Best bras for back fat: 13 smoothing styles that are editor-approved

We all come in different shapes and sizes, but the best bras for back fat will mean that no outfit is off-limits. Creating a smoothing silhouette in any top or dress can give you a confidence boost when stepping out in a new outfit, or trying a look that's a little out of your comfort zone. 

We've all got a bit of back fat, and it's nothing to be ashamed of, but there's an art to choosing a bra shape that won't dig in or emphasise an area you're less confident in. The best bras for back fat have been vetted by our expert team of fashion writers to ensure they're not only smoothing, but comfortable and supportive for day-to-day wear. The best bras should fit firmly enough to fully support your bust, but not so tightly that they cause skin to spill out on either side. Similar to the best bras for large busts, a good test is to see if you can fit two fingers behind the clasp of your bra when it's on the loosest hook. If you can't quite squeeze your fingers in, it's too tight and it could be that your bra is actually causing bulges, rather than supporting your silhouette. We recommend getting fitted by a professional every six months to ensure you have the best-fitting bra. Alternatively, check out our guide on how to measure bra size for tips on how to measure yourself at home.

The right bra and briefs, alongside, if you choose, the best shapewear, will make a world of difference to how an outfit looks and should be the very first thing you think about when getting dressed. For best results, look out for smooth, seam-free edges and wide back panels, that will gently contour your back and sides, while supporting your bust line too. 

The quick list

Best bras for back fat according to our experts

The best bra for back fat overall

SPANX is possibly best known for its shapewear, but Spanx offers some really reliable bras too, and its Breast of Both Worlds® Reversible Comfort Bra is magic when it comes to comfort, support and banishing back fat. A supportive crop top design, this non-traditional bra truly delivers. Utilizing the brand's shapewear know-how, the fabric smooths without feeling constricting, you can also check out Spanx clothing range for items with inbuilt shapewear too, including tops and camisoles that will offer additional smoothing support.

What our tester said:

Fit: "Thanks to the brand's long-standing history in shapewear, this Spanx bra really knows how to lift, shape and smooth. While not quite as supportive as perhaps a wired style, using the same shaping fabric as the brand's shapewear collection and a deep back panel that offers extra coverage, this bra is a winner when it comes to a seamless and smooth back finish. It also has removable cups for additional bust shaping, which is ideal for changing up your look."

Quality of materials: "Crafted in the signature SPANX material this is one great bra and I found it can lift and shape heavier busts, even without the use of hooks, wires, and seams - meaning you get the support without the digging and bulges."

Style and attractiveness: "One of the more low-key bras on the list, the sport style will certainly appeal to some, and if you normally love the most comfortable bras, that are wire-free, then this design is ideal. You can also reverse it to sport a different colour too, which I think is useful in terms of wear, versatility and of course, cost-effectiveness."

The best sustainable bra for back fat

A high-tech lingerie brand with sustainable credentials, Leonisa perhaps doesn't have the same brand recognition as some of the other labels in this column, but when it comes to bras for back fat it's hard to beat. With a section on the site dedicated to back support, Leonisa has several bras with deeper side and back panels, making them a real game-changer when it comes to banishing back bulges. This bra in particular comes in a range of versatile colourways, with six to choose from, encompassing everything from basic neutrals to Barbiecore pink. The high sides and deep back band offer plenty of support. 

What our tester said...

Fit: "As a 'back smoothing bra', this style is specifically designed for a smooth finish and the bra comes up extra high under the armpits to completely negate the problem. Beyond smoothing, it features lightweight cups, which provide full coverage and hold the bust in place. The bra also offers a natural lift, flexible side boning, adjustable straps, and a back hook closure for a perfect fit. It uses light compression to streamline your shape, too. An impressive addition to lingerie drawer."

Quality of materials: "Made from 87% polyamide, 13% elastane, Interior lining: 87% polyamide, 13% elastane, my only complaint is the lace of natural fabrics for added breathability, however, it is soft and smooth against the skin with good stretch and gives a good sculpting effect."

