Shopping for the best bras for small rib cage/ large breasts can be really daunting, speaking as someone who wears a small band large cup bra UK size 34JJ/36J. It doesn’t help that when you search for “bras large cup” you’re met with Google Ads for bras in a D/DD.
As a woman searching for much higher volume underwire bra, I’ve got a major bone to pick with that language used by some bra brands. With all that said, I’m going to share a few of my long time favorite best bras for large bust small bands to hopefully help you find a bra, or bras, that work for your size.
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What Is a Small Band Bra?
For the sake of this resource, we are going to classify a small band bra as 36 and below. This is because one of my personal obstacles in finding bras with a large cup size is that the band sizes are often in the 40s. A lot of these bras shared below have band sizes ranging from the low 30s and up.
If you are looking for an even smaller band bra, such as bras below a 28 band, this might be a great resource for you.
Do They Make Full Coverage Bras With Small Bands for Large Breasted Women?
While harder to find, there are bra brands that cater to bras for small rib cage large breasts. Most of these bras are in UK sizes, just something to pay attention to with the sizing!
Also something to remember when shopping for high quality bras with small bands and large cup sizes… High quality products are going to cost a bit more than cheaply made products. This goes with all things, but especially bras. I would be prepared to spend around $75 on a bra, and you’ll want a few to rotate between. However there are lots of sales that you can take advantage of to help save some money!
You’ll also notice that this list doesn’t have any bras with molded cups or t shirt bras. This is because a molded bra means your breasts have to fit into something, vs something fitting around your breasts. A cut and sewn bra works a lot better, in my experience, with larger busts.
The Best Bras For Small Rib Cages & Large Breasts (aka Small Bands With Large Cup Bras)
These are some of the best bras for large bust small bands that I’ve come across. Almost every bra is one I have been wearing for the last few years, but there are a few that are newer to me. They offer the support and comfort I need as a woman with a large chest. Also remember that just because a bra works for one person, it doesn’t mean it will work for you.
There are many factors that go into finding a bra that fits (beyond the proper size), such as the weight of your breasts, the shape, where the volume of the breast tissue is carried, etc. It’s a trial and error process to find the right bra(s).
Morgan Stretch Banded Bra by Elomi
The Morgan Stretch Banded Bra is an Elomi favorite of mine. This full coverage bra does not have as low of a neckline, and offers a bit more fabric support for those who don’t like sheerness of the lace. Morgan also offers great side support with the same 3 piece design as the other Elomi bras. The Morgan comes in a sexy animal print-esque pattern. PS- Elomi has a great strapless bra for larger busts.
Morgan Stretch Banded Bra by Elomi can be purchased at Amazon , Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Bare Necessities and Victoria’s Secret. It is available in band sizes 32-46, cup sizes DD-K.
Starlight Side Support by Freya
The Starlight Side Support by Freya is a small band large cup bra specially designed for fuller bust ladies. It has a deeper wire and wider straps, as well as fully lined cups. Much like the others, this bra offers great side support for those and shaping. PS – If you’re looking for a cup size swim, Freya is one of my personal favorites. They also have a great sports bra for larger busts, if you’re in the market for one!
Starlight Side Support by Freya can be purchased at Bare Necessities and Amazon. It comes in band sizes 28-38, cup sizes GG-K.
Millie Bra by Bravissimo
I was introduced to the Millie Bra in 2021, and so far so good! The fabric stretches to fit the shape of the breast, which is great if you have different size breasts and it’s super comfortable to wear. As the volume of the bra increases, it goes from a 2 hook to a 3 hook bra. PS- They also have the Millie Bodysuit, which can be styled to wear out or worn in for a sexy lingerie look. And Bravissimo has a few stellar sports bras like the Astrid.
Millie Bra by Bravissimo can be purchased at Bravissimo. It comes in band sizes 28-40, cup sizes DD-K.
Niya Bra by Bravissimo
This is a new bra to me and I am still in the testing stages. However, I am loving it so far! It’s a great small band large cup bra option when searching for a deep neckline. Plunge bras are tricky with large chests, but this one is containing the breast tissue while still exposing it. It’s a great cleavage style bra option, if that’s what you’re looking for. The adjustable straps can be worn regular or racerback.
Niya Bra by Bravissimo can be purchased at Bravissimo. It comes in band sizes 28-38, cup sizes DD-J.
Holly Fuchsia Bra by Gorsenia
This gorgeous bra is a great option for those looking for a band in the low 30 range. It’s from a polish brand and you can tell how detailed the bras are. I will say this bra is a smidge itchy with the lace, but I’m hoping the more it’s washed, the less it’s scratching me.
Niya Bra by Bravissimo can be purchased at Bella Bra Shop. It comes in band sizes 30-44, cup sizes C-N.
Priya Plunge Bra by Elomi
One of the sexiest plunge bras I own! I love the detailing on the center gore of the bra and the lace on the cups. Elomi cut and sewn bras offer incredible support and allow your breasts to be supported in their shape, vs trying to fit the shape of a moulded bra.
Priya Plunge Bra by Elomi can be purchased at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Bare Necessities and Amazon. It is available in band sizes 32-44, cup sizes E-K.
SF Smooth Gladzioch by Ewa Michalak
This gorgeous polish bra is an unmolded style providing full coverage. It is created with 4-part cups that are narrowly-set to bring your breasts to the center of your body. It’s a smooth bra and can easily be worn under tighter fitting tops. “Gładzioch” means “smooth” in Polish. Ewa Michalak bras are known to run a bit stiff in the band, so consider trying a size up in your band or having a bra band extender on hand while you break this one in, For fit questions, you can also reach out to the small business, Miseckzi, for help!
