One of our top posts of all time is one a friend suggested I write, back in the early days of the blog: how to dress professionally if you’re busty. We haven’t offered busty women style tips in a while, so I thought we’d discuss. But let me be clear at the outset: there’s nothing inherently unprofessional about being busty — women come in all shapes and sizes.
I’m not about to suggest you go buy a minimizer and try to pretend that you’re a 34B. But: dressing well while busty can be a challenge because so many clothes are made with other body shapes in mind — and for work it can be particularly trying since so many conservative styles are rooted in menswear. Furthermore, if you wear something that obviously does not fit or has fit issues (gaping, pulling) it reflects a judgement call.
So — here are some new tips and guidelines on how to dress for work if you’re busty, from someone who’s been everything from a 30F to a 38G over the years…
(Pictured: If you’re petite and busty this is yet another reason to watch Crazy Ex Girlfriend — her work outfits are mostly hits for me. The video this screenshot is from is hilarious (“Heavy Boobs”), but it is probably NSFW.)
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Stay tuned for our upcoming course on how to feel more polished!
Finding the Right Bra is Half the Battle
1. Invest in a great bra that fits you. The right bra will lift you up and support you. It will not give you quadboob. It may have an odd size that you’ve never even heard of before (28FF, for example). The right bra will not make you worry about falling out of it when you bend over. It will not cut into your shoulders (that’s a sign your band size is too big) or fall off your shoulders.
(Note that your straps can be shortened at the tailor — and that you can check out lingerie brands just for petites, like The Little Bra Company, Lula Lu, or even the Bare Necessities special section for petites).
A good bra will take work to find and may cost you some money, but it will be worth it in spades. I highly recommend going to a bra shop and getting fitted — think Nordstrom, not Victoria’s Secret (link goes to to one woman’s fitting experience at VS with lots of pictures; probably NSFW).
In NYC I’ve used Bratenders over the years — I’ve also heard great things about Linda’s Bra Shop — and in London I’ve been fitted at Rigby & Peller.
Ladies who have a favorite shop in your city, please shout it out in the comments. Once you know your size you can watch for sales; I tend to get new bras at Nordstrom’s sales, Bare Necessities sales, or even sometimes Amazon.
{related: how to buy a bra}
These are all the best-selling bras that readers love:
(bottom row): lace / black / red / lace
2. Allow yourself to splurge often on bras. Bras can be expensive, but as a foundational piece, particularly if you’re busty, it’s absolutely essential that your bras fit properly — over time bras can stretch out, to say nothing of weight fluctuations that may affect your bra size.
We’ve talked before about bra care, including when/how often/how to wash them.
{related: how to save money on bras}
3. Keep bedroom bras in the bedroom or for wearing beneath going out clothes. I used to have these amazing bras from Aubade — beautiful ones covered with lace and embroidery on the cups and the straps. The demi cups lifted me up so I was perky but bouncy. They were amazing… but totally inappropriate for work.
I wore them anyway, and immediately regretted it if I was hurrying down the hallway without a folder to slap to my chest — and I’ve experienced that awful moment at work where you bend over to get something, and stand up and realize your bra did not make that trip as well as you’d have liked. If you can see the lace or design of your bra through your clothes (even opaque ones), if bounce is a factor you like in the bra — reconsider wearing that bra to work.
Personally I’m a fan of the simple T-shirt bras from Fantasie (4510 has molded cups; the 4520 has unlined cups), they are admittedly super boring bras. (Wardrobe Oxygen also loves ’em!)
Step Away from the Crewnecks
4. Build a collection you love of V-necks, scoop necks, jewel necks, boatnecks, cowlnecks, asymmetrical necklines, personality necklines — they all serve to elongate your neck and draw the eye upward. Of course you can wear crewnecks, mocknecks, and more, but at least for me I find they do me no favors — boxy, unfitted shapes also tend to be unflattering. (Turtlenecks are something that are frequently on the “no” list for busty women — but I think they can be fine if you wear a brooch on your clavicle/shoulder.)
