This ultimate guide to plus size bras has everything you need to know about the bras; from measuring for the bras to where to buy, types of bras to the best bras. Read on to educate yourself about the bras.

Finding the right bra size and fit is no easy feat and it’s especially hard for women with large breasts. This makes bra shopping overwhelming and sometimes a bit confusing. If you can relate to this, then you are at the right place. Read on.

This guide highlights every little detail that you need to know about plus size bras for ease of shopping. We mainly focus on explaining what plus size bras are exactly, different types of these bras, styling ideas, who and when to wear them, facts and myths relating to them and how to choose the right fit and size.

The main idea is to shade light on plus size bras topic as a whole.

What Are Plus Size Bras?

Plus size bras are specially designed for large-breasted women and focuses on support, coverage and style. Technically, these bra sizes range from band size 38 and beyond. Plus size bras also have different supportive features like full coverage cups, wide bands and straps among others. It’s also designed to make curvy women feel comfortable, well supported and secure.

Different Types of Plus Size Bras

There are different types of plus size bras based on style, coverage and design. These bras check all the right boxes that makes it ideal for everyday wear. On special occasions, you can wear a plus size bralette or a plus size balconette bra. You have a lot of options to choose from ranging from full coverage and soft padded options.

Here are different types of plus size bras:

1. Plus Size Soft Padded Bra

Soft Padded Plus Size Bras are the best bet for women with large breasts who want nothing short of comfort when it comes to intimates. These plus size bras feature lightly lined cups to provide enhanced comfort, support and a perfect fit.

Soft Padded Plus Size Bras are designed to provide ultimate comfort for the breasts and usually work well under almost all outfits.

2. Plus Size Molded Cup Bra

A molded plus size bra has a perfect fit to suit large breasts since it provides excellent coverage and shaping without adding bulk to your already heavy bust. The bra cups are ultra-smooth with no seams to create a seamless silhouette underneath clothing and remain virtually invisible.

3. Plus Size Wireless Bras

Wireless Plus Size Bras otherwise known as soft cup plus size bras are not made with rigid or hard materials. This category offers subtle support, lift and enhancement owing to their lack of underwire. This also makes them one of the most comfort plus size bras option for full-figured women.

4. Plus Size Underwired Bras

Underwired Plus Size Bra just as the name suggests feature underwire cups for ultimate breast support, lift and shaping. These bras are best suited for women with saggy breasts as they offer perfect lift making them look rounder. They are designed to accentuate your curves to give you a perkier look under clothes.

5. Plus Size Strapless Bra

Getting hold of an ideal strapless bra for large breasts is usually an uphill task. Thankfully, there are a range of strapless bras in the market that cater to curvy women. These bras feature sturdy side boning for extra support and silicone grippers that help keep them in place all day long for maximum comfort. You can now effortlessly rock those off-shoulder tops and dresses in your wardrobe.

6. Plus Size Full Coverage Bras

You can be fully covered and still look sexy thanks to plus size full coverage bras! Plus Size Full Coverage Underwire Bras provide ultimate support and coverage as they help contain the breasts to prevent spillage. These bras will make you feel beautiful and sexy without compromising on support and comfort.

7. Plus Size Front Closure Bras

Plus Size Front Closure Bras are the best bet for large-breasted women with limited dexterity. The front closure makes wearing and taking off the bra easier. What’s more, plus size front closure bras usually help create a gorgeous cleavage allowing you to flaunt your curves.

8. Plus Size T-Shirt Bras

Plus Size T-Shirt Bra are extremely comfortable. Every woman out there needs a t-shirt bra in their lingerie collection. These bras usually make the breasts look rounder and fuller regardless of your breast size. A plus size t-shirt bra offers excellent coverage and conceals the nipples without showing through clothes.  If you want a seamless look with no bra lines, then t-shirt bras are your best option!

9. Plus Size Balconette Bras

Plus Size Balconette Bras otherwise known as shelf bras work well for women with fuller breasts and broad shoulders. These bras typically cut off the bra cups creating some sort of balcony-like shape. Balconette bras lift the breasts, enhances their appearance, cleavage and shape.

