If you're a plus size or have a large bust on a small frame, you probably need a bra with side boning support to give you the lift and stability you require.
While the band should do most of the work, if you have a big bust, and need a larger cup size, you'll need a bra with slings, panels, or side boning (or all three!)
This means either a piece of fabric under the arm, or at the bottom of the cups. Bras with side boning support or extra panels on the side move you forward (better projection and less east-west); extra support along the bottom of the cups will help lift and support your breasts. Slings that go entirely around the cups give you more projection, push in from the sides, and push your breasts forward.
Full Figure Bras with Side Boning
A great everyday bra with clean, simple lines and just a hint of mesh and lace on the top part of the cups. Those cups are cut and sewn for better shaping, support, and lots of lift. This is a good choice if you've got a short upper body, because the straps are fully adjustable along their entire length. That, and the leotard back, means the straps won't slip off shorter bodies.
Then, of course, there are side panels to push everything forward, hold up larger busts, and give you even more support.
UK Sizes 34E-K, 36E-K, 38DD-K, 40DD-K,42DD-K, 44DD-K, 46E-HH in black and beige.
There's also a newer version , called Elomi Cate
Both have an arched center so the band won't dig into your stomach.
Plus Size Lace and Print Bras With Side Boning
Super supportive, and comfortable, even in a K cup. Plus the bra is designed to give fantastic lift and support. It has multiple seams (which help shape, round, and lift), along with a stretch lace panel on the top of the cups for a custom fit. And, there are panels on the side to help tame bulges and push your breasts to the center and forward.
It comes in pink, white, black, sand, and floral) in UK sizes 32GG-K, 34GG-K, 36, 38, 40 DD-K, 42DD-H, 44DD-G, 46DD
This bra gives you the modesty/coverage of a t-shirt bra with the support of a seamed style. It's padded and lined inside, so nothing shows through, but it has seams for a better fit
A particularly good choice if you are sagging or have little upper fullness (if you are full on top, size up). The padding on the bottom helps give you more lift. The center panel is arched so it's more comfortable if you carry weight in your stomach.
US sizes 32-34 DDD-H, 36-42 C-H in beige, chocolate, pink, coral, red, purple, sapphire, cranberry, and black.
Need full coverage? Plus sized, but still want something feminine and lacy? No problem.
Larger size doesn't have to mean boring. This bra is lavished with lace, sports a sheer panel, and still gives great support and shaping. Multi-part cups give you lift, and the panels on the sides help push your tissue forward and away from your underarms.
There's also super-strong control fabric on the back and sides to keep bulges and back fat under control. Since it has an arched center panel, it will be more comfortable if you are short or have a larger stomach.
UK sizes 34G-M, 36DDD-M, 38DD-M, 40DD-M, 42DD-K. and 46DD-I in red, sand, and black.
Stretch floral lace and pretty colors make this bra both beautiful and supportive. The edges of the cups are even scalloped. It is lace, so there may be some show-through under tight tops or t-shirts. The sides and back are high for extra support and smoothing and the slings extend under the cups.
You may want to size down if you are between cup sizes.
Comes in ivory, gray, red, plum, coral, teal, and black; sizes 36-46 E, F, G, H, I, J, and K. Elila uses "classic" sizing, so their bands run smaller. Add three or four inches to your actual underbust measurement in order to get the right size.
Full Bust Bras With Side Support
Panache bras are well-made and give great support for full busts. This one is no exception. It has two kinds of seaming (across and vertical) for shape and lift, plus slings inside the cups to help support a heavy bust. The high sides help minimize underarm spillage and reduce lumps under your clothes.
The bottom of the cups are opaque with a floral design, topped with sheer floral lace.
Note that the straps are long, and wideset, so it's likely not a good option if you are short or have rounded shoulders.
Sizes 30 F, FF, G; 32, 36, 38 D, DD, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J in beige, several shades of blue, black, multiple shades of pink, emerald, sienna and more.
There's great support under those lightly striped cups. Side support panels help hold you in and push you forward; preventing underarm bulges. Cup seams are flat and angled to minimize show through and give you more support. The angled seam gives you a rounder shape (even though it's a seamed bra), so you'll get a more natural look.
The cups are deep and full coverage, so you may need to adjust your size if you are between sizes. It also makes this a better choice if you are tall or have a long torso.
Comes in ivory, pearl gray, or black in EU sizes 32B-G; 34, 36 B-H, 38, 40 B-G; 42, 44 C-E.
