My Favorite Wireless Bra as a Large-Busted Woman Over 40
I work from home; technically, I could spend the whole day in my pajamas, but I've learned getting dressed each morning helps both my morale and my productivity. While I believe a properly fitting bra won’t be painful, even well-fitting bras feel great when taken off at the end of the day. I could work without wearing a bra, but at my age and size, I’m hanging down my ribcage; my daughter's friends and the UPS person don’t need to see that.
I spent a lot of time seeking a wireless that worked for my large busts and soft curves. And I spent a lot of time leaving malls empty handed and taking trips to the UPS store and the post office to return disappointments.
It's not easy when you are a large-busted woman over 40. Most wireless don't lift what gravity has “blessed,” they give a weird shape, they don't cover enough… I could go on. But I found a wireless bra that really works for me: supportive, comfortable, wire-free, and gives a nice shape!
I am updating this post in 2024 because I updated my intimates drawer for the new season. I tried on all my bras to see what I wanted to keep, what I wanted to donate, and what I needed to replace. And this wireless bra continued to make the grade!
The Problem with Most Wireless Bras for Large Busts
So many of the bralettes and wireless bras on the market claim to work with my size, which is a 36 F or G, depending on the brand. As a blogger, I often receive offers to review wireless bras and bralettes for large busts. A person from an intimates brand will email me and promise that their XL or XXL or Jaymyee or Tilda style will work great.
I’ll search tagged photos for them on Instagram and see a woman that looks about my size, though 15-25 years younger, looks positively adorable in it. Yes, I would love to try your wireless bra; thank you so much. If it does work out, I will share on social and/or my blog and will notify you once I do.
And the wireless bra arrives in the mail. It’s so pretty, I put it on, and it is no longer pretty. My breasts are maybe a half-inch higher than they were unadorned. It’s kind of sexy, but it’s not at all practical. Just putting away the groceries will cause one breast to escape from the plunging neckline. It's so frustrating.
I’ve been writing this blog for almost two decades. I've written about bras more than a dozen times, and each time I have women agree with me, relate to my experience, or tell even more upsetting stories about not being able to find comfortable and supportive wireless bras in their size, especially when they are over 40.
Breasts Change with Age
No matter your size, shape, or activity level, your bust at 44 will not be the same as your bust at 24 or even 34. A 28-year-old darling smiling out a window while holding a cup of coffee doesn’t do squat in letting me know if it will work for my middle-aged boobs.
I Think I Found the Best Wireless Bra for a Large-Busted Woman Over 40!
I originally wrote this post when I was 44. I am updating it five years later, age 49, size 36 G still a fan and a multiple purchaser of this comfortable and supportive wireless bra. My boobs are lifted – not as much as with an underwire, but enough that they are separate from my stomach. And they’re also separated from one another; two separate mounds separate from my belly. The style is simple but not utilitarian. More elegant than a sports bra, more cool than the white hulk of a thing your grandma wore.
Like, so cool that instead of going braless and embarrassing my daughter, I embarrass my daughter by going shirtless with a pair of joggers and a long wrap sweater or cardigan!
The Best Wireless Bra for a Large-Busted Woman Over 40
This is the Embraceable Full Coverage Wireless Unlined Bra from Soma. I didn’t expect to like it. I tried some of their other wireless bras and bralettes that my real-life and influencer friends told me they swear by. They couldn’t keep up with my curves. But I have had success with Soma bras in the past so I took a chance on this wireless bra. I am so glad I did. I have now purchased it multiple times; it was also recommended to me when I went to a Soma boutique for a professional fitting. It's a Soma classic for a reason.
In Soma bras, I am 36 G, and that's the size I got in this wireless bra. I sometimes feel the band under the breasts, but not tight like a bra, more like feeling the waistband of a pair of leggings. This band does fold if you sit all day and have a belly (but everything ending under the bust does when you have a belly), but doesn't ruin the style or cause irritation.