5. Avoid tops that pull or gape. This goes for button-front blouses, cardigans, and more — if it’s pulling across the bust that’s a fit issue. You can skip blouses altogether (I’ve always worn sweaters beneath my suits), but if you specifically want blouses in your working wardrobe, check out this older post about blouse brands for the busty.
(We’ve also talked about busty blazer brands and suiting alterations you can make.)
Note that with some tops (t-shirts and sweaters alike) a good yank on the fabric will help it stretch to fit your bosom (an old trick Susannah used to love on the BBC version of What Not to Wear that I sadly cannot find a .gif for). If you already own tops that gape, check out guest poster Kathryn Rubino’s DIY tips to stop gaping blouses.
Some of the top products to help you fix a gaping blouse include:
Above, some solutions for gaping blouses: 1) Topstick toupee tape 2) double-stick medical tape 3) Flash Tape 4) Fearless Tape 5) black & white and colorful safety pins — see more clever solutions for workwear problems in our Amazon shop!
6. Get a great collection of camisoles or demi camisoles. Cleavage has no place in an office for all women, of course, but for busty women this may mean you need to invest in some camisoles or demi camisoles.
Look for plain styles in solid, non-nude colors to “raise the neckline,” and avoid lacy or boudoir-inspired styles. I’ll mention this below also, but I’m not a huge fan of shaping camisoles — they all ride up on me! — I vastly prefer an underbust bodysuit or a high-waisted style of shaper.
Pictured above, our favorite camisoles for work: one / two / three / four (25+ different color combos in a 4 pack!)– don’t forget about demi-camisoles too, such as this, this or this — or chemisettes!)
7. Avoid tops and dresses that cut across your bust instead of under it. In the picture at right, see how the dress has a panel of fabric that is meant to cover your bust entirely — the fabric panel ends beneath the model’s bust.
On bustier girls (myself included), sometimes a dress “fits” in that I can zip it up, but the fabric lays wrong, cutting across my bust. (In the picture it fits the model properly — if the line were up 2 inches higher I would say the dress did not fit her bust.)
I’ve avoided empire tops (the empire waist should start under your bust, not on top of it) and other paneled tops and dresses.
Accessorize Til You Drop… Kind Of
8. A classic 18″ set of white or ivory pearls can be a great accessory for work and beyond. Not only do the pearls reflect light back onto your face, they can artificially raise the neckline, and if you’re still feeling va-va-va-voom in any particular work outfit, pearls can help “stodge” up an outfit.
9. Experiment with brooches in your working wardrobe. A brooch placed high-ish on your clavicle can be great with a turtleneck, as well as some sheath dresses. I got most of my collection from DC flea markets, and you can find a ton of great ones on eBay.
Psst: stay tuned for some of our recent favorite brooches!
10. Try long necklaces that below your bust line, closer to your belly button. Put another way: Be wary of necklaces that hit you mid-boob. Not only are they not the most flattering (I cringed every time I saw Joan and her pendant on Mad Men!), but they can be noisy if you wear multiples, clatter as you walk down the hall, and generally serve to only emphasize your bust.
Other Busty Style Tips
While not all workwear-related, here are a few other tips that may be helpful to busty women:
- A number of specialty stores focus on busty girls, including Pepperberry, Saint Bustier, Front Room, and DD Atelier. (Note that if you can swing a trip to London, all of the shops there tend to be great for busty figures.)
- If you’re looking for shapewear, I find it’s best to separate your bra from the equation, because ones that have built-in bras often have minimizing effects, as do “shaping camisoles” (which also annoy me by rolling up). My favorites are an openbust bodysuit (great because they also smooth out your back) or a high-rise style.
- For swim, Lands’ End has great DD+ swimsuits; Bare Necessities also has a great selection of bra-sized swimsuits.
- For a high activity sportsbra I swear by the Enell or this Freya. (For the Freya, the trick is to size way down in the band and up in the cup.) If you’re just going for a quick lunchtime walk (or you’ve got a hot commute) and want to prevent your bra from getting sweaty, you may want to check out these bra liners.
- If you’re nursing I adored this Elomi underwire or this Bravado for sleep/early days (to be honest I still wear it for sleep now even though we’re past the nursing point).
