Quick answer

Choose the Wide-Strap Bra if you wear US cup sizes A through D and want a pullover, organic-cotton bra with bound edges. Choose the Full-Coverage Bra if you need more fabric and coverage through US cup size F. In both styles, many people size up from their usual size, so use the brand's bra size guide and treat the fit check as part of the purchase, not an afterthought.

Start with cup size, not strap width

The most common mistake in a wide-strap bra buying guide is treating strap width as the main decision. Strap width matters for comfort, but cup fit decides whether the bra actually works. ARQ's Wide-Strap Bra is designed for US cup sizes A through D. The Full-Coverage Bra uses the same construction details with more fabric and a slightly different shape to accommodate larger cup sizes through F. If you are near the top of the A–D range or spill at the neckline, the Full-Coverage shape is the more reliable choice. If you are solidly within A–D, the Wide-Strap Bra gives you the same pullover ease with less fabric.

Run a three-point fit check before you commit

A wide-strap bra fit check is mostly about where the fabric sits when you move. First, check the band: it should stay level around your ribcage without riding up when you raise your arms. Second, check the cup: the bound edges should lie flat, with no gaping at the top or cutting at the side. Third, check the straps: wide straps should distribute pressure across the shoulder, not dig into one spot. Because these are pullover styles, you step into them rather than fasten a hook, so the band has to be snug enough to stay put without being hard to pull on.

Decide how much coverage you actually want

Coverage is a preference, not a flaw. The Wide-Strap Bra has a lower, lighter profile that works under tees and tanks. The Full-Coverage Bra adds fabric and a different shape, which can feel more secure under higher necklines or on days when you want less movement. Neither is automatically better. If you dislike extra fabric, the Wide-Strap Bra is the cleaner choice. If you consistently tug at the top of your bra, the Full-Coverage version solves that specific problem.

Size up when you are between sizes

ARQ notes that many people size up from their usual size in these styles, and that is the safest starting point if your measurements fall between two sizes. The fabric blend is 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex, so it has some give, but the pullover design means the band has to pass over your shoulders and ribcage. Sizing up usually makes that easier without losing support. Use the brand's bra size guide before ordering, and prioritize your chest and ribcage measurements over the size you wear in other brands.

Match the bra to the rest of your outfit

The bra you choose changes what you can wear over it. The Wide-Strap Bra's lighter profile suits t-shirts and tanks where you want a smooth line. The Full-Coverage Bra's extra fabric can be helpful under higher necklines or looser tops where you want more coverage. If you are also shopping for a layering piece, the JIMMY TEE is cut from 100% organic cotton non-stretch jersey and designed to fit oversized, so it can sit over either bra without clinging. Prioritize your chest and waist measurements when choosing a size for that tee.

Decision rules for choosing your wide-strap bra

  • If you wear US cup sizes A–D: Start with the Wide-Strap Bra in nutmeg or cognac. It has the pullover design and bound edges you want without extra fabric. Stay with the standard Wide-Strap Bra unless you are near the top of the range.
  • If you wear US cup sizes up to F or want more coverage: Choose the Full-Coverage Bra. It uses the same construction with more fabric and a slightly different shape for larger cup sizes. Do not force the A–D Wide-Strap Bra if you need more coverage.
  • If you are between sizes: Size up. ARQ notes that many people size up from their usual size in these styles, and the pullover design is easier to put on with a little extra room. Use the bra size guide and check the band before deciding.
  • If you want a layering tee over your bra: The JIMMY TEE is designed to fit oversized in 100% organic cotton non-stretch jersey. Size it by chest and waist, not your usual top size. A looser tee works over either bra without clinging.

Product facts that affect your decision

  • WIDE-STRAP BRA, nutmeg: Wide-Strap Bra in nutmeg: pullover design, signature bound edges, best fits US cup sizes A through D, 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex. This is the lighter, lower-profile option for smaller cup sizes, and the cotton-spandex blend gives enough stretch for a pullover fit.
  • FULL-COVERAGE BRA, pink peppercorn: Full-Coverage Bra in pink peppercorn: same details as the classic Wide-Strap Bra but with more fabric and a slightly different shape for larger cup sizes, best fits US cup sizes through F. Choose this if you need more coverage or fall above the A–D range of the standard Wide-Strap Bra.
  • WIDE-STRAP BRA, cognac: Wide-Strap Bra in cognac: pullover design, signature bound edges, best fits US cup sizes A through D, 92% organic cotton and 8% spandex. The same fit as the nutmeg Wide-Strap Bra in a different color, so color choice does not change sizing.
  • JIMMY TEE, cotton: JIMMY TEE in cotton: boxy oversized fit, 100% organic cotton non-stretch jersey, garment-dyed, prioritize chest and waist measurements when sizing. A useful layering piece over either bra, but its oversized cut means you should size by chest and waist rather than your usual top size.

Who each style fits

Best for

  • Shoppers in US cup sizes A through D who want a pullover, organic-cotton bra with bound edges
  • Anyone who prefers a lighter bra profile under t-shirts and tanks
  • People who are between sizes and willing to size up for an easier pullover fit

Not for

  • Shoppers who need cup coverage above US size D and should choose the Full-Coverage Bra instead
  • Anyone who wants a hook-and-eye closure rather than a pullover design
  • Shoppers who want a bra with underwire or molded cups, which these styles do not have