, 48G-L in black and beige.





    Plus Size and Large Cup Size Bra Fit Note

    Need a fuller cut for large breasts? Look for words such as "full cup", “full coverage”, “side slings”, “side shaping”, or “multi-section cups.”

    This tends to mean the bra is cut fuller and has more support on the side of the bra, to hold up and lift large cup sizes.



    Vanity Fair Women's Plus Size Illumination Full Figure Zoned-in Support Bra (36C-44D), Underwire-Beige, 36C
    This is a good replacement for the discontinued Vanity Fair Women’s Satin Fantasy Floral Full Figure Underwire Bra and the Satin Solutions Floral Superior Support styles.

    It's got smooth cups, and a leotard back (to prevent the straps from slipping; a good choice if you're short or have narrow shoulders). The back is high for smoothing and bulge control. Bandless styling is comfortable, and easy to wear. It's less likely to rub against you if you have a large stomach or a shorter torso.

    US sizes 36D to 44D, 42DD. Comes in 18 different colors, including several leopard prints, teal, cream, white, steele violet, bubblegum pink, navy, and mauve.


    Lilyette Women's Microfiber Minimizer, Pearl,34D

    If you want support and minimizing without squashing, this bra is a good choice. The lace makes it pretty, but you still get seams for shaping and soft straps for comfort. It has a tall,  arched narrow center, and the cups are close together, so it's best if you are close-set. The arch design keeps the center of the bra away from your stomach.

    The wires and sides are low and shorter, so it's more comfortable if you're short, as the wires are less likely to poke you. It's full coverage, so you won't spill out, or end up with quadra-boob.  The minimizing effect reduces your projection up to 1 1/2 inches, so your clothing will fit better.


    Comes in white, ivory, beige, gray, lilac, and black in US sizes 34C-DD; 36, 38, 40, 42 C, D, DD, DDD and G; and 44 C, D, DD, and DDD.


    Elomi Women's Caitlyn Underwire Side Support Bra,Nude,34F (UK)

    Unpadded (because really, who needs padding at a plus size?) satin cups are topped with embroidery over sheer mesh for an elegant look.  You can adjust the straps along their full length (great if you are either extra tall or extra short between your shoulders and ribcage).

    Side panels and powermesh smooth you out and center your breasts on your chest pushing breast tissue forward and away from under your arms.

    The center is arched, to keep it away from your stomach, but it is a banded bra, and the sides are higher than its sister "Cate". If your lower half is shorter than average, you might find the Cate or the Lydia (also by Elomi) to be more comfortable.


    UK sizes 34E-K, 36E-K, 38E-K, 40E-J, 42E-JJ, 44E-J, and 46E-HH in black and beige.

    Bali Women's Flower Underwire Bra, Light Beige, 36C

    The Flower Bali has been a bestseller for years. It is a bit retro, but there's sheer mesh on the top of the cups for looks, and a lot of support. The back holds you in, smooths you out, and helps everything stay in place (no more sagging).

    The wires also have special cushioning to prevent them from digging into your chest or coming out of the bra. So it's comfortable! You'll hardly know you are wearing it.

    White, beige, and black in US sizes 32-50 B, C, D, DD, and DDD.

    Comfortable Full Figure Bras Fit Note

    Look for a bra with rounder cups (like a full moon), a U-shaped neckline, and a higher gore (the part in the center that joins the front of the two cups together). 

    It will contain your tissue better, reduce bouncing, and be more comfortable.


    GODDESS Keira Support Underwire Bra (6090),34I,Ultramarine

    A comfortable full figure bra made with simplex cups that stretch in every direction (just enough for a great fit, but not so much that it stretches out of shape).  You get great support and, since it's not padded or molded, the bra bounces back to its original shape when you take it off.  The satin fabric and sheer mesh on the tops of the cups add elegance and style.

    There's no lining or padding, which keeps the bra lighter, less bulky, and more comfortable. Side panels and seaming push you forward, up, and together. That stops bulges, gives you more lift and a more rounded natural looking shape. Oh, and there are plenty of color options too. Not just beige and black!

    Comes in black, azalea, plum, pearl, chocolate, cinnamon, ink, beige, red, white, ultramarine, and granite blue. 

    US sizes 34I-N, 36DDD-N, 38 DD-N, 40DD-N, 42DD-N 44DD-L, 46DD-K.



    Playtex Women's 18-Hour Ultimate Lift Wireless Full-Coverage Everyday Comfort, Single Or 2-Pack Bra, Black, 38C

    Playtex is, of course, famous for its 18 hour bras. This one manages to be both comfy and attractive. There are no wires, so nothing will dig into your skin. The straps have cushioning, and come to a deep V in the back. They'll stay in place, won't slip, and help take the pressure off your shoulders.

    Comes in white, beige, toffee, red, taupe, steel, heather, sand, steel, blue, magenta, red, and black in US sizes 36B-DDD, 38-46B-G, and 48B-DDD (some colors have a floral jacquard design, some are plain).

    If you want something for a special occasion, or just want to feel extra glamorous, try these pretty full-figure bras.

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