Further reading:
- Dress Code: The Sartorial Challenges Of Big Boobs [Jezebel]
- How to Dress if You’ve Got Big Boobs [Refinery29]
- Busted: Chest Size in the Office [Forbes]
- 6 Brands for Girls with Big Busts [WhoWhatWear]
- How To Dress Big Boobs [The Frisky]
- How to Dress a Petite, Large-Chested Frame [Bustle]
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Senior Attorney
I’m busty and my go-to bra is the Madison full-cup style from Prima Donna. Very expensive but I love it. And I feel like the lace edges actually make a smoother transition from bra to skin than some of the so-called t-shirt bras.
But that’s not what I came here to talk about: If I put “festive casual” as the dress code on the invitation to my wedding after-party, would you feel like that was helpful, or would you be mad at me?
Anonymous
At your wedding after-party, I hope that the dress code is “whatever you wore to the wedding.” I would not put a dress code at all, since I wouldn’t expect people to change outfits.
Senior Attorney
It’s several hours after. Long story and I should have known that I was opening myself up to second-guessing about the whole thing.
Long story short: We can only get the church in the morning, we are having a giant luncheon reception immediately after, but we can’t NOT dance the night away on our wedding day so we are having a party in the evening, too. And we are going to change clothes and be comfortable. I’ll be wearing my Kate Spade glitter Keds…
Anon
I have no opinion on the dress code, but – I just bought Kate Spade glitter keds for my wedding too. Awesome choice!
Senior Attorney
High five!!
Anonymous
Mad.
Senior Attorney
Thanks. So should I just say “casual” and be done with it?
Fishie
I like festive casual! It sounds fun. People will wear whatever the heck they want anyway. But you will open yourself up to a billion questions from your rule-followy friends.
TO Lawyer
I think festive casual is fine, especially since it’s hour after the wedding/lunch. I expect people to change – I usually change if the wedding and reception are not scheduled right after another.
It’s definitely a made-up dress code but also seems to fit perfectly since you’ll be wearing glitter keds! So you may get lots of questions…
Anonymous
If it’s the same day as your wedding, people probably won’t change at all. Honestly, I might not even bother to put a dress code on the invitation, but “casual” I think would work best.
Senior Attorney
So maybe instead of having a dress code I will describe the event as “casual dinner and dancing” and put a note that says “we will be partying on the grass, so choose your footwear accordingly.”
Would that make you mad? I feel like it leaves room for people to change or not, as they wish.
MNF
SA – I think this is a good compromise. I’d be mad if I thought I was going to a formal dancing shindig and wore high heels, only to end up on the grass.
Also – I think your party sounds awesome. I’m psyched anytime I get to do a costume change for a wedding!
AK
I think that the “casual dinner and dancing” option with a note about grass and footwear will be the most helpful for your guests. Congrats on your nuptials!
Killer Kitten Heels
I’d probably opt for a description of the venue rather than a made-up dress code – like, if you’re trying to communicate that the event is outdoors so stilettos are a bad idea, or on a clear plastic floating floor over a pool so guests should wear non-slip shoes, or whatever, just tell them that!
Cc
Mad- why do you need a dress code? People will where what they wore to the wedding or if they have time will change and will take their cues from the venue- ie if it’s a swanky club in the city vs. the country bar. These are adults they will figure out how to dress themselves. Plus I’m old school in etiquette- you only put the dress code on if it’s black tie or the venue requires jackets (so you are helping your guests)
Senior Attorney
Thanks for this. I was trying to convey that it’s going to be more casual than the wedding, but the way to do that is plainly by describing the event rather than prescribing the dress code.
Cc
Glad it helped! I think that is the key- give people information but don’t put an opposition. If they rented a dress for the occasion and want to wear it all day you don’t want to hamper their glamour! Sounds like a fun day- hope you can sneak a nap in there at some point (I would need one! )
Cc
That should say “obligation” not opposition
Jordan
Finally an event where I am encouraged to wear my coconut bra instead of looked down upon.
