One of the worst things that can happen to a gorgeous outfit is a non-supportive, ill-fitting bra. Whether working out, getting dressed for a special occasion, or for everyday wear, it's important to have a bra that fits well and supports your curves. Whether you are heading out to a specialty bra boutique to shop for new additions, or shopping online, the following are some of the most supportive full-figure bras to consider.
Top Brands and Styles in Supportive Bras
When shopping for the best bra that will provide full support and function for your lifestyle and needs, keep this list of brands in mind. A few elements to consider when making a bra selection should include quality fabrics, thick sturdy elastic straps, and a comfortable underwire or supportive cup style.
Wacoal
Intimate apparel brand Wacoal offers bras ranging from 34-44 band and D-I cup sizes. The collection includes fabrics such as lace, silky body suede, and t-shirt bras with padded straps and triple hook and eye closures for support. For women who need support during workout routines, or those wearing fashionable tops with various necklines and shoulder types there are sports bras and convertible strap bras available. From neutral shades to bright and bold colors, there many choices ranging in cost from about $40 to $85.
- The Wacoal Bodysuede Full Figure Seamless bra has been slated as one of the best bras on freshpair.com. It has a smooth, silky fabric, lightly lined cups, and comes with support panels and a leotard back to minimize unsightly bulges. It comes in sizes 32 to 44, with cup sizes from D to DDD for about $60.
- Retro Chic Full-Figure Underwire Bra is the ideal bra design for women interested in a look that is vintage-inspired. The retro bra style is available in blue, pink, tan, neutral and black. Band sizes range from 32-46 with cups sizes D-I and costs between approximately $42-$60. This bra style was also chosen as one of the top bras by LingerieBriefs.com, praising its stretch-fabric cups and excellent support and lift.
- The Simple Shaping Full-Coverage Underwire Minimizer is great for women looking for a bra that will minimize the appearance of their breast when wearing casual tops or dresses. The seamless basic bra comes in black and neutral and costs around $50. Band sizes range from 32-44 and cup sizes from DD-G. The Simple Shaping Wacoal Minimizer Bra style was also listed as one of the best minimizer bras by beauty and fashion blog Her Style Code for its firm, molded cups, full support, and comfortable fit.
Chantelle
For more than 130 years, Chantelle has been shaping and supporting the bustlines of women and continues to be one of the leading bra brands. The full support bra collection designed in France includes a range of styles made of stretch materials in mesh or lace, in both neutral tones and a few bold colors. Sizes are 36 - 44 band and D-I cup sizes. Chantelle bras have fully adjustable straps that offer minimal shoulder slippage and low plunging cups to complement v-neckline tops. The wide band provides a smooth look and support, with bras costing around $70-$90.
- A gorgeous bra can make all the difference underneath an outfit. The Festivité Lace Plunge Bra is a stretch lace bra that lifts for all day comfort and support and elongates the waist while giving the cleavage a sexy effect. The cup size for this style ranges from D-DDDD with band sizes ranging from 30-40. Colors offered are Glacier Blue, Nude Twilight, Nude Blush and Black and cost around $84.
- The Rive Gauche Full Coverage Unlined Bra is one of the brand's best sellers. Whether you need a bra to wear under your favorite office or night out dress, this bra style will smooth your back and sides. The three-row hook bra provides comfort and support for those who wear band sizes 32-44 and cup sizes D-H. Colors offered in this style include Crimson and Lavender and it costs around $90. The bra style has been reviewed as pretty, sexy and comfy by Bustle.com
- The Chantelle Revele Moi Full Figure Underwire Contour bra is similar in style to the Rive Gauche. It is unlined yet supportive, contouring for a gorgeous shape. The sheer and lace cups are perfect when you want a sexier style underneath a date-night dress or just to feel great everyday. Available in black, Mon Cheri (pink), and nude, it costs just under $85 and comes in band sizes 30 to 40 and cup sizes D to F. Recommended on Oprah.com, the Revele Moi is great for sexy everyday lift and support.
Glamorise
Since 1921, Glamorise has been dedicated to designing supportive bras for full-figured women. Within the brand's lineup are three different collections to complement the diverse lifestyle needs of women. These include Elegance by Glamorise, Glamorise Essentials, and Glamorise Sport. Ranging from 38-50 in bands and C-H in cup sizes, the bras come in several bra styles that include posture back support, minimizers, magic lift and front hooking. Bra selections by Glamorise range in cost from under $25 to under $70, and come in neutral colors and bright hues made of lace and nylon.
- For plus size women who participate in high impact sports, the No Bounce Cami Sport is a superb choice. The cups are made of moisture wicking fabrics to keep you comfortable while you sweat. This sports bra style costs around $35 and comes in band sizes 34-50 in cup sizes C-G in colors white, black, tan, gray and blue. Verywell.com credits the No Bounce Cami Bra as a sports bra that won't give the appearance of a 'uniboob'.
- Another option for active women is the Glamorise Double Layer Custom Control Sport bra. Available in pink/orange, grey/white and grey/black, the bra has an adjustable outer panel for customized fit, wide stay-put straps, and an under band for extra support for about $55. Sizes run from 32 to 46 and cup sizes up to H. The bra gets 4.5 star reviews from buyers on HerRoom.com, and it was slated as one of the best for women with large busts according to NewYorkMagazine.com.
- Give your arms a break from reaching behind to clasp your bra with the Front Closing Stretch Lace style. The Wonderwire® design lace bra clasps in the front and is pretty but also perfect everyday wear. Band sizes range from 36-46 with cup sizes from B-F for around $44 in colors black, tan, and white. This Glamorise bra design gets a 4.5 star review rating on JCPenney.com, and it was listed as one of the best front closure bras on Hub Pages review.
Signs That You Need a New Bra
If you're wondering when you need to get a new support bra, there are a few signs that will tip you off.
- Back pain is one of the most common results of a non-supportive bra.
- Shoulder strain is another problem that can indicate you need a better bra.
- Worn straps, or straps that dig into your shoulder, can be a sign you need better support.
- In addition, a visible sign that a bra doesn't support your breasts are unsightly side and back bulges.
Remember that a non-supportive bra can cramp your style as well as ruin your look and posture.
Benefits of Supportive Bra
If you've been suffering underneath your clothing with loose rising bands, bra cups that are not properly fitting or made of cheap materials, the time has come for a bra makeover. Revive your lingerie drawer with one of the best bra brand picks that have structure and will support your breasts.
