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It's hard to say exactly when it happened, but at some point in my 30s, I began prioritizing comfort above all else. This new philosophy meant trading a lot of my rigid underwire bras for softer, stretchier bralettes. The only snag? As someone with a DD cup, it's not always easy to find bralettes that make me feel secure and supported. After all, underwire does a lot of the heavy lifting (quite literally) in traditional bras.
Over time, though, I've figured out that the best bralettes for large busts have certain features in common. They have a thicker band, adjustable straps, and deeper cups — and they're made with material that has a bit more structure.
As it turns out, you don't have to sacrifice support — or style — for comfort. Here are some of the best bralettes for large busts I've tested.
For more of our recommendations for folks with larger chests, see our articles on the best swimsuits for large busts.
Best overall: Honeylove CrossOver Bra
Check price at Nordstrom Check price at Bare Necessities Check price at HoneylovePros: Adjustable and convertible straps, adjustable band, 10 color options
Cons: None
Size range: XS-3X
This bralette has it all: adjustable straps, a smoothing back, and even a bonded cradle for maximum support without the wires. I can convert the straps to a criss-cross back, making it versatile enough to wear with a range of tops and dresses, and I really appreciate that it has an adjustable band — something that a lot of bralettes are lacking.
To be honest, there's not much I don't like about this bralette. It even features removable cups for occasions when I need a little extra coverage — and the mesh and lace detailing add some unexpected sex appeal.
"The bonded underband lifts the bust without the wires for a perky loo, and the rounded shape makes this a great non-wired t-shirt bra," says Katie Weir, the bra fitting expert and founder of Curvy Kate.
Best budget: INLYRIC Women's Inbarely Bralette
Check price at AmazonPros: Seamless, stretchy, lightweight adjustable straps, a lot of color options
Cons: Band isn't adjustable, thin material doesn't offer a ton of coverage
Size range: XS-XXL
I bought this bralette on a whim when I was looking for comfy underthings to sleep in — and I'm so glad I did. In fact, I ended up ordering it in several more colors — and luckily, there are a whopping 21 options to choose from. It's lightweight, seamless, incredibly stretchy, and my go-to for lazy Sundays and Friday nights in.
This bralette boasts a barely there feel, making it ideal for warmer months since. That said, it is worth noting that because the fabric is so thin and there's no padding, you may want to use nipple covers if you wear it out. (Or don't, you do you!)
I also appreciate that the straps are adjustable on this one. Since the band isn't adjustable, however, make sure you size down if you're between two sizes to make sure you get adequate support.
Best lace: Cosabella Paradiso Curvy Bralette
Check price at Amazon Check price at CosabellaPros: Wide straps, adjustable straps, stretchy, lined cups, adjustable band
Cons: Trickier to put on due to the long rows of hook-and-eye closures
Size range: XS-XL
If you're looking for a bralette that's anything but basic, your search is over. This gorgeous little number proves that lingerie doesn't have to be uncomfortable: it's wireless, has plenty of stretch, and offers plenty of support thanks to the longline cut and wide straps.
This is a great option for larger busts because both the straps and the band are adjustable, making it easier to achieve the perfect fit. Admittedly, it can take some time to fasten all the hook and eye closures in the back, but I like that there are three rows so I can tighten or loosen the band as needed.
It's the details, though, that really make this bralette stand out — like the scalloped edge tricolor lace and multi-dimensional floral design.
Best racerback: SKIMS Fits Everybody Racerback Bralette
Check price at SKIMS Check price at NordstromPros: Adjustable straps, stretchy, breathable, lightweight
Cons: Band runs small
Size range: XXS-4X
Racerback bras are especially well-suited to larger busts, because the X-back design offers more support. And this SKIMS bralette also features adjustable straps, which are also key for support — making it a great option for all of us in the D+ cup club.
Like so many other SKIMS bralettes, this one is made with buttery soft fabric that's so comfortable you might even forget you're wearing it. I love that it comes in such a wide range of neutrals to accommodate every skin tone, and since it's so lightweight and breathable, you won't have to worry much about that dreaded underboob sweat.
The only caveat is that you can't adjust the band, and as many reviewers noted, it does run a little small.
Best for smaller band sizes: Aerie SMOOTHER Bra-ish Wireless Bralette
Check price at AeriePros: Adjustable band and straps, smoothing panels, lightweight D/DD cup sizes
Cons: Stretches out a bit with wear
Size range: XXS-XXL
As someone with a 32DD bra size, it's supremely difficult to find bralettes that fit just right because most of them don't cup in band/cup sizes. If I buy a size small, the band fits perfectly but I'm spilling out of the cups. If I buy a medium, the cups fit fine but the band is way too big to offer adequate support. So, I was thrilled when I discovered that every size in this bralette (XXS-XXL) comes in a D/DD cup size option.
But that's not all there is to love about this bra: it feels super soft against the skin, has adjustable straps, and features a four-row hook and eye closure for max adjustability. Not only that, but the floating cups are designed to mold to your unique bust size and shape.
And apparently, I'm not the only one who's a big fan — because this best-selling bralette has garnered hundreds of five-star reviews.
