Finding a supportive and comfortable bra for a larger chest is a lot like today's job market: without a referral or the internet, you're pretty much screwed. The best bras for DD cups are few and far between. Cup sizes in department stores only go so high, the stock is often picked over, and features that effectively provide support (key word here being "effectively") are surprisingly rare.
My boobs grew in when I was around ten, and they didn't take their time, either. As a preteen, stepping into a lingerie store was my worst nightmare. The pretty lace ones would be right up front, and not one of them would fit without poking or chafing. That's why, for years, I'd default to the boring neutral colored ones in the back. And sometimes, those didn't fit all that well either — they just happened to be the lesser of two evils. Then I learned about the wonderful world of online bra shopping.
No matter the style, the best bras for DD cups offer support without sacrificing comfort. Luckily, the internet has tons of them — and they come in pretty designs and loads of different styles, too, from balconette to wire-free.
1 A Classic T-Shirt Bra For All-Over Support And Comfort The Olga no side effects bra has full-coverage contour cups and underwire for total chest support. That being said, it also has elastic-free side panels, a thick U-shaped band, and front-adjustable straps to keep every other area comfortable, too. Reviewers say it doesn't dig or pinch, and you "barely feel like you're wearing it."
Available sizes: 36C - 44DD According to a reviewer: "I bought 42 DD. It's true to size. Unbelievably comfortable and excellent support. I can't even feel the underwire! Definitely buying more of these!"
2 A Strapless Convertible Bra That Actually Stays Up The phrase, "It doesn't fall down at all," isn't a common one for a large-busted strapless bra. That's why the Delimira full-figure strapless bra has people psyched. It's slightly padded, has a side panel and soft boning, and comes with detachable straps that you can wear several different ways.
Available sizes: 32B - 46DD According to a reviewer: "It's very hard to find good strapless bras any bigger than a C. I'm a DD and this is just what I needed. Love it. Fits great and stays in place with everyday movement."
3 A Full-Coverage Bra That's As Functional As It Is Fancy The Delimira bra provides support with underwire, seamed cups, and stretch lace. And while it's a functional everyday bra, it's also pretty enough to be considered lingerie. It comes in 12 gorgeous colors, like deep plum and shadow blue.
Available sizes: 32B - 44H According to a reviewer: "I really like this item! It's really hard to find a non foam bra that has enough support as a DD and this one has plenty of support, is super flattering, and is really comfy! Two thumbs way up!"
4 A Racerback Plunge Bra For Low-Cut Necklines For especially low necklines, there's this underwire racerback bra that comes in an impressively wide range of colors, like peach, chocolate, and rose. It has features that people love, like wide side panels, sleek cups, and a front closure for easy on and off. Plus, the T-back design offers great support — super helpful when there's a little less coverage up front.
Available sizes: 32C - 42F According to a reviewer: "I’m a 36 DD. Very comfortable bra. Love the racer back."
5 An Adhesive Bra That Works For Strapless & Backless Styles The freedom offered by an adhesive bra is borderline magical, but it needs to be able to hold up a big bust. This self-adhesive bra is available in sizes A through F (including a DD option) and features a front clasp for adjustable support. Offered in two colors — khaki and cocoa —it uses reusable, hypoallergenic adhesive gel that actually stays put, and reviewers swear by it. Plus, it comes with two nipple covers, in case you're in the mood for more minimal coverage.
According to a reviewer: "I wear a 36 DD and this fits great! It has made buying/wearing backless outfits so much easier."
6 A Super Supportive Sports Bra People widely consider the Wingslove full coverage sports bra one of the best when it comes to support and comfort for big busts. It's wireless and non-padded, but uses a three dimensional tailored cup and mesh panels to stop bouncing and excess sweating during a workout.
Available sizes: 34B - 48G According to a reviewer: " I'm a DD and needed extra support. This is the perfect bra for me."
7 An Ultra-Sexy Balconette Bra With Ultra-Comfortable Straps If you are looking for a bra that enhances your cleavage, this balconette bra provides some serious lift without loading up on the padding. It has underwire, lightly-lined foam cups, and a low flat cut to create a full, rounded look. It also has thick padded straps for comfort.
Available sizes: 32B - 52B According to a reviewer: "So comfy. I am a 38 DD and ordered 40 DD. My chest was supported and did not spill over the top of the cups! Love this bra!"
8 A Comfy Bralette For Larger Cups And Bands If you're looking for something cute and laid-back, there's the Calvin Klein Invisibles bralette with removable pads. Even though it has no wires or clasps, it's surprisingly supportive with a longline design and wide straps. It's great for low-impact sports or leisure, and the smooth, seamless design is nearly invisible under clothes.
Available sizes: X-Small - 2X According to a reviewer: "I ordered size L for my 38 DD and it fits perfectly! Super comfy, enough support, and absolutely invisible under any clothing."
9 A Bra For When You Feel Like Showing Off Your Lingerie If you want an option that's cute enough to peek out of your top, you'll want to consider this Elomi bra with mesh panels and criss-cross details in front. The underwire bra features side-support panels and a low center that offers plunge, without pushing up.
Available sizes: 32GG - 46DD According to a reviewer: "This bra is sexy, fits great, and gives wonderful support to women like me with super large breasts."
10 A Front-Closure Bra That Moves With You This Bali Comfort Revolution bra is easy to put on, take off, and wear all day. That's all thanks to its innovative front-close clasp, soft comfort band that moves with you, and stretchy foam cups. Needless to say, it's won tons of loyal fans — in fact, nearly 8,000 reviewers have given it a five-star rating on Amazon.
Available sizes: 34B- 42DD According to a reviewer: "This is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn in my life. I'm a DD, and it's perfect in both support and comfort."
11 A Wireless Bra That's Actually Supportive The Playtex 18-Hour bra has over 36,000 ratings on Amazon, with reviewers praising its functionality and all-day comfort. It has support panels and full-coverage cups that do all the work without wires, and it has wide cushioned straps and a U-shaped back to help keep the bra in place.
12 A Seamless Bra That's Undetectable Under Clothing Reviewers say that this Playtex underwire bra is virtually undetectable under clothing. That's because its wide-set straps won't peek out, its contoured cups give you a smooth silhouette, and its seamless design doesn't dig into skin. Best of all, it comes in over 30 beautiful patterns and tons of different sizes.
Available sizes: 36B - 46DD According to a reviewer: "I'm large chested (DD) and this is the only bra that I buy now because its so comfortable. Have had no issue with the straps digging into my shoulders and it provides great coverage on the sides, allowing no spill out!"
13 The Bra That Comes In A Wide Range Of Band Sizes If you're looking for small band sizes and big cups, this bra by Panache delivers. The full-coverage bra has seamless, molded cups that offer a smooth appearance under clothing, and the cushioned hook-and-eye clasp is padded for optimal comfort. Even better, the straps are convertible, so you can transform it into a racerback bra. It comes in several muted shades, and reviewers love it because it actually fits where other bras let them down.
Available sizes: 28D - 38H According to a reviewer: "Overall a very supportive bra and would recommended to anyone that is larger chested with a small rib cage!"
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Subscribe to our newsletter > This article was originally published on Aug. 29, 2017