A few weeks ago, I attended a dinner with several lingerie insiders. Always on the lookout for resources for us, I asked a few of them, “Does your brand/store have anything for full-busted women?”
“Oh yes!” some answered. “We go all the way up to an F cup.”
I smiled politely and mentally crossed them off my list . . . which just goes to show how picky I’ve become. Before June of 2009, their answers would have delighted me. That was the month I realized what a challenge it can be to find cup sizes above a DDD (I wrote about my discovery here and here).
Since then, our prospects have only gotten brighter. Here and elsewhere, you can find bloggers reporting on:
- F+ brands that have been around for decades,
- established brands that have recently added F+ cups, and
- newly launched brands that include a wide selection of F+ cups.
Just this past week, I was thrilled to find:
- Becky’s review of the Affinitas Parfait line on Invest in Your Chest (I wrote about their camis and babydolls last August) and
- Holly’s introduction to Fraulein Annie and Beaujais.
To top it all off, Treacle at The Lingerie Addict gave us 66 Bras for Curvy, Full Bust and DD+ Cup Women on Friday. My first thought when I saw the list was, “I bet everything ends at an F.” What a pleasant surprise to be wrong!
Treacle arranges her list from lowest to highest price. After the jump, I’ve added each bra’s highest cup size in case you would like to print this out and refer to it as you study the gorgeous photos on her blog. I only include the cup sizes from the stores she links to, but keep in mind that some manufacturers offer more sizes than a linked store carries.
As evidence of how great things are getting for us, her list doesn’t even include styles from Corin, Conturelle, Ewa Michalak, Love Claudette, Chantelle, Eprise, Amoena Mia and others that have slipped my mind or that I haven’t heard about yet. What other brands and styles would you add to the list, and how long do you think this list could become?!
Have you tried any of the bras in this list or read a review elsewhere? Please share!
Please note I don’t mention cup sizes for Curvy Kate, Fantasie, Freya, Panache or Prima Donna because it’s a given that these brands go beyond an F cup.
1. Pour Moi? Underwire Nonpadded Bra – $30
G
2. Felina Harlow Full Busted Demi Bra – $32
DDD
3. Legendary Lace Full Figure Bra – $34
DD
4. The Hollywood Corset Full Figure Bra – $36
F
5. Lana Embroidered Full Figure Bra – $36
F
6. Pour Moi? Opulence Plunge Bra – $36
G
7. Parfait by Affinitas Charlotte Padded Bra – $38
G
8. Charnos Trellis Underwired Balconette Bra – $40.50
G
9. Lace Long Line Bra – $41.95
38-48 (plus size band range)
10. Parfait by Affinitas Kelly Bra – $42
G
11. Felina Helen Full Busted Bra – $42
DD
12. Long Line Lace Underwire Bra – $43.95
FF (plus size band range)
13. Ruffle Demi Bra – $44.95
DD (plus size band range)
14. Ruffle Shelf Bra – $44.95
DDD (plus size band range)
15. What Katie Did Maitresse Bullet Bra – $45
G
16. Secrets in Lace Intrigue Shelf Bra – $45
DDD
17. Freya Lyla Underwire Plunge Bra – $45
18. Panache Sophie Support Bra – $46.20
J!
19. What Katie Did Harlow Bullet Bra – $47
G
20. Freya Lyla Underwired Balconette GG-J Bra – $47
J!
21. Fantasie Florence Underwired Balconette Bra – $47
22. Midnight Grace by Figleaves Lily Lace Lurex Padded Plunge Bra – $48
G
23. Figleaves Boudoir Glamour Full Cup Bra – $48
G
24. Parfait by Affinitas Fiona Bra – $50
G
25. Ultimo DD-G Seductress Multiway Bra – $52.11
I (But would it really support? Please report if you’ve ever worn an Ultimo bra. And for a fresh review of an amazingly pretty and supportive strapless, see Cheryl’s review of the Freya Taylor strapless.)
26. Panache Cleo Lucy Balconette Bra – $53
J!
27. Ultimo DD-G Orient Pin Dot Plunge Bra – $53.91
G (This one looks so pretty. Would love to hear a report on this bra as well!)
