Best Posture Support Bras for Plus Size
Looking for the best posture support bra for plus size? Read our guide to find out.
If you have been looking for posture support bras for plus size women, you’ve probably come across dozens of options online. The bras look a little scary, especially with their plain colors and big back panels. Here’s one that I saw recently:
I mean, if a bra can provide orthopedic benefits, can’t it be designed to be a little bit appealing?
In this guide, I’ll be covering everything about posture bras. In particular, I’ll cover what it is, what it’s meant for, and whether they really work as claimed. Moreover, I’ll be highlighting some of the best posture corrector bras on the market.
Best Posture Support Bras for Plus Size
[wps_table style=”default”]
Glamorize MagicLift Front Close Posture Support Bra | Exquisite Form Front Close Posture Bra | Comfort Choice Plus Size Posture Support Lace Bra |
Underwire: No | Underwire: No | Underwire: No |
Front Support: 4/5 | Front Support: 3/5 | Front Support: 3/5 |
Back Support: 3/5 | Back Support: 4.5/5 | Back Support: 4/5 |
Adjustability: 4/5 | Adjustability: 3/5 | Adjustability: 3.5/5 |
Comfort: 4/5 | Comfort: 4/5 | Comfort: 3/5 |
Aesthetics: 2.5/5 | Aesthetics: 3.5/5 | Aesthetics: 3.5/5 |
Overall : 3.5/5 | Overall : 3.6/5 | Overall : 3.4/5 |
See more Reviews | See more Reviews | See more Reviews |
[/wps_table]
The industry for posture bras as well as posture correctors is booming. Today, there all kinds of bras, chairs, and pillows that have been designed to help people achieve better posture.
Like I covered before in the article about sagging breasts, one of the ways in which you can know whether a particular product is going to help to alleviate your condition is to first understand what you want to achieve,
With that is mind, let’s find out what good posture is.
What is Good Posture?
The position at which you hold your body when sitting or standing is what is referred to as posture.
The Cleveland Clinic has some guidelines on what is considered good posture. The posture should:
- Improve your appearance
- Prevent muscular and back pain
- Prevent overuse problems or strain
- Prevent fatigue by enabling the body to use muscles more efficiently
- Prevent the spine from getting fixed in abnormal positions
- Reduce stress on the ligaments that hold the spine and joints together
- Help to reduce the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces, which can lead to arthritis
- Keep the joints and bones aligned correctly so that every muscle is used properly
There are various factors that can lead to bad posture. These factors can be both internal and external.
Benefits of a Posture Support Bra
If you have heavy breasts, you can wear a posture bra to provide extra support and prevent the breasts from getting strained. When your shoulders, neck, and upper back muscles are strained, you are likely to suffer from headaches and chronic pain. To avoid this, you should ensure the breast weight is evenly distributed on your chest. This is what wearing a posture bra helps to accomplish.
Now, you are probably thinking that this sounds familiar. And yes, you are right. There are various bras (e.g. Playtex’s 18-hour bra) that claim to do the same thing.
So, How Are Posture Support Bras Different?
The difference between posture support bras and other bras is that the former not only offer support, but can also correct poor posture.
Do Posture Correctors Actually Work?
If you are looking for a straight answer, it is no.
After carrying out a lot of research, I have not come across any studies that indicate wearing a posture corrector bra can help to realign your body posture.
In fact, the only tinge of evidence I’ve found with regards to posture correction is on posture braces. These braces are more supportive than posture bras and can help to train your back to be upright, which will end up eliminating hunched shoulders.
So, Should You Buy a Posture Corrector Bra?
The answer is yes. The only thing I would advise is that you change your expectations. For example, while posture bras offer more support than the average bara, you cannot rely on them alone to correct your posture. It will take you some time of wearing this bra to attain a ballerina’s posture?
To make things clear, think of posture bras as just a really supportive bra.
Well, if you are a manufacturer, saying a bra is “really supportive” is not bound to generate interest in the market than saying it’s a “posture bra”. And I can understand why companies would call their really supportive bras something that it actually isn’t.