10. Plus Size Sports Bras

We all know someone who stopped working out or is not exercising because their breasts are heavy. No more excuses thanks to plus size sports bras! These bras have different supportive features that help keep you comfortable and reduce breast movement as you work out. Some of these features include racerback design, wide straps and underbust band. They are comfortable enough and supportive without compromising on style. Plus, they are available in different designs and colors.

11. Plus Size Push Up Bras

For the longest time, people believed that push up bras only work for women with small breasts as they enhance their size. Well, who wants to enhance their already big breasts? This is a misconception since push up bras are perfect for all breast sizes. You can flaunt your curves in a plus size push up bra! Plus, some of these bras come with removable padding which you can take off if you don’t want additional bulk.

12. Plus Size Bralettes

Plus Size Bralettes are incredibly comfortable and best suited for women with fuller breasts. Most women love bralettes owing to their style and features. Bralettes can double up as outwear and innerwear without sacrificing on fit and support.

13. Plus Size Bridal Bras

A bridal lingerie is the most crucial item in your wardrobe on your special day. Plus Size bridal bras offer ultimate support in all the right places, comfort and shape. Bridal bras usually embrace lots of purpose on your wedding day.

14. Plus Size Minimizer Bras

Plus Size Minimizer Bras helps reduce the bust line as it spreads the breast tissue to create an illusion of smaller breasts. These bras will come in handy if you want your curves to look proportional. Save for reducing the breast appearance, they also offer ultimate support and excellent coverage.

15. Plus Size Nursing Bras

There are a lot of hormonal changes during the inception of pregnancy that make your breasts heavy. Plus size nursing bras provide incredible support while the full coverage cups help prevent spillage. These bras feature wide adjustable shoulder straps and large underbust bands to offer enhanced support and comfort ideal for heavy breasts.

16. Plus Size Plunge Bras

Plus size plunge bras are perfect for low-cut neckline outfits. Some people avoid wearing tops and dresses with plunging necklines because they don’t have the right bra, but not anymore. Enter, plunge bras! These bras don’t peek through clothes and offer incredible support.

17. Plus Size Lace Bra

Women with large breasts can also fulfill their lace fantasies just like their small-breasted counterparts. Plus Size Lace Bras features a lace cup overlay giving you that sassy and sexy look without compromising on support and coverage. These bras would be a great addition to your lingerie collection.

Finding The Perfect Plus Size Bras

The most common problem when it comes to bras is fit. Finding a perfect fit is quite hard that’s why 80% of women wear the wrong size unknowingly. Wearing an ill-fitting bra will negatively impact your breast health. But, how do you ascertain a bra fits properly? The tips below will help you solve any fitting issues and find the right plus size bra for your heavy breasts.

Measuring for a Plus Size Bra

You’ll need a measuring tape for this exercise.

Cup Size – To get your cup size, place the tape measure at the fullest part of the breasts – usually at nipple level.

Band Size – Measure around the ribcage where the underbust band usually sits. The measuring tape should be snug but not too tight.

Waist Size – Measure your natural waist line.

Hip Size – Place the measuring tape of the widest part of the hips to get your hip size.

Who Can Wear Plus Size Bras?

Women usually experience gradual breast changes as they go through different life stages in their cycle including puberty, menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. This therefore means that you’ll experience a lot of changes in each stage when it comes to breast growth and development. Who can wear a plus size bra? Read on to find out.

Girls With Curvy Structures

Being curvy in your early stages of development usually impacts greatly on your life. But this has changed overtime. You can go for plus size bras that contour your curves beautifully. However, choosing the right bra is paramount since the breast tissues are a little delicate at this stage. Opt for seamless bras to create a beautiful silhouette underneath clothing.

Middle-Aged Women

These are women between the age of 50 and 60 who are already on the menopausal transition. At this stage, middle-aged women usually experience a lot of hormonal changes resulting in breast sagging and weight gain. Middle-aged women can wear plus size bras for lift and a quick confidence boost considering these body changes.

