I'm not worried about lumps and bumps this summer, thanks to the best bras for back fat

Summer is here, so it’s time to say goodbye to layers. While the fashion choices are fun, suddenly wearing lighter outfits can sometimes be a little daunting, especially if you often feel self-conscious about lumps and bumps around your back and sides. While it’s totally normal and not something to be embarrassed about, overhang can be a real nuisance when you are wearing tighter-fitting clothing, but thankfully, there is an easy way to cancel out the problem. By switching your usual underwear for the best bras for back fat, you’ll have a sleek base that will transform how your outfits look in the coming months.

As well as taking care of your boobs, these best bras are usually designed with a wider back panel to gently firm up and contour your natural shape without feeling too tight or rigid. The result? They will act like your best shapewear to smooth and firm up any problem areas, to help fabrics drape better and sit neatly without any bulges, so you can get dressed worry-free.

As a stylist, I understand that it can be tricky to know what to look for when adding to your lingerie drawer, so I put 36 bras to the test to find the most flattering styles. To keep things fair, I made sure that all the bras I tried were designed and sold to be smoothing and promised to keep back fat at bay, and I tested many different shapes and styles from a wide range of brands. While vetting the back fat bras, I considered a number of key things, including how smoothing, flattering and comfortable they are, as well as how much support they offer. Every bra in this guide was tested for at least a full day, and worn under fitted tops to test if any pesky lumps could be seen around the back band. It was hard to narrow it down, but the top 6 bras for back fat looked after my bust brilliantly while looking smooth from all angles.

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The quick list

You'll find a handy summary of the best bras for back fat below, and there's plenty of extra detail about my rigorous testing and the reasoning behind the best buys further down in this article.

Best Bras for Back Fat: Tried & Tested

After the brief introduction, you can read more on why each of these bras has made it into my top picks. While wearing each one, I considered everything from fit and comfort to style and care, but above all else, I looked into how smoothly and discreetly each bra sat under clothing. You can find more information on how we test bras, and you can trust that each one has been picked because it will give you the support, shape, and smoothness you'd hope for if lumps around your back and under arms are a concern.

Best Bra for Under Dresses

I have long been a fan of Evelyn & Bobbie, and I have recommended the Defy Bra to lots of friends and family as it's easily one of the most comfortable bras I’ve ever worn. So I was very intrigued to try out this vest-style tank top from the same brand. Rather than focusing on just the upper back, this longline piece is more like a vest and provides coverage for my boobs, tummy and back to take care of my whole upper half.

It's a much larger piece of lingerie than I'm used to, but it's designed to act like a shaping vest and bra combined, and once it's on, it doesn’t feel cumbersome at all. In a very similar way to my M&S Hidden Support Vest, this one has a discreet built-in bra, and the stretchy fabric then continues down over my tummy and back to create a sleek and gently firmed-up silhouette, without having to layer up a bra and smoothing slip before getting dressed. I was instantly impressed by how neat and defined it made my top half look, and it gave me a confidence boost to wear some tighter sundresses that I’d pushed to the back of my wardrobe because of worries about clinging fabrics. The top sits on my hips and manages to stay in position brilliantly, so it’s ideal for slipping under fancy frocks as well as tighter tops, and it cancels out any pesky overhang on the waistband of my jeans and skirts, too.

The fuller piece feels a little tricky to pull on at first as the fabric is quite firm, but once I’d wriggled into position, it felt very comfy and was easy to move around in. As with the rest of the collection from the American label, the stretchy material is designed to mould to your shape and curves over time, and the brand suggests wearing it for a couple of days to let it adapt to your shape. It really does work, and after a full day of wear, it fitted like a glove.

The bra is wire-free and only has some very light and removable padding in the cups, but the clever technical fabric and well-designed shape lifts and holds my boobs brilliantly. It offers plenty of support for a busy day, and it’s good for bigger busts, as it evenly distributes the weight of your breasts to minimise pressure points or back strain. The wider straps add extra comfort too.

I wore this bra during some very warm weather, and I expected it to be too hot to wear, but the fabric is surprisingly breathable. It's actually designed to be moisture-wicking and odour-fighting, so I can’t see it being a problem during high summer. It also washed really well – I popped it on a cool cycle in the machine, and once dried, it felt like new.

