Good news! There is actually quite a nice range of full figure front closure bras on the market. As always, with front closure bras the tough part is finding retailers that stock them.
I’ve linked where you can buy these online – often this is the easiest way with front closure bras.
Front closure bras make a lot of sense for those who get frustrated with the discomfort of traditional bras or whom find it difficult getting regular bras on and off.
What is considered a plus size bra?
Plus size bras are designed especially with the fuller figure in mind. They have design features like wider straps, stronger fabrication, broader side panels, extra hooks and more cup options.
For the purpose of this article the plus size bras I have recommended below suit full figure women of approximately size 18 (40) – 36 (58); and cup sizes C-K.
As we know you don’t always end up with large breasts if your frame is generous. So I made sure to cover lots of cup sizes in order to cater to as many people as possible.
What features to look for in a plus size bra?
- Wider straps, to assist with pressure distribution
- Wider ribcage band and side panels, to assist in support and leaving a smooth line under clothing
- Fuller cups for extra security
- Strong and not too stretchy fabrication, for additional support and lifespan
- Extra hook and eye clasps, to suit a broader ribcage band
Best plus size front closure bras for sports
1. Enell Sports Bra
This super high impact wireless front closure bra is pretty hard to beat. It rely’s on the compression method to achieve its support. This style of support results from the breast tissue being compressed against the chest wall. This limits the breasts ability to displace during activity.
The Enell Sports Bra uses a unique sizing system. It works best for women of about a D, DD or E cup. The size 8 in the Enell, its largest size, is suitable for a size 50/52 frame.
Shop the Enell Sports Bra here.
2. Yvette Sports Bra Plus Size
What I really love about this style is the great adjustability. This is a great feature in a bra as it means as the bra stretches you can adjust the fit to get the best support out of it. The straps are adjustable in length and the ribcage is adjustable using a large hook on either side of the ribcage. I’ve seen this feature in bras over my years and have always liked it – sadly it hasn’t seemed to become mainstream in the industry.
While it is a little lighter in its support, suitable for medium to high impact activity, it certainly earned my tick of approval for its long lasting comfort. I didn’t feel the need to rush home from the gym and whip this one off.
While in general, I am not a huge fan of zip bras, this one does seem to work well and and the zip locked in place nicely.
The racerback straps are trying to avoid the trapezius area, but of course it is still a racerback so won’t sit broadly on the shoulders like a straight strap or full back bra.
The Yvette Plus Size Z ip Sports Bra claims it can fit up to an F cup in it’s ‘Plus’ version But in my experience and from having read reviews I do think it’s best for a size C-DD cup.
Shop the Yvette Plus size Sports Bra here.
Best plus size front closure wire free bras
3. Glamorise MagicLift Posture Support Bra
There is a reason that Glamorise are known in the industry as being the front closure bra specialists. This timeless bra pulls together all the brands strengths to deliver a supportive, comfortable and easy to use bra.
The “magic lift” pretty much does exactly that. For a wireless bra this style really nails the “lifted and separated” shape.
It’s got a lot of sensible features like wide cushioned straps (these need to be experienced to be believed!) and nice full coverage cups. Running across the street won’t have you clutching at your breasts – i promise!
This style is available up to size 58 (36) and a K cup. I am a big supporter of bras that are produced in cup sizes – it really does help to get the fit spot on, which as we know is so important.
Shop the Glamorise Magic Lift Posture Support style here.
4. Playtex Women’s 18 Hour Front Close Wirefree Bra
For those seeking a nudge of lift, but without seams and too much structure then this style will likely be the one for you.
The light moulded cup is what helps lift. It has wide cushioned straps and the full support back that we commonly see in front closure bras for the fuller figure.
Available up to a size 46 (24), and is suitable for B-DD cup breasts.
You can buy this Playtex Front Closure Bra here.
5. Wacoal Women’s B-Smooth Front Close Bralette
This is the sort of bra i believe every women needs in her collection, especially if you are one of those women who rip their bra off as they walk in the door.
Designed as a “bralette” which in the industry is code for casual and comfortable, you may just forget your wearing this one. Of course because this bra is designed as a comfort style it is less structured or shapely as others on the market.
This is the sort of style I put on if I am working from home, or if I put my pyjamas on early and am not ready to ditch a bra for the day.
The Wacoal Women’s B-Smooth Front Close Bralette is best for those with B – D cup breasts.
Shop the Wacoal Women’s B-Smooth Bralette here.
Best plus size front closure underwire bras
6. Glamorise womens full figure wonderwire front close stretch bra
As you heard above, Glamorise do front closure bras well, especially for plus size.
I was a sucker for the broad cushioned straps and very easy large single hook fastening system at the front.
The underwire gives a nice natural shape that i am used to having, and the cups were a full cup design meaning the material completely covered my breast tissue. The pretty lace detail is actually quite sweet too. I got this in the seasonal blue, but I think a neutral would really be of more use in my wardrobe.
The Glamorise wonderwire front close stretch bra comes in sizes 34 (12) – 48 (26), B-H cup.
Shop the Glamorise full figure wonderwire front close bra here.
7. Glamorise full figure front close Lace T-Back wonderwire bra
This option is especially great for those wanting to change up the pressure across their shoulders. Because it has the T-Back (or racerback) design, the straps don’t sit in line with a traditional bra strap across the shoulders. So this is a great style to change things up every now any then, or relieve divot causing pressure.
This style also has Glamorise’s signature large single hook fastening feature which I found very easy. The cups are nice and full coverage and as per the aforementioned bra it’s lace detail is a great feature (not a detractor).
I really did feel lifted in this style. And it was comfortable for long periods. I would highly recommend this to those seeking support, style and the ease of use that comes with a front closure bra.
The Glamorise full figure front close T-Back bra is available 34 (12) – 48 (26), B-G cup.
Shop the Full Figure front close T-Back back here.
Hi, I’m Pat! A career bra fitter with almost 10 years experience in change rooms.
I became passionate about front closure bras as a Bra Fitter because it was always the one category we got asked about in store, but had very little on offer for.
There is a good reason for this. Because front closure bras make up such a small percentage of sales it becomes hard to justify a big stock investment in this category. Managing an inventory of product with so many sizes (up to 60 in some styles) is hard to master with fast moving stock, never lone a fringe style like front opening bras.
This pushes lots of ladies to buy online – and I thought I could help with that.
Want to get in touch? Contact me via here.