Style and attractiveness: "Available in six colours, if you find this bra works for you, stock up. It's a relatively simple push-up design, as really the genius is in the deep side and back panels that create a smooth finish. The push-up silhouette does help to elevate the design."

The best seam-free bra for back fat

With its signature soft fabric, Sloggi makes some of the most comfy bras on the market. With a super stretch fabric, and seam-free, it had all the hallmarks of one of the best bras for back fat, so we had to put it to the test. The second-skin-like claims are true and the bra is extremely soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. Unbelievably light, second-skin is certainly the correct term when it comes to this bra, as you'll easily forget you've got it on. Slips on, with no fastening, it offers a super smooth finish. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "Better suited to smaller busts, this bra does not offer huge amounts of uplift and support above a C cup. The slick, stretch fabric does glide over backfat, gently skimming without hard contouring, but it is more suitable to relaxing than everyday wear." 

Quality of materials: "A very thin layer, it has an almost swimsuit-like appeal. Very lightweight it feels like you're not wearing anything at all. The fabric has a lot of stretch, so while it does have a smoothing effect thanks to the scuba-style consistency, it doesn't have shapewear qualities, pulling you in, in the same way as other back fat banishing bras do as there is just so much stretch to it. The second skin effect however does give a sleek finish and it's so light you will forget you're wearing it. If they could just up the cup size support it would be a game changer. However one of the benefits of the great stretch recovery should minimize how often you should change your bra."

Style and attractiveness: "One of its biggest pluses is that it comes in loads of different colourways making it quite a fun style. It also has matching briefs available, that like the bra are simple and clean in style."

The best bra for larger busts

Some bras are crafted to show off and some are ready to work their magic under your clothes, sitting quietly, but doing exactly what you need. This one is the latter. Undeniably comfortable, it's made of second-skin soft microfiber, as well as a light foam lining and smooth cups that secure your breasts in place. The bra also integrates a flattering neckline and a delicate gold charm detail for a thoughtful detail for everyday and elevated wear. Available in four colourways, giving an option under every look, the moulded style cup is excellent for giving a rounded bust shape and works particularly well under fitted t-shirt fabrics.

What our tester said:

Fit: "I have worn this bra for a long time and it is one of my favourite bras for both comfort and a great bra for larger busts. The moulded cups give a smooth finish and the bra underband has a soft-to-the-touch finish. While not the deepest of back straps, they are substantial enough to make them effective in smoothing backfat. With only a two-hook bra strap, this still manages to offer good support, although it could have a deeper back if you're really looking for something to fully smooth out back fat."

Quality of materials: "Lovely soft material, and the moulded cups are a great touch to give a very rounded bust shape. The fabric is soft against the skin and despite thin shoulder straps, it does not dig in."

Style and attractiveness: "A simple design, this is pretty function over style, but as it comes in a range of colours it is a good everyday basic for those that want a simple but supportive wired bra."

The best loungewear bra for back fat

Bralette sales have boomed in recent years, and they make a great alternative to a wired bra for a more comfortable and relaxed feel. Not always appropriate for everyday use, as they're generally not as supportive as a wired design, thanks to our love of loungewear, this silhouette is set to remain a core bra type for seasons to come. 

In a pack of three, these offer great value for money and forgo a hook and eye fastening to offer a smooth finish. Also suitable for low-impact sporting activities, they offer support without wires and padding for a really natural shape. Although the bra goes up to n XXL, customer reviews suggest it comes up small, making it more appropriate for smaller cup sizes. As a non-wired design, this bralette could also act as one of the best sleep bras if you're looking for light support whilst lounging or during the night. Available in a 3-pack, this is a great price and super handy if you're looking to stock up.

What our tester said:

Fit: "M&S is well known for its lingerie department and I wasn't disappointed with this bralette. As the sizing suggests, it is not sold in cup sizes, it doesn't offer the same level of support as a wired, cup-sized design, but it was an extremely comfortable wear with light support, great for lounging. With a relatively deep back band and no hook and eye fastening it does deliver on a smooth finish, although as it's not made from shapewear fabric it smooths rather than contours." 

