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The Best, Most Comfortable Bras
We could all use a little extra support these days. Whether you're shopping for your first bra or looking to upgrade some lackluster staples, this is a good place to start. We think any bra you put on your body should be comfortable and well constructed. And it should make you feel beautiful. To find some of the best bras, we spent 23 hours researching bras and talking with industry experts about what makes a great one. Then we enlisted a panel of four testers of different sizes who spent countless hours wearing 43 models from 19 brands—pitting industry titans against fledgling startups. We're confident that our 10 final recommendations will suit a slew of moods, bodies, and style preferences.
How we picked
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Mainstay styles
We tested styles that we know have been popular and available for years and will stick around in the future.
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Size and color options
We preferred bras that come in (at least) sizes A to DDD with a 32- to 40-inch band and at least two shades of nude.
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Style and materials
We considered bras with a wide variety of cup styles and materials that would look flattering on a multitude of bodies.
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Return policy
We preferred bras that could be returned or exchanged for free and within 14 days (ideally longer) to ensure a perfect fit.
Most of our picks are available in a wide range of colors (including multiple shades of nude). And our Other good bras section has even more options to fit a variety of body types and styles. To help you find what works for you, we also offer advice on what makes a great bra and how to measure bra size.
Why you should trust me
I've been a science journalist for more than seven years, and since joining Wirecutter in 2017, I've written about lap desks, fabric-covered electronics, water tumblers, and more. In my personal life, I've always had a soft spot for things that excel in both form and function. During the course of researching and writing this guide, I gained a new appreciation for the humble bra—which, when executed well, is really a finely tuned piece of design and engineering.
To write this guide, I interviewed Cora Harrington, founder of the blog The Lingerie Addict and author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie; Jaclyn Fredenburg, an instructor at New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) who specializes in corsets and other undergarments; Dr. Andrea Madrigrano, a breast surgeon at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago; and Holly Powell, owner of The Pencil Test, a lingerie store in Portland, Oregon. I also spoke with Doug Farmer, an end-use research fellow at The Lycra Company; Majid Sarmadi, PhD, a professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Human Ecology; and Colleen Hill, a museum curator at FIT and author of Exposed: A History of Lingerie, for additional background and context.
Because no two boobs are alike (even on your own body), I recruited a panel of Wirecutter staffers who wear different sizes than my own to test the contenders. Our testers wear a 34A, a 36D, a 42D, and a 34F. Over the course of six months, we spent countless hours adjusting straps, hooking and unhooking bands, and scooping and swooping our boobs into bra cups.
Who should get this
Although I typically shed my bra around dinnertime, I've found that a good one can make me feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident. Like many people, I wear a bra primarily for support. FIT instructor Jaclyn Fredenburg says a bra can help with posture, back pain, and even breathing, by lifting and more evenly distributing breast tissue. "For large-busted women, the right bra will help get the weight of the breast tissue off of the rib cage," she said. Dr. Andrea Madrigrano also noted these potential benefits, adding that bras help prevent sweat from accumulating beneath the bust, which can cause rashes or sores. Even if you don't need much support, a bra can accentuate your curves, make your breasts pleasantly perky, and provide nipple coverage under thin or sheer fabrics.
If you're a tween or teen buying your first bra, we have several recommendations for soft, stretchy bralettes, which may be more comfortable for developing chests. But we especially prioritized comfort during testing, so many of our picks would be good options for beginners to try.
If you've noticed suddenly that your current bra is less supportive than it used to be, or that your size has changed, it's probably time for a new one, said The Lingerie Addict's Cora Harrington. Or maybe you need to treat yourself, for the sake of your mental health. "If your bra is looking dingy, faded, discolored, or tarnished, you might want to invest in another," Harrington said. "I think the undergarments we wear can have an effect on how we feel."
To narrow the scope of this huge category, we didn't consider any strapless, convertible, adhesive, maternity, or sleep bras in our testing. We have separate guides to the best sports bras, nursing bras, and pumping bras. For binders, Reviewed, Bustle and The Lingerie Addict offer some good suggestions, and we recommend checking out these options for trans-friendly or gender-neutral bras, limited-mobility adaptive bras, or mastectomy bras.
The most versatile bra: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra
Our pick
Who this is for: The ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra fit our 34A, 36D, and 34F testers equally well, and they rated it 4, 5, and 5 (out of 5), respectively. With the optional pads, it gives boobs a subtle push-up. Without the pads, it conforms nicely to the breast without gaping. Our 34F tester mentioned that this cut can sometimes give a "double bubble" bulge at the top of the cup but didn't have that trouble with this bra.
How it feels: Effortless and sophisticated. The lightly lined inner cups are soft and mold to the skin, and the mesh overlay adds extra polish and prevents spillage.
Why we love it: We loved every bra we tested from ThirdLove, especially the extra-versatile 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra. It offers more lift than the Perfect Coverage or Classic T-shirt bras we wore, yet it's just as comfortable for everyday wear—especially if you pull the subtle egg-shaped pads out of the cups.
The straps and underwire band are silky-soft, supple, and supportive, and they're both adjustable. The molded cups are made of a lightweight, cushiony material, and they're covered with a fine-mesh overlay that helps prevent minor gaping or spillage.
