Finding a properly fitting bra that provides the right amount of support can sometimes prove to be a challenge. While I love a dainty bralette just as much as the next person, I'm sometimes in need of a bra that provides a little more on the lifting and shaping front. Those with larger busts or wider-set breasts can especially benefit from styles equipped with extra side support, which are not only forward-shaping and lifting but also help prevent overspills and keep any potential side-boob situations in check.
Not sure where to start? Typically, bras with any or all of the following features are great options: three- or four-part cups; side slings; and wider, higher-rising sidebands. Three- and four-part cups are designed with lifting seams (unlike a classic molded cup) and usually include a diagonal seam that directs breasts inward. Side slings are the extra piece of fabric at the outer edge of the cup and also work to push the girls forward. Extra-wide, higher-rising sidebands help keep everything nice and smooth in the underarm zone, in addition to providing extra support all around.
I scoured my favorite places to shop intimates to find the best bras with side support out there. Bonus? They’re all super pretty, too. Without further ado, keep scrolling to check out our 28 top picks.
(Image credit: @veroocampos)
Pour Moi
St. Tropez Side Support Bra
This floral-embroidered mesh style is gorgeous, and its three-part cup underwire design provides great support from all angles.
Knix
Wingwoman Contour Bra
The perfect everyday bra, this ultra-comfortable style from Knix features molded cups for great shape and definition as well as extra side coverage to keep side boob under control.
Fantasie
Fusion Underwire Side Support Bra
Available in sizes 30D through 40H, this pretty style is designed with three-part cups and extra side support to lift and shape a larger bust.
Curvy Kate
Wonderfully Full Cup Bra Latte
A fan favorite by Curvy Kate is the WonderFull, which is designed with side support, anchored back straps to prevent slippage, and cushioning at the underarms for superior comfort.
Natori
Statement Full Fit Bra
Available in sizes 30C through 42H, this pretty lace style is designed with four-piece cups and side slings to provide unparalleled support, shape, and comfort.
Harper Wilde
Base Unlined Bra in Beige
This bra by Harper Wilde is a bestseller for a reason. It's an unlined bra in a silky micro-fiber that has built-in layered slings for cup sizes 36C and above to curtail side spillage.
Elomie
Charley Side Support Longline Bra
If you love the support and coverage of a longline bra, this gorgeous lace style is designed with strategic four-part cups for great lift, shape, and support.
Simone Perele
Reve Side Support Bra
This side-support bra comes in a bunch of great color options, but I'm pretty partial to this one.
Chantelle Lingerie
Amazone Full Support Underwire Bra
This style is designed with full-coverage cups that are reinforced on the sides for maximum support. Plus, the scalloped edges and floral embroidery are a nice touch.
Understance
Salma Flexwire Full Coverage Lace Bra, D-J Cup
This bra features wide and flexible underwire, sheer panels on the side, and an arched front band (to avoid tummy chaffing and side spillage) for all around support.
Freya
Starlight Hero Side Support Underwire Bra
This lacy number is designed with strategically placed seams that provide extra lift, support, and forward shaping.
Skims
Smoothing Full Coverage Bra
If you don't like side boning, this bra-bralette hybrid has wide wings to create a smoothing effect and prevent any bulges.
Cuup
The Scoop Micro in Black
This may look like any ordinary T-shirt bra, but this buttery-soft scoop style from Cuup is designed to have amazing support while still being extremely flexible and comfortable. Plus, it’s available in a ton of cute colors and in sizes up to 44H.
Elomi
Matila Side Support Plunge Bra
I love the sparkly details on this one.
Fantasie
Illusion Underwire Side Support Bra
Another great pick from the same brand, this side-support bra also features mesh details and an extra-low back.
Wacoal
Side Note Satin Side Support Bra
This lace bra is designed with 4-part seamed underwire cups with side panels to support a fuller bust comfortably.
Freya
Offbeat Underwire Side Support Bra
Here’s another cute lace option. This one has four-part cups to lift, shape, and support from all angles.
Spanx
Low Profile Cushioned Underwire Minimizer Bra
The wider slide slings on this bra will ensure you're fully supported.
Panache
Ana Side Support Plunge Bra
Designed with three-part cups and side slings, this lacy style provides comfortable, forward-facing support. It also comes in a ton of great colors, like the above.
Commando
Butter Soft Support Back Closr Bralette
When you want the support of a bra but the comfort of a bralette, reach for this soft and stretchy style from Commando. It features molded cups and no-show raw edges for invisible wear. The higher side panels provide support from all angles.
Wacoal
Ultimate Side Smoother Contour Bra
Designed with extra side coverage, this T-shirt bra supports and smooths out the underarm zone.
Elomi
Sachi Side Support Cage Bra
I'm in love with the mesh details on this one.
Panache
Andorra Side Support Bra
I'm also loving this lace style.
Warner's
No Side Effects Bra
The extra-wide sides on this bra and flexible underwire cups provide all the support and smoothing prowess you want from a T-shirt bra.
Chantelle Lingerie
Norah Supportive Wireless Bra
Not a fan of underwires? This lace wireless bra offers full support thanks to its banded base, while the supportive sides help shape you forward.
Empreinte
Thalia Balconette Bra
Now, this is pretty!
Chantelle
Hedona Unlined Underwire Bra
Come for the full-coverage, smoothing support. Stay for the pretty guipure lace details.
Goddess
Keira Side Support Wire-Free Nursing Bra
Available in sizes 36DD through 46N, this bra boasts four-part wireless unlined cups and extra side support to lift and shape. Plus, you can snap down the cups for easy access during nursing.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.