good bras for big boobs

colleen62157 · January 2014

Hey all,

Looking for suggestions for good bras for big boobs. By way of background, I had big boobs before pregnancy, a 34DD. So there is nowhere to go for me in department store sizes. Luckily my ta-tas have not exploded with pregnancy, but they have gotten noticeably bigger. I'm still wearing my regular bras, but by the end of the day now, "my cups runners over. ". I need something else. I've tried specialty bras but they don't seem to provide enough support. I need to strap these suckers down. I'm talking underwire, wide straps, at least two clips, and I don't want any bouncing! On top of all this I also want to avoid the dreaded monoboob. Any suggestions on the one bra to rule them all?

carissa32581 · January 2014

Well, from personal experience the ones at motherhood maternity aren't great for big boobs! I bought a couple and wish I hadn't!

pandadair · January 2014

I, too, was a 34DD pre-pregnancy, but I definitely stopped fitting into my old bras a while ago. Like it got to the point where my husband stopped loving it and kept telling me "Please get new bras. It looks like you have 4 boobs." Anyway, these are the ones the 32-week-pregnant fitter person at Nordstrom recommended and I love them. Very comfortable. And, BAM, 34G (which is technically two cup-sizes up from the DD). That default blue one looks kind of low cut, but they definitely aren't. Low enough that I can still wear my old tanks with it, but it's not like a pushup shelf bra or anything.

kristine526 · January 2014

I think my thought of what is "big" has changed since I got pregnant and am hanging out at a 36E. I've been happy so far with the bras I bought at Motherhood, but I have heard some not so great things about them too. I currently am a very full 36E and may go to see if I need something bigger shortly, but I got them around 10/12 weeks and they pretty much changed my life. :-)

Xath · January 2014

Do you have an "Intimacy" near you? They have a solid selection of good underwires for larger sizes, and they are well trained in fitting.

Once you find your pregnancy size and want to get nursing bras, Bravado has some good very supportive non-wired bras for larger sizes. Once you start lactating, you may find bras with wire to be too painful.

I've found that the Motherhood sleeping bras are still good for sleeping/holding a leak pad, but they don't do squat once gravity becomes a factor.

lildarling76 · January 2014

i was also a 34dd before pregnancy and haven't been able to find anything! Stores only go up to a dd and I've been way beyond that for awhile! My husband can't get enough but I am over it and want my old boobs back!

ksyknelvr73 · January 2014

I am a 36DD prior to.pregnancy....I actually got a few bras from Lane Bryant last time, they were pretty nice and comfortable and came in the bigger sizes I needed (I ended up as a 38F). Went back to my DD's after nursing.

colleen62157 · January 2014

Maybe I'm losing it but did you mention the name of the bras in your post? I'm from Toronto but heading down to Buffalo next weekend so I will definitely check out Nordstrom for bras while there.

Unknown · January 2014

This content has been removed.

momo214 · January 2014

I'm a 34 DD and got a few bras from Victoria secret that are great. They're the no frills, mini van of bras. No push up bc who needs that? Padded straps. I don't know the style name but the sales girls should know. I know they make it in DDD too.

augustasimpson · January 2014

I started off as a 36 G

Still haven't found anything that works, though we're on a super tight budget and bigger bras do not come cheap from a department store. I went to a maternity store and was measured and directed to buy online, which I did, but I think the clerk didn't know how to measure bigger busts because the size is totally not right. She told me to go up a strap sizes instead of a cup sizes, putting me at a 42 G. It's the most uncomfortable bra ever.

hfooter · January 2014

I also need new bras desperately but don't want to spend a fortune because they seem to want to continue to grow and everyone tells me they only get bigger when your milk comes in. Best of luck!

Lild09 · January 2014

Speciality shops but I did get a nice 32ddd at Victoria's Secret in their body line, full cups nicely padded and no push up. For 20 bucks I can't complain!

Edit: started at 30 ddd

Xath · January 2014

PSA: Unless you gain a lot of non-baby weight it is very uncommon for band size to increase during pregnancy. Many retailers will try to up sell your band size because they don't carry the correct cup size in your appropriate band and still want to make the sale. These bras are doing nothing for you. Even if you're on a tight budget, go to a GOOD bra store (not VS) to be fitted properly. You'll be amazed at what a properly fit bra can do for you.

