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What’s the Best Bralette for Big Boobs? I Personally Love These 10 Styles (Starting at Just $13)

My perky little B cups seemed to reach maturity at some point during my freshman year of high school, and—until around the time I turned 24—that was my bra size. I loved that my smaller boobs looked great in a pushup, but most days, I could get away with going braless or just wearing a skimpy bralette.

On a fateful day last June, I walked into a lingerie store in search of a pair of pasties and one of the sales associates stopped me to ask if I needed to grab a bra, too. She checked me out (I was wearing a jumpsuit and was braless, of course), and said, “You’re what, a 36D?” I looked back at her in shock and told her, “Absolutely not, I’m a B cup!” She shook her head and ushered me into a fitting room for a proper sizing. She wrapped her tape measure around my bust, and to my disdain, held up the proof: I was, in fact, a 36D.

Gone were the days of being able to go braless; I had officially become a big-boobed girl—on the smaller side of the scale, for sure, but nevertheless, here I was. Maybe my girls had grown overnight, or more likely they had become bigger over time and I was in denial. So began my search for the best bralette for my new D’s. It seemed like a fair compromise for someone who hates bras but was in need of a little extra support. Don’t get me wrong, I definitely wear real bras (with molded cups and underwire) a lot more than I used to, but when a flowy top or forgiving tee gives me the opportunity to rock a bralette instead, that’s the route I’ll choose.

Below are some of my favorite bralettes that I’ve come across on my hunt, as well as some recommendations from my well-endowed friends.

RELATED: These Are the 7 Best Swim Brands for Big Boobs

1. Calvin Klein Modern Racerback Bra

I can’t sing the praises of this Calvin Klein style enough. It has become my go-to for everyday wear, whether I’m out for a meeting or just lounging around the house. To be honest, it’s so comfortable, I’ve even worn it to sleep. It has the most forgiving stretch that’s not constricting at all but is supportive enough for a light workout like yoga or Pilates.

BUY IT ($28)

Available in sizes 34A to 46DD

2. Babaton Sculpt Knit Tank

Something I loved about having smaller boobs was that I could wear a crop top without a bra underneath. This Babaton bralette/crop top hybrid lets me do just that with my current D’s. Pro tip: Size down to have it fit more like a bra or just wear your regular size as a crop top. It’s made of a sculpt-knit fabric that feels supportive enough (if you enjoy going braless but want a tiny lift) and it looks luxe when peeking out under a cardigan or blazer.

BUY IT ($58; $47)

Available in sizes XXS to XL

3. Skims Scoop-Neck Bralette

Kim Kardashian really knows how to make a bralette. Not only is the color range incredible (Sienna is a perfect match for my olive-tan skin tone), but this Skims bralette really hugs you in all the right places. The scoop neck is perfect under T-shirts because it sits flat against the skin, and it has a surprising amount of lift without ever digging into my skin. To be frank, it feels almost like a sports bra.

BUY IT ($32)

Available in sizes XXS to 4X

4. Aerie Eyelash Lace Plunge Bralette

I’ve been a loyal Aerie shopper since I was in middle school and I’ve always loved their lingerie, but this style in particular was recommended by Holly Wasson, a social media consultant based in NYC. She explained, “It has good coverage on the sides, which I really enjoy because #MoreSideBoobMoreProblems. It is lightly lined and keeps everything in place, but the sheer panel in the front [between the cups] is the real MVP: You feel totally secure while still showing a little skin.” Wasson owns this style in four colors and recommends it to everyone, so she really is a true fan.

BUY IT ($35; $14)

Available in sizes XXS to XXL (with D and DD cup options)

5. Lively The Busty Bralette

I’ve been a fan of Lively since it first launched in 2016 for its inclusive ads and budget-friendly price point, so I happily added the brand’s Mesh Trim Bralette to my rotation when I had smaller boobs. Luckily, gals with bigger busts can enjoy Lively’s comfy designs, too. My boobs don’t touch, and I love that this style gives me a little cleavage even without padding. Plus, the hook-and-eye clasps allow me to feel like I’m putting on an actual bra.

BUY IT ($35)

Available in sizes 342D to 38DDD

6. True & Co. True Body Triangle Convertible Bralette

FYI, long bralettes can provide more support than shorter ones. This True & Co. style comes down a few inches past my bust so that I feel like I’m getting a gentle hug from my undergarment. It also has slightly molded cups, so my boobs never look too pointy (as they often do in bralettes), and the straps easily convert to a racer back.

BUY IT ($44)

Available in sizes 30B to 38D

7. Aerie Softest Lace Classic Bralette

It should come as no surprise that another Aerie bralette made this list. Elizabeth Denton, a fellow freelance editor and writer, is a huge fan for a number of reasons: “The straps provide a surprising amount of support. I love the way it comes down past the bra line and the lace looks cute peeking out of loose summer dresses.”

BUY IT ($25; $13)

Available in sizes 28B to 40DD

8. Wacoal Flawless Comfort Wireless Bra

I was a little skeptical of this one’s bralette-ness because of its name, but to me, it feels nothing like a traditional bra. For starters, it doesn’t have a clasp, so you just pull it on over your head. It has the stretchiest fabric all the way around, so it feels like a second skin, but because it’s built like a bra, it has all the support in the world. I can wear this without worrying about my nipples showing through or my gals bouncing around. Everything stays in place, just as it should!

BUY IT ($58)

Available in sizes 32D to 40DD

9. Bleusalt The Bralette

If you’re looking for the ultimate lounging style, this is the one for you. Be warned: This bralette offers virtually no support, but it’s so buttery soft that I reach for it on the days when I just want a little extra coverage. I wear this under sweaters as an extra layer or on its own when I’m padding around the house. I’ll probably never get over how smooth it feels—I never want to take it off.

BUY IT ($50)

Available in sizes XXS to XXXL

10. Torrid Black Lace Bralette

My friend Emily Sanders recommended this Torrid number to me, explaining, “I love the wide band because it smooths all over and helps the bra stay in place. The lace adds a sexy element with a touch of support.” Though I haven’t had a chance to try it for myself just yet, the overall 4.7-star review on Torrid’s site—along with Sanders’s rave review—is telling me that I need to get my hands on this bralette ASAP.

BUY IT ($35; $25)

Available in sizes M to 6X

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