My Hunt for a Wireless Bra That Supports My DDDs
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As someone who has been wearing a bra since I was 12, I have spent many years contending with the two worst parts of traditional brassieres: the underwire and the back clasps. And since I’m a 44DDD, my only socially acceptable bra options for decades always had both. But then, five years ago, I foundLane Bryant’s Lightly Lined Lounge Bra, which had neither clasps nor an underwire yet gave lift and support like a classic bra. I bought six and rotated through them every day, forgetting I was wearing a bra most of the time — a true dream.
Last year, the unthinkable happened: Lane Bryant discontinued my beloved Lightly Lined Lounge Bra. I got the news through DMs and emails from fans of the bra asking if I knew of any alternatives or had tried anything new. I was already on the hunt for a bra to wear under more tailored dresses and jumpsuits that need molded cups for support — given the name “lounge bra,” it isn’t a surprise that you shouldn’t be wearing a ball gown or walking a red carpet with one — and endeavored to try as many plus-size and large-bust-friendly options I could get my hands on to find my new go-to.
The ones that didn’t make the cut
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I started by going in person to T.J.Maxx and Marshalls and scoping out what they had in size XXL. Danskin and Laura Ashley both make wire-free bralettes with thicker underbust banding that seemed promising, but I had some spillage and not enough support in both. They also have removable foam cups, akin to the ones in swimsuits, that move around and get folded — especially after washing — and leave a weird crease you can see through a thin shirt. I returned both.
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This bralette was soft and comfortable, but with thin straps and a thin underbust band, it was no match for my 44DDDs. I did not feel supported, and again, those flimsy foam cups are really annoying to adjust while wearing, especially after washing. This bralette is made for lounging, but I needed a lounge bra that could go out on the town.
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This Walmart-brand bralette wasalmostright with the foam cups removed. But then the fabric was too thin and my nipples showed through, and I didn’t feel as supported as I prefer to be when I leave the house. The wide straps were nice but offer no adjustable parts to properly fit or provide additional lift.
The runners-up
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Of all the bras I tried (aside from the winner!)Cacique’s Seamless V-Neck Lace-Trim Bralettewas my surprise favorite. It’s great for when my goal is comfort and not fashion — hanging out around the house, walking the dogs, or going on a quick errand. No one would know I’m wearing this soft, bare-minimum bralette on a work Zoom! It somehow gives cleavage and lift without any wire and with a knit band in a comfortable material. As a bonus, with its lace edge and V-neck, it worked as a great crop top under an aloha shirt tied at the bottom for a karaoke party in Hawaii.
Unfortunately, this bra is so popular it’s no longer available, but this non-lace-trimmed version I found looks to have a similar fit. I haven’t tried it yet but have it on my list as a backup.
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Torrid Lace XO Front Bralette
TheTorrid Unlined Lily Lace Bralettewas the most stunning bralette I tried, and it felt more like lingerie. The floral version is sold out, but similar styles are still available in multiple colors with different adornments (like these “XO” front ribbons). The support was lighter, but it looked good on its own under a blazer or under a shirt or dress with a higher neckline that doesn’t need lift or cleavage.
The winner
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To date, Cacique Intimates, Lane Bryant’s lingerie store, is the only place I have bought bras since my first fitting at age 12. I’ve tried other brands a few times, but Lane Bryant’s sizing and fit across styles have been dependable for me. So I decided to check back in with Miss Bryant.
As soon as I slipped the new Comfort Bliss Lounge bra over my head, I was hooked — on its lack of hooks. The cups were supportive with zero wires, just seaming that creates shape and separation; a thicker, slightly more constrictive band adds even more support, along with a crisscross back. The bra is very soft and made of microfiber, nylon, and spandex for comfort and stretch. The only downside to the stitching on the upper half of the cup was that it sometimes caused a little spillage and required adjustments (a.k.a. scooping yourself back in). But that can be circumvented by adjusting the straps, which are adjustable from back to front — there’s no need to reach uncomfortably to get a better fit. One other small issue I had with this bra as well as the previous one is that the crisscross back is visible with some outfits. If I wear something with a lower scoop back, a square cut, or a cutout, sometimes you can see a little bit of the bra. It’s not a big deal, though, and since the bra comes in six colors, you can find an option that’s better camouflaged with your outfit.
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