While it’s not the sexiest piece in my underwear collection, the smoothing capabilities totally outweigh the simple style, and it’s a winner for everyday wear - and if I'm looking for something a little chicer, I'd go for the Leonisa Back Smoothing Bra. I tried it out in a warm neutral ‘Sand’ shade, but there are six other colours to choose from, including black and pink, as well as matching briefs.

As you can probably tell, this one gets a bit thumbs up from me. As well as providing lift and definition to my boobs, it easily banishes bumps and overhang, creating an ideal base for my favourite sunny day dresses and tops.

Find out more from my full Evelyn & Bobbie Structured Scoop Bra Tank review

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Best for Smoothing Under Arms

This bra really surprised me, and it genuinely ticked all of my lingerie boxes. I love the subtle amount of lift it gives to my chest, while providing plenty of support and hold. It doesn't matter how busy I am, my boobs always feel under control and comfortable in this bra. It offers full coverage cups without covering my breasts up completely, and I've found that it sits well under most vest tops without any fabric peeking out.

The main thing I like about this bra is how well the wider straps at the sides and back work to banish any unsightly bulges or lumps, so it looks very sleek and neat under my outfit. The side and back bands contain a very fine layer of power mesh that acts like light shapewear, but without feeling very tough or restricting, allowing me to move around freely. They pull in and smooth over my back and underarms so I don't need to worry about bulges, even when I'm wearing a very clingy T-shirt. The side panels are much deeper than any of the other bras I've tested, and although I expected them to feel quite stiff, the fabric is impressively flexible, and the stretch material works brilliantly to add a neat and sleek finish to my sides, even when I'm sitting or bending over.

I tried out the glossy black colour, and this bra is also available in a classic white or soft beige colourway. The bra is very simple and understated, but the shiny and smooth fabric adds a modern feel that also looks a little bit sexier than some other full coverage bras that I've worn before. I like how the lack of lace or frills means that I can pop it under a tighter top and it won't show through. The little gold tag at the front adds a hint of glam, too. Although the back band is wide, it doesn’t look dowdy or old-fashioned - it's a perfect balance of chic and practical.

I loved this bra for my medium-sized bust, but unfortunately, the cup size only goes up to a D, so if you have larger boobs, you're probably best to go for the M&S ContourWear Smoothing Non-Wired Plunge Bra, which offers a lot of the same smoothing support and a similar design but with more options for sizing.

The only other minor downside to this bra is that it's hand-wash only, which is to be expected for a bra that contains an underwire. The polyamide and elastane fabric washes and dries well, though, and a few months later, the shape and hold still feel like new.

Find out more in my full Leonisa Back Smoothing Bra review

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Best bra for back coverage

This bra is one of the most popular styles from Kim Kardashian's shapewear and lingerie label. It has a very different design from all the other bras I tested, as it has a full back panel that looks more like a crop top, with a very minimal and classic plunge front. I expected it to feel a little bit annoying to wear as it covers a lot more skin than traditional bras, but I genuinely forgot I was wearing it after I got dressed - it was way comfier than I thought it would be.

It is a pull-on style that was a bit of a squeeze to get on (rather like a sturdy sports bra), but once on, it felt dreamy to wear and stayed exactly where it should all day without readjusting. The fabric is firm yet stretchy and offers just the right amount of compression to my back. It creates a wonderfully sleek and neat feel without any rigidness or digging in. The one-piece design means there isn’t any fiddly clasp to deal with, and the full panel covers from just below my neck to my lower ribs, so there is zero chance of overhang.

The very deep sides meant that my underarms were also covered and smoothed over, plus the wired and lightly padded cups lift and support my boobs brilliantly. I wore this bra over a busy weekend, which included a soft play party with my kids and a big decluttering spring clean of the house, and I found that my bust was supported and held in place the whole time. Although it wasn't as soft as the Spanx Breast of Both Worlds Comfort Bra, it still felt really comfy when I finally got to lie on the sofa later.