Quality of materials: "This bra is a bargain and ideal for casual, weekend or loungewear use. It's not the most luxurious of fabrications, however it is soft, washes well and is an absolute steal on price."

Style and attractiveness: "A simple crop top design, this bra comes in a handy pack of three with several colourway options. Not the most stylish, but I do love the ease and bulk buy ability."

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The best sports bra for back fat

Specifically for larger cup sizes and made for sporting, reducing bust movement during exercise, if you're after a high-support sports bra that can work with larger bust sizes without leaving you spilling out of the sides and back, this could be a good option. It's been specifically designed to encapsulate your bust, with moulded cups to hold your breasts and reduce spillage and it's wire-free for comfort and to prevent digging. Many women with large busts, or those who want the best bras for back fat opt for the best sports bras for everyday wear when possible as they offer such brilliant support.

What our tester said:

Fit: "The full cup design comes quite high up, giving you extra coverage and support and reducing back fat and side spillage in the process. A sturdy bra, while this is engineered for support, if you're looking for something to really hold you in, you can wear this outside of the gym too. Like a sturdy crop top, but with hook and eye fastening, the longer line underband and deep backstrap make this one of the best bras for back fat. With high sides, it's very supportive, although there is a decorative cut out in the centre of the back."

Quality of materials: "A particularly sturdy bra, this is a high-quality design. The lightweight fabric and padded, adjustable shoulder straps are a particular highlight as I felt they helped prevent digging and bulges."

Style and attractiveness: "With a sports aesthetic and an attractive cut-out back, this bra understandably has a sporty feel. The crop top style is ideal for giving this bra a modern feel."

The best bra for smaller busts

This bra might seem like a surprising answer to the best bras for back fat but if you're worried about back fat on a scoop-back top, a low-back bra might just be the answer. Cutting below where the bra straps would usually be, this doesn't smooth and sculpt your back, but will cut low enough that it isn't cutting through your back either. And Wonderbra's patented hand-shaped support means you don't need to compromise on the lift. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "Thanks to its underwired design, this bra offers strong support for all-day bust security, no matter what. And the perks don't end there - it incorporates lightly padded cups that give a smooth silhouette, plus adjustable shoulder straps. Although it has great support, it is one for smaller busts, only available up to a DD cup. The line of the back scoops below where back fat would sit, so while it won't sculpt, it also won't cut through your back, which would create bulges."

Quality of materials: "You can trust Wonderbra to make a high-quality bra and this one feels lovely against the skin, with the hand-shaped push-up to give an excellent level of lift."

Style and attractiveness: "Despite this bra being very much a functional piece, Wonderbra has still managed to make it an attractive style. With an almost corset-like finish at the front, paired with the cut-out strap design, the bra feels and looks like a pretty, longline push-up bra."

The best bra for side support

One of the brand's best sellers for the last 40 years, this back fat fighting bra is designed with larger busts in mind. Crafted without wires, this bra is a true feat of engineering, offering plenty of uplift, but without the wire constraints that many find uncomfortable. Not the sexiest of styles, the bra does utilize lace to offer a more feminine feel. Available in three colourways, including beige, white and black, a solid basic for everyday.

What our tester said:

Fit: "A really solid fit, the support means that my bustline was held in place. With a full-cup design, there was also no risk of spillage. Wide straps add to the support of the bra but also help to give a smooth finish under clothes. The three-part cup really helps to push bustlines up and forward. The back band isn't the deepest, and I'd say this bra is better for side support than fully across your back."

Quality of materials: "The super soft fabric meant I was comfortable and there were no bulges or areas that dug in, particularly at the sides of the back, where the support is widest." 

Style and attractiveness: "Not the most fashion-forward design, this bra is very sturdy. The full cup means this bra isn't ideal for under low necklines, but under most sweaters and tops with round, crew or boat neck designs it does a wonderfully supportive job, giving a perky finish." 

