Large Breasts Solutions: How the Etalon Posture Bra Enhances Comfort and Support

As much as large breasts are coveted, they can also be a literal pain in the neck.

Thanks to our customer feedback and continual research in the areas of posture, back pain, and functional apparel, we’ve learned some secrets behind how to best support heavy breasts and how wearing a posture correcting bra for large breasts can help reduce neck and back problems and provide ultimate comfort no matter how busy or lazy your day.

Keep reading to see some easy solutions for how to choose the right bra to support large breasts — a mission that shouldn’t seem as impossible as it may feel.

The Challenges of Supporting Large Breasts

Women with larger breasts often have to work harder to maintain good posture. A recent study found that breast size has a large effect on kyphosis (excessive outward curvature of the spine, which causes hunching) and lumbar lordosis (excessive inward curvature of the spine, which manifests as an increased pelvic tilt) (1).

Simply put, the heavier the breasts, the more gravity pulls you forward. As the breasts put extra weight on the chest and upper abdomen, the upper back is working overtime to keep you upright. 

Years of this miniscule, subconscious correction in your body will lead to major muscle imbalances throughout your upper body. You may at first feel pain in the shoulders, neck, and back, but over time you could develop more chronic issues.

Larger breasts and poor posture can even be linked to headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, and tingling in the fingers (2).

How To Support Heavy Breasts

The best way to support heavy breasts is to strengthen targeted muscle groups around the shoulders, upper back, and abdominals, and wear a properly fitted bra.

Most women, no matter their size, are wearing the wrong size bra. One study found that 70% of women wore bras that were too small, while 10% wore bras that were too big. Women with larger breasts were more likely to be wearing incorrect sizes and poorly fitted bras (3). This can lead to bra strap syndrome, when a too-tight bra presses on the nerves and blood vessels, causing deep indentations in the skin, shoulder pain, and sometimes even soft tissue or nerve damage.

Some women have learned how to tape their large breasts for support, but using “boob tape” comes with a lot of potential risks, especially if you have sensitive skin. Also, unlike a well-fitted posture bra, you can only wear the tape for several hours at a time. 

How To Choose the Right Bra for Large Breasts

With just about any type of bra available at our fingertips, why is it so hard to find one that’s comfortable, supportive, and stylish — especially for heavy breasts and plus sizes?

There’s no denying that the fashion industry has long catered to small sizes and petite busts, but the majority of women proudly boast curves. In the U.S., the average bra size is 34DD. However, this may not be a totally accurate estimate of breast size, given that most women tend to wear bras that are too small (4).

We even came to realize that our initial Etalon Posture Bra design was too limiting. Hence, the Etalon Posture Bra 2.0, which comes in sizes XS to 3XL and has a Full Bust version for E-H cups. The Etalon 2.0 Full Bust has been tailored for those with larger busts to counterbalance gravity’s inevitable effect.

To choose the right bra for heavy breasts, the first step is to accurately measure yourself. See our guide to choosing the right posture bra size.

How To Wear a Posture-Correcting Bra for Large Breasts

An effective posture corrector will offer maximum support and address muscle imbalances caused by poor posture and the weight of a full bust. It will help activate the overstretched muscles in the back of the shoulders and upper back while stretching the tight muscles in the front of the shoulders and chest.

When wearing a posture-correcting bra like Etalon for the first time, it may feel a little, well, strange. That’s totally normal. It means the bra is working. You should feel a light tug at the front of your shoulders, easing you into an upright position. 

You’ll start by having the straps at the first (loosest) setting. Try to wear the posture corrector for up to one or two hours at a time. Increase that time as you start to feel more comfortable in it. Wear your posture corrector daily, during all types of activities, but be sure to take it off before you go to bed. 

How the Etalon Posture Bra Supports Large Breasts

A corrective bra supports heavy breasts by combining a durable, supportive underband with broad straps that work to promote good posture. A good fit includes an underband that rests comfortably against your sternum, straps that are snug but not too tight, and fabric that fully covers your breasts.

The magic behind the Etalon bra starts at the centerpiece in the back, which holds together six adjustable straps. These straps offer a gentle tug that engages the upper back postural muscles, draws your shoulder blades together, and opens your chest. This mechanism helps support breasts of all sizes — as long as you are wearing the proper size for your body.

Wearing a posture bra on a regular basis (daily, ideally) will help you build muscle memory and support better alignment so that you can more comfortably maintain good posture and reduce neck and back pain.

What’s the Difference Between Etalon 2.0 and Etalon 2.0 Full Bust?

The Etalon Posture Bra 2.0 includes some highly requested upgrades, including sleeker straps that offer a more intense pull, easier adjustability, and a Full Bust version.

Etalon 2.0 is available for A-D cups while Etalon 2.0 Full Bust is fit for E-H cups. Each version comes in sizes XS to 3XL. Find your size here.

FAQs

1. Does a big chest affect posture?

The reality is yes, a bigger chest can make maintaining good posture more difficult. Larger breasts can also affect the natural curves in the spine. Over time, this can lead to major muscular imbalances throughout your upper body, which can worsen your posture and cause pain in the neck and back.

2. How does the Etalon Posture Bra provide relief for back pain associated with large breasts?

The Etalon Posture Bra helps promote better posture by drawing your shoulder blades together, taking the weight of your breasts off of your shoulders and back. If worn correctly and regularly (we recommend daily, for at least a few hours per day), the bra helps distribute the weight, reducing your tendency to slouch and relieving any pain or discomfort associated with poor posture.

3. Can I wear the Etalon Posture Bra after breast reduction surgery?

Absolutely, just make sure to get the proper size and slowly build up the time that you wear it. Learn how to choose the right posture bra size. 

4. What are the benefits of using a corrective bra for heavy breasts?

Those with a full bust need a little extra support. The heavier the breasts, the more that gravity will pull you forward, making it harder to sit and stand up straight. A posture bra can support heavy breasts by activating the overstretched muscles in the shoulders and back, promoting better posture, building muscle memory, and reducing neck and back pain caused by poor posture.

5. How does the Etalon Posture Bra compare to other bras for heavy breasts?

The Etalon 2.0 Full Bust is designed for E-H cup sizes. Etalon bras are customizable, meaning you can adjust the straps to comfortably fit your body and increase or decrease the support as needed. 

SOURCES:

1. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The Effect of Breast Size on Spinal Posture (2024). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11035396/
2. The Open Orthopaedics Journal. Relationship Between Brassiere Cup Size and Shoulder-Neck Pain in Women (2012). https://openorthopaedicsjournal.com/VOLUME/6/PAGE/140/FULLTEXT/
3. Chiropractic & Osteopathy. Breast size, bra fit and thoracic pain in young women: a correlational study (2008). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2275741/
4. Healthline. “What’s the Average Breast Size? And 9 Other Things to Know.” https://www.healthline.com/health/average-breast-size