This wireless bra does not offer any compression like sports bras provide. This bra in the shoot has been washed multiple times and worn two days before to show how it wears with time. I now own this bra in every color that Soma offers.
This wireless bra has defined cups with a hint of stretch here and a bit of rigidity there where you want it plus some extra layering in just the right place so if you’re cold the whole room isn’t aware. This bra comes in size 34-44, cups C-H. As a large-busted woman over 40, this continues to be my favorite wireless bra!
If you are looking for resources on bras for large busts, also check out:
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Hi. I see this bra only comes as small as a 34. I’m a 32GG, 40 years old, and cannot find a bra that is wireless that actually supports and uplifts. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you.
Check out this post which has six wireless bras for large busts that come highly recommended. A few go down to 32 or even 30 and still have a nice range of large cup sizes! https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/best-wireless-bras-large-busts/
Hi,
I stumbled on your website by chance and read your reviews of cooling underwear. My husband and I recently moved from Northern California to very humid South Carolina and I’m struggle to feel “dry” and cool. Besides underwear I was wondering if you did a review of any bras that are comfortable (no wire) AND don’t get soaking wet when I step outside. It is so gross.
Thanks!
I have yet to find one! I do wear wireless sports bras when I know I’ll be outside. This one from Natori hides well under clothes https://bit.ly/3X6Dl7O as does this one from Anita https://bit.ly/47hvuc0 and I love this one from Panache https://bit.ly/3TfQc6x
A few weeks after this updated post, but mine arrived today. I think you nailed it, least for me. I am 62, about a 1x, and ordered a 42G. This wireless bra has everything I hoped for – sufficient lift, side boob containment, and enough separation to banish the mono boob effect. I would even leave the house in it. I gave up on Soma a while ago, but I really really like this bra! Thanks!!!!
Great review but I have a question. How does the bra support on the sides? I love a wireless bra but a lot of them seem to make a lot of side boob.
I don’t find I have a lot of side boob, but I do have more than a wired bra. Unlike some brands that have stiff pieces on the sides of the bralettes and wireless bras to prevent side boob, this one does not but it has a seam. As someone with a short torso that often has those stabilizers digging into her armpits, I prefer this style.
Mine just arrived and I think it has great side coverage. 42 G.
Hi Alison – just checking if you are still a fan of this bra? I saw a write up of wireless bras on another post DC style blog today. The wacoal option they shared intrigued me but it doesnt come in my size. And then I thought – maybe Alison has reviewed something like thos previously! Would you still recommend? I know there are other alternatives since (Bobby? Or is that a formula brand? Unsure)
Facepalm – just saw you did an updated review in 2022 that I did not catch in my initial search. I will refer to that. Thanks!
Hey Allison! I’m a newbie and love your blog! I’ve always loved Soma’s bras but haven’t tried the wirefree. I may have to! Have you tried their shapewear? I’m looking for something to go over my belly ( new since menopause,LOL) and not roll down. I’m over 60 but still find your blog to be more relatable to me than any of the over 50 blogs. Those women are lovely but are a totally different body type and don’t address my issues. You are a beautiful young woman not afraid to love your curves and I thank you for keeping it real!
I think the only Soma shapewear I’ve tried are their smoothing slipshorts and they are not for me. I find they roll down too easily. My go-to for shapewear continues to be Spanx and only the high rise versions so they can tuck under my bra. Also, those over bust styles that have like suspenders but leave the bust open to use your favorite bra. This one from TC Intimates has been a fave: https://bit.ly/33WSddH
Thanks for just validating the STRUGGLE of finding a comfortable, non-uniboob bra for middle-aged women. I’m in the midst of my investigative process after failing hard with ThirdLove (I don’t know what I was thinking), and it’s just so nice to see an article on the topic that correlates with reality! All the top search results are these ridiculous posts from GoodHousekeeping and Cosmo that are clearly written so that they have a place to put affiliate links and not by anyone who has ever seen, been or known a busty woman! My back and shoulders are killing me and I am at my wit’s end trying to find something comfortable. Your post at least makes me feel that I’m not alone in my quest. THANK YOU.
