It's common to spill out of the front of your bra (the cups are too small), or the back (the band rides up because it's too big), but what do you do when you need a bra with high underarm coverage to stop spillover on the sides (or the back?)
Sometimes, you can fix this by scooping and swooping. That means using your hand to move your breast tissue forward, toward the front of your bra. This helps center your breasts and your bra will fit better.
On the other hand, there are also times when the scooping technique isn't enough. You may have extra tissue under your arms, or be carrying extra weight. This can cause the skin under your arms to push up and spill out over the sides of your bra, making you look lumpy.
Lumps are fine for ski slopes, but not for clothing.
Luckily, there are bras that will help. They are constructed with high underarm coverage to smooth you out, stop spillover, and hide side and back fat.
Which is good, because underarm spillage makes your clothes look odd, it's uncomfortable (who wants to be squeezed and squashed?), and it's just annoying.
The way to fix underarm side spillage is to look for bras with extra fabric on the sides (like the Warner's bra below) or higher sides that will cover and hold in the extra tissue.
Here's a list of bras with high underarm coverage to stop the love handles and make you look smooth and sleek instead of bumpy.
Average Size High Underarm Coverage Bras that Stop Spillover
This bra has extra control panels on the sides to smooth out your body and stop the unsightly underarm bulges. The cup seam is on a slight angle and the sides have an extra bit of fabric behind and above the top of the cups. This holds everything in to give you a smooth, sleek look.
Note that the cups are far apart, so it's better if you have wide-set breasts. The straps adjust in front, so it's easy to get the fit right without having to take the bra off.
Another nice thing is that it comes in lots of colors, including: black, white, toasted almond, pale pink, lavender, brown jungle print, grey jungle print, hot pink, navy, purple, plum dot, plum (solid color), gray, and mink. Sizes 34 B, C, D; 36 B, C, D; 38 B, C, D; and 40 C and D.
If you'd rather have a wirefree bra, try this version instead. The sides are extra high so they smooth out bulges and keep you from popping out of the sides of your bra.
The cups are stretchy so they will adjust to your shape (great if you're not quite even). It has straps that adjust in the front, instead of the back, making it easier to get them the right length while you're actually wearing the bra.
Sizes 34A-C, 36A-D, 38B-D, 40 B-C in black, butterscotch/white dot, almond, white, pink, espresso, lavender, fig, and silver.
Full Bust Bras with High Underarm Coverage Stop Spillover and Hide Back and Side Fat
No spillage, no bouncing, and no popping out of the top either. This bra has great support, and the straps are fully adjustable (for the perfect fit). The seams may show through lighter, thinner tops though.
And, there's no heavy padding either, which makes the bra lighter and more comfortable (particularly in larger cup sizes). It also has side support panels to keep you looking smooth, stop spillover, and hide back fat.
Comes in 30 through 38 D-HH and 40 D-FF (UK sizes) in black, white, navy, red, coffee, blush, black cherry, cinnamon, and sand.
The watchword of this bra is soft, soft, soft. It's got criss-crossing bands of fabric on the sides and back designed to smooth under your arms (and your back too). The cups are completely seamless, so it won't show under your clothes.
This bra is designed for fuller busts, and while it doesn't have the color options of the other bras, it makes up for that in a much larger range of sizes.
Available in beige, black, and lilac sizes 32-38 C-G, 40C-DDD, and 42C-DDD.
Three part cups with angled seams give you great support and a natural, rounded shape. It's a minimizer so it will reduce projection and keep your buttons from popping too.
The sides and back are high for underarm coverage and bulge busting, plus there's a arched center (to keep the bottom of the bra off your stomach).
The cups are running small, so you may want to size up for a better fit.
Comes in black, beige, dusty pink, hot pink, charcoal, bluish gray, and red in UK sizes 32D through G, and 34-44 C-G.
Wacoal Basic Beauty Spacer Contour Bra
Lightweight spacer fabric means this bra is much cooler in the summer than a standard bra. It gives you shaping and support without being heavy.
Smooth cups won't show under your clothing. The cups are stretchy, with inner slings to help lift and shape your bust. High sides help smooth and keep bulges under control. And, the straps are inset, so they won't slide off your back.
This one comes in lots of colors, including black, ivory, white, taupe, pale lavender, red, and twilight blue (and more). Includes five different skin tone colors, plus brights, neutrals, and pale colors. US sizes 30D-DDD, 32, 34. 36. 38, 40 C-G, 42D-DDD, and 44 D-DDD.
If you have a fuller figure this bra is a good choice for keeping you covered. And, you don't have to settle for basic beige or black either (unless that's what you want). This bra comes in lots of great colors, so you can wear a different shade every day if you like. The higher sides smooth out bulges.