Most American retailers only sell up to a DD cup and grossly mis-size people in order to get them to fit into the brand. This worked before our generation because of the size generalities, but women of child bearing age now typically have much larger mammaries (thanks 80's milk hormones!) and the sizes have not updated to accommodate that.

yvanehtnioj · January 2014

pandadair said:

I, too, was a 34DD pre-pregnancy, but I definitely stopped fitting into my old bras a while ago. Like it got to the point where my husband stopped loving it and kept telling me "Please get new bras. It looks like you have 4 boobs." Anyway, these are the ones the 32-week-pregnant fitter person at Nordstrom recommended and I love them. Very comfortable. And, BAM, 34G (which is technically two cup-sizes up from the DD). That default blue one looks kind of low cut, but they definitely aren't. Low enough that I can still wear my old tanks with it, but it's not like a pushup shelf bra or anything.

This. Wacoal and Chantelle are two brands that cater to small band size + large cup size. I started at 34DD too and am now in G! I go to Nordstrom Rack, it carries both of these brands for at a good discount.

mmks · January 2014

Just saw bras on https://www.mamabargains.com/
You get 6 of them in various colors for $25-$30!

Lizmullen · January 2014

I was a 36f before and I like to be as supported as humanly possible.. I did pick some new ones up from lane Bryant. I haven't necessarily changed sizes but am noticeably fuller and they provide great support! Straps are a little thicker than the pre pregnancy bras I was wearing but it was needed to support the weight! At least try the lane Bryant ones, I've never even shopped there and was impressed with the quality!

Letayloreo · January 2014

I've gone from a C to a DD so far (not as big as some of you ladies but I feel like they're huge) and I have no torso so the girls are sitting right on my baby bump making underwires EXTREMELY uncomfortable. I got a couple of Genie bras and they are amazingly comfy!

mileswithmyles · January 2014

Do you have a Soma near you? My friend who is large chested likes their bras and I purchased some when mine expanded overnight. Super comfy and a pretty good price!

soylatte · January 2014

colleen62157 said:

Hey all, Looking for suggestions for good bras for big boobs. By way of background, I had big boobs before pregnancy, a 34DD. So there is nowhere to go for me in department store sizes. Luckily my ta-tas have not exploded with pregnancy, but they have gotten noticeably bigger. I'm still wearing my regular bras, but by the end of the day now, "my cups runners over. ". I need something else. I've tried specialty bras but they don't seem to provide enough support. I need to strap these suckers down. I'm talking underwire, wide straps, at least two clips, and I don't want any bouncing! On top of all this I also want to avoid the dreaded monoboob. Any suggestions on the one bra to rule them all?

Poor darling! I am in the same boat - was 32E and am now 33-34 G - the specialty store did a little alteration for me. But the bra they put me in is the Fantasie '4520' Smoothing Underwire Balconette Bra. I never would have chosen it - I'm a Wacoal/ Simone Perele girl normally. The Fantasie bra is on the Nordstrom website if you want to see it. The sports bra they put me in is the Bendon extreme and I love it:
https://www.bendonlingerie.com.au/brands/bendon/bendon-extreme-out-sports-bra-white-silver

Mskot10 · January 2014

cacique, without wire. I live in them

awisern · January 2014

Lane Bryant all the way...I do the cacique with wire. If only they made nursing bras...

Miles2Go · January 2014

Let 'em swing free, ladies!

No, seriously though. Go get sized at Nordstrom. Best thing ever. And I'm rocking a couple 38FF's.

britab · January 2014

Soma, they are great! They have big sizes, will fit you, and are very helpful!

pandadair · January 2014

colleen62157 said:

Maybe I'm losing it but did you mention the name of the bras in your post? I'm from Toronto but heading down to Buffalo next weekend so I will definitely check out Nordstrom for bras while there.

If that was directed to me, the one I'm talking about is a Wacoal La Femme Contour T-shirt bra. I linked it in my post. Love it.

pandadair · January 2014

gertiebarden said:

PSA: Unless you gain a lot of non-baby weight it is very uncommon for band size to increase during pregnancy. Many retailers will try to up sell your band size because they don't carry the correct cup size in your appropriate band and still want to make the sale. These bras are doing nothing for you. Even if you're on a tight budget, go to a GOOD bra store (not VS) to be fitted properly. You'll be amazed at what a properly fit bra can do for you. Most American retailers only sell up to a DD cup and grossly mis-size people in order to get them to fit into the brand. This worked before our generation because of the size generalities, but women of child bearing age now typically have much larger mammaries (thanks 80's milk hormones!) and the sizes have not updated to accommodate that.

Preach! I remember a few bra threads back that someone said they'd gone from a 36D to a 40D. Girl... no.

