If you're someone who has heavy breasts, you know how absolutely painful and frustrating it can be to find a bra that fits you well. But since I love my lingerie to look and feel nice, I refused to resign to a fate of never finding a bra that I like. So naturally, I scoured shops and the internet to find bras that not only fit me well, providing coverage and support (without the straps digging into my shoulder or there being a risk of slippage), but also are beautiful and make me feel good. And I love that journey for both me and you, because now you don't have to spend another day being unhappy about the bras you have. Below is a breakdown of how to measure for accurate sizing, know what to keep in mind when buying, and 8 best brands that are size-inclusive and have options for heavy breasts.
Maximum Support: 8 Brands That Actually Have Great Bra Options For Heavy Breasts
How To Measure To Know The Right Size
Honestly, I suggest not to try to do this by yourself. If you really want to know your size accurately, head to a good store such as Marks & Spencers or Victoria's Secret and let them do it for you. But if you really cannot head to a store, here's how you can do it at home:
Step 1: Take a measuring tape and stand upright without a bra on.
Step 2: Take the tape around yourself, covering your back and your waist (under-breast), where the band of your bra usually is. It should be well fitting, but don't make it tight.
Step 3: Whatever the number is, that is your band size. If the number is an odd one, round up or down to the nearest inch as per comfort.
Step 4: Now, wear your most comfortable bra, one that fits right, make sure you don't pick one that is tight or has slippage and I would recommend wearing a simple full-coverage bra (non-padded, of course).
Step 5: Now take the measuring tape around you again and measure on the fullest part of your chest. Whatever the number is, subtract your band size from this, and the difference denotes your cup size.
0=AA; 1=A; 2=B; 3=C; 4=D; 5=DD; 6=F; 7=FF; 8=G; 9=GG; 10=H; 11=HH; 12=J; 13=JJ; 14=K, and so on.
In the end you will have a number and letter combination, and that's your bra size. So, for example, if your band size was 36 and bust size 39, your bra size is 36C.
Things To Keep In Mind
When you have heavy breasts, buying bras online can be a little tricky. Buying regular, full coverage bras is pretty straightforward, no matter what fabric, as long as it is full coverage or even medium coverage, you just have to pick the right size and you are sorted. For the more elevated but low-coverage styles, such as a balconette or a bralette, I usually buy a cup size up. This gives me the right look and feel, while also allowing me to enjoy a more sophisticated style. This hack differs from brand to brand, so have patience, it might take a few trials and errors, but the result is worth it.
It goes without saying that always try the bras immediately after they arrive so that you can exchange them, because with some styles you will need to (remember to check the return policy for this). And remember that a bra that is right for you ideally feels invisible, if you can feel its presence in whatever way, a tightness, discomfort, a pinch, anything, its not the right size and you need to try a different permutation.
Enamor
My absolute go-to when it comes to bras, Enamor has to be one of the best in the game. Not only are their bras super studry and long-lasting and offer the right support, they also have options that are so pretty that you will want to buy everything on their website. They have a wide range, from simple cotton T-shirt bras to lace balconettes and padded printed ones. Their sizes go upto 2XL, 44G, with even options that you will rarely find anywhere else (36Z? They have it!)
LBB's Pick: Full Support Wired Lace Bra
Wacoal
A Japanese brand founded in 1946, Wacoal prides itself in being a brand that cares about its customers and their needs, and to make sure they follow through on this, their products are customised to cater to the typical body type of women of the specific country they are being sold in. And it shows! Wacol bras are super comfortable and the fabric feels extremely good on your skin. They have every type of bra that you might want, and have sizes going up to 44FF.
LBB's Pick: 3/4 Coverage V-Neck Bra
Amante
Amante needs no introduction. With the tag-line 'feels like air', Amante bras are some of the most comfortable ones out there, with styles that have been tailored to suit the Indian body type. They have a wide collection, with their swimsuits also being ones that cater to heavy breasts. Their bra collection has beautiful pieces in bright colours and bold designs, and also more elegant and subtle pieces. Their sizes go up to 44F.
LBB's Pick: Strapless Padded Multiway Bra
Tailor & Circus
If you are a big fan of letting your chest breathe and absolutely hate wearing bras, this brand is for you. The ethos of the brand is to create 'underwear that loves you' and their bras are no different. Made from light, breathable Tencel Modal, which is a sustainable fabric, these are lounge bras that you can wear the entire day and get full support. They are durable and long-lasting, and the colour doesn't fade, which is great because they come in super bright colours and prints. Their sizes go up to 2XL (40).
LBB's Pick: Adjustable Triangle Bra
Marks & Spencer
The OG when it comes to making bras that are size inclusive, Marks & Spencer is still my favourite place to shop for bras. I would recommend going into their stores to buy a bra, because it an absolute treat — they have so many options, you will feel seen as a heavy-breasted woman. This was also where I was told my correct bra size for the first time ever. From padded, to non-padded, wired, balconette, wired, bralette, T-shirt, they have everything and all of it beautiful. These are super long-lasting and they also have really economical sets for three bras for your everyday use stock. Their sizes go up to 44J.
LBB's Pick: Lace & Mesh Wired Balcony Bras (pack of three)
Hunkemoller
This one is for the lingerie fans. Even though on the pricier side, I love shopping at Hunkemoller. Their collections are always on-point and super sexy, but the best part is how well they fit you. Extremely size inclusive, you will not walk out of a Hunkemoeller experience dissatisfied. While their bras are superb, I would suggest trying out other options, such as babydolls, slip dresses and bustiers too only because of how gorgeous they are. Their sizes go up to 44F.
LBB's Pick: Emily Non-Paded Bralette
NYKD By Nykaa Fashion
A comparatively newer kid on the block, but absolutely worth your time, NYKD By Nykaa Fashion had a wide range of options available. From lacy options to everyday to backless and strapless options, NYKD gaurantees strong support and all-day comfort. The best part? They are super economical with options starting at INR 400. Their sizes go up to 44F, and the stores are also a great spot to get your fitting done for a size.
LBB's Pick: Breathe Wireless T-shirt Bra
Triumph
We know what your are thinking, Triumph is what our grandmother's used to buy. But let me tell you, that is exactly what makes them so good! They've in the game for so long that they have perfected the art of making bras suited to Indian bodies, especially ones for heavy breasts. But, don worry, they have also upped their design game. Keeping up with the demands of the market, they have combined their age-old mastery with trending and beautiful aesthetic. With sizes going up to 44F you definitely don't want to sleep on this brand.
LBB's Pick: Delicate Doreen Everyday Bra