When you’re plus-size, few items are as fundamentally important to your wardrobe as a bra. The wrong one can cause digging, gapping or sagging. The right bra, on the other hand, provides support and shaping so you can feel confident and comfortable in whatever you wear on top of it. Thankfully, with the rise of size-inclusivity in the fashion market, the best plus-size bras are easier to find—and I’ve rounded up the ones that stand out. My top pick overall is Elomi’s Smoothing Underwire Bra, which is lightweight and breathable. If you want a slightly less expensive option, I recommend Vanity Fair’s Illumination Full-Figure Zoned In Support Bra.
The best plus-size bras enhance and support fuller figures, with supremely comfortable styles.
Of course, different situations call for different bras. Ahead, you’ll find all my recommendations for the best plus-size bras, from stay-put strapless picks to the most comfortable wireless wonders to workout-friendly sports bras (to learn how I evaluated and picked the winners, see the end of this story). And for more shopping advice, check out our guides to the best underwear for women and plus-size clothing.
- Best Plus-Size Bra Overall: Elomi Smoothing Underwire Bra
- Best Affordable Plus-Size Bra: Vanity Fair Full Figure Beauty Back Smoothing Bra
- Best Plus-Size Strapless Bra: Le Mystère Soiree Strapless Bra
- Best Plus-Size Sports Bra: Knix Catalyst Sports Bra
- Best Plus-Size Push-Up Bra: Soma Smooth Full Coverage Bra
- Most Comfortable Plus-Size Bra: Chantelle C Magnifique T-Shirt Bra
- Best Plus-Size Full Coverage Bra: Elila Isabella Lace Full Coverage Bra
- Best Plus-Size Wireless Bra: Glamorise Full Figure Wire-Free Minimizer Support Bra
- Best Plus-Size Support Bra: Fantasie Fusion Side Support Bra
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
With more than 17 years of experience as a journalist, I have spent much of my career covering fashion. I am the former editor-in-chief of People StyleWatch and was the first plus-size woman to ever hold that role. For this article, I also spoke to three experts in the undergarments industry, including Kimmay Caldwell, undergarment educator and founder of The Bra Confidence and Comfort Course; Gina Stempler, owner of Bra Mobile, a bra fitting service; and Caralyn Mirand Koch, a plus-size model and founder of The Properly Fitting Bra Club.
How I Assessed The Best Plus-Size Bras
When it came to choosing the best plus-size bras, I took into account the types of bras that most women need in their wardrobe—such as strapless styles, sports bras and more. From there, I asked the experts for recommendations that are supportive, high quality and specifically made for curvier bodies. I also read hundreds of online reviews to determine which plus-size bra brands provide the best undergarment wear-experience and took into consideration the overall price, size range, color selections and more, to ensure this list covered a wide variety of needs and budget levels.
What To Consider When Buying A Plus-Size Bra
When it comes to shopping for the best plus-size bras, the experts agreed that there is no one-bra-works-for-all solution. That’s because bodies are shaped differently. You may be plus-size but have a smaller bust. Or, you could have tear-shaped or rounded breasts. All of these factors will impact how a bra fits you. With that in mind, here’s what to keep in mind for your specific body.
Features
If you are plus-size, there are certain features you will want to look for in a bra. One thing to prioritize is a wider band. “Ninety percent of a bra's support comes from the band,” says Caldwell. “A wide, firm band will stay in place all day and prevent riding up, rolling, and sliding down.” Wider straps can also help but only impact about 10 percent of a bra’s lift, she says.
Also, look for well constructed cups. Molded cups will help shape your breasts and give them a uniform, rounded look. Cups that aren’t molded will emphasize your natural breast shape and won’t add any extra bulk. It’s really a preference thing—go for whatever look you prefer.
Lastly, with larger breasts, sweat sometimes becomes an issue. For that reason, it may be worth considering moisture-wicking fabrications or bras that have built-in mesh vents.
Fit
“Unfortunately, a vast majority of women do not know their correct bra size and are in fact wearing the wrong size,” says Stempler. “Most women are wearing their bands too big and their cups too small.” So, how do you find the right fit? Experts agree that it’s best to go to a lingerie shop to get sized by a professional. From there, you’ll want to try on a few different styles to see what fits your specific body well. “While measurements are a helpful starting point, they don’t disclose everything,” says Mirand Koch. “You and I could have the exact measurements on paper but have entirely different needs when it comes to a bra style.”
Rather than solely relying on the size, look for certain signs a bra is fitting you properly. “The center wire, which is called a gore, should be flat against your sternum,” says Mirand Koch. “The side wire of the cup should be behind all breast tissue, not on top of it. And your band should fit snugly and parallel to the floor.”
Style
You’ll also want to think about the type of bra you need. For example, if you’re a jeans-and-tee kind of person, a smooth t-shirt bra is going to be a staple in your wardrobe. There are also wired and wire-free options to consider. “As to bra wardrobes, every fuller figured woman should have a comfortable wire-free style for lounging,” says Stempler. “But you are probably going to also need a wired option.”
Other styles worth considering: A balconette bra has a low profile and may be good for deeper necklines. A lacy style is stylish but not great for tops made from thin materials since the lace will show through. A push-up bra will give great lift. Caldwell suggests thinking about your specific wardrobe and then considering what gaps you need to fill.
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