If you are suffering from back pain that is directly related to the weight of your breasts, you can get relief by wearing a posture bra. However, just keep in mind its limitations.
Corrective Vs. Supportive Posture Bras
A few months ago, I was looking for a good pair of shoes for my flat feet. I asked my podiatrist friend whether I should get a pair of Birkenstocks. He replied that the shoes were supportive, but not corrective.
With Birkenstocks, you will feel better that the symptoms of having flat feet are being addressed. However, the systems will always be there since the shoes are not corrective.
In the same way, posture bras are supportive but not corrective. Wearing them will give you a nice lift but this does not mean your posture problems will be solved.
What to Consider Before Buying a Posture Bra
If you want to purchase a posture bra, go for one with the following features:
The bra should offer better support in the usual “pain points” of a bra. This means it should have:
- Good separation between the cups
- A wide band around the sides of the bra
- The back should be reinforced with sturdy elastic bands and arranged in an X-shape that goes from the upper part of the back
- Offer wide, full coverage back (similar to Enell sports bra)
- Wide, padded straps
Best Posture Supporting Bras for Plus Size
With the above out of the way, here are my top picks for the best posture support bras:
Exquisite Form Women’s Front Close Posture
Cup Sizes: B- DD and band sizes 34-46
This is the best posture support bra for large breasts. The bra has been reinforced and feels more solid. However, it is not available in larger cup sizes.
I like this bra because it does not look like a post-surgical wear.
Support Level
The bra has a wide reinforced back and straps. The straps are the widest compared to other support bras I’ve listed below. These straps go a long way in ensuring you are comfortable.
The Exquisite Form is made from more durable material. Even when you break into it, you won’t have to worry about it relaxing too much.
This bra wins on band and back support. However, it does not have adequate cup separation. Even if you select the right size, there will be some space between the middle of the bra and your sternum.
Adjustability
The bra does not have adjustable straps. Moreover, there is only one row of hooks in the front. However, this bra runs relative true to size.
If you are of average higher, this bra will be perfect for you. However, since it is not adjustable, it may not be suitable for taller women.
Comfort
The Exquisite Form bra is comfortable once it is broken. This can be attributed to the wide straps.
When you first wear the bra, it will feel a little scratchy. However, the scratchy feeling won’t be a bother anymore after a few washes.
Aesthetics
The Exquisite Form bra looks okay. There a little pattern on the top part that makes it look more modern.
While the seamlines are not prominent, the bra may still show up when you are wearing light clothes.
Wearing this bra with lighter clothes or low necklines can be a bit tricky. The cups are on the pointy side thanks to the horizontal seam. Moreover, the bra seems a little big and, therefore, can be a little frustrating to wear in summer.
On the other hand, the bra will be perfect to wear for sweaters, T-shirts, and loose-fitting clothes.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Glamorise Women’s MagicLift Front Close Posture Support Bra
Cup Sizes: B – K and band sizes 36-58
Glamorise offers bras in various size ranges. Since there is a correlation between bigger busts and back pain/postural issues, it is surprising that many brands that make posture bras generally stop at D or E.
Level of Support
The Glamorise bra does not have any underwire. Therefore, it is not as supportive as you may hop. However, I’ve realized most posture bras don’t have underwires.
The lack of underwire is compensated for with a fabric sling or well-lined under cup that supports the bust from below. The cups are also well-separated.
The straps are not only wide but also set narrowly to give you better lift.
Coming to things I don’t like about this bra: the material. The material is easy to stretch and this can make the band roll out. You may want to opt for a slightly smaller band to ensure that you will still get the support you need when the material expands.
When the material relaxes, the effectiveness of the back support also reduces. This is why I recommend you go for two sizes smaller in band to cater for the anticipated stretching that is bound to happen later.
While this bra does not provide amazing back support, it is definitely more supportive than your average bra.
Adjustability
The Glamorise bra has two rows of hook and eye closures for adjustment. The bra also closes in the front.
The shoulder straps of the bra allow for some adjustability, which is important to getting the correct fit.
Comfort
I love how comfortable the straps of the Glamorise bra are. The straps are wide and have extra padding on the shoulder. The lack of underwire also makes the bra more comfortable/
The back reinforcement of the bra is meant to help to encourage better posture. However, you won’t feel restrained or like your spine is forced into an unnatural alignment.