The best non-wired bra for back fat

From British clothing brand Yours Clothing, this bra is designed with plus sizes in mind. Seam, wire and fastening-free, this bra has matching control briefs for a really smooth finish under clothing. Made from stretch fabric, with removable padding, this bra offers great everyday comfort. With a crop-top style, the higher back panels and stretch fabric offer good back coverage, smoothing your back gently without heavy levels of compression, making it ideal for anyone looking for the best bras for back fat. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "I personally prefer the lift you get from a wired bra, as I find bras without fastenings or wiring can lack in the support department and while I really liked this bra for its wide back panel that helps to smooth out back fat, I don't think it gives as much uplift as some of the wired bras in this column, so it depends what level of support you want from the bra, compared to its smoothing ability. That being said, it's a great machine-washable bra for more relaxed days, under loungewear or for working from home."

Quality of materials: "Machine washable this bra is made from polyamide and elastane and comes in seven colours. It's better in cooler months than in the heat of summer, but at £10.99 it's an absolute steal."

Style and attractiveness: "With an almost crop top, and sporty-like aesthetic I really like the look of this bra. The seven colours it's available in are all pretty neutral and basic making it really versatile. The slight sheen adds a touch of luxe to proceedings." 

The best full cup bra for back fat

One of Bravissimo's best-selling bras, the Millie comes in a huge range of colors and a selection of underwear options, including high-waist and brazillian shapes. What makes the Millie such a fantastic choice is the outstanding side support it provides, while still very much making you feel (and look) your best. The scalloped mesh cups adapt to your shape, and because most of us have breasts at slightly different sizes, it gives some great flexibility. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "I've been buying the Millie bra for over five years, and it's easy to see why it's Bravissimo's cult-classic choice. Whenever it goes on sale, I always snap it up. The side support built into each cup gives me a great shape and comfort throughout the day, and there's a huge range of sizes on offer."

Quality of materials: "Next-level. My Millie bras usually use me at least a year, and without fail I'll wear them at least three times a week. The underwire is flexible enough to mold to your specific shape but still packs in plenty of support, and the back straps are wide enough to not dig in, and expand with you if you gain or lose weight."

Style and attractiveness: "This is undeniably a beautiful bra. It comes in a range of colours, whether you want a nude tone or a bright pop, and the lace finish is demure but not drab."

The best pull-on bra for back fat

Fastening-free, this pull-on bra top from French lingerie brand Chantelle already gets good customer reviews, so we had to give it a try to see what all the fuss was about. With a crop-top style, it's ideal for wearing under low-back or V-back items, as it offers coverage and support on the sides of the back to help sculpt and smooth. The V-neck back detailing makes this a great option for lower cuts in the summer months. Available in one colourway, it doesn't offer the same wearability as other styles and it has a small size range, but the deep sides and back will make this a good back coverage option.

What our tester said:

Fit: "Another great pull-on silhouette, I am a big fan of Chantelle lingerie. Unfortunately, perhaps due to the fact it is wire and fastening-free, this bra only comes up to a size L making it limited in terms of accessibility. That being said, if you have a smaller bust but still want a back fat-banishing bra, the deep back on this design is absolutely ideal. Coming quite far up the back it smooths bumps at the back for a sleek finish and thanks to the lack of fastenings, it's as smooth as some of the best shapewear."

Quality of materials: "Beautiful, high-quality fabrics, this bra feels lovely. With good stretch, but not so much that it lacks support, this is a comfy pull-on and off option."

Style and attractiveness: "A pretty basic crop top in terms of design, it's ideal for a more discreet finish under fitted and lighter coloured clothing."

The best stretchy bra for back fat

Suitable for sizes 32-34 D-DD through 38-40 F-G, this bralette offers great coverage and support without the need for wires and fastenings. This pull-on bralette uses power mesh to help sculpt your shape, forgoing traditional moulded cups. With four-way stretch for fabric recovery, this bralette is machine washable and pilling resistant for a comfy wear that lasts for longer. Available in five neutral colourways, there are plenty of options for shoppers. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "As with the majority of bralette styles in this piece, you might find this more suitable for relaxed weekends or work-from-home days as the level of support is not the same as a wired and fastened iteration. Having said that, for a pull-on bra, with a decent underband and back smoothing, wide back panel, this bralette is great. Not the highest level of support I've tried, it will give the best uplift to smaller busts." 