Since the bra is seamless, it won't show under t-shirts and fitted tops. One thing, since the sides are high, it may not be a good option if you have a short torso.
Comes in black, toasted almond, white, purple, butterscotch, burgundy, and mauve. Sizes 36C, D,and DD; 38 C, D, and DD; 40 C, D, DD, and 42 C and D.
Embroidery gives an extra finishing touch to this bra, making it both practical (it smooths your sides) and pretty. The lace extends to the edges of the cups and up along the front of the straps, so you'll feel secure, supported, and glamourous.
Comes in white, white/steel, black/steel, black, red, pearl, beige, blush, navy/white, beet, aqua, white/blue, gray, periwinkle, pistachio, deep blue, twilight, purple, pink, and red/black, sizes 36-44 B, C, D, DD, and DDD.
This bra is great for fuller figures. It's full coverage and full cups are sensible, without being boring. There's a contrasting.
lace overlay on the sides of the cups, and more lace in the center.
Lots of colors so you don't have to wear the same thing every day. The high sides keep you smooth and stop unsightly bulges and bra spillover.
Comes in beige/white, black/beige, white/taupe, beige, red, beige with black dots, gray/black, beige with gray dots, purple, teal, and blue watercolor print. Sizes 34-42 B-DD.
No more roly-poly bulges! This bra smooths and supports your sides and back. The tops of the cups are high enough for full coverage, but not too high (so you can wear the bra with v-neck tops). You'll feel supported without feeling as if you're falling out of the bra.
It is a minimizer, but it's not heavy or bulky (no need to feel like you're strapped into a harness). It also has a leotard back to keep the straps from slipping.
Sizes 36-44C, 36-44D, 36-44DD, and 38-42DDD in beige, white, and black.
Lightweight spacer fabric means this bra is much cooler in the summer than a standard bra. It gives you shaping and support without being heavy.
Smooth cups won't show under your clothing. The cups are stretchy, with inner slings to help lift and shape your bust. High sides help smooth and keep bulges under control. And, the straps are inset, so they won't slide off your back.
This one comes in lots of colors, including black, ivory, white, taupe, pale lavender, red, and twilight blue (and more). Includes five different skin tone colors, plus brights, neutrals, and pale colors. US sizes 30D-DDD, 32, 34. 36. 38, 40 C-G, 42D-DDD, and 44 D-DDD.
Fuller Figure Bras That Stop Underarm Spillover
If you have a fuller figure this bra is a good choice for keeping you covered. And, you don't have to settle for basic beige or black either (unless that's what you want). This bra comes in lots of great colors, so you can wear a different shade every day if you like. The higher sides smooth out bulges.
Since the bra is seamless, it won't show under t-shirts and fitted tops. One thing, since the sides are high, it may not be a good option if you have a short torso.
Comes in black, toasted almond, white, purple, butterscotch, burgundy, and mauve. Sizes 36C, D,and DD; 38 C, D, and DD; 40 C, D, DD, and 42 C and D.
Embroidery gives an extra finishing touch to this bra, making it both practical (it smooths your sides) and pretty. The lace extends to the edges of the cups and up along the front of the straps, so you'll feel secure, supported, and glamourous.
Comes in white, white/steel, black/steel, black, red, pearl, beige, blush, navy/white, beet, aqua, white/blue, gray, periwinkle, pistachio, deep blue, twilight, purple, pink, and red/black, sizes 36-44 B, C, D, DD, and DDD.
This bra is great for fuller figures. It's full coverage and full cups are sensible, without being boring. There's a contrasting.
lace overlay on the sides of the cups, and more lace in the center.
Lots of colors so you don't have to wear the same thing every day. The high sides keep you smooth and stop unsightly bulges and bra spillover.
Comes in beige/white, black/beige, white/taupe, beige, red, beige with black dots, gray/black, beige with gray dots, purple, teal, and blue watercolor print. Sizes 34-42 B-DD.
High Underarm Coverage Minimizer Bras
No more roly-poly bulges! This bra smooths and supports your sides and back. The tops of the cups are high enough for full coverage, but not too high (so you can wear the bra with v-neck tops). You'll feel supported without feeling as if you're falling out of the bra.
It is a minimizer, but it's not heavy or bulky (no need to feel like you're strapped into a harness). It also has a leotard back to keep the straps from slipping.
Sizes 36-44C, 36-44D, 36-44DD, and 38-42DDD in beige, white, and black.
Get plenty of support without heavy padding to weigh you down. The leaf pattern is pretty, but not bumpy (we're trying to avoid bumps here!) so you get a smooth look all over. The back has a V-shape which will help prevent slipping straps.
It is a minimizer, so it will flatten you a bit (meaning less projection), but also meaning that button-down shirts may fit better.