I like the modern and fuss-free design of this one. While the fuller back means I won't be able to wear this bra with strappy tops or low-cut dresses (a thinner back strap on the M&S Contourwear Smoothing Non Wired Bra will work better with skimpier pieces), I have found it sits discreetly under most outfits, and the plunge front works with pretty much every neckline without peeking through. I tried the black colourway, but there are a few options available, and as with the rest of the SKIMS collection, you can find it in a range of wearable nude tones as well as black and white. There is also a thong and matching briefs to complete the look, too.

It covers an impressive size range of 32A-44H, and the clever fabric is designed to stretch and mould to your shape for a good fit, even if you are between sizes. I went for the 36B and found it was perfectly true to size.

The instructions say to wash it by hand with cold water, and that’s exactly what I did. It rinsed well and dried impressively fast. The next time I wore it, it felt like new without any change in shape or loss in hold.

This bra is unlike anything I've worn before and has really surprised me. It offers plenty of smoothing coverage but manages to still look chic and feel light to wear. It's a great one to suit a wide range of body types and bust sizes, and I have been wearing it on repeat since testing it.

Find out more in my full SKIMS Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra

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Best bra for back fat overall

I’d never bought lingerie from Amazon before, but I was genuinely impressed with the fit and quality of this Delmira Padded T-shirt Bra. It has a nice mix of balconette and full coverage cups, and it lifts and supports boobs without feeling too rigid to wear. The underwire was really well covered, too, so there was no digging in throughout the day.

I loved how simple the design was, and the sleek polyamide and elastane fabric felt soft and comfortable against the skin while being breathable. It’s fuss-free but does everything you want your bra to do, all while being smoothing. I will definitely be buying it in another colour!

This bra is lightly padded, and the fuller cups lifted and supported my chest well without any 'ouch' moments, thanks to the well-covered underwires and wider shoulder straps. The back band sat well against the skin without feeling too tight, and the seamless design was invisible under clothes to flatter from all angles.

I love the simplicity of this everyday bra. There aren’t any bows or lace fabrics, and the plain black fabric is clean and chic, with a gentle sheen to it that keeps it feeling modern. It's seam-free so it looks neat at the front, side and back without any lumps too. The only small issue is that the wider shoulder straps might peek out and be seen when worn under a sleeveless shirt or dress, but overall, it sits well under most of my wardrobe. It's available in 15 colours too -from pale grey to bright red.

It's machine washable, which is a big bonus, and it looked just as new and glossy after I’d cleaned it. I originally tested this piece last year, and it continues to be one of my favourite bras ever.

Find out more in my full Delimira Padded T-shirt Bra review

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Best loungewear bra for back fat

I live in loungewear when I'm at home, and this gorgeous bra has quickly become a favourite addition to a snuggly sofa day. When I think of Spanx, the classic shaping shorts, slip skirts and the much-loved seamless leggings spring to mind, but not necessarily bras. I have worn lots of Spanx shapewear in the past and loved it all, so I was intrigued by the chest support options and decided to give the bralette-style piece a go.

I went for this straightforward design, which promises to add support and hold to boobs while still being very flexible. Although it doesn't cover as much skin as the SKIMS Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra, this fuller-shaped piece offers more coverage than a traditional bralette and actually looks and feels like a chic and modern version of my best sports bra. I really like the clever reversible design too, as it means you get two bras for the price of one.

While it doesn’t offer fuller support for a day at work or hitting the shops, it’s a great option for wearing at home for some extra support without feeling too rigid or uncomfortable. It's wire-free and doesn't contain padding, but the fabric is firm and thicker than my usual bras and manages to support my chest while chasing my toddler round the garden or tidying the house, with no harsh tightness or ruching. It moved with me rather than against me, so I found it very easy to wear all day without any complaints. As with the rest of the Spanx range, it feels like it's been designed to smooth and accentuate my shape rather than restrict it.

Unlike a lot of my structured and more delicate bras, the padding-free shape of this one means it can be rinsed in the washing machine and washed at a lower temperature. The thicker fabric took a little longer to dry compared to some of the lighter material bras like M&S ContourWear Smoothing bra, but once it had dried, the shape and hold were the same, and it felt exactly the same to wear post-cleaning.