That’s two points because the topic is related to bras :)
Why not just say what’s happening and then let the people decide what to wear. “Join us for a morning church ceremony, outdoor luncheon that will be dancing into the evening.” But you know, better than that.
But I wouldn’t hate you. I also don’t pay attention to those types of things.
Senior Attorney
Yes, I think that’s the ticket. Describe what’s happening and let the guests decide.
Boom!
Anon
Mad. Don’t give a dress code – desribe the party (i.e. drinks and dancing to follow) – then people will wear what they would wear to drink and dance in accordance with the occasion and venue, which will likely be… festive casual. +1 to “Describe what’s happening and let the guests decide.”
KateMiddletown
@Senior attorney, when I hear festive casual, I think Coachella. (it’s the millenial in me)
Senior Attorney
*snort*
anonypotamus
I definitely first read it as “festival casual” and immediately thought of Coachella as well (though admittedly, I still inwardly groan and (usually) outwardly roll my eyes at any mention of “festival season” and the like).
+1 to the glitter Keds!
Anonymous
I got invited to a wedding last year that was “elegantly casual” and I’m still not sure what that meant. If you do this, describe.
Edna Mazur
We don’t have any of the stores recommended locally, but we do have a Soma. Can anyone advise how they are with bra fittings? I am in a slow weaning process and have no clue what size I will be in a few months.
Edna Mazur
And that was not supposed to be a response to Senior Attorney. But I second the Coachella thing. That was my first thought as well.
Senior Attorney
So crazy. That would never have occurred to me in a million years.
The Hive saves the day once again!
Anonymous
I have found that wearing button-front shirts is basically impossible, but I love the popover style of shirts that are very trendy right now. Because they only have a few buttons at the top, they fit me so much better.
38FF
1 – Disagree with the crewneck advice. I think a well-fitted crewneck or ballet/boat neck in a quality fabric can look lovely, particularly if paired with the right jewelry.
2 – A long pendant worn with the right top and bra (so it’s not bouncing all over your chest all day) can make the torso longer and leaner.
3 – Swim wear – Panache
4 – Bras – Amazon – Get fitted somewhere and stalk Amazon for sales. I can get $50-$75 bras for around $25.
5 – Sports bra – Shockabsorber. Love it. Comfy, stretchy, and ain’t nothing moving.
6 – Agree with advice to stock up on camis and avoid button-downs. Silk popover blouses are your friend. Also, you can find bandeaus to wear over bras and under low cut tops on Amazon for like $5.
7 – I try to buy 2 new bras every 4-6 months. I wear the heck out of the newest 2, with the next newest 2 going in and out of the rotation. Don’t wear the same bra 2 days in a row. Plus I have 4 sports bras, a few specialty bras (plunge, strapless, invisible straps, sexy, and ones that I wear around the house. I’m not a fan of the t-shirt bra – to0 much torpedo shape. I do a balconette with lots of side support, always a cami to smooth things out (most of my bras have seams. I have tons of Jockey camis). Of course, everyone is different.
8 – Throw ’em around when you need to. Boobs can = power. I can take up some serious space if I need to.
JJ
I’m busty and agree with all this, especially 8. I also love the Moving Comfort Fiona sports bra – it stays put through a lot of high impact stuff.
I’m wearing a crew neck today with a long necklace and v-neck cardi. I like that style on me.
Anonymous
That look can work, but I do agree that 90% of the time, crew necks are not busty gals’ friends.
JJ
Fair point. I can’t do high crew necks – mine tends towards scoop necks. But that’s because I can’t wear anything on my beck that high. I always feel like it’s choking me.
Anonymous
I love the Moving Comfort Maia- basically, Moving Comfort makes the BEST sports bras
Anonymous
Agreed!
heatherskib
Boat necks and ballet necks work great, so do subtle cowls. Crew necks are still harder given that I have a thicker neck.
Hazel
I love V-necks and scoopnecks — crewnecks make me feel like I’m strangling — but they can be dangerous, too. Especially when you’re roughhousing with small kids…
Threadjack: Any opinions on Fitbit Alta versus iPhone health steptracker? I do a lot of walking and like to accurately measure my steps/distance, and it’d be convenient to do it without carting my phone everywhere. On the other hand, I don’t want to spend $150 on something that my current device can already do. (I’m in the same position re: adding an iPad to my current iPhone/Kindle combination.) Help me convince myself to spend some of this year’s bonus, ladies!