Like the other ThirdLove bras we tested, the Classic Uplift feels well made and durable. In addition to the mesh overlay, which reveals a hint of skin above the cups, the deep-V neckline gives this bra a refined, sophisticated, and modern look. One of our testers, who typically wears a 34A, noted that she loved the "taller, more angular cups" on this bra, and she said she felt sexy and comfy wearing it. Our size 34F tester also gave this one a perfect score.
Many startups can offer only limited size ranges due to economies of scale, but ThirdLove bras have cup sizes from AA to I and a 30- to 48-inch band. This impressive range is comparable to those of larger, much-more-established brands, such as Cacique, Soma, and Wacoal. ThirdLove is also the only brand we tested that offers half-cup sizes. (Though, be warned: No matter how many incremental size options are available, you still may have to try on a few different sizes to get a perfect fit.)
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This bra comes in only four colors, including just one shade of nude (which is disappointing given that the ThirdLove pick blows most of our other picks out of the water in terms of size options).
Sizes: AA to I cup (including half-sizes), 30- to 48-inch band
Colors: light pink, mauve, light brown, black
Return policy: 60 days, free return shipping
A budget-friendly T-shirt bra: Aerie Real Sunnie Wireless Lightly Lined Bra
Our pick
Who this is for: The Aerie Real Sunnie Wireless Lightly Lined Bra isn't as supportive as some of our other picks, so it might not work as well for people who have heavier boobs. Our tester who wears a 34A loved the fit and scored it 5 out of 5. But our 36D tester needed more support (and, call her old-fashioned, more opacity, too), and she rated it a 2. The molded cups add nice shape to smaller busts, especially compared with some bralettes that can flatten breast tissue.
How it feels: An easy base for more than just T-shirts, this bra is as soft and supple as they come. The body doesn't have any clasps, and it feels as stretchy as a bralette. The lightly lined cups are more structured, with a softly defined shape.
Why we love it: There's no one definition of a T-shirt bra, but for us, the Real Sunnie is the ideal: a smooth, seamless bra that won't show through tight or thin clothes. This bra is unlike any other we tested. The pull-on design offers the comfort and ease of a bralette, but the lined, molded cups add extra support, structure, and nipple coverage, like a more traditional bra. In many ways, this bra is the best of both worlds. The Real Sunnie's clean, elegant, simple lines give it a modern look that flatters many body types, and it's also one of the most budget-friendly bras we recommend.
The wireless Real Sunnie felt super lightweight, and the cups and straps were nearly invisible beneath even our thinnest T-shirts. Though the bra does have seams, they're mostly hidden on the inside. The neckline plunges dramatically (good for low-cut tops) while still offering nipple and side-boob coverage, and the straps are adjustable. At the time of this writing, this bra comes in four different colors, including only one shade of nude. There's also a lace version that comes in four colors, if you prefer a more traditional style.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sizing on this bra is fairly limited compared with that of some of our other picks. Also, the material (nylon-elastane) doesn't feel as luxurious as that of other bras we tested. And even though the stretchy band and straps are very soft, the molded cups are rather rigid. The pull-on style means you won't have to fidget with a clasp, but a size-adjustable band would have provided a more precise fit.
A weightless underwire bra: Cuup Scoop Bra
Our pick
Cuup Scoop Bra
A thinly lined everyday bra
This bra is so lightweight that you'll forget you're wearing it, yet its underwire band and wide straps provide plenty of support. However, its silky material is susceptible to sweat stains.
Buying Options
Who this is for: If you like a natural, padding-free look but still need support, try the Cuup Scoop Bra. All of our testers, wearing various sizes, found something to like about it. This bra offers more coverage than a bralette, and those who wore smaller sizes liked the lightweight feel—our 34A tester rated it a 5 out of 5. Our 34F tester loved the extra supportive underwire and wide straps, and rated it a 4.
How it feels: Silky, luxurious, and minimalist. But, unlike many simple bras that don't provide good support, this bra really delivers.
Why we love it: If you hate most underwire bras because they dig into your skin, try the Cuup Scoop Bra. It's quite supportive, even for those with large busts, but it's so lightweight that it almost feels like you're wearing nothing at all. I find that the cut and the silky fabric make this bra feel more like an extra-supportive bralette. And it seems like you could dance in the Cuup Scoop Bra without experiencing too much bounce, thanks to the underwire band and wide straps, both of which are adjustable.
The scoop neck is subtle and elegant-looking, adding plenty of coverage without being stifling. Most of the stitching on this bra is hidden on the underside, creating a seamless and shapely silhouette. The Cuup Scoop Bra's wide, thin straps were also smoother on the tops of our shoulders than most we wore, which is handy under tank tops or thin blouses. Our testers didn't find any loose threads or uneven stitching. And though its material is thin, the Cuup Scoop Bra retained its shape and didn't stretch out throughout the day (which unlined bras tend to do).
This bra is available in a wide variety of colors (including several nude options), and the range of cup sizes is impressive—all the way up to an H cup.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The main drawback with this bra is that the silky fabric easily succumbs to sweat and other stains—we noticed some spots developing after just a few wears. And though it comes in a wide range of cup sizes, the band goes up to 38 inches only.
