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As a bra-fitting expert with 30GG breasts, I know a thing or two about bras for bigger busts.
The High Street has never been better at accommodating bigger-breasted women like me, as shops finally caught up and realised that it’s not just ladies with smaller busts who want colourful, sexy bras.
While sizing is thankfully now far more inclusive, women with bigger busts are often still left wearing unflattering, ill-fitting designs. I was once the same; I mistakenly wore a 38DD throughout my teenage years, when my actual size is a 30GG.
Bra expert: Katie Weir says that women should have a bra fitting every 6 months
The most common mistake I see with clients who I fit for bras is a back band that’s too big, coupled with a cup size that’s too small. As a result, the bra band doesn’t support and lift the bust as it should, so boobs sag lower on the body.
To try and hoik them up, women often tighten the straps of their bra, but this means the weight sits disproportionately on the shoulders and can affect posture, causing backache. Not to mention it creates unwanted, unsightly bulges as the band rides up the back. If you have strap marks on your shoulders when you take your bra off at the end of the day that’s a sign the back band is too big.
Florence Embroidery Wired Plunge Bra (F-H) by Autograph at M&S
A cup size that’s too small creates the dreaded ‘double boob’ effect – when breast tissue spills out of the top of the cup or under the armpit. Many women mistake this breast tissue for excess fat, but it’s not. The correct cup will hold your entire breast and reach right back into the armpit, which is instantly slimming and smoothing.
The first thing fuller-busted women should do is go for a professional bra fitting, rather than trying at home with a tape measure. Once you have the correct size, the fun begins. There are no bra styles that are off limits if you have bigger boobs although, like with the rest of your wardrobe, it’s worth investing that little bit extra to get a great fit.
Plunge bras are great for lower cut tops. Marks & Spencer’s ultra-feminine lacey style (£26) has a deep plunge, which offers flattering cleavage. At £18, this plunge bra from Next is at an unbeatable price point. The all-over lace design holds a fuller bust wonderfully.
Balconette bras offer a nice, supported shape too that works well with higher neck tops. This one from Boux Avenue (£36) has a lightly lined lower cup to give extra lift, and the stretch lace hugs the breast for zero gaping. For those who are conscious about spilling out of the cup, or feel like their breasts sit in opposing directions, look for bras that come with side support. It’s like a magic panel on the cups that pushes your bust into the centre of your body for a super perky look. This stylish midnight blue bra from Pour Moi (£30) has side support, and the panel fits seamlessly into the design so you wouldn’t notice it.
Pink DD+ Non Pad Plunge Lace Ultimate Comfort Bra, Next
In terms of sizing range, you can’t beat Bravissimo, which goes up to a L cup.
Non-wired bras are great for accommodating hormonal fluctuations in breast size. This style from Lemonade Dolls (£32) is made from supportive mesh that hugs but never squeezes boobs.
Rebel Underwired Side Support Bra D-J, Pour Moi
Millie Bra (D-K), Bravissimo
Synergy Lace Fuller Cup, Lemonade Dolls
Classic Underwire Bra, Wacoal
Amarosa Floral Embroidered Bra (A-F), Bluebella
As told to Antonia Lenon