Are you looking for the absolute BEST big bust style tips for D+ cup sizes? Hi! I’m a sports bra designer and a fellow DD cup gal and I’m spilling the tea on my best-kept tips and tricks for full-busted gals like you looking for cute, functional, AND flattering athleisure outfits.
Dressing with a big bust can be so frustrating. I’ve been a DD since I was 14 and I always loathed the girls who could rock spaghetti-strap sports bras while doing burpees (hi, I’d literally flash the entire gym if I slipped into one of those bras for my next HIIT session). Let’s spill the tea.
This post is all about big bust style tips that every active large chested girl needs to know about.
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Big Bust Style Tips for Women
1. Flattering Tops for Big Busts That Actually Look Good
Finding flattering tops for big busts is seriously such a struggle. I am the queen of online shopping (because #allthedeals) but when it comes to tops, I struggle to find tops without first experiencing them in person because of my larger bust. Not to worry, I’ve done all the research (and spent all the $$) so you don’t have to. Here are my go-to big bust top styles that always flatter a larger chest.
The necklines that I find to be the most flattering for larger chested women minimizes the bust. Remember that style is personal. If that’s not your style, that’s totally okay! Use this post as inspiration for your next activewear outfit because finding tops for busty women is challenging.
I personally find the u-neck, high neck, and square-neck styles are the most flattering on bigger busted women. V-necks, scoop necks, and halter necklines draw attention to the wrong places and simply aren’t functional. The right neckline will balance out proportions and create the illusion of a smaller bust. The right neckline will also help add support during movement.
Regardless if your goal is to emphasize your cleavage or conceal your bust size, what tops look best starts with your personal style.
Here are some of my favorite go-to tops for a bigger bust for active women like you:
I am absolutely in loveee with the trending athletic ribbed aesthetic. Not only is this fabric type (55% polyamide / 40% polyester / 5% elastane) extremely breathable, it is supportive for larger breasts! A good sports bra and this fitted top is the perfect pair for light to medium exercise. The best part? It comes in a matching set! Brb while I go buy the entire collection.
As a girl on a budget, I personally think $46 is a bit high. Always shop these tops on a sale. I think $20-$30 is a fair price for this top, especially if you’re buying a set.
Cropped tees are my jam, especially when you pair them with high-waisted biker shorts or leggings. I find that they flatter the bust without drawing too much attention to them. This is the perfect piece to grab for your next run, lifting session, or Target trip! 😉
Who doesn’t love a good quarter zip jacket & this color is to die for. A good sports bra and this jacket go great with pretty much anything (leggings, joggers, etc.)
I find that boxy t-shirts minimize the bust and make the breast look smaller. I absolutely love this athletic tee. I can’t say I would spend $80, I think that’s a little steep, but on a sale (it’s going for $40 right now!) I would highly recommend adding this tee to your cart.
Dryfit anything does an amazing job of wicking sweat. They’re also breathable and flattering for large breasts. Nike has definitely nailed their long-sleeve tees. These types of tees are my go-to for in-between-season runs (I live in Ohio, the weather truly doesn’t know what it wants to be half the time and this long sleeve top is the perfect compromise.)
Anything u-neck is always a great choice for bigger busted women. It does a great job hiding the “side boob” or “side boob fat” issue I know a lot of women have. The cut also draws attention to the collarbone area which is flattering and compliments a lot of women.
If you like tighter-fitting tank tops for big busts, you can’t go wrong with a cropped stretched tank. The nylon fabric will add an extra support system on top of your sports bra (my high impact sports bra that I designed is made out of nylon!). This is a great garment to grab for your next HIIT session.
2. Sports Bras for Big Busts You Need
Every big bust style done right starts with a good bra. As a sports bra designer, I’ve done years of research to not only find but create the perfect sports bra to flatter large breasts. Here are my go-to, best sports bras for big busts I’d recommend to you.