Overall, I found it a comfortable and very flattering bra that smoothed and lifted my boobs, and it covers a wide range of sizes, so I think this one would be a winner for anybody with a large bust, too.

Find out more in my full Spanx Comfort Bra review

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Best bra for size range

Marks and Spencer has been much-loved and well-trusted for lingerie for decades, and generations of women have opted to buy their smalls from the high street hero. Because of this, I had high hopes for the ContourWear Smoothing bra - and I wasn't disappointed!

The bra I tried is from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s collection, which promises to lift and support while being flattering all over to leave your silhouette looking its best. It's wire-free and uses smooth padding in the cups to create support and shape while being wonderfully soft to the touch. I was unsure about how well a non-wired bra would hold my chest while I was out and about all day, but it kept my bust under control (even when I was racing around after my toddler in the park!) and created a naturally smooth shape. It was so comfy that I didn’t feel the need to whip it off as soon as I got home, and it sat neatly under my tops without any telltale overhang. It will lift and hold boobs big and small well, and it's available in an impressive range of sizes covering 30A-42E.

I found the non-wired cups amazingly comfy, and I genuinely forgot I was wearing the bra, as I didn’t feel the urge to yank it down or readjust throughout the day. The lightly padded cups added definition and lift without being too much, and I liked how soft the fabric was. The wider back straps and seamless design kept things smooth and sleek from behind, and it didn’t dig in, so there was no sign of overhang.

This one is simple to look at from the front, but from the back, it’s a different story. The back straps are made from pretty lace fabric, and the clasps are a chic rose gold that adds glamour. It's pared-back yet very chic and will sit well on various bust sizes nicely.

I've been impressed with how well it holds its shape and support despite being wire-free. I hand-washed it, but it is machine washable. I found that the polyester fabric was very quick-drying, and it still looked like new.

Find out more in my full M&S Rosie Contourwear bra review

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How we tested the best bras for back fat

When finding the very best bras for back fat, I tested 36 bras and wore each one for a full day. I considered comfort and fit, the design, and the quality of the fabrics. Of course, the back-smoothing abilities were the top priority, but I made an effort to think about every aspect of the lingerie to make sure it was a good all-rounder that would work for everyday.

I tested a wide range of styles, shapes and designs from a whole host of brands that covered a mix of budgets and bust sizes. To ensure each bra was genuinely one of the best for avoiding overhang at the back, I looked for design details like firming fabrics, wider bands and seamless cups, as well as bras that catered to a wide range of sizes. I wore all of them under a fitted T-shirt or dress and checked to see if it was visibly bumpy from any angle throughout the day.

How to choose the best bras for back fat

When selecting the best bras for back fat, there are a few standout features you should look for to make sure your clothes sit better, like the picture above:

• Extra support: 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. Wide straps make them less likely to dig into your shoulders, giving greater comfort overall. The wide underband covers more skin and distributes pressure more evenly, which helps to contour your back and stop overspilling on top or under the band.
• Seam-free: As well as cancelling out any risk of harsh stitching lines showing through fabrics, the lack of seams means that the tension of the fabric is uninterrupted and will sit smoothly and neatly against the skin to prevent bulges.
• Bralettes: When it comes to bras vs bralettes, 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, to smooth and hold a bigger surface area and smooth away lumps, 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 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.

Bras That Just Missed The List

I tested 36 bras, from a wide range of brands for this feature, and it was a tough task to edit the best down to just 6 back smoothing styles. Here is one that just missed the list:

FAQs

How do I stop my bra from showing back fat?

The most important thing to do when it comes to keeping lumps and bumps at bay is to make sure you find the right size for you. If it's too small, it can cause your skin to overhang at the edges. Too big, and it can lack support and cause similar issues. It's always a good idea to get measured up professionally or try our how to measure your bra size at home guide.

Secondly, opt for a bra with wider side and back bands to cover more surface area and create a sleeker silhouette. Seamless designs will sit better than anything too structured or shaped, and will have much more of an invisible finish under clothing.

How should I dress if I have back fat?