28. Ultimo DD-G Balcony Bra – $53.91
G
29. Wacoal Retro Chic Seamless Wire Bra – $58
H
30. Grenier Bouquet Deep Cleavage Underwire Bra – $58
F
31. Gossard Sassy Plunge Bra – $59
G
32. Masquerade by Panache D-H Rhea Bandeau Bra – $59.30
33. Freya Arabella Plunge Bra – $60
34. Freya Eloise Underwire Plunge Bra – $60
35. Elle Macpherson Intimates Artistry D-G Bra – $64.69
36. Elle Macpherson Intimates Artistry Contour Bra – $65 (other colorways on sale)
DD
37. Panache Sienna Lace Balconnet Bra – $66
38. Elomi Maggie Underwire Side Support Bra – $68
(begins as 36E, goes to J)
39. Kiss Me Deadly Blue DeVille Bra – ~$66.87
DD (SO disappointed that this one ends at DD.)
40. What Katie Did Lulu Underwire Bra – $66
G
41. Freya Cindy Underwire Plunge Bra – $66
42. Curvy Kate Portia Balconette G-K Bra – $67
43. Curvy Kate Emily Balcony G-K Bra – $67
44. Curvy Kate Princess Balconette G-K Bra – $68
45. Fantasie Georgie Side Support Underwire Bra – $68
46. Elle Macpherson Intimates D-G Gentle Jade Lace Underwire Bra – $68.29
I!
47. Freya Crystal Plunge Underwire Bra – $69
48. Dirty Dolls Curvaceous Cleavage Corselette – $70
DDD
49. Dirty Dolls Pinstripe Pin-up Bra – $70
G
50. Figleaves Boudoir Grace DD+ Padded Bra – $74.25
F
51. Mimi Holliday Nonnettes Super Plunge Bra for Larger Cups – $76.50
G
52. Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou Non Padded Bra for Larger Cups – $76.50
G
53. Fauve Lucia Underwired Balconette Bra – $78
G (I ADORE this bra. My friend tried it on at Linda’s last Thursday, and I’m hoping to have her write about it here or on her blog. She ended up buying the Fauve Rosa, which made her look like Jessica Rabbit. I was sad they didn’t have the Lucia in my size because I’ve been won over to Fauve since learning more about the brand at the last Curve.)
54. Masquerade Rosa Padded Plunge Bra – $82
H
55. Le Mystere Isabella All Over Lace Bra – $82
F
56. Masquerade Delphi Balconette Bra – $82
H
57. Fraulein Annie Falling in Love Non Padded DD+ Bra – $85
G (Can’t wait to try this brand!!)
58. Agent Provocateur Shazam Bra – $110
E (Are you surprised?)
59. Agent Provocateur Mariett Bra – $130
60. Prima Donna Kolyma 3 Part Cup Bra – $135 (F thru H cups $143)
61. Agent Provocateur Lorna Bra – $170
DD
62. Empreinte Lola Underwired Low Neck Bra – $172 (E thru G cups $185)
63. Agent Provocateur Love Strapless Bra – $190
DD
64. Agent Provocateur Sidonie Bra – $190
E
65. Agent Provocateur Juno Bra – $220
F
66. Agent Provocateur Maddy Bra – $220
DD
Glad you liked the piece! And what a great idea to include the highest cup size.
Thanks, Treacle. And thanks for taking the time to come up w/ such an extensive list.
It would be great if you could also include in the list the range of band sizes that the bras come in. Finding bras in band sizes below a 32 can be difficult.
You’re right, Zoe. I totally took the easy way out. I should add them because I noticed that some bands only began at 34, etc. It just gets complicated because some of the G cups are only available in 30 bands (surprise!), etc.
Thanks for including me! I’m thrilled to be among such good company. I also appreciate the cup sizing list, because it saves me doing it myself. I loved so many of the bras Treacle featured.
Wonderful list – and I can confirm that the Pour Moi St Tropez is an excellent bra despite being the cheapest on the list – great upfront shape, comfortable and pretty
Wow. Thanks for this endorsement, JBear. I will totally check this out then.
I second this. Before I dropped a back size, my Pour Moi St. Tropez was one of my go to bras.