Aesthetics
Coming to aesthetic, the Glamorise bra is pointy at first. However, over time and after a few washes, it will soften and get a rounder look.
I also love the heavy-duty material used to make the bra. However, this also means you will have to consider the clothes that you will need to pair it with. If you wear lighter clothes, the seams and outline of the bra are bound to show.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Comfort Choice Women’s Plus Size Posture Support Lace Bra
Cup sizes: B – G and band sizes 38 – 54
While this bra is not perfect, it provides excellent support and is available in different colors and cup sizes.
Support
The Comfort Support Bra has wide shoulder straps, which seem to help it distribute the weight of the breasts well. However, the straps are not very adjustable. Therefore, do not expect them to provide much lift.
I consider Comfort Fit to be in the same category as the Exquisite Form. The bra has a solid back and crisscrossing bands that go even further down. However, I would have loved to see a better front; the level of lift provided is seriously small.
While the Comfort Fit offers a good level of support, it does not do a good job of separating the breasts in the front.
Adjustability
The bra has slightly adjustable straps. The straps have two sets of eye hooks, which you can use to change the length a little bit. If you have a small bust, you most likely will need to do some adjustments.
Like is the case with Glamorise, the Comfort Fit has two rows of hooks on the front closure. These hooks allow you to adjust the straps about an inch in width.
Comfort
The shoulder straps of the bra are padded at the top and, therefore, feel great. The straps are comfortable.
However, the lace on the bra makes it feel scratchy at first. The scratchiness will, however, go away after a few wears and washes.
Aesthetics
You may not love all-over lace bras but the Comfort Choice has tried in making a posture support bra look attractive. The bra is also available in different colors.
The seams of the bra are not prominent. Therefore, you can wear the bra under lighter clothes.
If you want a more rounded look, the Comfort Choice is a better option than both the Exquisite Form and the Glamorise.
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Honorable Mentions
There are other posture support bras that I looked up but did not feel they were so prominent to feature in this review. One of the bras is Leonisa’s posture corrector bra. This bra comes with adjustable straps and has a well-reinforced back. There are also many pretty looking bras from Leonisa.
There is also the Exquisite Form’s Cotton posture bra. This bra comes with cotton cups. However, since it is made of a lot of materials, it wouldn’t be the best option to wear during the summer.
The cotton makes the bra breathable and is excellent if you have sensitive skin.
What Do Posture Corrector Bras Miss?
One of the things I noticed is that all the posture corrector bras I came across do not have underwire. When it comes to cup support, an underwire is a must.
There are many good posture bras on the market that offer great support. However, the bras are disappointing when you consider their front construction. Perhaps it is time for someone to come up with a comfortable posture bra that has a nice front design with an underwire?
How Can I Change My Posture?
There is more to changing your posture than just buying the best thoracic kyphosis brace, chair or bra you can find. You will have to look at all the internal factors we outlined previously.
Exercise
When it comes to solving issues, I like recommending exercises. There are various things you can do to improve your posture. One of them is engaging in exercises. If you have a large bust, the extra weight puts a lot of strain on your body, including the muscles that hold the breasts.
Apart from losing weight, consider strengthening the muscles on your back. These include the upper back muscles, shoulder muscles, pectoral muscles, and abs.
See a Professional
If you have serious posture issues, get checked by a physiotherapist. The professional can analyze your stance and gains, and recommend stretches or exercises that will reduce your postural problems.
Electronic Posture Coaching
Finally, you can use braces or smart devices to track your posture. Some of the devices will remind you to get on good posture when you start slouching.
[wps_separator style=”default” top=”yes” text=”Top” separator_color=”#db326a” link_color=”#db326a” size=”2″ margin=”15″]
[wps_icon_list icon=”hand-o-right” title=”Editor’s Recommended Articles” align=”left” color=”#dd00d2″ size=”50″]Best Bras With High Side Panels that Support the Sides
Best Support Bras for Full Figured
Best Maternity Bras that Offer Support[/wps_icon_list]