Pregnant and Breastfeeding Moms

Women experience a lot of structural and body changes during pregnancy. Uneven breast growth is quite common during this pre- and post-partum owing to hormonal changes. You can switch to plus size bras when you notice these breast changes.

Women Who’ve Undergone Breast Surgery

You’ll need a compression bra that provides extra support after breast surgery. The bra should be comfortable and supportive enough without compromising on style. In this case, plus size bras will come in handy since they have different supportive features. Go for a plus size bra with soft wire free cups, adjustable straps and front closure for ease of wearing and taking it off.

Difference Between Plus Size and Full Figure Bras

Most women don’t know the difference between plus size and full figure bras. Some even think that those are two different words describing the same type of bra. They couldn’t be more wrong because you can’t be both!  Plus size and full figure bras are completely different. In lay man terms, you can have fuller breasts and a slim body or curvy body/full figure.

Plus Size Bras

• Plus size bras are designed for women with muscular bodies
• Plus size basically means the bra’s cup and band size
• Plus size bras usually feature wide underbust bands
• Plus size bras have a firm and secure fit

Full Figure Bras

• Full figure bras are designed for women with slim bodies and fuller breasts
• Full bust is the cup size measurement
• Full figure bras are usually designed with larger cups
• Full figure bras are a bit delicate and light

Things That Show You Fall Under the Plus Size Category

Knowing your correct measurements will help you find the right bra size and fit. Noticing any of the problems listed below is a clear indication of an ill-fitting bra and means that you need to size up. In simple terms, get a bra in a bigger size!

• Slipping straps
• Digging straps
• Digging underbust band
• The band riding up the back
• The band riding low
• Uniboob
• Side spillage
• Underboob spillage
• Gaping cups

Wearing Plus Size Bras Correctly

Plus size bras are worn just like other regular bras. There ‘s no unique way of putting them on. The underbust band offers the most support so it should fit snugly and not dig into the ribcage. Your breasts should be fully contained in the cups. If this is not the case, size up or down to fit the perfect fit.

Place

Put your arms through the armholes on the shoulder straps then position the cups correctly and adjust so that it sits perfectly.

Fastening the Hooks

While standing straight, reach out for the band at the back. Grab the hook and fasten it. Ensure the band is level before fastening the bra.

Adjust

Adjust the cups and shoulder straps until they both sit correctly on their respective places

Final Check

When you are done fastening and adjusting, do a final check stating from the cups, band, shoulder straps to the fasteners.

What Can You Wear a Plus Size Bra With and When

What to wear a plus size bra and when is something that anyone who falls in this category should know. There are different plus size bras for different occasions. Here’s a list of plus size bras that you can wear according to outfit style and occasion.

Why Plus Size Bras are Ideal for Heavy Breasts

Most women believe that finding a perfect plus size bra for heavy breasts is an uphill task. However, it’s not as hard as we are made to believe. There are many bra types in the market but a plus size stands out in terms of functionality compared to regular bras. Plus size bras have different features which serve different purposes but work together to provide ultimate support and comfort. If this doesn’t answer your question – you should know that all plus size bras are uniquely designed to cater to women with large breasts if you are conversant with the features.

Band

When it comes to bras, most of the support is usually derived from the underbust band. When shopping for plus size bras, use the two-finger rule to ascertain the fit of the band. If you can’t comfortably slip two fingers under the band then the bra is probably too tight and you might need to go up a band size. If there’s a noticeable gap between the band and your skin then it’s too loose.

Cup

When shopping for plus size bras, the cup is usually the first priority. The bra cups are an integral part of a bra since they provide coverage, support and help keep the breasts in place. Cup coverage varies depending on the bra style so it’s a matter of personal preference.

Straps

The shoulder straps also play an important role when it comes to breast support. The straps join the front and back part of the bra. There are different types of straps ranging from transparent, strapless, thin, thick, halter neck, crisscross, single strap spaghetti and traditional straps.

Fabric

There are different types of plus size bras and this also applies to the fabric. Different styles are made with different fabrics. The benefits are equally different according to your preferred specifications. Plus size bras are made with a blend of two or more fabrics.