Best for larger band sizes: Parfait Dalis Bralette
Check price at Amazon Check price at Bare NecessitiesPros: Wide straps, wide band, adjustable straps, adjustable band, convertible, side boning
Cons: Runs a tiny bit small, seams on cups show through some tops
Size range: 30D-42K
Parfait is a lingerie line that specializes in accommodating larger bust sizes — I've owned several of their bras, and the quality speaks for itself: all of them have lasted at least a couple of years.
Kaitlin Vachon, a bra fitting expert and founder of Bra Emporium, says this is one of her favorite bralettes for large busts in part because it's available in traditional cup and band sizes. She also notes that the wide band and thick adjustable straps offer ample support, and it's super size-inclusive — in fact, it's available up to a size 42K.
While it doesn't have any underwire in the cups, it does feature some side boning for a bit more structure than many other bralettes. Another perk? It can easily be converted into a racerback style, thanks to the J-hook in the back.
Best triangle cut: Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette
Check price at Harper WildePros: Soft and breathable fabric, front-adjustable straps, V-neck for more versatility
Cons: Not much nipple coverage
Size range: XS-6XL
Despite the fact that this bralette has no cups, underwire, padding, or foam, it offers remarkable lift and separation. Best of all, it's available up to size 6XL, so it accommodates larger band sizes.
"I love the wide back band, and the fact that [larger sizes] have a higher center gore in front to ensure less spillage," says Weir.
The v-neckline gives this bralette some extra points in the versatility department, and the front-adjusting straps make finding your perfect fit so much easier. Did I mention that the fabric feels as soft as silk?
Most support: Knix Revolution V-Neck Bra
Check price at KnixPros: Comes in band/cup sizes, adjustable straps, removable cups
Cons: None
Size range: 30A-44G
It's not hard to see why this bralette has earned thousands of five-star reviews: thanks to the built-in stabilizers, adjustable straps, and band/cup sizing, it offers impressive support and pretty much guarantees a flawless fit. Not to mention, it comes with removable cups and features a flattering V-neckline.
"I love this bralette — the buttery softness and four-way stretch wing give next-level comfort and smoothness on the skin and under clothing," says Weir. "It has great support and a wide color range too!"
Reviewers appreciate that the straps are sturdy but don't leave indentation marks in your shoulders, and just as importantly, that it holds its shape even after a few washes. As an added bonus, this product also comes in 16 different color options.
Best everyday: Bombas Ribbed Seamless Bralette
Check price at BombasPros: Wide and supportive band, super comfortable
Cons: Can feel a little tight when you first put it on
Sizes: XS-2XL
Did you know that a majority of a bra's support comes from the band? I learned this during a bra fitting years ago, and it really stuck with me — I'd always assumed it was the straps or the cups that were holding my girls up. That's what made this Bombas bralette stick out for me: the ribbed band is wider than most, lending ample support and lift without the wires. In fact, it can accommodate up to an F cup size. It's also thoughtfully designed with a tighter knit in the center and around the sides for added support.
I often wear this bra to sleep because the fabric is super stretchy, seamless, and breathable — but it's also great for lounging around the house or running casual errands. Note that this bralette will feel pretty snug when you first put it on, but it stretches out a teeny bit with time.
Best convertible: MeUndies Curvy FeelFree Ruched Bralette
Check price at MeUndiesPros: Breathable, soft, and static-resistant fabric; wide, adjustable band; adjustable and convertible straps
Cons: Not much separation
Size range: XS-4XL
Adjustability is key when choosing bralettes that work for large busts, and this one has it all: straps that are adjustable and convertible, as well as an adjustable band. What's more, it features a layer of power mesh to hold you in place.
The quality is impressive, too: In her MeUndies bralette review, Insider Reviews reporter Connie Chen noted that her purchases from this line have held up super well after 2.5 years of wearing and washing.
"They remain stretchy and soft (if not softer than when I first tried them), and none of the stitching has come out," she shared.
Also worth noting? The super soft signature MicroModal fabric, which is made from sustainably-sourced beechwood fibers, is both static-resistant and breathable.
Most comfortable: Negative Underwear The Sieve Non-Wire
Check price at Negative UnderwearPros: Adjustable straps, adjustable band, smoothing back panels
Cons: Thin material offers little nipple coverage
Size range: 0-5+ (30A-40G)
I've been enamored with Negative Underwear for a while now — not only because of the minimalist designs, but also because of the brand's focus on sustainability: they only use high-quality fabrics that are free of harmful chemicals, and sourced from OEKO-TEX certified mills.
The Sieve Non-Wire is arguably the line's most supportive bralette, thanks in part to the Belgian micromesh that holds you up like a firm hug. In her Negative Underwear review, Insider Reviews Executive Editor Sally Kaplan raved about this one.
"Bralettes like these are really hard to get right for larger chest sizes, but this one worked incredibly well for my DDs (which are sometimes DDDs depending on the time of the month)," she said. "Of all the bralettes I've tested in my many years covering women's basics for Insider Reviews, this is my favorite. It lifts them up without separating too much or squishing together — plus, it's the perfect silhouette for V-neck sweaters or shirts."
Rebecca Strong Rebecca Strong is a Boston-based freelance writer covering health and wellness, food and wine, fitness, and travel. In addition to contributing to the Health Reference and Kitchen verticals at Insider, she has also written for Healthline, Health magazine, Bustle, StyleCaster, PopSugar, AskMen, and Elite Daily. You can follow her work on Twitter. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
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