KateMiddletown
I’m buying an Alta when I can see it in store/once they release the gold version. iPhone step tracker isn’t accurate, in my opinion, and as compared to the Fitbit Charge HR I used to wear pre-rash.
Aletheia Lawry
I personally like the Jawbone UP3, but I would actually recommend you check out Lumoid.com – you can try out up to 5 devices to see which one you like. Send them all back or keep the one you decide on (which is what I did). I think the cost to rent for a week was $25. I went into it thinking I wanted the Fitbit Charge HR, but I hated the way it felt on. The UP3 wasn’t really even on my list, but I love it. And, Jawbone has great customer service. I broke mine (totally my fault) and they are still replacing it for free under their 1 year warranty.
AZCPA
I love my Alta, and I think the step count is quite accurate. I feel like it looks nice even on a smaller wrist, plus it has a lot of other cool features like text message notification and hourly reminders to move that I use frequently. I’ve also found that fitbit has great customer service – they replaced my old Flex for no charge well after the warranty expired.
CPA Lady
Has anyone with large chests had any success with any of the cute lululemon yoga tops? I’m rather busty for how short I am, and the one top I bought from them looked absurd. Like I had this giant smashed b**b-wall with a crazy cleavage line. Ive heard good things about some of their sports br@s, but not sure on the tank tops.
Anonymous
What size are you? I think it depends. 32E as a size 8, yes, you can make it work. 36E with a size 2 body? No way.
Ellen
I do wear Yoga top’s when I do NOT have to go to court. They are VERY good at holding thing’s together, and keeping Frank from peering in (or worse). As a petite girl with boobie’s (and tuchus), it is dificult to wear much that will not excite dirtbag’s, so I mainley try to wear looser fitting clotheing that does NOT accentueate my body. I recomend the hive do the same to keep leering dooshe’s at bay. YAY!!!!
Anonymous
Yes, as long as I get the one without a built-in. I need ones that are regular shirts, and I wear my own bra
Anonymous
Lululemon only wants to sell their clothes to skinny people. I don’t support them as a company.
LawDawg
I never have good luck getting fitted anywhere. I always feel like they will fit me into sizes they have in stock. I heartily recommend abrathafits (https://www.reddit.com/r/ABraThatFits/wiki/beginners_guide) to figure out your size. I have had great luck with a large choice of 32Gs at Bare Necessities.
Anon
For fitting, I anti-recommend Victoria’s Secret – they really don’t sell odd sizes (even online, largest cup size is 3 or 4 D I think), so they are not going to fit you correctly, in my experience, if you are not in one of their sizes. I also had bad luck at Macy’s. In NYC I like Linda’s and in Brooklyn I’ve had great experiences at Iris Lingerie. For sports bras, I love the Panache 5021 and for everyday I love Chantelle Rive Gauche 3281. The Chantelle bra is expensive but so durable – it does not stretch out.
Mindy
Also, VS bras are shoddily made and won’t give any actual support if you’re above a B cup.
Also love the Chantelle (D cup here)
Jen
For fitting, if you’re in LA, go to Jenette Bras. However, buy online from the UK companies, which carry SO many more bras for smaller band sizes with much larger cups. I’m a 32 FF/H, and I buy almost exclusively from FigLeaves.com, Herroom.com, and Asos, because they carry a much wider range of styles in sizes that actually fit me.
And do not let ANYONE tell you that a 34G is the same thing as a 32FF/H. It’s not. Nor is a 36DDD the same thing as a 34F. Looser band sizes and smaller than necessary cups don’t benefit anyone.
Aletheia Lawry
If you are in the Houston area – check out La de Da Lingerie on Bay Area Boulevard. In the Tulsa, OK area – Bust Stop.
Both have a great selection of bras and knowledgeable staff.
Anonymous
Muse in Utica square is also great if you’re in the Tulsa area.
