Finding the right bra is truly a journey, and let's be honest, kind of an annoying one. Your first inclination is to ask the group chat. But it's also hard to get recommendations from friends since they are so individual and there are so many different styles that work best for different body types and breast shapes. That's where we come in.
Below, we've rounded up the most supportive, comfortable bras in lots of different style categories. We've also answered some frequently asked questions and provided some tips that will help you find the perfect fit. Natori 'Pure Luxe' Underwire T-Shirt Bra claimed our top spot for best overall because of its comfortable fit and coverage, nice size and color range, and everyday t-shirt design.
Looking for that just right fit? These are the best comfortable bras.
Our Picks
- Best Overall: Natori 'Pure Luxe' Underwire T-Shirt Bra
- Best Value: Felina So Smooth Modal Everyday Demi T-Shirt Bra
- Best Splurge: Simone Perele Saga Underwire Demi Bra
- Best Plus Size: Wacoal Ultimate Side Smoother Underwire T-Shirt Bra
- Best Unlined: SKIMS Fits Everybody Unlined Underwire Bra
- Best Strapless: Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Multiway Strapless Bra
- Best Wireless: Lively The All-Day Deep V No-Wire
- Best Racerback: Aerie Real Sunnie Full Coverage Lightly Lined Blossom Lace Bra
- Best Underwire: Victoria's Secret Bare Angellight Full-Coverage Bra
- Best Push Up: Maidenform Love the Lift All Over Lace Push Up Bra
Best Overall: Natori 'Pure Luxe' Underwire T-Shirt Bra
What We Love: We love the coverage and the smooth feel.
What We Don't Love: The price can be prohibitive for an everyday bra.
This may be a t-shirt bra, but thanks to the super smooth material covering the cups and the lace detailing on the straps, it will still feel special when you're wearing it. The cups are slightly contoured, meaning that the fabric closest to the underwire is a little more padded so that it provides more support and even helps to evenly shape out your chest.
The underwire itself is also coated in an extra layer of super soft fabric so that it doesn't feel invasive at all. It's also cut low enough to wear under tops that have deep v-necks while showing off the slightest bit of cleavage. Basically, this bra is the perfect everyday option that still manages to look sexy while providing the support that you need.
Price at time of publish: $72 for size 32B in black
Sizes: 32B-38-DDD (F) | Colors Available: 6
Best Value: Felina So Smooth Modal Everyday Demi T-Shirt Bra
What We Love: They are such great quality and are sold in a pack of two.
What We Don't Love: This bundle doesn't include any pretty designs or colors on the bras.
Felina makes amazing bras, so this two-pack of their iconic t-shirt fit is truly a steal. The pack includes a light shade of beige as well as a black option. The bras are made with their micro-modal fabric that is super smooth and won't create the appearance of any texture under your clothes.
It has a demi cup design and it's lightly lined so that it smoothes everything out. The straps and the hook-and-eye closure on the band are adjustable. Even the underwire is soft and flexible so that you can feel totally cozy wearing this to lounge on the couch or under a cute outfit.
Price at time of publish: $49.95
Sizes: 32B-38-DDD (F) | Colors Available: 2
Best Splurge: Simone Perele Saga Underwire Demi Bra
What We Love: It's as sexy and pretty as it is functional.
What We Don't Love: The price is, obviously, pretty steep.
If you're going to splurge on a bra, it needs to be one that's as sexy as it is comfortable so that you can wear it for any occasion. This one is here to answer that call. It has lace-covered demi cups and straps, as well as a small decorative slit at the bottom center of the band. The cups are lightly lined with mesh, so while they don't provide a huge amount of coverage, they are sculpted to give you a perfect shape.
The brand notes that the band runs loose, and recommends that you order a size down. That said, the band and straps are both adjustable so that you can make some alterations yourself.
Sizes: 32B-38-D | Colors Available: 1
Also available at Bloomingdale's.
Best Plus Size: Wacoal Ultimate Side Smoother Underwire T-Shirt Bra
What We Love: We love the support and the side smoothing band.
What We Don't Love: It'd be nice to see more color options.