Don't let back fat dictate what you wear - you should feel free to put on clothes that make you feel your best, regardless of whether or not they are 'flattering'. However, if you are particularly insecure about your back fat, there are various things you can wear to feel more confident.

The right bra will be the best thing to smooth out back fat, so it's worth getting properly measured and investing in one of the bras on this list. Ensuring you have a high-quality, well-fitting bra will make you feel your most confident.

Dressing in darker shades like black can also help to slightly obscure any areas you may be insecure about, and slightly looser-fitting tops may help you feel more comfortable. However, there are many of us with insecurities about our own back fat, and it probably isn't something you notice on others.

Will a bra extender help with back fat?

A bra extender is a small extra piece of fabric with hook and eye fastenings that can be added in between the clasp at the back of your bra for an extra couple of inches of give around the band. They can be useful if your bra is feeling a little uncomfortable or for adding temporary extra room during times like pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Why does my back fat hang over my bra?

There are several reasons that could be causing back fat or spilling over your bra. These include:

• You're wearing the wrong bra size or style
• You haven't adjusted your bra properly
• Your bra has changed in shape and fit over time

Any of these factors can cause back fat, which is why it is important to wear the right bra size and the right style for the look you're after. Anything slightly off is likely to dig in, ride up, and cause excess back fat.

How should a bra look on your back?

Whether you're looking for the best bras for larger busts or the best minimiser bras, when it comes to fit, you want it to sit firmly enough to fully support your chest, but not so tightly that it causes pressure and overhang under arms or at the back. According to Boux Avenue's Retail Store Trainer, Lesley-Ann Potter, "You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably behind the clasp at the back of your bra when it's fastened on the loosest hook (with a new bra, as over time the underband stretches and it's advised to then tighten by using the next hook along). This helps ensure that the bra is snug enough to provide support, but not too tight that the bra digs in and becomes uncomfortable to wear." If you can't fit fingers behind the clasp, it could be that your underwear is actually causing bulges.

When you put on your bra, try looking at it from all angles in the mirror to make sure it's flattering and smooth in all the right places. The back band should sit firmly against your back and parallel to the floor - if it's riding up or digging in, it's not the right size for you.

What does a bra size really mean?

Bra sizes are all made up of a number followed by one or two letters - each part is basically a measurement. The number, for example, 32, 34 or 36, is worked out from the measurement around your ribcage (just below your bust) and is the size you should be looking for when it comes to the underband. When you measure, a general rule of thumb is to add four inches if your measurement comes out to an even number, and add five inches if it comes out to an odd number. So if you measured 32 inches around your ribcage, your underband size would be 36, and if you measured 33 inches, your actual size would be 38.

The letters are worked out by measuring around the fullest part of your breasts. Once you have that number, subtract the underband number to find how many inches difference there is.

For each inch of difference, you go up a letter. So for a 1-inch difference between your underband and full bust, it would be an A cup; if there's a 2-inch difference, it would be a B cup, and so on.

The reason behind all the maths is that traditionally bras had much less stretch because they were made from fabrics without any elastic. Bra materials have changed over the years, but the measurements have stayed the same!

Lesley-Ann gives us some key things to look for if you are unsure about the fit of your bra. She explains that quick signs are:

• Gaping or overflowing cups: This is a clear sign that your breasts aren't sitting well in your bra. If there is gaping at the top, your cup is too big, and your bust isn't filling it fully. If there is overhang along the front, your cup size is too small, and the edge of your bra is digging into your breasts to cause spillage.
• Straps digging in or falling down: Your straps should sit firmly but comfortably on your shoulders to ensure your chest has the right level of support. Try adjusting them yourself, and if they still don't feel right, you are most likely wearing the wrong size.
• Band rising up or digging in: The underband is key to providing hold and lift to your bust and should sit neatly from all angles without too much movement during the day. If you are constantly yanking it down or readjusting around your ribs, it's most likely too small for you.

Lesley-Ann recommends getting fitted by a professional every six to twelve months. She explains, "Throughout the year your bust shape can shift dramatically due to life’s natural rhythms like weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, pregnancy and menopause. Wearing an ill-fitting bra may mean missing out on both comfort and support."