For many years, shopping for the best plus-sized bras has been as much of a struggle as finding stylish plus-size clothing. Retailers were unsure how to account for a larger bust and a curvier shape, which meant options were basically non-existent. While there is still a long way to go in terms of having as much choice as those with smaller busts, there is now a lot more to choose from when it comes to bras for plus-sized women.
The best plus-sized bras are designed with wider back bands, thicker straps and underwire to give your bust all the support it needs. However, just because a bra is full of support doesn't mean it has to be unstylish. You can say goodbye to the boring beige numbers that you've had for years and yellow to sexy and stylish underwear that will have you feeling ultra-confident when wearing it.
The best plus-sized bras at a glance:
• Best full cup plus-sized bra: WonderFull Vibe Full Cup Bra – view on Curvy Kate
• Best plus-sized bra for back size range: Yours Clothing Two Pack Black & White Non-Wired Soft Cup Bras – view on Yours Clothing
• Best multiway plus-sized bra: M&S 2pk Padded Multiway Bras – view on M&S
Whether you're looking for a plunge bra for under your favourite plus-size dresses, a t-shirt bra for every day while running errands, a bralette for lounging at home or a strapless bra to go underneath Bardot or other off-the-shoulder styles, discover them all in our guide to the best plus-sized bras.
Give your lingerie draw a revamp by filling it with bras that feature trendy cuts, stunning detailing and pretty colours. If you're not sure about shopping for bras online, we've got fit advice from experts in our FAQs to help you find the perfect fit.
The best plus-sized bras
Best full cup plus-sized bra
Curvy Katewww.curvykate.com
Description
With comfort at the forefront of its design, the WonderFull Vibe Full Cup Bra from Curvy Kate is great for every day wear. It has a curved underband that is designed to contour the curves of your body, stopping the band from rolling and causing discomfort. The wide straps offer full support and the firm wing mesh is designed to smooth and support too.
Customer review: "Fits like a glove! Reduced my back pain and made me feel very pretty. Amazing material that is both very nice to touch and strong enough to hold big boobs."
Pros
- Side support
- Three hook and clasp fastenings on the back
Cons
- Although some band sizes go up to a J cup, not all of them do
Best plus-sized bra for back size range
Yours clothingwww.yoursclothing.co.uk
Description
If you require more room in the band of your bra, these bras from Yours Clothing go up to a 50 in the back and you can get them in an H cup too. Designed for everyday wear, the two bras are non-padded and non-wired with added stretch that works with the natural shape of your bust.
Customer review: "This bra provides good support and doesn't ride up when exercising."
Pros
- Wide size range
- Two in a pack
Cons
- Basic in style compared to other plus-sized bras on our list
Best multiway plus-sized bra
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Description
Designed to give you a flattering, natural shape with or without straps, the M&S Collection Padded Multiway Bras can be adjusted to suit whatever outfit you’re wearing. The underwire construction ensures you have all the lift and support you need so you can feel confident that your bra will stay in place whether you’re wearing it straplessly or with the straps attached.
Customer review: "The best bras I have ever had, very comfortable and very supportive 42D"
Pros
- Two in a pack
- Three ways to wear
Cons
- Those with bigger busts may find these bras have too much padding in
Best plus-sized plunge bra
gossardwww.gossard.com
Description
Add a touch of luxury and glamour to your lingerie with the Superboost Lace Plunge Bra from Gossard. This ultra-feminine bra features a soft mesh back, beautiful lace detailing, and Gossard's signature golden G detail and bow decoration. It comes in a wide range of colours so you're sure to find a Superboost bra that suits your style.
Customer review: "Very happy, love the designs, very feminine and pretty, nice colours and extremely comfortable"
Pros
- Intricate lace detailing
- Luxurious feel
Cons
- Thinner straps feel less supportive than bras with thicker straps
Best front fastening plus-sized bra
Glamorise/AmazonDescription
If you're someone who struggles with the standard hook and eye clasp closure on the back of bras, you'll love that this Glamorise Plus Size WonderWire Bra fastens at the front. The stretch lace underwire is both breathable and beautiful, and the higher back will ensure the straps stay put.
Customer review: "I bought this bra a few weeks ago and was very pleased with it. It felt very comfortable on and the straps do not slip off my shoulders. It’s easy to fasten."
Pros
- Front fastening
- Racer-back style
Cons
- Some customers expected better support
Best plus-sized sports bra
Pour Moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
Description
Whether you're working up a sweat in the gym or heading out on a walk, comfort and support is key when it comes to a bra. Pour Moi's sports bras are renowned for fit as they're created by lingerie designers. This Energy Infinite Double Strap Lightly Padded Convertible Sports Bra has an underwire for extra support and a super soft cushioned underband as well as stunning mesh layering detailing and a double-strap feature that can both be adjusted to help you find your perfect fit.