Smaupin · January 2014

I have DDDs and I have resigned to maternity cami/tanks. The Walmart near me has them in black and grey. Good luck finding something that works for you!! >:D<

destinycain · January 2014

I was also a 34 DD before pregnancy and now my boobs are ridiculously big! I have been wearing a Genie Bra you can get it for 10$ at Walmart and it works very well and very comfy!

ho11yday · January 2014

I just wish the Nordstrom's near me carried 38I (pre-preg 36H but I know I've gained some non-baby fat) so I could at least see if I liked one I wanted to buy; not really fond of the idea of ordering and having to return it if it doesn't fit right.

For those of you who normally shop at Nordstrom's, how easy is there online/in-store return policy?

pandadair · January 2014

ho11yday said:

I just wish the Nordstrom's near me carried 38I (pre-preg 36H but I know I've gained some non-baby fat) so I could at least see if I liked one I wanted to buy; not really fond of the idea of ordering and having to return it if it doesn't fit right.

For those of you who normally shop at Nordstrom's, how easy is there online/in-store return policy?

I've never returned an online order via mail, but their in-store policy is ridiculously customer-friendly. The bra I bought before this one, I wore for 3 weeks straight, washed it, and decided it still didn't fit quite right. Took it back with the receipt, no questions asked. I've also returned jeans that I'd worn for months because they ripped in the crotch (and I didn't even have the receipt for that one). I feel like you could buy something, rip it in half, then tell them you don't want it anymore and they'd still smile and give you your money back.

pandadair · January 2014

becole42 said:

I'm not sure where you all got your information that your band size doesn't change. I am 25 weeks, gained about 12 pounds so far and went from 34d to 38dd. Your rib cage expands, especially when your hormones release the stretching hormones to allow for adequate lung and uterus expansion (befit mom.com) This is why when you give birth, you still have a larger rib cage and a lot of times shirts don't fit. I got measured and am wearing the right size ( not being squished) and literally Ive expanded several inches.

I'm not saying band sizes never change and am aware that your rib cage can expand. Very often, though, people are just going to less-than-knowledgeable bra fitters who just throw them in a higher band size because they don't carry the proper cup size. S'all. That's why I recommend getting fitted at Nordstrom every time this topic comes up. If your boobs are overflowing the cup, usually you just need to go up in cup. Not both. But some people do.

Also, that's why you have multiple sets of hooks. Buy bras that fit on the first set from the start and you have about 1.5" to "grow" in girth.

ykristos · January 2014

becole42 said:

I'm not sure where you all got your information that your band size doesn't change. I am 25 weeks, gained about 12 pounds so far and went from 34d to 38dd. Your rib cage expands, especially when your hormones release the stretching hormones to allow for adequate lung and uterus expansion (befit mom.com) This is why when you give birth, you still have a larger rib cage and a lot of times shirts don't fit. I got measured and am wearing the right size ( not being squished) and literally Ive expanded several inches.

I think the whole point is that you should be aware of how to properly measure yourself and/or get fitted, because my band size hasn't changed at all. My rib/band measurement has stayed the same while my cup size has grown by 2 sizes. So, not everyone has such a dramatic increase in their rib cage -- YMMV, everyone has a different body, etc.

ykristos · January 2014

becole42 said:

Ok just wanted to clarify for some women that their bones are actually moving and they aren't just gaining "non baby fat". I know I would freak if I gained 4 inches and thought it was only fat! I could wear the 36 on the tight rung and then the loose rung and then not at all. Also, 38 was tight at Victoria's Secret but fit at nordstrom. So it could be that the change was more of a smaller change but I changed brands during pregnancy because of comfort.

Ughhhh, VS is the worst. I shopped there for way too long because I totally drank the kool-aid. It wasn't until I realized that their bras never fit me (seriously, their sizing is totally screwed up) and that their measurement of me at a 36C couldn't have been further off -- I'm actually a 30DD. Never again.

rainydayluck · January 2014

VS is awful. They kept trying to tell me my "sister" size bra was a 36B....um my normal size is 34DD.
My rib cage expanded with DD and it's happening again this time (I think no read somewhere that your lungs expand a bit to help you get more oxygen). I'm off to Nordie's today!

ciarasoleil · January 2014

I would look at the plus size stores if you can fit them, I think smallest is 36. I went to a place called Additionelle never thought to look there before but it does make sense! Wide straps, 3 clips and SUPER comfy!! I got 2 for the price of 1 which was nice I have never felt so comfortable in a bra. I am currently a 40DD.