One of the most annoying qualities in a bra is when extra skin topples over the bands at the sides. This bra completely eliminates that problem. It has a criss-cross design that eliminates any bulge while still being completely dig-free.
The cups are full-coverage and lightly padded to evenly shape the chest. It has an underwire for added support, along with adjustable straps that are stretchy. The best part is that it manages all of this while still looking cute, which is truly an accomplishment.
Price at time of publish: $70
Sizes: 30BC-42-DDD (F) | Colors Available: 1
Best Unlined: SKIMS Fits Everybody Unlined Underwire Bra
What We Love: The power mesh still beautifully contours the chest even without lining.
What We Don't Love: It's often sold out and restocks sometimes take forever.
Available in the SKIMS' signature range of stunning neutral colors, this unlined bra uses power mesh to shape and support. Since it does such a good job at rounding and lifting, it's hard to tell that it isn't lined. It's also the softest fabric that has a seamless feel around the band.
The straps are adjustable of course, and the band has a hook-and-eye closure and feels and looks completely seamless under clothing.
Price at time of publish: $44
Sizes: 32A-38C | Colors Available: 11
Also available at Skims.
Best Strapless: Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Multiway Strapless Bra
What We Love: The molded foam contours to your curves for extra comfort.
What We Don't Love: It could come in a wider-range of nude color ways.
There is a lot to love about this strapless bra option, and that's a phrase you won't hear uttered very often. For one, the cups are fully lined with a molded foam that contours to your body as you wear it for a fit that is truly unique to you. This also means that it fits better and better over time.
It has underwires for support, as well as an elastic band that has just a touch of non-slip lining on the inside. It's also nice that the band is lacy, which adds a beautiful touch to the design of the bra. It even comes with adjustable straps if you find yourself wanting to wear it under other outfits that don't necessarily call for a strapless moment.
Price at time of publish: $49.50
Sizes: 30A-38DDD (F) | Colors Available: 3
Best Wireless: Lively The All-Day Deep V No-Wire
What We Love: This bra still has a good amount of support and smoothing even without the wire.
What We Don't Love: The mesh on the sides can rub depending on the garment you have on over it.
Go ahead and bid farewell to those pesky underwires. This one provides a significant amount of support by allowing you to adjust the straps or convert them into a racerback option if you want more of a push-up effect. The material is a super soft modal, which won't dig into your skin. Finally, the cups are lightly padded to provide both coverage and slight shaping.
This bra is available in a light beige, a black and a gray version. It features decorative mesh details and a plunging neckline so that you can wear it with as many v-neck shirts as your heart desires.
Price at time of publish: $45
Sizes: 32A-38-DD | Colors Available: 3
Best Racerback: Aerie Real Sunnie Full Coverage Lightly Lined Blossom Lace Bra
What We Love: The straps can be worn normally or as a racerback.
What We Don't Love: Since it's only available at Aerie, some people may associate the brand with a younger demographic.
This bra's straps can be worn normally or clasped into a racerback if you want to add more support (or more of a push-up effect). It's covered in a 360-degree stretch fabric so that you stay cozy the entire time you're wearing it. It's lightly lined so that it helps with shaping, and the cup is full-coverage. That said, even though it's full-coverage, it manages to look incredibly cute.
We love all of the color options, and they look especially great with the blossom-patterned lace trim around the band. This is a great way to integrate a spark of design that won't show up through your clothing.
Price at time of publish: $49.95
Sizes: 30A-42-DD | Colors Available: 12
Best Underwire: Victoria's Secret Bare Angellight Full-Coverage Bra
What We Love: We love the light cup coverage, the feel and support.
What We Don't Love: It would be nice if they made it in more fun patterns and a larger range of nudes.
Dare I say it, this bra provides the perfect amount of coverage. The lining is barely-there, but it still has a perfectly-positioned underwire that provides a ton of support. The cups are super soft and provide just a little bit of shaping. It's also hard to explain the feel of this bra – it's not so light that it feels cheap, but it's definitely not so heavy that it wears you down.