Customer review: "Stylish and gorgeous sports bra !! Love it. Got same one in black. Finally nice looking bra for bigger boobs"
Pros
- Underwire support
- Double straps for more support
Cons
- Some reviewers say it is tricky to put on to begin with
Best non-padded plus-sized bra
Elomi/AmazonDescription
Flaunt your curves with this sheer plunge bra from Elomi. The Matilda has a sexy sheer top cup with pretty embroidery detailing. The lower centre front styling gives good uplift and separation without pushing up your breasts. To give you more freedom with what outfits you wear, this bra also has a moveable J hook fastening at the back so you can turn it into a racerback style.
Customer review: "Love love love this bra. I have three colours now. They lift and hold in all the right ways. Worth spending a bit more. Especially if like me you have a large bust"
Pros
- Beautiful colours available
- Gives uplift and separation without padding
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it came up small
Best plus-sized bralette
Calvin Kleinwww.calvinklein.co.uk
Description
It's all about comfort with the Calvin Klein Bralette. Perfect for lounging around the house when you want a bit of support without the feeling of wearing a full bra. The signature Calvin Klein signature elastic underband won't dig in, ensuring a comfy fit throughout the day.
Customer review: "So comfy! Living in it at the moment, deffo worth the price!"
Pros
- Total comfort
- Racerback design
Cons
- Offers little support
Best non-wired plus-sized bra
Bravadouk.bravadodesigns.com
Description
Bravado has a whole range of bras that are great for any woman to wear. The Sculpt Bra has Full Cup sizing options supporting women up to a GG cup, and also the XXL size option supports up to a 46 band/E cup. It is now also available in sustainable fabric options, continuing the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
Customer review: "These are my favourite bras I own. I bought them to be my everyday basic bras that I can wear under my work t-shirts. They are supportive enough and comfy to wear all day. I am someone who wears sports bras every day to avoid wired bras, so this style is a perfect in-between. I also really like the straps on these, they are thicker so they can actually support the weight of my breasts. Another great thing about this bra is the cup sizing, I bought a size M-Full Cup. I think it's hard to find bras that are 32/34 band size with cup sizes for DDD/ E or larger so having this option to find the size that fits closer to my bust is great."
Pros
- Smooth and seamless
- Stretchy fabric
Cons
- Not in band and cup sizing so you may find it tricky to find what size you need
FAQs
How to fit get a plus-sized bra fitting its best
If you're unsure of your bra size, you're not alone. It is widely reported that 80 per cent of women wear the wrong size bra.
To ensure your bra is looking its best, you will want to try the Scoop and Swoop method. It is used to make sure all the breast is in the cup, as breast tissue starts much further under the armpit than most people think. If you don't contain the whole of the breast when putting on a bra, you are most likely wearing the wrong size.
To have a go at the Swoop and Scoop method at home, put your bra on as normal. Bend over slightly at the waist and do a little shimmy to ensure fullness in the cups. Then, using your hand, gently pull your bra band away from the side of your breast. With your free hand moving in a back-to-front motion, move your breast tissue into the cup. This swoop movement will ensure that all of your breast tissue sits in the cup, leaving none behind to be dug into by the underwire.
Bra fit tips
We all know that the hunt for the perfect bra can be a challenge, even after having a bra fitting to help you find the right one. That's why we spoke to the experts at Curvy Kate to get their tips and tricks on how to get the best plus-sized bras fitting right on your bust.
• Always ensure you have your new bra on the loosest hook and eye setting on the back band. When you have it in this position, you should feel a firm hug from the band. This will lift your breasts from the band rather than putting weight and pressure onto your shoulders.
• The back band can also be tightened by one hook and eye row every four months. This will ensure a firm hold and keep your bra doing the most for you! After one year of owning your everyday bra, it is time to get a new one!
• If you struggle with moulded cups gaping at the top, don't go down a cup size. Your problem may lie in your backband. The firmer the bra band, the closer the cup will sit to the top of your bust! Try going down a back size and up a cup before altering the cup to a smaller size.
• Asymmetric boobs can mean that your bras are left feeling tight on your fuller side, and baggy on the smaller side. The best practice when it comes to finding a great-fitting bra is to look for one with a stretchy top cup. This will allow a close fit to the small side while also accommodating the fuller. You should always want to find the perfect fit for your bigger breast as you don’t want to squish breast tissue. You can then tighten the strap on the small side to get the most breast tissue lift.
• Lastly, handwash your bras. This will keep them looking in tip-top shape for longer. We also recommend not using fabric conditioner as this stretches out the backband and damages the cups of bras.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.