Sizes: A to H cup, 30- to 38-inch band
Colors: black, light brown, medium brown, dark brown, rust
Return policy: 30 days, free return shipping
A supportive, shapely bra: Harper Wilde Base Bra
Our pick
Harper Wilde Base Bra
A bra that won't quit
This sturdy yet buttery-soft bra will support your breasts through whatever the day throws at you. It's comfortable, elegant-looking, and flattering on a wide variety of body types. It's also one of our least expensive picks. But if you have extra-sensitive skin, you might find the hook-and-eye a bit itchy.
Buying Options
Who this is for: The full-coverage Harper Wilde Base Bra has deep cups that are especially well suited to large breasts. Our testers who wear sizes 42D and 34F gave it 5 and 4 (out of 5), respectively. This bra worked well for smaller sizes, too. Our 34A tester found it to be a good choice for days when she wanted more coverage than skimpier bras provide, and she also rated it a 5.
How it feels: When you need all the support you can get, wearing this bra feels like curling up in a favorite armchair. Its pillowy-soft cups hold you in, and the band lies perfectly flat, so it never digs into your skin.
Why we love it: This bra might look simple and straightforward, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it a pleasure to wear all day, and during an array of activities. Our testers especially liked its no-nonsense, sturdy construction and smart, stylish details. Not only that, but it's a bargain: Costing $40 at the time of this writing, it's one of our least-expensive picks.
My favorite part about this bra is that the strap-adjustment sliders are in front, so you can easily move them up and down without having to reach behind your back (a seemingly no-brainer detail that most bras lack). It also has a small hook on the back to easily switch the straps into a racerback design, for extra support or to keep the straps from sliding down your shoulders. The Harper Wilde Base Bra has a supportive underwire and a sleek, stretchy, adjustable band. The lightly lined, molded cups are pillowy-soft, gently cradling breasts and creating a smooth silhouette beneath shirts or dresses.
We also appreciated the extra-stylish touches on this bra. The gore (the part on a bra that joins the two cups together) has a unique, criss-cross detail that adds some interest compared with similar, no-frills bras we tried. And though the Base is definitely a full-coverage bra (no chance of nip-slipping here), the deep neckline and wide-set straps work well under skimpier tops and allow for some airflow. The Base comes in an impressive range of sizes and four color options.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: One of our testers noted that the square of material holding the size-adjustment hooks on the band was painfully stiff and scratchy. It's a small area, but if you have especially sensitive skin, you might prefer another one of our picks.
Sizes: A to F cup, 32- to 42-inch band
Colors: light brown, medium brown, dark brown, black
Return policy: 90 days, free return shipping
A sexy splurge: Journelle Anais Plunge Bra
Our pick
Journelle Anais Plunge Bra
A stunning lace bra
This exquisite bra is wrapped in fine Leavers lace (one of the most expensive types of lace to manufacture). It has a kitten-soft velveteen lining, and it's as supportive as it is beautiful. It comes in fewer band sizes than most of our other picks, but it goes from an A to a G cup.
Who this is for: If you want a sexy bra that offers more coverage and support without sacrificing style, choose the Journelle Anais Plunge Bra. It was universally beloved by our testers. It had enough lift for larger breasts—sizes go up to a 36G—and plenty of sex appeal for everyone. The three people who tested it (sizes 34A, 36D, and 34F) gave it perfect overall scores of 5 out of 5.
How it feels: Like a dose of luxury for your lingerie drawer. It's beautifully made, soft, supportive, and sensual.
Why we love it: I used to think of lace as stuffy or scratchy, but that was before I tried this bra. It's sexy and surprisingly comfortable, and though it's pricier than our other picks, we think it's worth splurging on for a special occasion or to treat yourself. The lace—delicate flowers laid over a fine honeycomb netting—looks refined and creates an elegant transition from cup to skin at the neckline. The lace sprawls across the fine-mesh band, extending all the way to the hooks in the back, ensuring a glamorous look from all angles.
Sexy bras can be torturous to wear, but the Anais was a pleasant surprise. Every part of the bra that touches your skin—the straps, band, and inside the cups—has a velvety-smooth lining. This bra has the perfect amount of stretch, too, making it easy to move around in. The underwire band provides lots of support and doesn't poke or scrape. The straps can be adjusted with a slider, and the band is the most customizable one we found (it has four rows of hooks, while most bras we tested offer only three or none at all). It's also available in a wide range of cup sizes, up to a G.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Aside from its hefty price tag and short return window (a measly two weeks!), this bra's main drawback is that it comes in a limited range of band sizes. Also, it's available in only three colors, none of them nude. That's perhaps less of an issue with a lacy bra, however, since it won't totally blend in with skin anyway—this bra is meant to be noticed.
Sizes: A to G cup, 30- to 36-inch band
Colors: white, light pink, black
Return policy: 14 days, free return shipping
The best push-up bra: True & Co. True Body Wirefree Push Up Bra
Our pick
Who this is for: Although True & Co. says its True Body Wirefree Push Up Bra is particularly well suited for DD+ cups, our testers of all sizes enjoyed wearing it for a push-up look. The sturdy construction gave support and lift to our testers who wear sizes 36D and 34F, who rated it 3 and 4 (out of 5), respectively. It even managed to give cleavage to our 34A tester, who gave it a 4. We didn't miss the extra oomph of an underwire (this one is wire-free), but if you want a more dramatic push-up, look elsewhere. This one offers a subtle look.