Nice to know! Do they not have your band/cup combination? It sounds like you would still wear them if they did . . . .
They do, but I tend to like to pick them up in the end of season clearance sales with my other regular Figleaves brands. They’re definitely on my end of season list!
When I was smaller I had a couple of 30F bras from Ultimo and they are some of the best bras I’ve tried in that range, especially since I only paid around 12 euros each for them on sale. 😛 They were all seamed but the padding was really firm and they were all very supportive. I worn the balconette to death more or less as it finally broke when I went for the first real brafitting. I still haven’t found anything as pretty that still works under tighter fitting tops, gives so good looking cleavage and is still supportive. I don’t know how they work for larger bands and larger boobs, but for me I loved them back then. 🙂 Unfortunatly they don’t go past a brittish G and I’m more of a 26/28-band, so I haven’t been able to wear them in a long time. The ones I didn’t wore to death have however got new homes and are still loved. 🙂
I’m so glad I asked if anyone had tried these. I don’t think we have this brand in the States, or if we do, Treacle’s list was my first time to hear of it. What is your go-to brand today, Helena?
I haven’t seen it in the states either, but it might have changed too. More and more European brands make make their way over the big sea. 🙂
At the moment I almost only wear Curvy Kate. They have bands that is a bit tighter if you choose the style carefully and fits me perfect, like no other brand. When I was smaller Freya was perfect, but unfortunatly their larger cups doesn’t really work for me… I am however waiting for some Ewa Michalak bras to arrive, which is very exciting. No matter how much I love my unpadded Curvy Kate’s there is always need for some padded plunges in a girls wardrobe. 🙂
Darlene, I blame you for this! I just spend almost two hours writing this, hope you like it. Treacle, you did a great job looking up all those bras, but after Darlene asked for reviews I felt inclined to add my two eurocents.
So here are my midnight ramblings: opinionated reviews from a woman with a 40H(UK)/40K(US) chest.
1. Pour Moi? Underwire Nonpadded Bra – $30 and
6. Pour Moi? Opulence Plunge Bra – $36
Don’t know that model, but Pour Moi? is a good brand. PourMoi? makes the St.Tropez which is available up to 40J and 44G and some other models up to 46G and 48G, a very rare size. Their bands are supposed to run tight and start at a 30 band.
2. Felina Harlow Full Busted Demi Bra – $32
and 11. Felina Helen Full Busted Bra – $42
Felina is a Continental European brand that is generally known for being a bit boring. I was quite surprised to see a bra like the Harlow from them, especially for that price. They are generally a lot more expensive in my neck of the woods. Note that the Felina H-cup converts to FF(UK) and G(US). They are available from a 32 band. Felina generally has wide wires and shallow cups.
8. Charnos Trellis Underwired Balconette Bra – $40.50
G (UK), bandsizes 30-38. Charnos is underrated. If you are a Freya fan and are in the 30F-34H (UK) size range you should give this brand a try, it fits amazing in that size range. While it is only available up to a G-cup, this bra runs large in the cup and thus might cater to some UK-H-cups out there.
9. Lace Long Line Bra – $41.95
38-48 (plus size band range)
and 12. Long Line Lace Underwire Bra – $43.95
FF (plus size band range)
13. Ruffle Demi Bra – $44.95
DD (plus size band range)
14. Ruffle Shelf Bra – $44.95
DDD (plus size band range)
That Lace Long Line Bra along with the numbers 12-14 is from the shop Hips&Curves. I’ve looked at Hips&Curves before and I read some very negative reviews on the shop and the quality of the products over on lj fatshionista. Also, I’m a plus-size girl, but this is not what I would recommend to my friends. It is so far away from what I consider pretty or sexy that it makes me want to rinse my eyes with bleach. I eerily reminds me of my longline Triumph Doreen bra in 46 D, which I happily burned after I finally found bras that actually fit.
Number 12. is actually Goddess style 689. It goes up to 50FF and has been a lifesaver to busty and plus-size girls wanting to go strapless once in their lifetime for ages. I’ve read nothing but good reviews on that one, but it is not something I would want to wear.