Anonymous
NYC – can’t beat Town Shop for a fitting. I’ve also had luck at top drawer lingerie in Houston.
Sad in Houston
Sadly, Top Drawer in Houston has no wireless bras and doesn’t seem to care. They referred me to “look online.” It was unfortunate as I had been a long term customer until that point.
Town Shop NYC
In NYC – the Town Shop on Broadway is amazing. They have a huge selection and the staff is fantastic at sizing and fittings. I also second the recommendation of the Moving Comfort Fiona sports bra.
MargaretO
I have the opposite problem from point 3 – I have appropriate boring t-shirt bras, but I have a terrible time finding pretty lacy things. Does anyone have recommendations of what brands to look for (that come in DD+)?
Jen
Yes, as I suggested above, go look at Figleaves. They have an amazing array and I now have a ridiculously full lingerie drawer.
MargaretO
Thanks!
Jen
Sure! Enjoy!
Leatty
Try the Natori feathers bra. I just purchased a couple of them (36DDD) this weekend, and they are pretty, yet practical.
Eliza
I’m a 32DD and found the feathers bra to provide minimal support. Gorgeous bra, and ok if you like bounce. Not for those who like to be locked and loaded.
C
36D and also a huge fan of Natori– perfect balance between support and shaping while still looking pretty.
Anonymous
Empreinte – expensive but attractive and a good range of sizes. 32g here and I don’t feel like I’m wearing my grandmothers bra in them…
Eliza
+1 for Empreinte.
Kat G
I like the Panache Cleo styles. Balconettes, lacy, very pretty.
Anonnnnn
Any recs in ATL? Need a fitting badly post-partum.
anon
Rigby and Peller at Phipps. Google tells me it used to be Intimacy (which I used and liked)
Whitatl
Agree on rugby. Northside hospital has a bra store that is best for nursing bras – they wee a lifesaver!
In the Pink
What about us gals who cannot wear nor tolerate under wires? It’s so hard to find anything. On top of that, they are all padded and that is extra that I don’t need. Out of desperation I’ve tried nursing bra$ but the special clasps often end up being bumpy under clothes.
Currently I found a Warner’s no-side bulge item. It’s ok, but it does no better at “lifting and separating” like the old commercials that create (still) a look like Madonna from the 1980s.
Paddingismyfriend
The extra padding is more for hiding nipples than for adding extra bulk. (I get cold a lot and really need it.)
Em
Try Bezi bra discs. $20 on Amazon. The owner of a lingerie store told me about them and changed my life.
anon
+100. I love those things and they are virtually invisible under clothes unlike some of the silicone petals.
Kat G
Try the Invisibra I link to above – by far my most comfortable wire free bra. Sizing is wacky though. The Elomi one I linked to above isn’t bad either but I feel it at the end of the day. Would love to hear other ideas from readers!
Stefanie
The best bra store at which I’ve ever shopped is Orchard Corset. It’s a no-nonsense undergarment store on the Lower East Side with amazing prices and master fitters. Within three minutes of arriving for my last visit, I was walking out the door with two perfectly fitting bras and only $68 poorer — total.
Ellen
What is wrong with the fit if things are constantly falling off your shoulders? I’m always having to yank cardigans (in particular) – back onto my shoulders after they slip down my arms. Is this a busty issue, too?
Meg Murry
Along the same lines with the bras for the busty discussion – a while back either here or on the mom’s s!te, someone recommended a good sports bra for wearing on the weekends when running around after kids. It wasn’t one of the “don’t let anything move at all” type like the Enells that you would wear for high impact exercise, but rather a bra that looked ok under a t-shirt but provided more support for if you wound up running around on the playground, etc.
I feel like it was one of the bras brands often mentioned as good for busty women (like Enell, Moving Comfort, Freya, etc) and that it was marketed as a yoga bra (or in the category for lower impact sports like yoga) but since it was a full figured bra it was more than just a pull over your head style.
Any chance someone remembers posting this or is better at searching the archives than me? Or has any suggestions for a good happy medium between sports bra and everyday supportive bra?
anon
I think the panache sports bra would fit that bill – it gives great shape. You might size up in the band if needed for comfort.
