The struggle is real, especially in the summer, if you have big boobs. Or, you know, any boobs. We asked our resident fairy godmother, lead Bra Fit Expert Mette Iacouvou (a size 34I, for the record), to divulge her smartest bra solves for even the stickiest of situations.
1. Two words: UNDERBOOB SWEAT. How to manage sweaty boobs:
“It’s really hard to avoid boob sweat in the summer months, so I would definitely recommend a spacer bra,” Mette says. “The breathable, light and thin 3-D material is kind of like a honeycomb. Unlike a dense foam, the contoured cups are designed to let air circulate, which keeps your girls cool.”
A few of Mette’s favorite spacer bras:
- Wacoal Basic Beauty T-Shirt Bra
- Fantasie Rebecca T-Shirt Bra
- Elomi Amelia T-Shirt Bra
- Simone Perele Andora T-Shirt Bra
Or add these Wick’em bra liners to your favorite bras. Barring that, some ladies even swear by a strategically placed slick of antiperspirant.
2. A side of ARMPIT BOOB BULGE with your tank top.
Spillage from your chest out the sides of your shirt is not exactly the most appealing look, so seek bras with extra side support.
“If you’re in the correct bra size, this shouldn’t be an issue,” Mette says. To make sure you’re in the right size, take a look at our guide on how to measure your bra size at home and our Fit 5 bra fit checklist or call our Bra Fit Experts at 877-728-9272, x4 for a complimentary over-the-phone bra fitting and advice.
Bras that battle the bulge:
- Fantasie Alex Side Support Bra
- Elomi Caitlyn Side Support Bra
- Wacoal Ultimate Side Support Smoother Bra
You can also try a firm-control camisole with a built-in shelf bra.
3. REVEALING TOPS that keep you teetering on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction.
Wearing a halter, racerback, backless or plunging top? Proceed directly to this blog post on lingerie essentials.
4. NIPPLE HEADLIGHTS under a thin T-shirt.
To prevent flashing your high beams, look for a bra that has a lining or padding in it.
“I love this T-shirt bra!” says Mette of the Chantelle Rive Gauche Full Coverage T-Shirt Bra. “It’s super-thin and made out of space mousse that reminds me of the foam in pillows. It covers and molds to your skin. It feels like it was tailor-made for your body.”
Fuller busts can go with the Clara Full Cup Bra by Panache. “It uplifts and supports. It brings you in and up for an almost personalized fit,” says Mette. “It’s magic. The gore tacks perfectly, which virtually never happens for me, and it’s extremely flattering under clothes.”
And Commando Top Hats nipple concealers work with or without a bra to obscure how your nipples really feel about, say, the blasting air conditioning.
5. Finding the unicorn otherwise known as THE PERFECT STRAPLESS BRA.
The never-ending battle: Strapless bras always slide down; you’re always tugging ’em back up. To that we say: Refuse to settle! The Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra is a Bra Fit Expert pick for good reason.
“At my size, the question is always ‘what the heck kind of strapless bra can work for me?’” says Mette. “But the Red Carpet Strapless doesn’t go anywhere! It comes with straps, too, because many women find it so comfortable, they want to wear it more. Like every day.”
Mette’s parting words of wisdom: “Invest in your breasts. Now’s the best time to find what really works for you because you can’t go without. Not only will your breasts be happy, you’ll be happy wearing them.”
Special Contributor
Mauricio Gonzales, Bare Necessities designer, is the brains behind this brilliant illustration. Read more about him in the “Boys of Bare Necessities Bare it All” blog post.
28 replies on “Top 5 Big Boob Problems and How to Solve Them”
Is there a bra that corrects the problem of different size breasts? One of my breasts is a DD and the other is a C. On one side my cup runneth over (depending on the bra) and the other side my cup is at least a quarter empty and the bra caves in. ????