As a sports bra designer and a bigger busted gal, I can tell immediately just by looking at the design of a sports bra if it’s going to support larger breasts or not. You can never go wrong with a classic racerback bra and one of my favorite things about these bra designs is how affordable they are, even at Nike!
My most important tip when it comes to purchasing sports bras for large bust is to avoid skinny straps. Thick straps are essential for supporting larger breasts. Also, if you’re in between sizes, always size DOWN! You’re better off having a sports bra that is too small so you have more compression than a sports bra that is too large on you.
There is something so flattering about a longline sports bra. This sports bra design offers a full coverage look and a thick lower band to help hold the girls in place. I personally love longline sports bras for longer duration, aerobic exercises like biking, walking, hiking, etc. I wouldn’t pick this bra for my next HIIT session due to the lack of high-intensity support, but I think it’s great for medium-support activities!
I think I would be doing my fellow DDD+ gals out there a disservice if I didn’t mention SheFit’s Ultimate Sports Bra® – High Impact. This sports bra is no joke. I highly recommend this sports bra for women particularly with heavier breasts because of its support capabilities.
I did an entire review of this sports bra on my YouTube channel. You can check it out here. My biggest tip for this sports bra is to read the sizing chart BEFORE purchasing. The sizing is a bit off. But, I would recommend this sports bra for high-impact activities for women even in the I cup range. The thick, velcro straps and two-way stretch fabric really do stop the girls from any intense bouncing.
When it comes to sports bras, unfortunately, you really do get what you pay for. Yes, my jaw definitely dropped the first time I saw the price of ONE Lululemon sports bra, but there is a reason they are priced the way they are— because they are good.
I personally love their sports bras because they do a good job of providing a functional feel without sacrificing style or quality. I also love how customizable their bras are. An adjustable band can make or break a bra purchase for my fellow bigger busted ladies looking for support during exercise. I highly recommend Lululemon for ladies in that D-DDD cup range. Keep your eyes peeled for sales (but make sure you know your size because they’re nonrefundable!).
I also reviewed a few Lululemon bras on my YouTube channel, you can check that video out here. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the most flattering sports bra I’ve ever worn, but it works. If you’re looking for a supportive running bra but don’t have a SheFit budget, I think this bra is a happy medium at around $48, on sale. I really like the molded cups and quality of this sports bra for women who are in the D-DDD range.
I love this style of bra because it’s that perfect mix between cute for everyday wear but also functional for your next weight training session. If $58 is a little steep for you, I purchased this sports bra from Amazon over the summer for only $26 which is similar and I love it! I definitely think Lululemon’s quality is better, but this bra will get the job done for half the price & the thick straps are amazingly comfortable. You’re welcome.
3. Big Bust Bras For Women
Dressing to minimize a large bust can be challenging with regular bras. I personally do not like regular t-shirt bras with underwire because I find them to be SO uncomfortable. Here are my go-to, everyday seamless bras for big busts that I have been wearing on repeat that I don’t want to rip off at the end of the day.
I have been wearing this seamless bra on repeat for yearsss and it’s still my go-to everyday bra. It’s by no means supportive or lifting, but it is comfortable and flattering.
I love pairing this bra with casual everyday athletic outfits. I even wear it under sweaters and blouses at work!
I wouldn’t recommend wearing this bra under a fitted shirt just because it really does lack that lift factor that t-shirt bras bring. But, the comfort this bra provides is next level. I also find that there is a significant disparity in seamless bra quality across brands. For these bras, spend at least $35-$40 for a good bra. This one is my fav!
This is by no means a long-lasting, good-quality bra but I can’t help but love the ribbed fabric and the cut of this bra. I find myself grabbing this bra on the regular to wear under crew neck sweatshirts and long-sleeve tees for light movement or just a chill day around the house.
Pro tip: always buy this bra when it’s on sale. Old Navy almost always has deals or promo codes happening. I would highly recommend NOT spending your hard-earned money on a full-priced item. This bra is great for everyday casual wear.