I think most of those articles are written by 20-something interns. It’s incredibly frustrating!
Hey Allison, this is such a great post. I also love wearing a comfortable and supportive comfort bra. You look great by the way! 🙂
Sadly the band starts at 34. I’m a 32G.
Please update the post! This is true, it doesn’t come in a 32.
Oh gosh I am so sorry I missed that. I updated to 34 and up to size H.
After reading this post I ordered 2 of these bras. I want to sincerely thank you for the time, and care you put into your posts, your descriptions, your willingness to share the good/bad. I received my bras today, and they are SO much more comfortable than any I have ever had…THANK YOU for addressing real needs for support and desire for comfort especially for those of us with larger chests. I am honestly so grateful to have found your blog…your honesty, and attention to detail have allowed me to shop with confidence, and provided options I didn’t know were available for my 12-14 size.
Oh this makes me so happy! I am thrilled to be a position to review these products and have a platform to share my honest feedback. It’s hard at our size to find trusted resources that really get it!
Thank you for recommending this bra! I just got mine today and it fits amazing. I think it might be better than many of my “regular” bras. It smooths my back and has a lovely shaping for the cups. I would definitely wear this out of the house (with Nippies nipple covers) for errands . I think it would be great for long plane flights where I avoid wearing underwire bras.
I purchased 2 with the second half price. I would pay full price for this bra. I work from home so I expect to get a lot of wear out of it.
Another win Alison!
Awesome, I am so glad it works for you Cathryn!!
I don’t know if I want to spend that much on a bra to wear at home — but I *do* work from home a lot & I vacillate between the discomfort of going braless or wearing a bra! So I really appreciate your review because you nail all the reasons I’m looking for this kind of bra. I’ve bookmarked your link for a future purchase 🙂
I’m so glad Trystan!
Thank you so much for highlighting this bra!!… I received mine yesterday and it is by far the most comfortable bra I’ve put on in years…I was not holding my breath either as my history of ordering bras online has not been the best, but this one fit perfectly and as I said is so comfy…For reference, I’m 59 and a 40 DDD. ( My breast exploded in size during menopause )…But at least I won’t have to dread putting one on and am going back for another color…Thanks again!!
Hooray, I am so glad Jules!
They only go up to 44 for us big gals and no wide shoulder straps? Boo! I’m 48F.
That is the negative of Soma. I have told them many times they should increase their band range!
OMG Tilda or Jayme cracked me up. Great post. Sadly I just ordered a playtex 18 hour wireless bra for comfort. It does look pretty much like something my grandma wore! Oh well, when Soma has a sale I will get this bra.
The bras are rarely seen so if it works, rock it! And I love seeing how brands try to create new names for their products!
I am still be using my Bravado nursing bras as my “stay at home day” go to’s. Our son is now 3 and I’m ready for an upgrade. Bought two of these today thanks to the BOGO offer. I love my cooling underwire that you also recommended. Thanks for the review!
My pleasure!
Great post! I wish I’d met you long ago. Should you ever visit Western Colorado look me up.
Thank you! And will do!
OMG! The 28 year old looking out the window with a cup of coffee had me spit my tea out! LOL. That is exactly my feeling on Instagram when I see these “size inclusive” brands shown on pretty young women. Their girls may be large, but not feeling gravity like someone 40+ or in my case 60+. There’s a brand that continues to claim they are “disrupting the bra industry” (what is that? like Big Bra has been conspiring against us and they are exploding it all?). So I ordered and guess what? It was a bra. And no, it didn’t magically hold my girls in the right place despite their industry disruption. 😉
Thanks for making my day!
