What is a Side Support Bra?

Hourglass Lingerie is always working to find the best solution for our full-busted, full-figured ladies. When we began looking into the best bras for women in this category, Side Support Bras quickly became the center of our attention.

Say goodbye to those days of battling with button-down shirts and underarm breast spillage! Read on to hear all about why side support bras have become one of the best bras for larger breast sizes.

All About Side Support Bras

The most characteristic feature of a Side Support Bra is the sectioning of the cups, which is done to properly place breast tissue to appear rounder and fuller. The more the sections, the better the support. Most also have supportive cup extensions that run around under the arm- which is where the name, side support, originates.

This bra style is the only one that offers additional support from the sides of the bra. The large panells on the side of the bra mainly prevent the breasts from spilling sideways and creating that “east and west” breast appearance. With a side support bra, your breasts are pushed inward, meaning you won't stick out from the side and the front will appear more narrow.

Most side support bras contain a broader bra strap, meaning that those with a heavier bust have a better hold and lift in comparison to bras with thinner straps.

Side support bras are also typically made of fabrics that do a great job at cooling and wicking away sweat. This is why lots of Sports Bras fall into the category of side support.

How Can a Side Support Bra Benefit You?

We have made it fairly clear up to this point that side support bras are geared more toward larger breast sizes. Simply put, smaller breast sizes just do not have a need for the additional support provided by this bra style.

However, for women with larger breasts, there are a couple of different reasons you may be scouting out for a side support bra.

Side Support Bras best benefit women who:

 

  • Have wide-set breasts
  • Breasts that spill out of the bra in the underarm
  • Would like the appearance of a smaller bust

 

Side support bras also do a great job at preventing bounce and instead promoting a sturdy lift. This bra style truly reinforces your sides for shape and uplift for your every last curve!

Our favorites at Hourglass Lingerie are the Elomi Lydia EL4390 Sahara Bandless J Hook Underwire Bra and the Elomi Energise EL8041 White Underwire Sports Bra

When Should I Wear a Side Support Bra?

We always reach for our side support bras if we are looking for a more streamlined, projected look.

Side support bras are the perfect solution for circumstances such as:

 

  • Form fitted tops
  • Button-up shirts 
  • Women with asymmetrical breasts
  • Women looking to reduce the appearance of their breasts (Some have the ability to reduce breast size by up to 2 inches on the side!)

 

When Should I Not Wear a Side Support Bra?

Although we love our side support bras, there are some occasions that we recommend choosing a different style of bra to best suit you! We recognize that every woman is built perfectly unique and deserves to be equally supported.

Some instances where we recommend an alternative bra style include:

 

  • Women with petite breasts
  • Women looking for a dramatic cleavage enhancement (A bra style better suited for you may be a Push Up Bra)
  • Women who are looking for a bra without padding or underwire (A Bralette may be the best option for you)

 

Side Support Bra Sizing

Sizing for side support bras can be daunting because many women has never experienced this type of support before in a bra. Don’t worry, it is actually quite easy to size.

Begin with your typical bra size and just adjust from there. If you are experiencing back rolls, shoulder marks, or side spillage, you are in the wrong size. The easiest way to size yourself is to check out our Size Guide and read up on all of our tips and tricks.

Or, if you would rather have the perfect fit without the hassle of research, call and schedule your free, personalized fitting with an Hourglass Lingerie fit specialist. We would love to help you and share our admiration for side support bras!

Freya Starlight AA5201 Poseidon Uw Hero Side Support Balcony Bra

Bra Style Guide

Now that you've learned everything you could ever possibly want to know about Side Support Bras, why not learn some more? Our Bra Style Guide is the perfect collection of guides to every bra style on the market. Try something new, explore an old favorite, or step out of your comfort zone!