You know that I harp on wearing thick straps for bigger busts due to the extra support it provides. If that’s not your jam, I got you. This bra is amazing and it is convertible. Win, win! Remember that breasts are heavy so thin spaghetti straps can cause discomfort after long periods of wear.
I think this bra is super cute to pair with a tank top on a hot day and I love that the straps are adjustable! The full coverage front also helps lift the breast and provide side support for everyday wear.
4. Style Tips For Big Bust
Styling your big bust first starts with your personal style. Knowing what flatters your body shape is an important aspect for picking the right outfit for the right occasion. Over the years I have learned a few tricks that help flatter my larger chest.
Tip #1: use the high waistline trend to your advantage. This easily creates the illusion of a taller figure and draws the attention away from your breasts.
We all know that mom jeans are in style. I personally do not like the baggy jean look because I’m short, but these slim mom high-ankle jeans from H&M are literally my favorite jeans to pair with a really simple shirt to minimize my bust. I find that the mom style with the slimmer fit is the perfect look for my petite and curvy figure. I also love how stretchy these pants are because I’m an athletic girl and the more movement the better!
Tip#2: wear very simple tops. This will help draw the attention away from your breasts.
Tip #3: avoid spaghetti straps whenever possible. Due to the heavy weight of your breast, these straps do not provide enough support and can cause strain in your neck and back pain (crazy, I know).
Here are a few affordable athletic tops that are big bust friendly I’d pair these jeans with!
5. What Not To Wear With a Big Bust
Here are a few styles I personally avoid due to my bust size.
I find that halter tops are wayyy too complicated to find a bra to wear with. I like to be comfy when I’m wearing tanks, not adjusting my bra all day long.
Spaghetti straps can get complicated because they can look tacky if your bra is showing alongside your tank top.
Off-the-shoulder tops also create all sorts of bra issues with can lead to discomfort.
I did find a sticky boob solution for these types of shirts on Amazon. You can check it out here. Only $15.99 and it actually provides lift for your breasts for an off-the-shoulder look. Unheard of! I wore these to a wedding with an off the shoulder dress (which I never wear, I just thought it was so cute so I couldn’t resist) and I have to admit – I was so comfortable the entire night. Peep, that’s my fiancé.
I tend to stay away from deep v-shirts because I don’t like to show off my bust size. But if that’s your thing, don’t let it hold you back! This is just my personal style.
I also find mesh shirts to be complicated because you can see your bra through the shirt. If you’re bigger busted like me, this creates all kinds of bra issues.
6. Clothing Brands for Big Bust
Some brands have really got the quality bras & functional clothes for women figured out. Here are a few of my favorite go-to brands (and all for different reasons!).
- Aerie (affordable bralettes for everyday wear)
- H&M (affordable pants & jackets to pair with a neutral top for everyday wear)
- Lululemon (amazing high impact bras/sportswear for D-DDD cups)
- Amazon (quality activewear on a budget)
- SheFit (high impact sports bras for DDD+ cup sizes)
- Old Navy (affordable & cute activewear)
- Nike (basic racerback sports bras that last)
7. Large Chested Outfit Ideas for Athleisure
Even as a sports bra designer, I still to this day struggle to find functional athleisure outfits due to my bust size. Here’s the secret…it all starts with a good bra. These sports bras aren’t perfect, but for the price they get the job done and I think they pair well with my go-to outfits for athleisure wear lately.
Check out these women’s athleisure outfits I’ve been loving lately.
Outdoor Hike Outfit:
Around the House Errands Kinda Day Outfit:
Let’s Hit The Gym Outfit:
I Just Like Athleisure Outfit:
I Don’t Always Wear Activewear Outfit:
I know that having a big bust can make finding clothes a little complicated, especially if you’re an active gal like me. I hope these big bust style tips and athleisure outfit inspo help make your next shopping spree a little easier!
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