I’ve tried that bra distruptor… twice. Nope. Their underwire fits but it does nothing for my shape and isn’t nearly as comfortable as my similar bras from Soma, Fantasie, and Marks & Spencer. And their bralette… oh it was indecent! LOLOLOL for days. Bodies change. I was a 34 D the summer after college but the bras I wore then would NEVER work now. It’s nothing to feel bad about, it’s human nature and we deserve products that respect these fabulous grown-ass bodies!
RIGHT
ON!
I’ve been dealing with the same issue. I only work at home occasionally, but when I get home from work and on weekends, I still want to transition to a wire-free or wireless bra. I’m 38D, so I, no doubt, have more options. I tried to use wireless yoga bras, as bralettes have always been a joke with my bra (only wear it — esp a lacy one — if you plan to have it taken off soon, if you get my drift), but they work like a bad, light bra on runners with huge busts.
I did finally find this one Wacoal no-wire bra and it seems to work fine. One interesting thing, there is a wire-like (if it isn’t a wire) thing winding its way around the band, but it stops short of the breast area, haha. I still find it comfortable, but maybe some don’t: http://bit.ly/2oKC2PA
On Nordstrom, it doesn’t seem to go any higher than 36DD, but I don’t know if other retailers have bigger cup sizes available. I do see a selection of 36G no-wire Wacoal bras on Macy’s site, but I haven’t validated each one.
http://bit.ly/2nJwuEA
Alison, I’ll have to check out your Soma bra recommendation!
Thanks for these suggestions!
All your other soma bra reviews have been spot on, so I’ll be trying bra style #4.
I hope you like this one as well!
Thank you so much for this post! Soma is my go-to place, and I’m also a 36G with a home-office but now 52. I recently tried Soma’s Enbliss bralette (XXL) and it is fabulous, too. I preferred it for comfort; and though it has less structure, it has just enough to do the job.
The Enbliss is one that my friends rave about and I keep trying it and it just doesn’t work for me. But it seems to be awesome for so many people I know, I’m glad you like it! Have you tried the tank? I find it genius!
Ooooo, I haven’t tried the tank yet – thanks for the tip! Next time I’m at Soma (the closest is 40 minutes away from me, sadly, and I’m terrible with internet returns).
I think you wrote this post just for me. Thank you, Alison! I too work from home and have been looking for a comfort bra. I hate answering the door with peaking my head out and hiding my body because I am bra-less. This madness has to stop. Can’t wait to try this Soma bra!
I hope it works out for you!
I have this bra! I tried it after the big $15 online sale and love it. I had better luck with this bra than bralettes (I’m a 36DDD). I can wear it around the house, or I can wear it to run errands.
Yay! I am glad to hear you love it too!
I have to check this bra out. Ahh the quintessential cabi joggers. I live in them on the weekends. Thanks for sharing. Will se if they shop to Canada. Thanks Allison.
My pleasure!
Hi Alison, I know you’ve written a few times about Cabi. I was wondering, how you, also petite like me, deal with the longer inseams. I don’t see any petite or “short” sizing available at Cabi. I like the look of those joggers, but usually try to buy cropped or ankle leggings/lounge pants, if I don’t see anything in petite.
I get most of my cabi pants hemmed from the tailor. The joggers haven’t been a problem for me since they have the banded bottom and look okay with a bit of fabric/bagginess at the ankle. Also they seem to run short, taller people complain they’re too short for them which may be why I love them!
I love soma comfort bras, and cabi joggers are the bomb! I’m about to order a second pair.
They’re so great… spoiler alert they’ll be in an upcoming outfit post!
Thanks…60 year plus ‘girls’ needed this post. I’ve worn a Soma minimizer bra for decades and will give this one a try! Gotta keep the LBD looking it’s best!
Agree!
You certainly are a prima influencer, as you’ve just persuaded me I MUST have this, and yes, and I’ll be ordering. I recommend your blog over and over again because if there’s anyone I can trust for any advice whether it’s fashion, beauty or lifestyle, it’s definitely Wardrobe Oxygen!
That means so much, thank you! I hope you love it as much as I do!