No lace or bows or doodads, just a slightly sheer understated stripe. It has fantastic support, with no padding, so the bra is lightweight and comfortable.
The multi-part seamed cups will give you lift and and a flattering shape. The upper part of the cup has a bit of stretch for a better fit; helpful if you are uneven or fuller on top.
There are side support panels to push you forward and keep bulges under control.
Low sides make it a good choice if you have a shorter torso; it won't dig under your arms.
Comes in cinnamon, cherry, coffee, blush, navy, red, sand, white, or black in UK sizes 30-38D-HH and 40D-FF.
The sheer mesh along the tops of this bra make it look dainty, but it's also hiding plenty of lift and support. The flat seams hide under your clothes. There are two kinds of seams: transversal (arched) and vertical. That translates to a more rounded shape and better lift and support. The side panels push you forward and center your breasts.
The straps are inset and it has a leotard back to stop strap slippage.
A good choice if you'd rather have a more balcony style bra. It also comes in more colors and an even greater range of sizes than the Pont Neuf bra.
Comes in white, suede, rose, and black. EU sizes 30D-H; 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 43 B-H.
Side Support Large Band Small Cup Bras
Yes, I know small cup. Everyone thinks a D is always big and an A is always small. Except that if you are a 44A, you have as much cup volume as a 38D. So, if you have a larger band, you still need support, even with a "small" letter cup size.
Another wire-free option in a great range of sizes. It's got seamed cups to give you both lift and a rounded shape. This bra has both side boning support and slings. That will give you better projection and support.
The sides are tall (which will help contain bulges), but might be uncomfortable if you are short.
White, beige, mocha, sky blue, black, black/silver in sizes 36-54A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
Leading Lady Women's Plus-Size Padded Lace Underwire Bra
Wire-free can be more comfortable, but a bra with underwires will always give you better support and lift than a non-wired bra can.
Wire-free can be more comfortable, but a bra with underwires will always give you better support and lift than a non-wired bra can.
This one has side boning support and there are also panels to give you lift and projection.
And, the cups are lavished with lace, so it's pretty too.
This has a narrow center, so it's best if you are close-set. Comes in white, beige, plum, and black in US sizes 34-38 A, B, C, D, DD, G; 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 A-DD.
A pretty bra with control fabric for shaping and great lift. There are side support panels built in to the sides, and connected to the straps, to help keep everything supported and pushed to the center.
There's lace along the tops of the cups, backed with mesh for better coverage (and less chance of poking through). The sides and back are tall for better containment and bulge control.
Comes in black, ivory, and sand in EU sizes 34A-G; 36-38 A-H; 42-50 A-F.
I have a question and maybe you can make a recommendation. I'm a 42 or 44C cup. I'm pretty precise on the size, but I can never find a bra that has all I'm looking for. This is what I'm looking for: I have a substantial amount of bulge on the side and back. I need a bra that holds that in without showing too much lump, a bra that minimizes somewhat, and a bra prevents nipple show. I can always find one or the other, but not all. What would you recommend? thanks so much.
ReplyDeleteHi DEK, I have a whole post with bras that fit your needs.
Deletehttps://findabrathatfits.blogspot.com/2015/09/bras-that-hide-back-fat.html
Wacoal Basic Beauty Spacer is contoured (no nipple show), has smoothing, and comes in your size.
The Vanity Fair Beauty Back also meets all your requirements.
If you hate wires, Vanity Fair 71282 will work too.
Thank you for this list! I have found that almost all "support bras" just squeeze your breasts together and make you look like a playboy bunny. Or, they have lace all over them them (like many on your list) that can be seen through t-shirts and white shirts - which I wear a lot. I'm 60 years old and am looking for the old "lift and separate" (emphasis on "separate" as I do not like my cleavage exaggerated) with support with out a lot of lace and boob squeeze. My bust is not that large -38 C- but I cannot find a bra that will just give support without squeezing, too much "push up" etc. Some aging women do not want the squeezed playboy look, we just want support that is not too obvious under white shirts. I like "boning" and under wires as they do add good support, so if you know of one that can help me with my dilemma, please let me know! THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteAhhh, Playtex Lift and Separate! :)
DeleteDon't worry, they still make them.
You could try the Playtex Secrets Perfectly Smooth Underwire Bra 4747 which has no lace, and is contoured, so it's completely smooth (like the name says). If you want the side boning, the Playtex 18 Hour Bra 4695 has that too. It closes in the front too, so it's easier to put on.