Forget About Bras That Cover Underarm and Back Fat: How to Choose a Bra That Makes You Feel Confident

We often hear conflicting narratives in the media: love yourself but drop twenty pounds. Feel great in the body you have, but hide certain parts of it. Since we truly believe in body positivity and body autonomy, as in unapologetically loving the body you have, we won’t tell you you need to squash or hide certain parts of you. 

The Truth About "Armpit Fat"

Let’s get something out of the way first and foremost: while often referred to as back fat or underarm fat, these areas aren’t necessarily fat at all but extra tissue, skin, or muscle. Some styles offer less support, which can create bulging or extra skin can get pushed up and out. Wearing a well-fitting bra means a smooth silhouette and a more comfortable fit.

Of course, if you’re feeling uncomfortable in your underwear or want to create a more flattering fit, you can always try different types with built-in compression or layer-on shapewear. Ultimately, we want you to feel like you've finally found the one that fits as desired. Let’s get into it!  

What to Avoid 

Waging a constant war against side boobs, underarm bulge, and back fat? The bra you wear may be part of the problem.

When you’re in a bra that’s too small, it can squeeze extra skin and tissue out of the cups and band, giving the appearance of back fat and armpit fat. 

Wrong Size

When the cup size is too small, it can’t provide enough room for your breasts, causing them to spill over the edges of the cups or out of the sides. This can create side boobs. This can create the appearance of underarm fat and even impact the band, causing bulges on the back.

When your band is too tight, it can squeeze the skin and muscle up into your armpits or under your band, causing lumps and bumps under your clothes. 

Putting on the wrong size can even impact your posture! If you're concerned this is the case, record a video of yourself sitting and standing to see whether there's any impact. 

Too Tight Strap

If your straps are too tight, you may find that your skin gets pushed up into your underarms or under your band. 

Thin Strap 

Women with larger chests may find that thin straps aren't right. Straps play an important role in lifting your breasts. The larger the chest, the bigger the job of lifting and holding them up, and the more impact that will have on the little, tiny piece of bra strap. If it digs in, it can cause tissue to migrate into the armpits or around the back band. 

Try a Different Style

The right bra style is imperative for function, fit, and fashion. You wouldn’t do a high-intensity workout without a great workout bra?  Some styles may be more comfortable, flattering, and supportive for folks with larger chests and might be a better option. As always, wear what feels right for you! There’s no right or wrong answer here. 

What to Consider: 

It should go without saying that you feel amazing in your bra. If you've been struggling with your bra fitting, giving you side boobs, or underarm bulge, then look for one that covers, lifts, and tucks with panels, material and thoughtful design.

Wide Bands

Folks with larger breasts know that a wide band is key to distributing the weight of their chest. Stick with us for a moment of math: a wider band means more surface area to distribute the weight, while a narrow band has less surface area. 

Think of it like spreading butter on toast: A narrow knife concentrates the pressure, pushing the butter outwards. A wider knife distributes the pressure more evenly, keeping the butter within the bread's bounds. With a more even weight distribution, less pressure on your underarms means less bulging.

Some wide bands are made with materials like lycra and spandex that can shape and compress without feeling tight or uncomfortable. This can help smooth any underarm bulge. 

However, let’s be clear: bras are undergarments and lingerie, not shapewear. 

But even the widest band can’t help if your bra is the wrong size! Your bra band should sit snugly around your ribcage without digging, and the cups should fully encompass the breasts without bulging. 

Extended Side Panels

Bras with extended side panels often have extra-wide backs and sides, with at least three hooks in height, to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. They are particularly recommended for fuller-busted folks and are designed to enhance forward projection and provide high comfort and hold.

Also known as side support or side smoothing panels, they help prevent the breasts from spilling over to the sides, minimizing the appearance of armpit fat and creating a smoother silhouette. 

Some panels use mildly compressive fabrics, gently tucking and smoothing bulges for a more contoured look. Choose a side-support bra if you want to reduce chafing, as the panels can minimize friction between skin and clothing.

Full-Coverage Cups

The dreaded side boob. Extended side panels can and should help prevent some of this, but cups with more cover can also help. As the name implies, full-coverage cups cover the whole breast, unlike the demi or balconette style. With more material, your chest should be fully encompassed and have less opportunity to spill out of the sides. 

Wide Straps

Like a wide band, wide straps have more surface area, giving better lift and distributing weight evenly across the shoulders. This can help to prevent the bra from digging into the skin, which can cause bulging. Since wide straps are less likely to slip off the shoulders, they are more likely to stay in place and maintain a smooth line across the back and underarm area.

Wireless Bra

While no bra can magically "minimize" underarm fat or back bulges, some styles can help create a smoother silhouette. Wireless bras are more form-fitting and comfortable due to their lack of an underwire. Since wireless bras are often made with stretchy fabric, they naturally conform to the body. Consider a few of the following styles:

• T-shirt bras: these are designed with seamless cups to create a smooth silhouette under clothing, minimizing the visibility of any bulges.
• Sports bras: these are often designed with wider bands and straps to provide a comfortable fit while minimizing the appearance of underarm and back fat.
• Smoothing bras: these often feature seamless construction and wider bands to offer a sleek and smooth look under clothing.
• Front closure bras:  these with front closures can have a smoothing effect on the back and underarms, creating a seamless appearance. 

Shapewear 

For a seamless and smooth look, shapewear may be a better option. Items like bodysuits and tanks use compression fabrics to shape and smooth the body. This can distribute extra skin, tissue, and fat to create a smoother silhouette. 

Look for shapewear that fits well and provides the right amount of support and comfort. While it may seem counterintuitive, choosing too-tight shapewear can create bulges rather than smoothing out lumps. 

Time for a Change

Imagine you've finally found the perfect bra that makes you feel sexy and confident. You love to wear it. Amid all those conflicting messages about self-love and body image, we’re here to shout from the rooftops – love your body just the way it is. No need to hide anything!

Now, let's get real about those areas we sometimes label as "back bulge" or "underarm fat." It might just be some extra tissue, skin, or muscle. And guess what? It's all good. But here's the kicker: wearing the wrong one can make things look wonky.

We've spilled the tea on some options that might be causing the drama – balconettes, plunge bras, you name it. But don't worry, we've got the 411 on what you should be looking for instead. Think wide bands, extended side panels, full-coverage cups, and wide straps. These are the heroes that can save the day, giving you that smooth, flawless look.