I read that one way you might correct this is to buy a padded bra that fits your largest side, and then remove the padding from the bigger side while keeping it in the small one, so the smaller side looks fuller. Haven’t had a chance to try this myself, but I have the same issue!
In theory this should work, but not all bras with larger cups have removable pads and, if they do, taking one out may change the fit for the bigger breast, too! That’s why we always recommend getting the fit right with the larger breast and adding enhancers. A slightly less-than-full cup will also be less noticeable under clothes than spilling out of a too-small cup. Adjusting the straps helps, too. Call us if we can assist you further: 877.728.9272, then select option 4.
I am having trouble with underwires rubbing my rib cage under my breast raw. Am I wearing the wrin size?
Thanks for your comment, Tiffany! This does sound like it may be a fit issue. When you have time, please give one of our Bra Fit Experts a call at 1-877-728-9272 and select option 4. They can assist you with finding the right size and style to fit your needs!
Hi Linda! You should always accommodate the larger breast. For the smaller breast, you can use enhancers such as Fashion Forms Push-Up Pads or Push-Up Cups. Also, wearing bras that have stretch lace at the top is very helpful if you have uneven breasts. Some of my favorites: Panache Envy balconette bra, Panache Clara or Panache Andorra.
Great Article Thanks So Much…
So glad you liked it. Thanks for reading and letting us know!
I have all those problems. I’m looking for a bra for large boobs, larger tummy. that does not feel scratchy.
Every bra seems to have “heat seared” edges or very stiff trimmings and hooks that I have to sand off or cut off.
There are bruises on by back, sides and shoulders where I have scratched very hard. I sand and cut some more. My husband helps me put satin strips under all the spots. This is a serious problem. Sizes are not problematic, it is just the comfort factor that keeps me itchy.
Roberta, we would love some more information to help you troubleshoot so we can find just the right fit. At your convenience, give the Bra Fit Experts a call at 877.728.9272 (select option 4), and we’ll find you bras that work for your figure and your life!
I am looking for a Bra that fits my DDD boobs, but does not stab me in the underarm. Can you help. I measure 34 DDD and most underwire bras have so much side support that it goes up into my underarm creating a major problem please help.
Hi Sue! When you have a few minutes, please chat with us or call (877.728.9272 x4) for a fitting with a Bra Fit Expert. Sounds like your fit issues are most likely due to being in the wrong size. Looking forward to helping you!
What bra would you recommend for sleeping? My boobs kind of flop to my neck region and I think affect my breathing at night. I’ve tried different pillow but now I’m thinking of trying a bra????
Hi Nell! Any soft, stretchy bralette would do well overnight. The Wacoal B-Smooth Bralette is my favorite: https://www.barenecessities.com/wacoal-b-smooth-bralette–835275_product.htm?pf_id=Wacoal835275
Great read! I don’t know much about bra buying, only now realizing how uninformed I am, and it comes bc I’ve recently lost weight (+40lbs) and needless to say my breasts are not the same… I was a 38 DD, 42 F at my largest, and now I wear 36 D. I spill out of one cup any which way bc my skin’s elasticity is gone but there’s still a lot of it, the other no matter what always looks deflated bc although still big its a little smaller and the lack of elasticity seems to make it obvious… I’ve taken to wearing 2 bras to feel comfortable with shape/size but I work in kitchen’s, in Texas, and it’s soooo hot!! Help? Pretty please, and thank you!
For starters, congratulations on the weight loss! With significant weight change can also come an uneven distribution of our breast tissue, which can be a very unfortunate side effect. With that being said, you are going to want to accommodate for your larger breast.
While they can be very sexy, lacy unlined styles may not always be the best option for uneven breasts. You may want to try your options on a T-shirt bra. This will contain a foam lining, which can provide a bit more structure to the cup, giving you a more rounded look. To help fill in the gapping of the smaller breast, you may want to try some type of insert or cookie, which will give you a little boost and help the top of your breasts fill the space in on the cup.