Anonymous
Not sure if you’ll see this, but I love the Natori Yogi and wear it all the time for situations like what you describe. It has good shape and looks more like a regular bra than a sports bra under clothing.
AnonForThis
Please please please do this post for big-booty women. We talk about busty all the time here. I need help dressing professionally with my junk in the trunk.
Lishan
There have been a few past comment threads that might help you out!
https://corporette.com/how-to-dress-professionally-with-a-bubble-butt/
https://corporette.com/dressing-professionally-when-your-top-and-bottom-are-different-sizes/
Melanie Love
Thanks for the Front Room shout out Kat! Our semiannual sale started today for anyone looking to try us out.
Bras – I’m on the really busty side so have trouble locally, order mostly from Europe. (I really miss my work travel to London to shop in person!).
My go-to bump-free bra is the Bravissimo Satine. I wish it had narrower underwires like many of the Polish brands but haven’t found its replacement yet. Comes in great colours and the nude is warm pinky-toned for us pale folk, not the often fugly nude.
Lishan
Relevantly, Front Room is having a season-end sale on their stuff, and their online storefront is closing in June for the summer, so it’s a *really good time* to pick up stuff from them if you’re interested.
Anonymous
Bravissimo FTW!
I love the panache tango. 30gg here.
Annony Hippo
Panache Tango, me too. Love that bra!
I try to purchase in every new color. I’ve downsized recently and about the only thing I miss about the old me (38H then to 32/34E now) is my rainbow stock of Tangos! I’m slowly replacing them–have 3 colors so far. :-)
If you don’t know what you like, I’ve had good luck purchasing from Bravissimo.com. They have lovely stuff and great customer service.
If you know what works for you (sizes, styles, brands) you can often find good prices on Amazon if you are willing to wear the more outre colors. “Normal” colors are close to full price, I’ve found.
Anonymous
The Bay online is brilliant for large cup sizes. You put in your cup size and everything in that size comes up. Free delivery in Canada and you can return anything that doesn’t fit to your local Bay store. Get a proper fitting first and you won’t likely have to return anything. Wait for Bay Days and you can find some really good deals on very good bras.
Jenn M.
In the Baltimore area, I highly recommend Lingerie Lingerie in Towson. The staff are well trained on proper fitting and they know their stock. They’ll spend plenty of time with you to find the right fit. I was there yesterday and I must have tried on about 15+ different bras to find 3 that fit well and that I liked. The 3 “winners” were all the same band size but different cup size for each. If you find one you like but they don’t have in your size, they will order it for you. They generally give you 15% off the “sticker price” of the bras. I double checked the sticker price online when I got home and they matched the prices on Fig Leaves and Her Room.
Return/exchange policy – within 2 days for a full refund, within 30 days for store credit.
Sissi
In Vienna, I recommend Dessous Avenue (https://www.facebook.com/Dessous-Avenue-135513126469623/)
Lori
I found great comfortable but supportive bras for work from Soma.
Louise
I have what is called a “fuller bust”. I wear a skirt suit with a blouse or shirt for work. A few years ago I discovered Marks & Spencer do shirt with “no peep”. Their shirts have hidden buttons that prevent ugly gaps in the front of the shirt, so there is no danger of showing your bra! It means that I don’t worry about looking unprofessional if I take my jacket of in the office.
Sarah
Thanks for the tip Louise. I have got several blouses from M & S following your post. It is much nicer than wearing a camisole under the blouse. I have seen a cotton striped blue dress with ‘no peep’ online but I cannot find in in store to try it on. No of us can help being busty, but at least some shops are helping us look smart. Sarah
Anna
What a thorough list of tips! The article needs a few updates though:
-Pepperberry has reverted to their original name: Bravissimo.
-DDAtelier is in the process of closing and selling all remaining inventory. But Polish retailer BiuBiu seems to be going strong. I would add them to your list.
-Panache has come out with a fantastic sports bra, available up to a J cup, and in multiple fun colors, not just black and white. And the back straps can be clipped together to form a racerback shape!