18. Panache Sophie Support Bra – $46.20
J! Jay for that bra. It is non-wired and meant to be worn during pregnancy. There is also a nursing bra version available. Haven’t tried it yet, but a friend of mine who is just about to give birth loves it.
17. Freya Lyla Underwire Plunge Bra – $45
G
20. Freya Lyla Underwired Balconette GG-J Bra – $47
J!
33. Freya Arabella Plunge Bra – $60
34. Freya Eloise Underwire Plunge Bra – $60
Treacle, you little cheat. 😉 Those are all one and the same bra bc they have the same cut. At least the Arabella and the Lyla are identical, the Eloise is not the same but similar enough that I would count all 4 bras as one recommendation. Freya changes the cut of its bras when going from D-G to GG-J(or K). The smaller sizes are plunge cuts and the larger sizes are balconette cuts.
Instead of the Eloise I would have liked to see the Freya Polyanna/Nancy/Latisha/Edith/Faye cut recommended. It goes up to a K-cup in bandsizes 30-36 and up to J in 28 and 38 bands. It might be less sheer, but it does give a nice shape.
21. Fantasie Florence Underwired Balconette Bra – $47
I tried this bra in 40H and it was a real let down. Yes, I am very happy that Fantasie finally made a bra available up to 40K(UK). I am equally unhappy that they made such a hash out of it. When you construct a bra that is supposed to support a 40K chest (breasts weighing around 5 pounds each), one would think that high quality materials are essential. Unfortunately this did not occur to the people at Fantasie. The Fantasie Florence has wires about as supportive as a cooked spagetti and and a band that is more suitable for playing Double Dutch with. What makes me even madder at this idiocy is that Fantasie has proven with the Mariette and the Kara that they can make well-constructed bras for larger cupsizes. They just choose not to in the case of the Florence and that is really sad.
26. Panache Cleo Lucy Balconette Bra – $53
J! Hurray for Panache. Cleo is their junior line, designed to appeal to the under 30s crowd. I really like the Cleo Lucy, sadly the wires on that bra are too narrow for me. Other bras from Cleo that are really good too are the Cleo Martha/Sadie/Rita/Poppy/Juna and Cleo George/Lizzie/Eleanor/Sasha/Alexa cuts. Available from a 28 band on.
32. Masquerade by Panache D-H Rhea Bandeau Bra – $59.30
I tried this bra in 38 H, it is well constructed and supportive even in larger sizes, not always a given. Unfortunately it fits less well in the smaller sizes. The Rhea predecessors Georgiana and Robyn were loved by women in the 28-34 D-F range for their magic push-up qualities and for giving a rounded and full shape, a quality that got completely lost when they took the cut and went up from G to H as the largest cupsize. They did a bit better with some of the other bras, so while the Rhea is pretty I would rather recommend other padded halfcups from the Masquerade and Cleo line.
37. Panache Sienna Lace Balconnet Bra – $66
Oh Sienna. You will either love or hate this bra, there is no in between. The fit is Panache to the max, wide and shallow. It is a pretty bra, but not for everybody. You can frequently find this bra on sales, simply bc the fit is so capricious.
38. Elomi Maggie Underwire Side Support Bra – $68
(begins as 36E, goes to 42 J)
Elomi, Elomi, you are my one true love! I have been lusting after the Maggie ever since I saw the sneak previews for the collection almost a year ago and I got a confession to make: I am sitting here, armed with my credit card and hitting refresh on figleaves every hour or so, waiting for that bra to show up there. It is supposed to come out this month and I am eager!
The Maggie supposed to be based upon the Elomi Caitlyn, which is not the best fit on me, but wow, the Maggie is sexy!
I love,love, love Elomi – the bras are just as supportive as they need to be for the sizes they cater to, yet not so boring as some of the styles of their sister company Goddess. I just wish they made more pretty bras in cuts that actually fit me. 🙁
Tip: for those in the US or Canada who need the support, but who cannot afford Elomi bras, check out Goddess. Goddess and Elomi sometimes have similar cuts. The Goddess Rose Banded Underwire (6080) and the Goddess Keira are pretty good alternative options to the Elomi Caitlyn and the Elomi Cleo Side Support, but for a fraction of the price. Some of the fashion colours of the Goddess Keira are really pretty – I would give my right arm for the Keira in violet and 40K.