Hook Fasteners

Plus size bras feature hook and eye closures. These bras have more than three rows and columns of hook and eyes closure compared to regular bras. If you opt for a front open plus size bra, then the fasteners are positioned at the front. The fasteners can either be clasps or hooks and eyes.

Advantages of Plus Size Bras

Just like normal bras, plus size bras also come with their benefits. You need to know some of these benefits before buying a plus size bra and why they are important for heavy breasts.

Better Fit

Plus size bras help improve posture since they have a perfect fit. These bras also prevent breast tissue damage, protect the shoulders from slouching, reduces back pain and skin irritation.

Shape

The lingerie industry offers a range of comfortable bras in big cup sizes to accommodate all breast shapes and sizes. This information might come in handy when you are finding it hard to get a bra in a perfect fit.

Support

Plus size bras offer ultimate support for heavy breasts. This saves you the embarrassment that comes with wardrobe malfunction and spillage on the top and sides.

Coverage

Plus size bras help create a gorgeous cleavage since they have perfect cups. The cups offer excellent coverage and also helps enhance cleavage giving you a sexy and much younger look.

Style

Plus size bras are available in a range of styles and designs. However, choosing the right style will compliment your entire outfit. You have a variety to choose from depending on your personal specifications to suit the occasion without compromising on comfort.

Myths Associated with Plus Size Bras

Only Obese Women Wear Plus Size Bras

This is the most common misconception about plus size bras! You don’t have to be obese to wear these types of bras. Plus size bras are best suited for women with saggy breasts.

There’s only one type of plus size bra

Most people believe that there are no varieties when it comes to plus size bras. These bras are available in a range of styles and designs for different occasions.

Women with Big Breasts Have to Deal with Spillage

Not all plus size women have spillage. Wearing a smaller cup size usually results in spillage. It’s therefore important to wear a plus size bra with a perfect fit to avoid spillage from the sides and top.

There Are No Strapless Bras for Fuller Breasts

This is also a common misconception. There are a variety of strapless bras in the market that cater to women with large breasts and usually hold up quite well. These bras are uniquely designed with supportive features and provide stability. Plus, they fit snugly around the ribcage.

There Are No Push Up Bras for Women with Large Breasts

Push up bras serve different purposes. They are not only designed to enhance the size of the breasts. Women with large breasts need these bras for lift and shaping. Besides, push up bras make large breasts look sexy and younger without compromising on support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plus Size Bras

Are Plus Size Sports Bras Ideal for Women with Big Breasts?

Absolutely! Plus size sports bras are usually designed for high impact exercises to offer ultimate breast support and help prevent bounce. This means that plus size sports bras are ideal for women heavy breasts. They also provide incredible support and excellent coverage as they fully contain the breasts.

How Can I Choose a Plus Size Bra for Heavy Breasts?

Most people usually choose the wrong bra size. When choosing a plus size bra for heavy breasts, ensure the cups fit properly without gapping, overflowing or digging into the breast tissue.

Are Underwired Plus Size Bras Ideal for Large-Breasted Women?

Yes! Plus size underwire bras work well for women with large breasts since they offer ultimate support and can help prevent sagging. Plus size underwire bras will also save you the embarrassment that comes with wardrobe malfunction.

Are There Plus Size Bras Best Suited for Saggy Breasts?

Yes! There are plus size bras that cater to women with saggy breasts. Go for a bra that offers excellent support and coverage. These bras should help lift the breasts to prevent them from sagging.

What is the Best Plus Size Bra for Heavy Breasts?

Heavy-breasted women should always go for bras with full coverage cups and other supportive features like wide band and straps for enhanced support and comfort. These bras include minimizer bras, lace bras, molded bras, padded bras, t-shirt bras among others.

Which Type of Plus Size Bra Can Create an Illusion of Smaller Breasts?

A plus size minimizer bra. These bras are uniquely designed to reduce the bust line and provide a better fit under clothes. What’s more, they usually offer incredible breast support without compromising on comfort and style.