34-42C, D, DD and 44D in ivory, black/toast, butterscotch, white, toast, espresso, pearl, lilac, ivory, blue, purple, red, pink, rose, and lavender.
It is a minimizer, so it will flatten you a bit (meaning less projection), but also meaning that button-down shirts may fit better.
34-42C, D, DD and 44D in ivory, black/toast, butterscotch, white, toast, espresso, pearl, lilac, ivory, blue, purple, red, pink, rose, and lavender.
I think I am the only one with this problem: I assume that my rib immediately under the bra wire is slightly protruding. Any bras that have an extra 1/2 inch of material under the wire will curl up on me. Help?
ReplyDeleteHi Veronica,
DeleteNah, lots of women have problems with wires.
Where on the bra is it curling up? Under your armpit? Or in front under the bra cups?
If it's under your arm, the bra style may be too full for you, especially if you are short. A demi cup style would be more comfortable because the wires are shaped differently and don't come up as high.
If the problem is the material on the band under the cups in front, than a bandless style would be more comfortable. Since there's no fabric under the wires, it won't curl up.
If you tell me which problem you are having and what size you are, I can suggest some options.
I also have a protruding ribcage and bras tend to roll up under the breast and under the arm right round to the back strap. All my bras have a gap at the top with no breast tissue as I am more bottom heavy so I'm thinking I need a demi cup? and maybe a bra with more hooks at the back? I know my bras a wrong but can never find anything even when I get measured at stores.
DeleteYou likely need a demi cup or a bra designed for a more shallow shape. Boning on the sides, and a wider, stronger band will also help.
DeleteSee this post for some ideas: https://findabrathatfits.blogspot.com/2015/01/bras-for-women-with-shallow-profiles.html
Thank you for the list! I've been looking for a good bra to deal with this issue, to no avail. I'm looking forward to checking out the ones you've listed.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteI don’t know what to do. I’m a large woman and I have a very large “side boob” on the right that refuses to cooperate with any bra I put on. I wear a 46 or 48 dad or ddd. I can’t wear underwrites comfortably as I am large and when I sit wires dig in. The side boob is my main issue. I do the “scoop and swoop” but inevitably the right side of every single bra I try rolls up and digs in. I look deformed in everything I wear. I guess I am deformed technically. I buy high sided bras marketed as extra side support but fail every time.
ReplyDeleteAny suggestions?
You are not deformed! You’re just stuck with the wrong bras.
ReplyDeleteThe wires can dig in if you have a larger stomach. If that’s the case, a wired bra without a band, and/or with an arched center panel might help, and it will give you better support.
The rolling up on the side can be helped either with a bra that has boning in the sides for support or with a larger cup (this could be a bigger size or a more full coverage style). The band moving around could also mean that it’s too big. It ought to stay in place. You may want to see if a 44F (or DDD depending on the brand) is more comfortable.
That said, here are a few options.
Leading Lady 5211
This bra is wire-free so there’s nothing to dig in to your stomach. There’s power mesh panels on the sides and back which will help control bulges and keep the bra in place. It’s a t-shirt bra, so there’s a little padding, but just for modesty rather than bulk. It’s a full coverage style, which should also help the side rolling problem. It has an arched center, which should be more comfortable if you have a larger stomach.
You can get it in all four cup and band sizes (46 DD and DDD (F) and 48DD and 48F
in beige or black.
Leading Lady Dreamy Comfort Wirefree Lace Cup Bra 5203
Another wire-free option, but this time embellished with pretty lace. There are slings and boning on the sides for lift and support. The boning and control fabric on the sides also help minimize bulges and stop the sides from rolling over. It has seaming, which will give you better shaping, but a less-rounded look than the t-shirt bra. The center panel is arched, which ought to be more comfortable for your body shape.
This comes in white, pearl/sand, beige, and black in all four cup and band sizes (46 DD and DDD (F) and 48DD and 48F.
Elomi EL8740
This one does have underwire, but it is bandless and has the arched center panel. You might find this gives you better support without discomfort, since there’s no band to dig in to your stomach. The sides are tall, for smoothing, and have power control top fabric to stop the bulges and push you up and forward. Since it’s made of spacer material, it will also be more lightweight and comfortable in warmer weather.
This doesn’t come in the 48 band, but it is available in 46DD and 46E (which is DDD in this brand) in beige, red, or black.
Elila 1303
Another lacy bra with full coverage that will help minimize spillage. There are seams for support and shaping, which may make the bra more conical when you first put it on. If you wear it for a while, it will adjust to your shape. There is an underhand, but no wires. The sides are tall and have boning, which will keep the bra in place, minimize bulges and push you up and forward.
Elila sizes are a bit eccentric so you may need to adjust the size and try the C or the D cup in a 48 or a 50 band. In other words, one band size larger and two cup sizes smaller. It comes in lots of colors: white, beige, coffee, raspberry, blue, and black.
