Day & Evening Recommendations for Large Cup Ladies (formal events, weddings, and nights out)

Large cup bras are hard enough to find - add a wedding or formal event into the mix, and it can be nearly impossible to find the perfect fit for The Big Day.  We have been getting a lot of questions about this lately, so we are breaking it down into two categories: 

• Recommendations for under your dress
• Recommendations for the wedding night and/or boudoir photo shoots

While we will be referring to weddings in this blog post, our recommendations apply to any formal event, fun night out, or night at home with your special someone :) 
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Our recommendations are based on fitting a variety of customers.  We are listing our favorites for band size 28-48, cup size D-J.  Keep reading for our best recommendations, and as always, please shop at your local bra boutique!!

BONUS: Everything we list is under $100!  Please note that different boutiques price based on location, sale items, etc.  Price also depends on the color, because some past season colors are discounted at a later time - you might get lucky and find something on sale!

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Recommendations for under your dress

It's hard enough trying to find a dress, but then your seamstress tells you to get a better bra to wear underneath.  Where to start? 

First things first - let's start with a few tips:

• Always buy your bra well in advance so you can try it on with the dress to troubleshoot any issues.  You don't want to be safety pinning things together at the last minute.
• Have a reasonable budget - you spent a s***load of $$$ on your dress, I know.  Wouldn't it be a bummer if the dress didn't look good because you didn't invest in a good bra?  (YES, that would be awful).  Plan to spend at least $75 for a good foundation.
• Some seamstresses will sew your bra into your wedding dress - this can work wonders for some women, but it all depends on the bra.  If you are having bra troubles, ask if they can do this for you.

• Avoid a backless or low back dress if you can - it is nearly impossible to find a solution for breast support that doesn't involve a band.  That being said, you can try something like Booby Tape (this can hold up very heavy breasts - but probably not all day long).  I recommend a bra for comfort, and to lessen the possibility of a very awkward wardrobe malfunction
• Shop at a local boutique!  At a local store, you can try before you buy, and you know that you are getting expert fitting advice.  Support your local bra lady, and end up with the perfect look for your special day.

Onto the bra recommendations.....

--- Luxe by Curvy Kate ---

This one comes in two strapless options - the longline basque comes out this month (August 2019).  The basque will be available in black and ivory.  For the strapless, this has been our recommendation for YEARS.  It is amazing, so I'm sure the basque will live up to the same standard.  We have been hard-pressed to find a better option - we have seen women do cartwheels in a 36H strapless bra, and Luxe stays put!  Straps are removable and convertible, so you can wear this one in multiple ways.

One thing to note about strapless for women with wider-spread breasts - sometimes this one can gape out at the sides if you are REALLY full and have more side tissue.  We still recommend giving this one a try!

Comes in black, biscotti (nude), and ivory (off-white) - see photos below

Recommended for: women of all shapes and sizes, especially those with less side tissue.  Warning on the basque - if you have a fuller tummy, it may be hard to clasp - go for the strapless bra if this is the case.
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​Retail Price: $75 for strapless, and around $95 for the basque.

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--- Smoothing by Elomi ---

We love this style because it works really well for women with a wider-set bust, or for those who have larger band size.  Smoothing comes in black and nude, and both are beautiful.  This one is a multi-way bra with removable straps, but our favorite part is that there are TWO strap positions available (one set closer in, and one set wider out) to accommodate different necklines. 

Comes in black and nude.

Recommended for: Band sizes 36+, especially women with wider-set breast tissue (this one is AWESOME for those Hawaii ladies who need a hula option) 
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​Retail Price: $69 

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--- Adelaide by Goddess ---

We love Adelaide because she is available in one of the widest ranges of sizing available for a bridal basque.  As an added bonus, this one is sexy enough to be worn on the wedding night :)  One thing to remember about basque styles is that they can be difficult for women with a larger tummy - you may need a little help getting this one on.  This particular style, while flattering, has fabric that is a little less soft than some of the other options listed.  BUT, we've heard it's comfortable enough to be worth it!  We love that this one has removable garter straps and shoulder straps, so you can customize it for your desired look.

Comes white and black.

Recommended for: Nearly all common band sizes, but especially those with 36+ who need tummy control.  
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​Retail  Price: $79

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Recommendations for the wedding night and/or boudoir photo shoots

This one is really tricky because all women have different ideas and preferences for what they consider "sexy."  This will be a quick glance with general ideas, but we won't be as thorough with these because there are so many of them!

Chi Chi Babydoll by Sculptresse:

• Colors: Only available in black 
• Sizing: 34-46 band, D-HH cup
• Price: under $100 at most stores
• Recommended for: women who wear the Chi Chi bra and love it; women with firmer breast tissue (not recommended for women with soft tissue)

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​Sachi Babydoll by Elomi:

• Colors: Only available in black 
• Sizing: 36-44 band, cup size E-H
• Price: $78
• Recommended for: women who LOVE Elomi and want something that has a little strappy cuteness and some coverage on the bottom

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Cara by Panache:

• Colors: TONS of colors available, including charcoal/black (pictured), nude, and multiple fashion colors
• Sizing: 30-40 band, D-J cup
• Price: $67
• Recommended for: women who want a little bit of lace and elegance, but like a softer fabric with a beautiful silky sheen and feel.  This is more of a balconnet style, and tends to sit a little more narrow, which is great for lift.

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Andorra by Panache:

• Colors: TONS of colors available, including black, pearl, and soft blush (pictured)
• Sizing: 30-40 band, D-J cup
• Price: $63
• Recommended for: women who LOVE a little see-through lace on the top of the cup.  The lace is EXTREMELY soft.  This bra also fits women of ALL breast shapes, so it is recommended for women who have a harder time finding a good fit.  Lace stretches at the top of the cup!

Sachi Bra by Elomi (we listed the babydoll above, but love both options!):

• Colors: Available in black, but fashion colors are available (pictured in red)
• Sizing: 34-44 band, D-JJ cup
• Price: $64
• Recommended for: women who LOVE Elomi and want something that has a little strappy cuteness but no tummy coverage.  Fits most breast shapes.

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Fancies Plunge by Freya:

• Colors: Available in black, white, petal, and TONS of other fashion colors
• Sizing: 28-38 band, D-G cup
• Price: $64
• Recommended for: women with smaller frames who like a little see-through lace in the cup.  This one has a cute keyhole in the center.  The best part is - IT ONLY HAS ONE HOOK (it still supports just fine, I promise).  

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