The straps are adjustable and stay up super well. While it is only available in solid colors, they have a decent selection of light to mid-toned nudes and black. I truly think this bra is one of the best-kept secrets out there, and it's admittedly my everyday go-to.
Price at time of publish: $49.95
Sizes: 32-40, B-DDD (F) | Colors Available: 6
Best Push Up: Maidenform Love the Lift All Over Lace Push Up Bra
What We Love: We love the lace detailing and added umph.
What We Don't Love: It could come in some larger sizes.
This push-up bra smoothes your sides and provides a push-up effect with extra padding in the outside corners. The lined cups work to perfectly lift and smooth so that your chest ends up looking symmetrical. It also has smoothing side wings so that you don't feel like you're bulging or being squeezed. It has a hook and eye closure as well as adjustable straps.
The design just might be the best part. Each color features a neutral base covered with a colored lace. The demi cups are scalloped at the edge, which creates a beautiful detail without showing any texture through clothing. It also has a dainty little bow in the very center of the cups.
Price at time of publish: $48
Sizes: 32A-40D | Colors Available: 6
Also available at Kohl's.
Best Sports Bra: adidas TLRD Impact Training High-Support Bra
What We Love: We love the level of support and the adjustable bands.
What We Don't Love: It'd be great if a high-support bra like this was available in larger sizes.
If you're in the market for the ultimate sports bra, adidas is here for support. Not only is it made of a smooth fabric that's both cooling and sweat-wicking, it's incredibly supportive. It has wide, padded straps that definitely don't dig into your shoulders – no matter how hard you push it in your workout class. The crossed straps in the back also work to minimize any bouncing.
Finally, it has a scoop neck with hook-and-eye closures that make it easy to wear under any workout outfit. Available in black, green and burgundy, it's also definitely cute enough to wear on its own if yoga class gets a little too hot for a t-shirt.
Price at time of publish: $55
Sizes: 2XS-2XL | Colors Available: 3
Best Bralette: Cosabella Women's Allure Plunge Bralette
What We Love: We love the pretty lace and overall design.
What We Don't Love: The sizing could be a bit more specific instead of a general small, medium, and large.
Don't choose between adorable and comfortable because with this bralette you can truly have it all. It has a stunning plunge neckline that complements the lacy straps. The cups are lined, and while there's no underwire, support comes from the slightly elongated band. It has a pull-on closure and adjustable bands.
This bralette is available in eight different colors that range from neutrals to fun and bright. The band also features a gorgeous scalloped lace detail that continues the pattern from the rest of the bra.
Price at time of publish: $17.99 for size Small in Quartz Pink
Sizes: S-L, they also have a plus size version for fuller cups | Colors Available: 8
Best Maternity: Bravado Designs Body Silk Wireless Maternity/Nursing Bra
What We Love: The one-handed strap clips are ideal for nursing moms.
What We Don't Love: The foam padding can give an odd shape to the chest.
The name of this bra's game is its super soft fabric. Made of recycled nylon and spandex, it strikes a great balance between stretchy and supportive. The cups are removable and made of molded foam. The best part is that it has nursing straps that can easily be unsnapped with one hand.
It's very smoothing thanks to the fabric, and it's completely seamless which eliminates any irritation and keeps it from showing up under clothing. Finally, it's available in 10 colors, so if you love it, go ahead and stock up.
Price at time of publish: $49
Sizes: S-2XL | Colors Available: 10
Best for Small Busts: Intimissimi Jardin d'Amour Elena Balconette Bra
What We Love: We love the gorgeous lace and cup detailing.
What We Don't Love: This bra really wouldn't work with large or medium-sized breasts.
This bra is incredibly flattering for those with smaller chests. In general, balconette bras accentuate smaller chests because of the slight lift they provide. This one in particular also has a small semi-padded cup in the outer low corner so that it has a slight push-up effect.
Finally, the detailing of this bra is what really makes it pretty. The cups and straps consist of delicate lace, including lace that cascades down into a plunging neckline. There is also a single rhinestone right at the center in between the cups.