How it feels: A great option if you just want a little boost, this push-up bra is plush and not at all constricting. The spongy, padded cups mold nicely to the skin, and the under-boob seams hold up breasts but don't constrict your ribs.
Why we love it: If the phrase "push-up bra" makes you think of smushed, uncomfortably constricted cleavage (but you'd still like to get some of that pushed-up effect), you should give this bra a try. It's made of a silky-smooth material that conforms seamlessly to your body's curves. And the curvy design and pillowy-soft cups create an accentuated but natural-looking silhouette.
The True Body feels sturdily made—we didn't detect any flimsy seams or other imperfections in the construction. The material feels smooth and delicate yet durable, like it'll hold up to significant wear. The cups have elegant, curvaceous lines that dip low in the front to accommodate plunging necklines. They're lightly filled with a soft layer of foam padding that's concentrated toward the bottom to provide more lift. Some push-up bras we tried felt stiff and overly stuffed, whereas the True Body's cups were soft and flexible (though they're thicker than those of most other bras we recommend—it is a push-up bra, after all). Its band is well proportioned and supportive, despite having no underwire. The band and straps are both adjustable, and the straps can also be positioned as a cross-back, so it'll work with more types of tops. Testers of all sizes, from A to F cups, thought it was the most comfortable push-up bra they tried (though the Classic Uplift we also recommend gives this one a run for its money).
Flaws but not dealbreakers: We'd like to see more size and color options with this bra. And, though we like the subtle amount of extra oomph this bra provides, some people may prefer a bit more lift.
Sizes: A to DDD cup, 32- to 40-inch band
Colors: black, light brown, gray, pink, beige, tan
Return policy: 30 days, free return shipping
The best bralette for lounging: Harper Wilde Bliss Bra
Our pick
Harper Wilde Bliss Bra
A comfy crowd favorite
This pull-on, wire-free bralette is made for relaxing. It's constructed of smooth, pleasantly stretchy material that gently hugs the skin and offers medium support. With a plunging neckline and a low back, it works with low-cut tops but still offers plenty of coverage.
Buying Options
Who this is for: The Harper Wilde Bliss Bra provides plenty of coverage, so it worked well for testers of all cup sizes. However, it's stretchy—rather than structured—and doesn't have an underwire, so we wouldn't recommend it for everyday wear if you have very heavy boobs. It's less constricting than a sports bra, and the curvy seaming is flattering and helps prevent uniboob (but it does flatten breasts a bit). This bra is not the one to choose if you want to define and separate. Our testers who wear sizes 34A, 36D, 42D, and 34F all raved about this bra, giving it overall scores of 5, 5, 5, and 4 (out of 5), respectively.
How it feels: Super-soft, stretchy, and comfortable. This bra hugs curves and offers light lift.
Why we love it: The Bliss is great for lounging or even sleeping, but it's still supportive enough to wear out and about. The fabric feels like a second skin, conforming to a variety of breast shapes and sizes. It's the definition of comfort and ease. One tester, who wears a 36D, wrote, "The material feels a step above the rest. Classy-looking and comfortable. Big fan!"
We loved the elegant cut of the Bliss, especially compared with some of the other full-coverage bralettes we tried that had less-flattering shapes. This pull-on-style bra doesn't have any finicky hardware, and the under-bust seam gracefully provides lift and shaping. It has clean lines and a plunging neckline and back, making this bra easier to wear under a low-cut shirt or dress than other lounge-style bras we tested. We appreciate that the Bliss comes in several shades of nude as well as black, so most people can find a shade to match their skin tone.
The Bliss is a well-made garment, with straight, even stitching that looks practically new, even after multiple wears and washes. The seams around the arm holes, neckline, and band lie flat and blend in fluidly with the rest of the bra, making them barely visible through a shirt. The wide band gives you lots of support, but it's stretchy enough that it doesn't feel stiff or restraining.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Bliss isn't available in as many sizes as some bras we found, and its band and straps aren't adjustable. It may be harder to fine-tune this bra's fit, and once the bra stretches out, you won't be able to tighten things up (but that's true of most bralettes we tested). We'd also like to see a few more punchy, non-neutral color options with this bra, but that's a small quibble.
Sizes: XS to XXXL (A to I cup, 28- to 40-inch band)
Colors: ivory, light brown, medium brown, black
Return policy: 90 days, free return shipping
An adjustable bralette for bigger busts: Soma Embraceable Full Coverage Wireless Unlined Bra
Our pick
Who this is for: The Soma Embraceable Full Coverage Wireless Unlined Bra is ideal for people with larger breasts—it's a little more structured and has a sturdy band, so it offers more support than others we recommend. If your size tends to fluctuate, this is also a good choice (if you want a bralette) because the band and straps are adjustable. Our 36D, 42D, and 34F testers gave it overall scores of 3, 4, and 5 (out of 5), respectively.
How it feels: An around-the-house mainstay, this bra is soft, sturdily constructed, and more supportive than most bralettes we tried.