Quality of materials: "Fully lined and resistant to pilling, this bra is made from 79% modal for breathability. Machine washable it features a four-way stretch for great size recovery after wear. You can tell that this bra has been designed with comfort in mind."

Style and attractiveness: "Once again it is largely function over form, but as crop tops tap into the sports luxe trends that are around right now, this bra still feels fresh and contemporary. It's available in five neutral colourways too."

The best sculpting bra for back fat

When we're not wondering how to keep tights up, tights fabric can offer the most amazing shaping and sculpting properties, as it's stretchy, contouring, but thanks to the mesh fabric, still pretty breathable. It's why we love that Kim Kardashian's brand Skims has used tights or hosiery fabric as the basis for this bralette. Offering light support, this bralette is more of a crop-top shape and a little sheer. As with all of the Skims products, the size range is fantastic, with products available up to a 5XL for real size inclusivity. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "It isn't the most bounce-resistant bra, but if you look at the deep back, you can see why it made the list. The wide back panel helps to smooth out back fat and the cute silhouette means it looks good too. The straps are rather thin, hence the lack of support, but you could also slip this on over the top of a bra instead of a camisole under a sweater to benefit from its back smoothing abilities, without compromising on support."

Quality of materials: "I love that it uses tights materials as the basis for the design, as this definitely helps with its back fat smoothing abilities. Kim Kardashian's Skims collection has been a huge hit and I get why."

Style and attractiveness: "A crop top with a twist, the sheer element gives this design a little va-va-voom, while the almost racer back style straps add a fashion-forward feel."

How we tested the best bras for back fat

Trying on a host of bras - far more than made this list, our tester looked for three key things when testing the best bras for back fat. While fit and the bras' back smoothing abilities were most important, we also considered the quality of fabrications and styles and tried to ensure a set of varied price points to make this accessible for a range of budgets and bust sizes.

• Fit: Of course fit is key when looking for the best bras for back fat and this encompassed both how the bra fit in terms of comfort, lift and shape, and of course its ability to smooth out back fat or gently contour your silhouette for a smoother finish.
• Quality of materials: Having washed the bras, our tester can explain how the bras last in the wash, if they feel good against the skin and the level of stretch and comfort provided by each piece.
• Style and attractiveness: This was the least important factor in the test but one to consider nonetheless, and while most bras for back fat score averagely in this area, there were a few that stood out for style as well as functionality. 

What to look for in the best bras for back fat

When selecting the best bras for back fat, there are a few standout features that you should always look for as a starting point. These are the things that often flag that a bra will help contour your back before you've even slipped it on:

• Extra support: smoothing out bulges, a bra with extra support should offer gentle compression, offering a similar fit and feel to shapewear.
• Wide straps & underband: the underband is actually where most of the support and lift comes from for a bra. Wide straps make them less likely to dig into your shoulders, giving greater comfort overall. The wide underband should help to contour your back and stop overspill on top or under the band.
• Seam free: Seam-free styles tend to be made of smooth, highly elasticated fabric that can aid in giving you a more contoured finish. The lack of seams also stops from highlighting where seams are, giving an even smoother finish. 
• Bralette fit: when it comes to bras vs bralettes, in this instance, a bralette can give a smoother look as it tends to be made from thinner fabric, providing more subtle support. But if you have a larger bust, a wired version might be the best bralette style for you as you'll get a better lift and shape. Bralettes tend to have a more crop top style silhouette, which can also offer extra back coverage.
• Higher back: this will mean the band at the back is thicker or wider and offers more back coverage, smoothing out and shaping, much like the best plus size shapewear items. 
• Front-fastening bra: as a general rule if a bra fastens at the front, it tends to have wider back panels to help support the construction. Be careful of back cut-out details or racer-back styles, as these won't give as much support as a fully covered back bra and can create the perfect environment for overspilling.