Sizes: 32A-40DD | Colors Available: 2
Best for Large Busts: SPANX Bra-llelujah! Full Coverage Bra
What We Love: We love the feel of the fabric and the front-closure design.
What We Don't Love: The straps aren't adjustable.
In addition to providing a wide band at the sides, this bra is accommodating to larger breasts due to its full-coverage cups and underwire. It also has wide straps that are stretchy and supportive. It fastens in the center of the front, which provides a nice push-up effect and you don't need to struggle to close a back clasp.
Even though it's full-coverage, it has a deep v-neck so that you could wear it with lower-cut tops. While you can't adjust the straps, they are made from SPANX smart stretch fabric, which adjusts itself to different measurements while adding support. This is also a celeb-favorite with Jennifer Garner among the ranks of people singing its praises.
Price at time of publish: $68
Sizes: 32A-40DD | Colors Available: 4
What to Keep in Mind
Fabrics
When you're shopping for a bra for comfort, you want to find a fabric with stretch that's also super soft, like a modal or a jersey. While lace and rhinestones or other decorative touches are gorgeous, they can also show up under thinner fabrics like silk or t-shirts – so if that's not your goal, be mindful. They also can be itchy or cause irritation to your skin if rubbed the wrong way.
Colors and Coverage
Rather than matching your bra to your top color, consider matching your bra to your skin color. While white and black (or brightly colored and patterned) can work under thicker or darker fabrics, remember that a bra under a light-colored or nude shirt, your bra should be skin-toned if you don't want it to show through.
Also keep in mind the purpose of your bra. A workhorse bra that you plan on wearing daily may have fuller coverage and support for all day wear versus a formal occasion bra may have pretty lace or a deeper cut depending on the garment.
Your Questions, Answered
Which bras offer the most support?
Love 'em or hate 'em, if you want support, you need a bra with an underwire. Underwires are even helpful when you're working out, but there are other sports bras that offer a lot of support as well – definitely make sure to prioritize wide straps and a snug fit.
How do you know if a bra fits well?
You'll know it fits well if the cups lay flush against your chest with no gapping at the center or tops of the bra. You also want to make sure that the band isn't cutting into your ribs because it's so tight. A new bra should fit at the largest clasp, so you have room to tighten as it stretches. Most straps are adjustable, but you also want to make sure that you're not having to tighten them all the way back in order for the bra to feel supportive. If you do this, you're definitely going to end up stretching it out and won't be able to tighten them further the longer you wear it.
How should you wash your bras?
As annoying as it is, simply tossing your bras in with the rest of your laundry isn't the best idea. Even if the cups themselves can survive the wash, you're running a high risk of the hooks or straps getting caught on something and exiting the washer completely ruined. For more delicate options, you probably need to skip the machine entirely and wash them by hand (and without wringing them out). For normal t-shirt or everyday bras, go ahead and invest in some garment bags. Make sure you hook the straps of your bra together to keep them from getting tangled and then you can toss it in with a load. Hanging to dry is best as heat can wear out the elasticity.
How often should bras be replaced?
While most wear and tear is fairly obvious, you should also make sure to take note of any stretching. If the straps won't get any tighter no matter how many times you adjust them, it may be time to call it. Similarly, if the band feels looser and looser and you're noting that the underwire (or the band directly under your breasts) isn't sitting flush, go ahead and toss it. This timeline depends on how often you wear or wash your bras or how many bras you keep in your daily rotation. Try on your bras every six to 12 months to see how they fit and determine if it's time to be replaced.
FAQs
What type of bra gives the most support? ›
Support: Underwire bras are known for providing optimal support, so it could be your top choice if support is what you're looking for. Best for: Bigger, fuller breasts. Some people find underwires uncomfortable, so if you don't need the extra support, you might want to skip it.
What are the top 10 best bras? ›- Natori Feathers Underwire Contour Bra. ...
- ThirdLove 24/7 Classic T-shirt Bra. ...
- Lane Bryant Cacique Smooth Lightly Lined Balconette Bra. ...
- Warner's No Side Effects Full Coverage Underwire Bra. ...
- Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Lightly Lined Memory Touch T-shirt Bra. ...
