“Pendulous” is a fancy word to describe something that hangs downward and moves loosely. When you think about breasts, only the most natural will encapsulate the word “pendulous,” and when it comes to women’s bodies, most agree that “natural” equals “positive.”
The constant pressure on a woman to feel positive about her body can be frustrating, especially when it comes to factors outside of her control. It is important to educate ourselves as women when it comes to concerns like having pendulous breasts. When we learn how common and normal it actually is, we can change our mindset to appreciate our natural body and begin the search to find our newest bra bestie to wear underneath whatever we feel most confident in.
What Are Pendulous Breasts?
Pendulous breasts are breasts that are no longer self-supporting and a self-supported breast is one that doesn’t need a bra to look “full”. Pendulous breasts often have a more deflated appearance with the nipple beginning to or completely pointing downward.
Sagging, or ptosis, is classified in various levels depending on how low your breast tissue hangs from the area where the bottom of your breast meets your chest wall, also known as your inframammary fold, or IMF.
There are several grades of ptosis following self supporting breasts. The more breast tissue below your IMF, the more pronounced your level or grade of ptosis. These grades are known as 1, 2, and 3, or mild, moderate, and significant hanging below your chest wall.
So, what causes mild, moderate, or significant breast sagging? The most common causes of pendulous breasts include gravity, high body mass index, aging, menopause, multiple pregnancies, larger breast size, and rapid weight loss. As you can see, most of these are normal, uncontrollable circumstances and generally nothing to be ashamed of.
What’s Your Bra Type?
Now that you’ve established your breasts are pendulous, what else is there to do except start shopping?
When searching for a bra to assist your naturally unassisted breasts, think about what you look for in a bra. Do you like something seamless? Underwire with a little push up? Or maybe, a colorful racerback to add to your sports bra collection? No matter your type, we’ve got you covered.
The great news about pendulous breasts is that you aren’t limited to what you want to wear, you just need to find something that supports, shapes, and lifts above the IMF to some degree. Some other concerns you might consider are “gapping” or “spillage” in or around the cup because your breast tissue might be too soft.
Still not exactly sure what you’re looking for? Don’t stress! We’ve compiled a list of 7 top rated bras on Amazon that will support you (literally) and help you achieve the body confidence you deserve!
The Best Bras For Pendulous Breasts
The Vanity Fair Back Smoothing Bra
This bra is a dream come true for women who have pendulous breasts. Not only does it provide support and coverage, it’s designed with 4 way stretch fabric to smooth bumps along your back and sides. You can purchase this bra in a single or double pack and there are plenty of colors to choose from. The best part about this bra is that it comes in your choice of underwire included or seamless!
Calvena Full Figure Seamless With Underwire
This best of both worlds bra gives you seamless cups and straps with a hidden and encased underwire to provide great support and a comfortable fit. This option is also considered a “minimizer” as it features compression wings to smooth side spillage. This is a great option to wear under T’s or dresses with the 2 stretch fabric that provides a leaner look.
Playtex Comfort Wireless Bra
Playtex offers a seamless lining bra with cool comfort cups, breathable fabric, and inner cooling bands. This bra is designed with higher sides, a taller back for support, fuller cups, and wide comfort so you can feel great while wearing it all day long. Based on the reviews, you won’t want to take it off!
Calvena Racerback
We know you’re still thinking about that colorful racerback we mentioned earlier, and here it is! While it’s not your typical sports bra, it’s a custom fit adjustable bra designed to offer a wide range of motion. This option gives you a front hook design, plush wrapped wires for support and shape, and mesh wings for smoothing that will keep you cool.
Chantelle Rive Gauche Full Coverage Unlined Bra
If you were worried you wouldn’t be able to find a sensual and supportive bra option for pendulous breasts, you can worry no more! Chantelle Rive Gauche gives you a full coverage, unlined lace bra option with the ultimate lift and no added padding. It’s ultra-light while also shape supporting and focused on centering breast tissue. This bra is complete with a powerful, yet comfortable band and the straps are fully adjustable.
HSIA Lace Bra
Okay, okay, we loved the Chantelle Rive so much, we threw in another lace option! The HSIA lace and mesh design with a polka dot pattern provides “sexy containment” and full support with various size ranges. It’s a full figure bra that perfectly smooths bumps and bulges to streamline your look. Add in the non padded plunge underwire cups and you’re good to go!
Glamorise Sports Bra
Last, but not least, we give you a magic lift sports bra for women with pendulous breasts. What is magic lift technology you ask? The cushioned band lifts, shapes, and supports you without an underwire. You’ll get maximum comfort with breathable moisture-wicking fabric to keep you cool with a stay-in-place back. Get ready to love your seamless silhouette while you work out in this sports bra!
While we know it isn’t easy finding the best bra for pendulous breasts, remember that every bra doesn’t fit all and you’ll be happier and more comfortable when you shop for your specific breast shape. We are confident that your new favorite bra is ready and waiting to be shipped to your doorstep and that you are one click closer to becoming the most body confident version of yourself you can be!