Why we love it: This bralette is our choice for working from home or running a few errands, providing even more support than our other bralette picks (and about as much as most underwire bras). The Embraceable bralette offers more coverage and a wider size range than most of our other picks, too; it is an easy everyday bra that may work better for people with fuller chests, since it sizes up to a G cup.
Some full-coverage bras we tried tended to have fussy details like lace or bows, but the Embraceable has a beautifully streamlined, simpler silhouette. The neckline plunges into a deep V, leading to a wide seam on the front that provides a bit of extra separation between the breasts. The cups are unlined, though fully opaque, and a thin layer of fabric sewn into the outer corners of the cups adds some side-boob shaping.
The Embraceable is as comfortable as any of our bralette picks—which is to say, very comfortable. And the 1-inch band provides plenty of support, even for large breasts. Most bralettes aren't adjustable, but the Embraceable has three rows of hooks on the band and sliders on the straps. It's available in a C to a G cup, with a 32- to 44-inch band (a wider range than most of our picks have).
The breathable nylon-spandex material feels like a soft microsuede—similar to what I imagine the velvety fur on a horse's muzzle feels like. This bralette is also sturdy, and we didn't find any loose stitches or fabric snags during testing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The seams on this bra are bulkier than those on some of our other picks, and they may be visible under a thin shirt or dress (since the cups are unlined, you might want to avoid wearing this bra with see-through clothes anyway). Also, as with the Bliss, with the Embraceable we'd like to see some more out-there color options.
Sizes: C to G cup, 32- to 44-inch band
Colors: light brown, medium brown, mauve, black
Return policy: 60 days, free return shipping
A sexy, sheer bralette: Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra
Our pick
Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra
A barely-there bralette
This sexy-yet-understated wire-free bra is made of a fine, nipple-baring mesh that's soft and stretchy. It has an adjustable band and straps to fine-tune fit, which many bralettes don't offer, but it provides only light support.
Who this is for: The comfy, minimalist Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra doesn't offer much support for large boobs, but if you're not looking for major hold, it does go up to a G cup. This bra offers light lift: It makes small breasts look perky, and the V-shaped cut helps define and separate, even though it doesn't have much structure. Our tester who wears a 34A loved the fit and scored it 5 out of 5. But our tester who wears a 36D needed more support and gave it a 2.
How it feels: This sultry take on a lounge bra is breathable and lightweight, and it offers minimal support.
Why we love it: This bra is a great option for people who don't need a ton of support but don't want to ditch bras altogether. It's sexy and modern-looking, and its ribbonlike straps and thin band offer just a smidge more lift than going braless.
The Sieve is unstructured and unlined—it's constructed with a layer of fine mesh that shows a hint of nipple. The fabric is durable but delicate, slightly stretchy, and quite comfortable against the skin. It's cut in a gentle, V-shaped scoop neck, and it offers light to medium coverage—the Sieve shows a bit more skin than the other bralettes we recommend. The seams around the arms, band, and neckline are cleanly stitched and lie nice and flat, and the thin straps are made of a sturdy, silky fabric. One tester said the Sieve reminded her of the barely-there ballet bras she used to wear as a dancer. Both the band and the straps are adjustable, so you get a more customizable fit than with some other bralettes we tested.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This bra might be too flimsy for some—one of our testers, who normally wears a size 36D, reported that it left her feeling "saggy." Negative sizes its bras from 0 to 5, in place of letter cup sizes and numbered band sizes, so you'll need to cross-reference its size chart to find your fit. And though a few colorways are available in larger sizes, most go up only to a 5 (a more-limited range than most of our other picks offer). As with the Bliss and the Soma Embraceable, the color options are all fairly muted, but there are still eight to choose from at the time of this writing.
Sizes: 0 to 5 (A to DD cup, 30- to 42-inch band) and plus sizes (DDD to G cup, 32- to 38-inch band)
Colors: black, light brown, light brown/black, light pink, light pink/black, medium brown, medium brown/black, slate blue
Return policy: 30 days, buyer covers the cost of return shipping
The best minimizer bra: Bali Passion For Comfort Minimizer Bra
Our pick
Bali Passion For Comfort Minimizer Bra
A stylish minimizer bra
This bra has clean, classic lines and feels silky against the skin. It effectively flattens a full bust (which is the main point of a minimizer), but feels more restrictive. It comes in more colors and patterns than any of our other picks.
Buying Options
Who this is for: The Bali Passion For Comfort Minimizer Bra is best for people with large breasts who are looking to minimize (rather than accentuate) their size—it's not offered below a C cup. It provides a lot of hold, but it is still soft against the skin and relatively comfortable, compared with other minimizers we tried. Our testers, who wear sizes 36D, 42D, and 34F, gave it overall scores of 3, 3, and 4 (out of 5), respectively.
How it feels: This super-supportive, structured bra helps smooth the silhouette of a full bust.
Why we love it: This bra has clean, classic lines and is made of a sleek, lustrous fabric. Like the name suggests, it minimizes the appearance of large breasts by redistributing the breast tissue, rather than emphasizing your cleavage. Overall, our testers didn't love wearing minimizers, and at sizes 36D, 42D, and 34F, they don't always want that look. But of the ones we tried, this minimizer was by far the most comfortable and elegant. It's also one of the least expensive of our picks.
