Big Boobs: What Should You Know About Supporting Your Girls?

Big boobs are widely sexualized. They are envied and emulated—at least judging by the rise in breast augmentation. They are beloved by some men. But as anyone who has ever shopped for DDs before can tell you, they can also be a pain. Literally.

What size boobs are considered big?

"Some women feel pain and discomfort due to the weight of their breasts," said Constance M. Chen, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and breast reconstruction specialist in New York City. "Large breasts can also cause rashes under the breasts, shoulder grooves from bra straps digging in, numbness because the nerves are overstretched, difficulty or inability to exercise, shortness of breath, migraines, difficulty finding clothes that fit and self-consciousness."

What constitutes "big boobs" is an issue of personal opinion.

"Large breasts are in the eye of the beholder," Chen said. "It is also dependent on how large the breasts are in proportion to the rest of the person's body."

In some studies, big breasts are defined as D cups or larger, Chen said. Cup size is measured semi-alphabetically, such as AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, DD, F, G, H, I, J, and refers to the size of the breasts in relation to the rib cage.

A D-cup size denotes a bust that extends 4 inches from the rib cage.

Do you have to wear a bra if you have big boobs?

Wearing a brassiere is always a matter of personal preference. If you have larger boobs, however, Alexander Zuriarrain, M.D., the founder of Zuri Plastic Surgery in Miami, recommends you wear a bra.

"Not wearing a bra will increase the risks of increased sagging of the breast," Zuriarrain said. "This can increase the skin breakdown underneath the fold. It can also lead to further neck and back pain due to the lack of support for the weight of the chest."

"With large breasts, a bra will offer support, help with posture, and can alleviate back, neck and shoulder strain," Chen added.

How to find supportive bras for big boobs

Finding a bra that can support large boobs can be difficult.

Look for certain factors when it comes to finding the right bra, said Jené Luciani Sena, a bra expert and author of "The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide to Finding the Right Bra, Shapewear, Swimsuit, and More!".

• Wide shoulder straps.Wide, padded shoulder straps can help distribute the weight of your breasts evenly.
• A wide, multi-hook backband. Look for bras with a wider band that has multiple hooks—four, ideally, according to Sena—and closures to adjust the fit.
• Full coverage. Choose bras with cups that fully cover your breasts. Avoid bras with shallow cups or low cuts, as they may not provide adequate support or coverage.
• Underwire design. An underwire isn't mandatory, but it helps keep the structure of the bra. Look for underwire bras with comfortable and well-padded underwires that follow the natural contour of your breasts and sit flat against your ribcage without digging into your skin.

It's important to get professionally fitted for a bra, especially if you have large breasts, Zuriarrain said.

"Seek professional help at a company that dedicates itself to producing larger cup sizes for the proper support," Zuriarrain said. "This is especially true when it comes to day-to-day life at work and when performing exercise."

How to go braless with big boobs

Experts don't recommend going braless if your boobs cause pain or discomfort. If you prefer to go braless with big boobs, try wearing tight garments and structured clothing—such as corset-style dresses or tops with zippers—to provide some support.

What should you know about clothing if you have big boobs?

Much like finding a bra can be tricky, choosing clothing for certain activities can be challenging for people with big boobs.

How to sleep with big boobs

If you find your breasts get in the way of a good night's sleep, Sena recommends sleeping in a comfortable bra.

"Sleeping in a bra can be helpful for sleeping better with large breasts to help keep breasts supported so they don't fall to your sides," Chen said.

Look for a bra with front closures that don't dig into your back.

In addition to sleeping in a bra, Chen recommends sleeping on your side to prevent the weight of the breasts from causing chest pain or making it difficult to breathe.

Use multiple pillows for support, or try a reclining bed to relieve pressure from your chest, Zuriarrain said.

How to run or exercise with big boobs

Working out with big breasts requires really supportive sports bras, according to Sena.

"Breasts move up and down quite a bit with high-impact activities, and the idea is a bra that will keep them compressed to the chest and in place during the entire time," Sena said.

Chen suggests looking for a supportive sports bra with padded cups that encapsulate each breast separately with an adjustable under-band and a high neckline to prevent spillage.

"The bra straps should be wide and padded so that they do not dig into the shoulders and cause pain while exercising," Zuriarrain said.

How to dress to minimize a larger bust

The bra and clothing you wear can minimize the appearance of your bust, if you so desire.

"I'd suggest opting for an unlined bra or a soft cup, as opposed to a foam, which will protrude more," she said. "Also, get a bra where the bridge, or the piece between the cups, lies flat on your ribcage—as opposed to something that squishes breasts together and creates cleavage."

Avoid high necklines and ruffled details around the chest area, which can draw attention to the bust and make it appear larger. Instead, opt for necklines that open up the upper body, such as square and cowl necklines.

Dresses or tops with an empire waist or A-line silhouette can create a flattering shape by cinching under the bust and flowing away from the body. This can help de-emphasize the bust and balance out the look.

How to dress to maximize a big bust

On the other hand, if you want to show off your big boobs, your bra and clothing can help with that, too.

"A push-up bra that has graduated padding in the lower portion of the cups is a great option," Sena said. "You can also opt for a balconette style, which pushes breasts up in a different way than a traditional push-up and can be a very flattering look."

To draw focus to your breasts in your outfits, go for sweetheart, plunging and scoop necklines. Similarly, tops or dresses with beads, ruffles or other textured designs around the bust can further maximize the appearance of your breasts.

The bottom line

If your big breasts are causing you pain, strain or sleep problems, these tips and tricks can help.

If your large breasts are causing serious problems, consider breast reduction surgery, Chen said.

"For many women with large breasts, a surgical breast reduction is transformative and allows them to feel more comfortable living in their own bodies," she added.