Nothing is impossible and we can definitely assist you in finding something that is going to work on your new body. You should never have to resort to wearing two bras! Please give one of our bra fit experts a call at 1.877.728.9272 and select option 4 and we would love to help you out!
Amazing articles about BBW problems..I’m 5’2″,petite, and my boobs are big,lol…Having a hell of a time finding my perfect fit,too..Just informative to know I’m not alone..
Thanks so much for the sweet note, Shonna! Take it from us, you are FAR from alone. Our Bra Fit Experts are around to get into it with you if you want or need: 877-728-9272, x4. Happy summer!
I am embarrassed to say I am 40 and have 3 kids under 10 and this is my very first bra purchase other than nursing bras purchased at Target years ago. I always bought second hand and in all honesty have never felt comfortable in any bra. I was a 36A (I used to say A36 an ppl laughed and said this isn’t BINGO) at age 30 having my first baby I blew up and stayed steady at 38DD which I learned here is also known as a G! I placed an order yesterday for a few different styles am I cannot wait until Monday (dumb weekend) to try them all on. I did actually purchase I believe 3 sizes. 2 of which were my “norm” 38DD and went down per the assessment and went w one 36DD I think and also added a 36G. I am so beyond excited to get my package. Come on Monday! This site is amazingly helpful and informative. I would highly suggest moving the blog, info, facts an fits….section to the very very top of the page for some women like me that just jump right in an then discover what I should have read first. Either way I’m glad I found this section and this company. Thanks so much
Amanda, we’re so excited to hear you’re headed in the right direction on your bra fit journey! When the bras arrive next week, feel free to give our Bra Fit Experts a call to diagnose how they’re working for you: 877-728-9272 x4. We’re here to support you. (And your suggestion to move the fit advice is in the works—good call!) Best of luck, talk soon.
I love the Bare Necessities website.
Their massive array of bra styles, sizing, Brands are a Godsend to so many women that have spent their lives searching for their perfect fitting bra. Their bra fitting experts are available by phone, online chat or email. They provide knowledgable tips and advice while calculating your
best bra fit. (all free of charge).
I am amazed at the Bare Necessities site and plan to use it as my “go-to” site for many years to come.
Thanks for the love, Cathy! Right back at you and here if you need us!
I love that Bare Necessities carries the sizes for bigger busted ladies like me!! I am a 34G. What bras are best for good support and are easy on the shoulders? The best I’ve found is a posture correct sports bra, but it is really thin and not really pretty! Lol! I would not be able to wear this under dressy clothes. Thanks!
Thanks for the love, Amanda! We’d love to connect you with our lead Bra Fit Expert, Kristyn. Can you direct message us on Facebook with your phone number and the best time to call? She’ll personally reach out to do an over-the-phone fitting and guide you to the best bras for you personally. Can’t wait to hear what you find!
Do you have a style that’s a side support with a tshirt padding? Headlights, and wires stick out at the sides so I look inches wider than I really am! I’ve worn wacoal bras that felt like armor, so restrictive and hot. Help!
Hi, Kate! Thanks for reaching out. Sounds like you could be dealing with a fit issue; usually the wire causes discomfort if the size is off. We would recommend contacting our team of Bra Fit Experts for help determining your best size; in the meantime, here are some side-smoothing, lined styles to consider. Looking forward to assisting you further over chat or phone (877-728-9272, x4).
Now that I’ve finally found out what size I am (44H US), most of the bras I’ve bought have had to be returned because they’re either the cup is too big (excess fabric) on the sides) or too short around. The straps on ones that fit best are always falling off my shoulders no matter how short I make them.
Hi Ginger, thanks for reaching out! The issues you describe are typically associated with sizing and fit. If the cups are too big, then a 44G would be the next size down, but if you need a bigger band then your sister size would be a 46G. We recommend giving us a call at 877-728-9272 so you can be connected with a Bra Fit Expert who can provide more individualized assistance based on your specific needs. Talk soon!