The Bali has underwire and extra-wide straps, which provide lots of support. It's sturdily constructed with strong, strategically placed seams to hold breasts firmly in place. The scoop-neck design allows you to wear it under most tops, and the under-bust seam is hidden inside the cups to help it stay smooth and less visible through a shirt. The band and straps adjust, and this bra is available in a wide range of band sizes. It starts at a C cup, which makes sense given that people with smaller breasts probably don't need to minimize.
The unpadded cups are made of a breathable, nylon/spandex blend, and the straps and band are both pleasantly stretchy. This bra comes in numerous colors and patterns (17 options—the most of any of our picks). And, though it's understated, there's a touch of lace detailing on the straps and gore.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: This bra had the lowest average score (3 out of 5) of any of our picks—the three testers who tried it gave it so-so scores. We don't think that's necessarily the fault of this bra—rather, we just found all the minimizer bras we tested to be more restrictive and a tad old-fashioned-looking compared with our other picks. It's also worth noting that our minimizer bra testers don't regularly wear them in their daily lives. But if a minimizer bra is what you're after, this is the one to get. It excels at its main purpose—to minimize the appearance of a full bust—while retaining most of the comfort and elegance of less-structured bras.
Sizes: C to G cup, 32- to 44-inch band
Colors: 16 colors (including black and four nude shades) with various patterns and lace details
Return policy: 45 days, buyer covers the cost of return shipping
How we picked and tested
There are a mind-boggling number of bra options out there. We couldn't possibly test them all (though, trust us, it's not for lack of trying—we considered hundreds of bras from 56 companies). To write this guide, we talked with seven experts; scanned the websites of major retailers, including Amazon and Target, as well as specialized sellers, such as Her Room and Bare Necessities; and read editorial reviews from Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and Business Insider. We also perused the A Bra That Fits subreddit, where users passionately discuss fit and other wearability issues.
After finishing our research, we decided to consider bras from some of the oldest names in the business (including Bali, founded in 1927, and Wacoal, founded in 1949), as well as some that have been around for less than a decade (such as Cuup, Harper Wilde, Lively, Negative, ThirdLove, and True & Co). We decided it was imperative to test the mettle of these startups (which tend to be more heavily marketed) against several more-established companies, to see whether the quality of their bras and overall buying experience lived up to the hype.
Well-established brands have several advantages over startups, The Lingerie Addict's Harrington told me. For one, the more-established brands can often produce a higher-quality product for less money due to economies of scale—they can carry greater size and color options at more affordable prices.
"Some of these companies have been in business for decades, which means they've had a lot of time to invest in research and development for their products," said Harrington. "There's really no way to 'hack' being in business for 20 years."
Newer companies are more likely to discontinue or tweak products in response to customer feedback, which can result in less-consistent offerings at first (whereas established styles have already gone through this process). And since direct-to-consumer brands don't usually have brick-and-mortar outposts, FIT's Fredenburg told me, "Accessibility is a benefit of going with a larger brand, as you would be able to walk into most department stores and actually try it on."
On the other hand, most of the brands we recommend (both old and new) are sold at brick-and-mortar stores, and many offer free shipping and returns to make buying online about as convenient as in-person shopping. And, after wearing styles from a huge cross-section of both types of brands, a majority of the bras we recommend are made by younger companies. Many of the less-established brands we tested have found a way to offer beautiful, modern styles in many sizes and colors without sacrificing comfort and durability—and in roughly the same price range as some of their more-experienced competitors.
Fredenburg, who has styled models in lingerie from hundreds of brands—and has often worn the garments herself—said she thinks the playing field is much more level than it once was. "The lingerie market has been very disrupted in recent years, allowing some amazing brands to enter into it," she said. "A lot of bra startup companies have founders that spent years designing at the biggest intimate apparel companies, and now have all of that knowledge behind them. Some even have substantial investment capital that has allowed them to be able to do the same research and innovation as the larger companies."
Once we identified the top brands, we honed our testing list based on the following criteria:
- Mainstay styles: We chose not to test any limited-edition bras (like those from Savage x Fenty) because they tend to sell out quickly and get replaced with different styles.
- Size and color options: We preferred (though it wasn't a requirement) bras that come in (at least) sizes A to DDD with a 32- to 40-inch band (or XS to XXXL for bralettes), and at least two shades of nude.
- Style and materials: We made a point to consider bras with a wide variety of cup styles and materials (from cotton to spandex to Chantilly lace) that we felt would look flattering on a multitude of bodies.
- Return policy: Almost all of the brands we considered offered free returns. We preferred bras that could be returned or exchanged within 14 days (and ideally longer) to ensure a better fit. Two weeks should be enough time to try on your bra, test it out, and swap it for a new size, if need be.
- Price: We set a price cap of $150 per bra for our testing pool. You can get a good bra for under $70 (most we recommend cost less), and spending more won't guarantee that the bra will look better, feel more comfortable, or last longer. However, Harrington told me, if you're spending more than $100 on a bra, you should expect to see high-quality materials (such as silk, Chantilly lace, or plush-velvet lining) and masterful stitching details. Pretty much every bra—even a $10 bra from Target—must be at least partially sewn by hand, she told me. But high-end bras often have more-intricate components and finishings that take hours for a skilled craftsperson to sew. That extra time and attention to detail can translate into a more comfortable, elegant-looking bra.