Xath · January 2014

pandadair said:

I'm not saying band sizes never change and am aware that your rib cage can expand. Very often, though, people are just going to less-than-knowledgeable bra fitters who just throw them in a higher band size because they don't carry the proper cup size. S'all. That's why I recommend getting fitted at Nordstrom every time this topic comes up. If your boobs are overflowing the cup, usually you just need to go up in cup. Not both. But some people do.

Also, that's why you have multiple sets of hooks. Buy bras that fit on the first set from the start and you have about 1.5" to "grow" in girth.

Super agree with this. Though with the last sentence, I was always taught to buy bras where you fit perfectly on the last set of hooks (the biggest setting). The elastic in bras stretches with use, and the fabric begins to fatigue. If you buy one where you fit on the last set, you'll be able to cinch it to the appropriate fit as the fabric stretches out. If you want to give yourself some wiggle room for rib cage expansion, I'd go for band extenders. That way you can have some band flexibility on both ends without cutting the life of your bra shorter than necessary.

Like this (https://www.amazon.com/Maidenform-Womens-Hook-Extender-Multi/dp/B0083QLQ0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390272832&sr=8-1&keywords=bras+extender).

sisterjanet · January 2014

I second or third @yvanehtnioj and @pandadair recommending Wacoal bras. I like a strapped-down feel, and the breast cancer awareness bra from Wacoal is perfect for me. When I go in for a bra fitting most places, I get the impression other women don't like the band as tight as I like it, but I feel like if it's not tight everything is going to be bouncing and slipping. My Wacoal bras keep everything under control. They also make a kick-ass sports bra that has hooks for strap length instead of the slidey adjuster thing that works really well for running with an out of control rack.

The downside is that the bras are in the $50-60 range, but they last for years and don't get worn out, so it's not like you're spending that money every year or something.

pandadair · January 2014

gertiebarden said:

pandadair said:

I'm not saying band sizes never change and am aware that your rib cage can expand. Very often, though, people are just going to less-than-knowledgeable bra fitters who just throw them in a higher band size because they don't carry the proper cup size. S'all. That's why I recommend getting fitted at Nordstrom every time this topic comes up. If your boobs are overflowing the cup, usually you just need to go up in cup. Not both. But some people do.

Also, that's why you have multiple sets of hooks. Buy bras that fit on the first set from the start and you have about 1.5" to "grow" in girth.

Super agree with this. Though with the last sentence, I was always taught to buy bras where you fit perfectly on the last set of hooks (the biggest setting). The elastic in bras stretches with use, and the fabric begins to fatigue. If you buy one where you fit on the last set, you'll be able to cinch it to the appropriate fit as the fabric stretches out. If you want to give yourself some wiggle room for rib cage expansion, I'd go for band extenders. That way you can have some band flexibility on both ends without cutting the life of your bra shorter than necessary.

Like this (https://www.amazon.com/Maidenform-Womens-Hook-Extender-Multi/dp/B0083QLQ0G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390272832&sr=8-1&keywords=bras+extender).

I think that's what I meant. Now I've confused myself. That is how I buy mine, but I haven't had an issue with ribcage expansion. Everybody needs to listen to gertiebarden and only halfway to me.

Miles2Go · January 2014

I just checked my fabulous new nursing bra from Nordstrom and is the Cake 'Cotton Candy' Seamless Nursing Bra. So, so good. Highly recommend.

pandadair · January 2014

Miles2Go said:

I just checked my fabulous new nursing bra from Nordstrom and is the Cake 'Cotton Candy' Seamless Nursing Bra. So, so good. Highly recommend.

How does it make your bewbs look? I feel like I'm about to spend a lot of time being depressed about the appearance of my chest. I hate hate hate not wearing underwire and molded cups.

ETA: I know a good nursing bra is the most important, but, also, I am vain.

Miles2Go · January 2014

pandadair said:

Miles2Go said:

I just checked my fabulous new nursing bra from Nordstrom and is the Cake 'Cotton Candy' Seamless Nursing Bra. So, so good. Highly recommend.

How does it make your bewbs look? I feel like I'm about to spend a lot of time being depressed about the appearance of my chest. I hate hate hate not wearing underwire and molded cups.

ETA: I know a good nursing bra is the most important, but, also, I am vain.

Almost as good as my regular bras, but so comfortable. They sit where they're supposed to (as opposed to resting down on the bump). I got the L. The XL was surprisingly too big for my enormous tatas. I have some awful nursing bras that came from BRU & motherhood. A good one makes all the difference.

Also, if any of you bra shopping ladies are in the Seattle area, go to the Nordstrom there and ask to be fit by Annelise.

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