My life changed when I got my hands on a Busty Bralette from the Instagram-famous lingerie brand Lively. Modeled after the brand's Mesh Trim Bralette, the Busty Bralette has a similar design with added support elements for a larger chest.
I appreciate the effort the brand put into making the bra both functional and cute. The triangular cups are made of a soft, scuba-like material that gently hugs the chest and keeps it in place without the help of an underwire, and the elastic band is strong but not uncomfortably tight. Mesh side panels allow you to wear shirts with large arm holes without sacrificing your look.
The Busty Bralette is available in three colors — Jet Black, Soft Pink, and Toasted Almond — plus some cute printed options. There are three sizes, each with adjustable straps. The brand recommends sizing up, and I am inclined to agree. I have the size 1 and while it does fit, I need to adjust quite frequently throughout the day. Plus the elastic band is tight enough that you should be able to size up without sacrificing support.
Editors and writers at countless publications, including The Strategist, HuffPost, and BuzzFeed, recommend this style.
Refinery29's Caroline Ammarell especially loves the thinner straps. She writes, "I understand the need for support, but I can't tell you how many times I've looked in envy at the delicate straps of my smaller-chested friends' bras, wishing I could find the same? Well, mission finally accomplished."
Pros: Thin and adjustable straps, gives support, sturdy band, affordable
Cons: Only three sizes (but material is fairly flexible), not a pullover design
Buy the Busty Bralette at Lively for $35
Not all large-chested bodies are created equal. Some are curvy overall, and some, like mine, are petite everywhere except the chest. Cosabella's Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie Bralette is designed for the latter category.
First thing's first: This bra is really pretty, made of delicate, elegant lace. It's also a bralette in the truest sense of the word. There are no hooks, so it's perfect for peeking out of a backless dress or low-cut top. The bigger cup size accommodates an ample bosom, while thicker straps and delicate seaming create a supportive base.
The bralette is lined with mesh and has an elastic band for support. With a 4.6-star rating based on 736 reviews, this is a customer favorite. It's also been featured by myriad publications like Refinery29, The Strategist, Well + Good, and Bustle.
"I wear a 32 or 34DDD bra so I can never find a bralette that looks good or fits. I bought a medium size bralette from this site and while it was expensive, it looks fabulous," writes one shopper on the Cosabella website.
If you don't like the feel of a no-underwire bra, you may try a tip that lingerie expert Kimmay Caldwell related to The Strategist: "Some of my clients layer this over a supportive bra for that fashionable bralette look, plus support."
Pros: Made for small rib cage/large bust, all-over lace design, supportive, adjustable straps
Cons: Expensive
Buy the Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie Bralette at Cosabella for $65.50Torrid is known for making super cute, relatively affordable clothing for plus sizes, and the brand's underwear selection is no exception. The Black Lace Longline Bralette is a fan-favorite, with a 4.7-star rating and 421 reviews on the Torrid website.
It's a sexy all-lace piece with an elegant long-line silhouette. The cups are lined to offer a bit of support and the straps are adjustable. There are eight sizes available from 00 (equivalent to a Medium or size 10) to 6 (6x or size 30).
"I like that the straps adjust from the top, not the bottom for lift in the front instead of up the back. I also like that the cups provides a little bit of separation instead of 'mono bust'" writes one Torrid reviewer.
Refinery29 writer Liz Black is also a fan, writing, "The longline band provides a lot of support, and the cups are considerably deeper than I expected. It's also supremely comfortable; I've worn it all day and even fallen asleep in it."
The bralette has recently been featured by The Strategist.
Pros: No hooks, adjustable straps, longline silhouette, decent size range
Cons: Minimal support
Buy the Black Lace Longline Bralette at Torrid for $28.90A lot of bralettes for large busts are pricey due to the extra bells and whistles that make them both look cute and feel supportive. But what if you're not looking for a splurge? The ASOS Fuller Bust Basic Microfibre Triangle Bra is only $13, but it gets the job done.
It's a cute, simple wireless triangle bra, the kind you probably thought you'd never be able to wear, only it's designed to accommodate a bigger chest thanks to larger cups and a thicker band. The cups are lined and not padded, the straps are adjustable, and there's a hook and eye closure in the back.
I initially came across this bra via a glowing review on the Reddit ABraThatFits. "I wore the lace one to a wedding and jumped and danced and didn't have to adjust at all. Definitely way more comfortable than wearing an underwire bra everyday and I feel so cute in them," the reviewer writes.
ASOS recommends going a size down due to the cut of the elastic band. And, speaking of sizes, it comes in 30DD/E through 38K. There's also a pretty lace option that's been featured by the blog D Cup or Bigger.
Pros: Inexpensive, simple design, supportive due to elastic band
Cons: Sizes run big
Buy the Fuller Bust Basic Microfibre Triangle Bra on ASOS for $13If you've always craved the simple look of the Everlane Tank Bra but know it won't work for your chest size, try the True&Co. True Body Lift Scoop Neck Full Cup Bra. It has a very similar tank bra silhouette with a lot of added support.
Boasting 1-inch added lift minus the wires, the bra uses cleverly placed reinforced seams, smooth fabric, and True&Co.'s "exclusive wirefree channel" to hold your chest up. It's a sporty, minimalist vibe that would be at home on many a lifestyle influencer's Instagram feed.
The colors, of which there are currently seven, are very pretty and understated (except for one statement-making blue). Originally available in sizes XS-XL, the brand launched additional sizes mean to fit up to 42DDD/F in April of this year.
True&Co. shoppers rate this bra 4 stars based on 592 reviews. The bra earns high marks at Good Housekeeping, The Strategist, and Real Simple. "I've worn the nude option with everything from lightweight linen tees to more structured work dresses and it's performed flawlessly," writes Real Simple editor Brandi Broxson
Pros:: Cute simple tank bra style, offers lift without underwires, decent size range
Cons: Expensive, some found straps too long, not as attractive as some other options
Buy the True&Co. True Body Lift Scoop Neck Full Cup Bra on True & Co. for $58
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