This left us with a list of 43 bras to test. At least two of our four testers—who typically wear a 34A, a 36D, a 42D, and a 34F—tried on each bra, wearing it for at least an hour. They assessed a number of factors, including comfort, fit, support, construction, and style. Afterward, they gave each bra an overall rating from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest.
How to measure bra size
Women's clothing sizes are historically fraught, varying greatly from brand to brand, and bra sizing is even thornier. As we explain in How to Find a Bra that Fits, we recommend getting professionally fitted for a bra in person if you can. If there aren't any lingerie shops where you live, or you don't feel comfortable going in person, Powell (of The Pencil Test) told us some shops do virtual fittings over text or video.
If that's not possible, you can also take your own measurements at home. We recommend looking at A Bra That Fits, a bra-size calculator and measuring guide made by a group of reddit users, and comparing your results against the size guide for the particular bra you're considering. Sizing can still vary, however—for example, one of our testers used the calculator and it told her to get a C cup, but she's always found that A or B cup bras from most brands fit her better.
Finally, follow a series of try-on tips to check that the bra you receive is truly your size. Most of the brands we recommend offer free returns, but you should check the return policy first since the time limits vary. If you're shopping online, it can be helpful to order a few different sizes to try at home (though this isn't the most sustainable option). Local shops usually have their own return and exchange policies, which can be more lenient than the manufacturer's, so it's worth checking out stores close to home (this is also true of some larger retailers, like Bare Necessities, which has a generous 120-day exchange policy).
Care and maintenance
The best way to wash bras and other delicates is by hand, using a mild detergent (we recommend Soak), after two to four wears; machine washing wears them out faster. Harrington says that even if you choose to wash your bras in a machine (hopefully in a protective lingerie bag with a small load of laundry, on the delicate setting), you should still hang them to dry. The rough-and-tumble motion of a dryer can cause an underwire to pop out of place, she said. It can also twist, tangle, stretch, or distort the shape of the band, straps, or cups. Replace bras when the underwire warps or pokes through the fabric lining, when the elastic is totally stretched out, when the fabric starts to fray or fade, or when your bra size changes. Finally, you should always make sure to treat bras gently—they're called delicates for a reason. Store them upright, nested inside one another, so they don't become wrinkled or misshapen.
Other good bras
Underwire bras
The Aerie Real Free Full Coverage Lightly Lined Bra is similar to the Real Sunnie (made of a soft, nylon-elastane material with smooth, barely visible seams and simple lines), except the Aerie Real Free has an underwire for added support and an adjustable band. It comes in eight colors (a mix of neutrals and other colors) and many sizes (A to DDD cup, 32- to 42-inch band). The material doesn't have much stretch, which is why our testers slightly preferred the Real Sunnie. But the Aerie Real Free is still a great option.
The Journelle Isabel Balconette Bra and the Journelle Romy Demi Bra (both unlined) aren't as comfortable as the Anais Plunge, which has soft, microfiber cups. Like the Anais, these two bras come in a limited range of colors (the Isabel comes in green, light brown, and black, and the Romy comes in black, white, pink, purple, and light brown) and sizes (A to G cup, 30- to 36-inch band). However, the lace on the Isabel and the Romy (Leavers and Helanca, respectively) is just as elegant, and some people might prefer the sheer look of these two.
We slightly preferred the wire-free version of the Negative Sieve Demi Bra, but this bra is a great option if you want extra lift from an underwire. It's still stretchy and surprisingly comfortable (some of our testers expected the fine mesh to be scratchy—but it wasn't). It's available in a somewhat limited range of colors (light brown, light pink, gray, black) and sizes (B to DDD cup, 32- to 40-inch band), but our testers found that it flattered a variety of boob shapes.
Given their firmer straps, the ThirdLove 24/7 Perfect Coverage Bra and the ThirdLove 24/7 Classic T-shirt Bra were not quite as versatile or easy-breezy to wear compared with the Plunge, but we loved every bra we tried from this company. These two are well made, they provide lots of support, and the materials are soft and comfortable. Also, they're available in a wide range of sizes (Perfect Coverage: B to I cup, 32- to 48-inch band; Classic T-shirt: A to I cup, 30- to 48-inch band). And these two bras are available in even more colors (seven and eight, respectively) than the Plunge.
Wire-free bras
Compared with the Real Sunnie, the Aerie Real Me Wireless Lightly Lined Bra is more rigid and harder to pull on and off, and its seams are a bit more visible through a shirt. And, like the Real Sunnie, the Real Me comes in a limited range of colors (rust, coral, and green). But it does come in more sizes (A to DDD cup, 32- to 40-inch band), and the band is adjustable. Also, the adjustable straps can be switched into a halter or racerback. The Real Me is also really soft, and the band offers plenty of lift.
The Cosabella Never Say Never Sweetie Bralette comes in petite, curvy, and extended sizes and myriad colors, and it is one of the most comfortable lace bras we tested. Although the band is wire-free and non-adjustable, you get a surprising amount of support from its straps, which are adjustable and broader than those of most bralettes. We preferred the shapes of other bralette picks, which provide more padding and lift, but this one is still a solid option—especially if you wear either a larger or smaller size.
