I am a lover of bras, bralettes and everything in between, but shopping for bras isn’t always fun. I wear 36F, so finding things that are cute, affordable and comfortable is a challenge. Shopping for bras with a big chest can be discouraging, especially when every company claims to be ‘size-inclusive.’ After a lot of trial and error, here are my honest opinions on nine popular stores reviewed by comfort, affordability and cuteness that will hopefully help you find what you’re looking for.
I recommend getting fitted before shopping for any bras. Go to almost any bra store and the associates will measure you in order to find your true size. As awkward as it can be, they will help you avoid gaping cups, tight bands, sliding straps and overall help find the best size for your body. Keep in mind that this is a starting point, as every store seems to differ in sizes and every bra seems to differ in fit. This is your baseline, and you can use sister sizes to go up or down to get what you need. I also am partial to shopping in person for my bras, but knowing your true size can open up online sites for shopping.
- Victoria’s Secret
-
Sizes Carried: 30B – 44D, largest cup size – DDD, bralettes size XS-XL
Price: $20-75
One of the tried-and-true stores for lingerie and bras, Victoria’s Secret, carries a range of sports bras, sexy sets and everyday bras, but they will cost a pretty penny. Since the store doesn’t carry cup sizes larger than DDD, busty girls will have to aim for sister sizes (I go for a 38DDD), but don’t expect much. The larger the cup/bra size, the less they seem to carry in-store. Their bralettes run on an XS-XL size scale and because of this your cup size needs to be between a B-D to fit in the band size you need. Most of their bras have push-up padding or low cut cups which makes it even more difficult to get a good fit. A lot of their bras are cute but uncomfortable for all-day wear. While popular with many, Victoria’s Secret is not ideal for busty girls in comfort and fit.
- Torrid
-
Sizes Carried: 36C – 54DDD, Largest cup size – H, Bralettes sizes 00-6
Price: $40-85
One of the only stores that is exclusively catered to plus-size women, Torrid boasts an assortment of bras for a wide range of sizes. While they are also on the pricey side, these bras are sexy and fun yet comfortable enough for all-day wear, and their online site often offers good discounts and sales. They offer most of their sizes in-store, but it can be harder to find the smaller and larger extremes in every item. Their bralettes vary in comfort and while super cute, I have often sized down to get the needed support. I feel that their cup sizes run larger, though I am on the lower end of their size spectrum. The best thing about Torrid bras is their ability to convert from racerback to regular straps, and most of their bands have smoothing technology to get rid of bumps in clothes. Torrid is a great place to look for cute and comfy bras, but more than one may break the bank.
- Savage x Fenty
-
Sizes Carried: 30D – 46DDD, largest cup size – H, bralettes size XS-3X
Price: $15-85
Rihanna’s new lingerie brand has got me feeling all sorts of ways! With a genuinely inclusive range of sizes and a variety of styles, it really has something for everyone. Whether it be all-day wear, pajama sets, bras that are unlined, push-up or padded, Savage X Fenty does it all. The prices are very affordable for high-quality products (2 for $20 is a STEAL,) but you do have to sign up for a monthly membership. Don’t worry, you can skip the month to avoid being charged or cancel after an order. While their bralettes offer the best support for bigger busts that I have ever found, the sizing seems inconsistent. I ordered two bralettes in the same size and one runs very small, the other very large. Despite that, Savage has sexy bras at great prices that are incredibly comfortable.
- Aerie
-
Sizes Carried: 30A – 42DD, biggest cup size – H, bralettes size XXS -XXL
Price: $10-50
Until recently, Aerie has been completely ruled out of the realm of busty girl bra stores, but with their release of G & H cup sizes and larger bands, they’re up for consideration. With a range of coverage and styles, Aerie tends to lean towards the cute and comfy side of the spectrum but runs slightly smaller in cup sizes. They do offer backless, strapless and wireless bras, which often take a scavenger hunt to find for large sizes. One of the best things about this brand is their dedication to inclusivity and unedited campaigns. It’s refreshing to visit their site and see women with curves, disabilities, cellulite, natural hair and more being praised. Top if off with affordability and Aerie really can’t get much better.
- Cacique Intimates
-
Sizes Carried: 32A – 50DDD, biggest cup size – K, bralettes size 0-28
Price: $20-70
My go-to brand for bras and intimates, Lane Bryant’s line while on the pricey side, is entirely worth it. As someone who has always suffered from bra back pain, Cacique has unparalleled comfort for busty girls. Designed to lift and support while smoothing and looking sexy, these bras are my everyday choice. The site also offers hook extenders, strap converters and easy wash items to ensure you find what you need. While a single bra can cost you $45-50, the site often runs buy-one-get-one-free sales and offers a larger number of clearance items. The cups run a little on the larger side, but their store inventory is large enough that you can often try on sister sizes in-store or order online with easy exchanges and returns. Don’t let the price deter you, Cacique is worth it in every way.
- Forever 21
-
Sizes Carried: XS-3X
Price: $5-15
While not specifically a bra store, I always hear girls gushing about the affordability of Forever 21’s cheap bras and bralettes. Unfortunately busty girls, we’ll have to pass. Only sized in XS-3X, their products do not come in specific band or cup sizes. Everything in this store runs small and is cheaply made, so expect a day of adjusting, itching and discomfort if you actually try one of these bras. Even though the price is really the only thing Forever 21 has going for them, I can’t justify paying even $5 for something so ill-fitting.
- Bare Necessities
-
Sizes Carried: 28A – 58C, largest cup size – O, bralettes run in the same sizing
Price: $10-200
While not a specific brand, Bare Necessities offers a one-stop site for a variety of sizes, brands, and prices. By combining multiple companies the site has something for every body type, look and occasion. The only downside is that some of the sizes differ from brand to brand, so buying two bras in the same size may not fit the same way. On top of intimates and lingerie, Bare Necessities also has bikinis and other swimsuits sold by bra size which is a miracle for busty girls. If you don’t want to go running from store to store or scrolling through every site, Bare Necessities is sure to have something you’ll love on one easy website.
- Lively
-
Sizes Carried: 32A – 46DD, largest cup size – DDD, Bralettes size 1-3
Price: $35
The ever-popular busty-bralette that has been seen all over Instagram from Lively claims to have the best-supporting bralette for DD women. To be honest, I don’t buy into the hype. While the bras are cute and reasonably priced, the ‘busty-bralette’ is slightly misleading seeing as it only goes up to a size 38DDD. While at one point that was a rather large size for bralettes, there are many more companies that are far better at this point.
- ThirdLove
-
Sizes Carried: 28 D – 46 I, Largest cup size I
Price: $48 – 84
A brand that is committed to finding you your perfect fit based on your breast shape and desired style, ThirdLove boasts a collection of 78 different sizes, including half sizes. By taking a 30-second quiz the site will offer you size and style suggestions based on your body type and preferred fit. If that doesn’t work and you don’t love your product, they offer free returns and exchanges as well as a 30-day fit guarantee that allows you to wear, wash and return if you’re not satisfied. Most of their products fall in the $70 range but every aspect of this bra is engineered to fit your body with non-slip straps, smoothing bands and memory foam cups, so the price is actually well worth it.
While my personal favorites are Cacique Intimates and Savage X Fenty, everybody is different. I encourage you to stop buying cheap bras in ill-fitting sizes and take the time to actually find stores that offer what you need despite a bigger price tag. If my mom has taught me anything in life, it’s that you can always afford to buy nice shoes and good bras!