42. Curvy Kate Portia Balconette G-K Bra – $67
43. Curvy Kate Emily Balcony G-K Bra – $67
44. Curvy Kate Princess Balconette G-K Bra – $68
Curvy Kate rocks. I am just surprised that the price in USD is so high when compared with Freya, bc when you shop at Brastop CK is often one of the cheaper brands there, starting at 15 pounds (=25 USD). Curvy Kate Emily really is a great bra. The brand is especially good for women with short torsos, bc the wires do not come up as high under the arms. Bandsizes 28-40.
47. Freya Crystal Plunge Underwire Bra – $69
Oh, another Freya Deco incarnation. As Georgina Horne wrote in her blog: the cries for a Freya Deco in GG+ plus sizes grow daily. Ever since I tried this bra for a lark in 38G I am dreaming of a Deco in 40H. 🙁 Great bra.
66. Agent Provocateur Maddy Bra – $220
DD
Looking at the Maddy and the AP bras I am really wondering what I am supposed to be paying for. Such a small bra for such a price. It cannot be the lace nor any of the other materials. Are they trying to trick me into thinking that I will be just as svelte as the model if put this bra on? Its got to be so. Although, if I was looking to burn 220 USD on a bra I would spend it on the Ulla Elise in the current fashion colour purple and 90L(EU).
http://www.ulla.de/de/kollektion/elise/beschreibung.html
Ulla is a German premium brand specialising in large cupsizes and large bandsizes. They start at a 30 band with one model and at a 32 band with all others. But their speciality is making really pretty underwired bras with matching panties in sizes no other manufacturer dares to tackle. Looking for a nice, colourful bra in 54 F with matching underpanties in size 32? Try Ulla Dessous.
Granted, their stuff is not cheap by any means. Everything comes attached with a “Handmade in Germany” seal, they pay German union wages, adhere to German environmental standards and use nothing but the best material available to them. Swiss lace made in Switzerland, underwires engineered to specs,… it all comes at a price. But with them, I know what I am paying for. I get a bra that can actually hold my boulders in, not just cover my nipples.
Maria, I love you!!! I’m running around trying to finish my to do list (I have to be at a 5:00 AM appointment tomorrow, so no midnight ramblings for me), but I’m looking forward to going through this in more depth when I can sit down for a leisurely read. THANK you for writing all this. It should be its own post. And thanks for introducing us to Ulla. I can’t wait to visit that site.
Glad you like Ulla. Their quality is similar to Primadonna, just up a notch. But be warned, their larger sizes really cost over 200 USD, with the smaller sizes clocking in at around 120 USD. Only sizes 32 D-G are sometimes available on ebay.de from 10 EUR on, which would be around 15 USD. Ulla cuts deep cups, similar to Freya and Primadonna. Their sizing is Continental European, their largest sizes (K/L/N) would cater roughly to UK-GG/H cups.
I usually only lurk here, but I just had to thank both Darlene for the original post and Maria for her incredibly detailed comments. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such an in-depth analysis of the strengths/weaknesses/fit of so many different brand and styles. I’ve bookmarked it for future reference.
Monica, thanks for coming out of lurking to make this comment!
I love this site! Just discovered it!
I was surprised not to see the Prima Donna Deauville, which is a staple bra for me. (I’m a UK 32G.) They have “spacer” bras which would make perfect t-shirt bras, but the 32G is actually closer to a 32F–if you’re an F looking for a t-shirt bra, it killed me to return mine. It felt divine and didn’t leave me with that line that says “hello, I’m wearing a padded bra, which is clearly ridiculous since you can see my boobs from space.”
I second anything by Freya–I can often find really beautiful styles that look just lovely and feel supportive. Any of their 3-part cup bras are good bets for me.
Welcome, Katy! Good point about the Deauville–I’ve been told by several fitters that it’s the best in its category at Prima Donna . . . a little more expensive, but better quality and lift.
I’m looking forward to hearing more from you!
Band size range would be nice to as some of these have larger cup sizes… But Smaller band widths. A bit of a problem for some of us larger figured gals.
You’re right, Anon. I got lazy on that part.