SF Smooth Gladzioch by Ewa Michalak can be purchased at Miseczki. It comes in band sizes 30-46, US cup sizes C-N.
BM Balconette Bra by Ewa Michalak
The BM Balconette Bra by Ewa Michalak is a classic balconette style bra. It is unpadded and is made from a stretch fabric. It’s a narrow set underwire bra option, which brings your breasts to the center of your body. The bra provides a gorgeous round, full shape. It runs a bit snug in the band.
BM Balconette Bra by Ewa Michalak can be purchased at Miseczki. It comes in band sizes 28-44, US cup sizes C-O.
Matilda Underwire Plunge Bra by Elomi
The Matilda Underwire Plunge Bra by Elomi is the first small band large cup bra I purchased after getting properly fitted a few years ago. It is one of the most comfortable bras I own. This bra has a J-Hook for the straps, a low center for plunge tops and has side support. It comes in different colors and has matching underwear, too, for a sexy matching moment.
Matilda Underwire Plunge Bra by Elomi can be purchased at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Bare Necessities, Amazon. It is available in band sizes 32-46, cup sizes DD-K.
Charley Stretch Plunge Bra by Elomi
In case it wasn’t clear, one of my go to brands when it comes to best bras for large bust small bands is Elomi. This particular bra, the Charley Stretch Plunge Bra, offers great side support, an adjustable J hook and is made from a stretch lace and has diamond mesh fabric. This bra comes in different colors and also has matching undies.
Charley Underwire Stretch Lace Plunge Bra by Elomi can be purchased at Dillard’s, Bare Necessities, Amazon. It is available in band sizes 32-46, cup sizes DD-K.
Kintai Plunge Bra by Elomi
I’ve become a huge fan of this bra style, it’s so unique. It offers two layers of fabric and fits similarly to the Elomi Matilda bra. It’s a super cute bra and panty set that comes in a few different colorways.
Kintai Plunge Bra by Elomi can be purchased at Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Bare Necessities, Amazon and Victoria’s Secret. It is available in band sizes 32-44, cup sizes DD-K.
Bras For Large Breasts With Small Bands I Haven’t Tried
Here are a few bras that I have heard wonderful things about from friends, but have not tried myself: Clara Side Support Bra by Panache, Fusion Side Support Bra by Fantasie, Smooth Strapless by Curvy Cate, and Sarah Side Support by Goddess.
Shop Bras With Small Bands and Large Cups
Are Bras Made For Small Rib Cages and Large Busts Comfortable?
The comfort of a bra comes from it fitting correctly, this is across the board for all sizes. If a bra isn’t comfortable, it is probably not a properly fitting bra. A bra shouldn’t dig into you, the back of the bra shouldn’t ride up, the breast tissue shouldn’t spill out of the cup, etc.
An estimated 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size, which makes sense why there is a narrative about how uncomfortable bras are.
Properly fitted means a specialty lingerie store or a department store such as Nordstrom. You can also do a virtual fitting with Bravissimo. It’s extremely important you know the correct bra size before buying anything. Stores like Soma, Victoria Secret, Torrid, Lane Bryant, etc, are not places to get properly fitted at.
A general rule of thumb is to get properly fitted every 6-8 months. Your size might not change at all, but it’s important to check. Wearing a properly fitting bra will help with your posture, how clothes fit, the comfort of a bra, etc.
Number One Thing to Remember When Shopping for Bras for Small Rib Cage and Large Breasts
If you are in the market for a bra that will support a small rib cage and large breasts, definitely check out the recommendations above! If you only take away one thing from this, I hope you remember that the most important part of a bra is making sure it fits properly. Once you have the right fit, you can start testing out different bra styles to find what works best for you.
Additional Resources For Women With Large Bust and Small Band
If you found this blog post helpful to find a small band large cup bra, be sure to check out these blog posts for more fuller bust content: My Favorite Wireless Bralettes for Large Busts, Best Bikinis for Big Busts, My Most Worn Bras, Strapless Bras for Big Busts, 15 of My Favorite Swimsuits in 2021, One Piece Swimsuits for Really Big Breasts and The Best Breast Lift Tape!
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite women in the body confidence world, mid size and plus size fashion bloggers, too! They are great to follow if you are needing some inspiration, positivity and light!
And of course be sure to connect on TikTok and Instagram for every day content. If there is something specific you need, never be afraid to shoot me a message!
Delores Rice says
I am 32 band size, but L cup size. I have a very hard time finding that size. I end up purchasing the wrong size 34I because that is the largest I can find; therefore I end up with indentions and marks underneath my rib cage.
Casey Lee Walker says
Hi Delores! Do you mind if I ask if you’ve been fitted recently? A proper fitting is the first step to getting in the right size bra. From there, we need to pay attention to UK and US sizing.
Silvia says
Hi, I’ve recently discovered a Scandinavian brand Change, and they have lots of different sizes, with cups up to M or N, promising to find something for everyone. I own their 70I bras (32I in US size, I think), and they are great. Good luck! 🙂
Crystal says
I am so thankful you wrote this article. I am a 32-34 band, I have had 3 kids, with each child I got larger. I wear bras that are too small, DDD is the largest I can find in a store. I get nervous about buying online, I am never sure if they fit and they are so expensive. I forget to send them back, I get busy with mom/wife life. I get weird looks when I ask for my size, I can’t wear underwire, the cups are too small. I wear wireless or sports bras, but they don’t fit very well either. Your article has given me a starting point. I know it sounds silly. But thank you so much
Rukayya lawal says
I have 32 breast size and 28 band size I have been wearing wrong size size since how can I get the right one
Casey Lee Walker says
I would suggest getting a fitting done. Bravissimo is a great option for a virtual fitting!