- Cuup The Plunge Bra. ...
- Natori Bliss Perfection Underwire Contour Bra.
The underwired bras are your best bet as far as supportive features go. An underwired bra provides plenty of support to the bra to lift the sagging breasts. It is best for those who prefer to go padding-free and lightweight without compromising on the support factor.
What bras do celebrities wear? ›- Skims.
- Spanx.
- Gooseberry Intimates.
- La Perla.
- Savage x Fenty.
- Calvin Klein.
- Good American.
- Fleur du Mal.
Breast massage therapy can ease the breasts' sensitivity and provide better blood circulation to the breast. Gentle massage can also increase milk supply. Massage can help warm up and loosen the tissues around the breasts' milk ducts and help the milk flow.
What causes extra large breasts? ›What causes extremely large breasts? The cause of gigantomastia isn't entirely known; however, researchers think it may be influenced by: Hormonal changes (like during puberty or pregnancy). Medications like penicillamine or bucillamine.
How do I know what size bra to wear? ›- Measure your band. Wear a lightly lined (non-push-up) bra so your breasts are as close to natural as possible. ...
- Now measure your bust. Place the tape at the fullest part of your bust. ...
- Subtract the band size from your bust size to find the right cup size. Every inch equals one cup size up.
Spacer Bras are a lightweight alternative to your usual padded bras. The difference lies within the fabric – it's all about the Spacer Fabric. It's created very differently to regular foam as the purpose is for it to be light and breathable.
Which bra does not show lines? ›T-Shirt Bra – A seamless bra construction can play a major role in ensuring no visible bra lines through your clothes. So, T-shirt Bras are a preferred choice to avoid unwanted show-through. Designed with molded cups, it gives you a clean and neat finish.
What is the most popular bra color? ›BLACK/ WHITE/ NUDE
These basic must-haves in every girl's bra closet are popular because they literally go with anything. Easy to find across sizes, can be used with different coloured clothes, they don't need much effort at all. Classic black bras are known to flatter all skin tones and are associated with power.
How many bras should you have? ›
A good rule of thumb is three everyday bras: Two in a neutral color or skin tone shade. At least one darker color, like Black, Espresso, or Olive, for outfit variety.
Can sagging breast be firm again? ›Can Sagging Breasts Be Firm Again? Sagging breast tissue cannot regain its youthful firmness without plastic surgery. Unfortunately, measures such as exercising your chest muscles, eating healthy, and applying topical creams are not enough to correct pronounced sagging and drooping.
How do you lift saggy breasts naturally? ›- Posture: Poor posture causes breasts to hang by their own weight, placing tension and pressure on breast tissue which results in sagging. ...
- Exercise: Not only can chest exercises like pushups, bench presses, arm curls, and swimming improve muscle strength, they improve posture as well.
How often you need to wash your bras isn't an exact science. But dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says that as a general rule, you should wash them after every two to three wears.
Is it healthy to sleep without bra? ›Wearing bra while sleeping may boost the growth of fungal infection since it may create moisture around the bosom area. Avoid wearing bra while sleeping and give your breasts time to breathe.
Should you wear a bra for bed? ›There's no evidence that points to any negative health effects from sleeping in a bra. In fact, sleeping in a bra may be beneficial for women with larger breasts who might experience discomfort from breast movement throughout the night. That being said, choosing to wear a bra at night comes down to preference.
Is DD bigger than D? ›There is a difference of between 2cm and 2.54cm (depending on where you shop) between each cup size, so an AA is an inch smaller than A and DD is an inch bigger than D.
How can I make my bra more comfortable? ›- Make Your Straps Tight Again. ...
- Tighten Worn Out Bands. ...
- Wash Before You Wear. ...
- Use Gel Pads. ...
- Be Careful How You Stow Them. ...
- Don't Be Afraid Of Padding.
Both cotton and microfiber bras are perfect for everyday wear, and while cotton provides more softness, microfiber bras provide a lighter feeling.
How often should a bra be washed? ›How often you need to wash your bras isn't an exact science. But dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, says that as a general rule, you should wash them after every two to three wears.