Similar to the Bliss, the Everlane Invisible Bra (formerly, the ReNew) has a supportive, 2-inch-wide band and a pair of pleasantly sturdy, size-adjustable straps, and it's made of a soft, stretchy material. The Invisible also provides plenty of coverage, despite its deep-plunging neckline, and it's relatively inexpensive. However, it's available in just a handful of colors (light brown, dark brown, gray, and black) and sizes (XXS to XL).
We didn't like how the seams on the front of the Lively Bralette and the Lively Busty Bralette showed through most shirts, and they're not available in many colors. But most of our testers found them to be comfortable and easy to wear, and between the three variations there are plenty of size options.
The Natori Bliss Perfection Wirefree T-shirt Bra is one of the most breezy, put-it-on-and-forget-it bras we tried. Across the board, our testers enjoyed wearing it, and we found it produced flattering silhouettes with multiple body types. It's available in 17 colors, but the sizing (A to F cup, 30- to 38-inch band) is fairly limited. Also, we found that the lace wasn't firmly attached to the band, and it started to pull away from the bra during testing.
The True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra received an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars with our testers. We like the scoop neck, removable padding, stretchy fabric, and seamless silhouette (even though it doesn't have an adjustable band or straps). The sizing runs from XS to 2XL (roughly 32A to 42F).
The rest
Underwire bras
The Cacique Smooth Boost Plunge Bra and the Cacique Smooth Lightly Lined Balconette Bra both come in a truly impressive range of sizes (Plunge: B to H cup, 34- to 50-inch band; Balconette: B to K cut, 32- to 50-inch band). These bras also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns (eight and 10, respectively). However, the fabrics on both bras felt rigid compared with those of our picks.
The Cosabella Soire Confidence Molded Underwire Bra comes in a dazzling array of 17 colors, but there are painfully few size options (B to D cup, 32- to 36-inch band). One of our testers who wears a 36D found the material to be scratchy and the shape unflattering.
The Cuup Balconette Bra is made of a slightly rougher material (a sheer mesh) than the Scoop, and most of our testers didn't find the shape to be quite as flattering. The material on the Cuup Triangle Bra feels the same as that of the Scoop, but, again, we didn't love the shallower shape of the cups as much as the Scoop's.
Our testers gave the Lively T-shirt Bra an average score of 1 out of 5 overall, noting that it was constricting and uncomfortable to wear.
The Soma Vanishing 360 Perfect Coverage Bra comes in a wide variety of sizes (cup sizes A to G, 32- to 44-inch band) and 16 colors, but it earned an average score of 2 out of 5 overall from our testers, who found that the cups showed through shirts more obviously than did other full-coverage options. The materials also feel bulkier and less expensive than those of our picks.
The VS Sexy Illusions Push-Up Plunge Bra provides more lift than both the Plunge and the True Body. But our testers thought the materials seemed cheaper than that of comparable options, and they gave the bra a lukewarm score overall.
Wire-free bras
The Cosabella Soire Confidence Bralette and the Cosabella Soire Confidence Curvy Bralette are available in a wide range of colors (15 and two, respectively) and sizes. The Soire comes in sizes S to L (which translates as an A to a D cup, with a 32- to 36-inch band), and the Curvy version comes in XS to XL (which translates as a DD to an H cup, with a 30- to 40-inch band). But these bras are made of one of the roughest fabrics of any we tested, and the triangular cups were unflattering on most of our testers.
The Soma Enbliss Racerback Bralette is super-comfy, and the fabric is soft and stretchy. And we like that it has removable pads. However, the high-cut neckline was strangely ill-fitting on all of our testers, and we found that the sizing ran very small.
The VS Lightly Lined Wireless Bra comes in a fairly wide range of sizes (A to F cup, 32- to 40-inch band) and 30 colors and prints. However, our testers gave it a low average score (3) overall. One reported, "Over the course of the day the band likes to tuck under my breasts, leading me to dig it out." And another said, "I feel like it's flattening my boobs (like a sports bra), but it also has too much room in the center."
Sources
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Cora Harrington, founder of The Lingerie Addict blog, phone interview , May 8, 2020
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Holly Powell, owner of The Pencil Test lingerie shop, phone interview , May 15, 2020
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Jaclyn Fredenburg, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) instructor, phone interview , May 18, 2020
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Colleen Hill, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) museum curator and author of Exposed: A History of Lingerie, phone interview , May 20, 2020
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Dr. Andrea Madrigrano, Rush University Medical Center breast surgeon, phone interview , June 12, 2020
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Doug Farmer, The Lycra Company end-use research fellow, email interview , January 27, 2021
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Majid Sarmadi, PhD, University of Wisconsin School of Human Ecology professor, phone interview , January 27, 2021
About your guide
Sarah Witman has researched, tested, and reviewed all manner of products—from massage chairs and mousetraps to pencils and power banks—since joining Wirecutter in 2017. Before that, she worked as a science writer and fact checker for numerous publications, and she studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin. In her spare time, she eats as much cheese as her body will tolerate.
How To Care For Your Bras American Eagle Blog
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bra-brands/
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