Glamorise 1102
No wires and a sheer lace cup make this bra both pretty and comfortable. There are seams for shaping and support, as well as support slings for better lift. The slings are covered in cotton, so they are soft and more comfortable against your skin. The boning at the sides will help keep the bra in place. The back and sides have control material for support and to reduce spillage.
Comes in 46 and 48DD and F(which is DDD) in white and beige.
I can’t wait to try on some of these options. I have been so frustrated with not being able to find a bra that fits properly.
ReplyDeleteI have a large band size but small cups. Very little top fullness.
I can’t wear “full coverage” bras because I don’t have the volume but I also need the side support because I have a lot of extra tissue there.
I’ve been wearing a variety of sizes dependent on the brand.
44B and 40C, typically push up plunge bras as most other cuts are so high in my chest with such little boob!
I would appreciate any recommendations!!
Thank you!
You don't have little boobs, you have little projection. Your bust is the same volume as a 38DD (and nobody thinks that's little).
DeleteThe Glamorise 1245 comes in both sizes you mentioned. It's got a lower cut front (it's a front closure) so it's less bulky and won't come up as high on your chest. That, and the stretch lace along the tops of the cups, will conform to your body shape better and reduce wrinkling and gapping. It also has the side support you need to push your tissue forward. This also comes in a racerback style, which is 1246. That's got a pretty lace racerback.
Another option is the Leading Lady 5044, which is also low cut. This one is a standard back closure (so there are hooks to adjust on the band). It's allover stretch lace, for a better fit, and it has side boning and panels to push you up and out.
I need a bra that has extra high sides but also very supportive. I have tried on many but they might have high sides but not firm to hold all fat in.
ReplyDeleteWhat size are you?
DeleteI have gland in my under arms which bra is suitable for me .my size is 36
ReplyDeleteHi, since this post is about high sided bras I'm guessing you want something to cover the gland? If that's the case, then anything on the page should help, but I'll need your cup size to be more specific.
DeleteI recently purchased a full coverage bra from Lane Bryant and it comes up very high on the sides. Every time I move my arms, I rub against the bra (it's not bulging because of breast tissue or anything). The straps also sit towards the edge of my shoulder (so far are staying up though). Is this a sign of the wrong size or is it just the style?
ReplyDeleteIt's not necessarily the wrong size, but it does sound like it's the wrong style for you. You would likely be more comfortable in a bra with shorter sides and inset straps or a leotard back (think U shape, like a ballet dancer).
DeleteHi. Do you recommend and side smoothing bras that also are padded. I am small breasted and usually wear an add a cup style bra, but now I also have the underarm bludge! Thank you
ReplyDeleteHard to say without knowing your size, but Wacoal Ultimate Side Smoother Wire Free T-Shirt Bra 852281 has side smoothing and comes in 32B. It's contoured, so it will add a bit of padding to your bustline. There's also a new Natori Convertible Contour Underwire Bra 728205 that has high sides, smooths, and starts at size 32A (Natori tends to run a bit shallow).
DeleteI need a bra that has deep sides as I have a lot of excess that always hangs over and its very annoying...I usually take a 48 c bra but every thing I buy does not have enough coverage on the sides under the arms....is there something out there for this problem
ReplyDeleteHi, you might try the Glamorise Comfort Lift Rose Lace Wireless Support Bra 1104 or 1103. Both come in your size and they are designed with powermesh on the back and sides. That will help smooth you out and control the bulges. These both come in basic shades. If you want something more colorful, you can try Glamorise Magic Lift Full Figure Wireless Support Bra 1000 which comes in 8 different colors (including navy and plum). It also has high sides and great lift too (despite being wirefree).
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI have really large, overhanging armpit bulges. I would love to wear a vest top but I am too embarrassed & so wear tee shirts that cover the bulges.
Can you advise a bra that covers/hides/smooths the armpit bulges so that I can wear a vest top?! Thank you x
Hi SW,
DeleteThe bras on this page should help! I can be more specific if you let me know your size.
I think I’m around a 34F x
DeleteOK, so then the bras in the "full bust" section should work for you. They all come in your size, and have high, smoothing sides. Since Wacoal is an American brand, the equivalent of 34F would be 34DDD. That's assuming you mean the EU "F" rather than the UK F. If you mean the UK F, then you need a G.
DeleteThe Parfait bra is in UK sizes. That would be UKF or EU G. But, it's running a bit small, so you might want to go up a cup size to FF (UK).
The Fantasie is also in UK sizes, so that's UK F and EU G.
Once you get that sorted out, it's just a matter of what style you prefer (contour/smooth or multi-part seamed cup). The seamed bras will give you more support, but may show through under thin tops.