Arguably the most important thing in your wardrobe, the best bras are there to ensure you get maximum uplift and support. Getting your foundations right ensures your clothes will sit on your body correctly, redefining your silhouette.
Finding the best bras for you can take some work, and the bra you'll need will differ from outfit to outfit. Giving a helping hand in lifting and shaping your bust line, you should think about the overall shape you're looking to create before selecting the bra for the job.
Lingerie expert for Next, Georgina Bibby, explains: "In order to cover all bases I recommend every woman invests in the following 4 types of bra:
- A sports bra for support when exercising
- A non-wired bra for comfort when lounging or for days off at home
- A good underwired supportive bra for every day at work
- A multiway bra for all occasions
Below we've listed all of the above and more, and tested dozens of them to deliver the best bras in every style. When testing we looked at the quality of the material, design, support, and arguably the most important factor – comfort.
We also took into consideration different body types, although we also have a dedicated guide to the best bras for large busts, the best bras for back fat, cup preferences, and budgets.
Quick list
If you're after the best bras from each category without all the added info, these are our top six picks on the market. From everyday styles to post-surgery designs, these are the best bras for your every need. Keep scrolling to read more about each style.
Best full cup bra
One of the best t-shirt bras for a bigger bust, the Figleaves Smoothing Sweetheart bra boasts comfort and a brilliant price point. With a two-hook back, but smooth and decently deep back panels, it's also one of the best bras for back fat.
Best non-wired bra
With a crop top design and smoothing, stretchy material, this medium-support bra is suitable for all bust sizes. Utilising the brand's shapewear know-how, the fabric smooths without feeling constricting.
Best strapless bra
Incredibly sturdy, its unbudging band is patterned with small silicone dots, which prevent the bra from slipping. This brand excels due to its unique hand-shaped system, designed to lift your bust from the inside.
Best front fastening bra
Ideal for those with mobility issues, this front fastening style offers comfort, practicality, and a feminine design. It also boasts medium coverage with unlined seamless cups for a flawless finish, so can be worn under pretty much anything. It's certainly one to consider if you're searching for the best bras for mature women.
Best post-surgery bra
Developed with the brand's customers, this Bravissimo post-surgery style offers style, comfort, and innovation. The pocketed mastectomy style is non-wired and has no internal side seams to ensure lasting comfort.
Best bralette
This non-wired bra is great for those with a larger bust, looking for a soft bralette style that still gives great lift and support. Feminine and stylish, it offers ample support and a smooth finish.
Georgina Bibby is Senior Lingerie & Swimwear Technologist at Next. A branded lingerie technical designer with over 20 years experience, Georgina thrives on helping women find perfect fitting lingerie, swimwear & shapewear.
Best bras: Full cup
The most supportive and high coverage of all the bra types, a full-cup style will keep your boobs nice and secure. The straps sit a little closer together than your average bra, too – a handy detail if you find they normally slip and slide off your shoulders.
Full-cup bras are best suited to larger, fuller breasts, creating a nice rounded shape beneath your clothes. Smaller or less-full boobs may find full-cup bras dip in at the top.
"A full cup bra is one with fuller coverage, and is usually best suited to a larger bust, but can also be good to provide a smooth silhouette under clothing," Georgina explains. "The neckline of the bra would sit higher than a plunge or a balcony and some full cup styles have more coverage at the underarm.
"The centre front should sit flat to your breast bone at the front, the bust should be completely encased within the cups and the wire should not sit on the breast tissue at the underarm or the centre front."
By their very design, full-cup bras can feel a little functional, so look out for pretty patterns and lace detailing to add a fashion-forward touch.
Shop full cup bras
Size range: 30B-40G
One of the best t-shirt bras for a bigger bust, the Figleaves Smoothing Sweetheart bra launched a few years ago and has become an integral part of the Figleaves collection (and lots of underwear drawers too). Available for D-F boobs, and back sizes 30-40, Figleaves provide excellent bras for bigger busts.
The fit is supremely comfortable and at a great price point, this sweetheart neckline bra is cut low enough to be discreet under clothing and work with V and scoop necks, but high enough to offer fantastic support. With a two-hook back, but smooth and decently deep back panels, it's also a great bra for smoothing out back fat.
Size range: 30A - 42E
If you’re looking for a fancy bra at an affordable price point, the Rosie for Autograph range ticks all the boxes. One of the best British clothing brands, M&S is well-loved for its lingerie department and is well known for making some of the best bras.
We found that the Silk & Lace Underwired Full Cup Bra provided plenty of coverage and lots of support. The light padding and underwiring worked together to lift and boost the bust, while the luxe silk straps kept the fit comfortable. The smooth, lace-free cup felt sexy and sultry but utterly practical too, and as you might expect from M&S the fabric was of excellent quality, feeling soft and luxurious without breaking the bank.
Size range: 34E-46H
Featuring supporting and stylish geometric stretch lace, the Panache Sculptresse Bliss Full Cup Bra offers immense comfort and a smoothing effect that's perfect for wearing under shirts or other items which require you to be held and minimised.
Our tester enjoyed this bra so much it quickly became her everyday. It lacks the more sexy elements you could find in other Panache bras, but the all-day support and comfort is unrivalled.
One of the best bras in a full cup type, the Panache Bliss is also available in a gorgeous hazel colour and black.
Best bras: Non-wired
When it comes to the best bras for comfort, non-wired styles are more often than not going to trump their wired counterparts. Because they don't include any hard materials underneath the cup, there's an added softness to them for comfort. With that in mind, they are usually best suited to women with smaller breasts, who don't need as much support. But that doesn't mean women with bigger boobs should avoid them.
"Non-wired means the bra has no wires around the cup, but the bra could still have side bones in the side seams for support," Georgina explains. "They are usually worn for comfort purposes, but a quality non-wired bra can still provide good support if fitted properly.
"Non-wired styles can come in all shapes – full cups, plunge, balcony, sports etc. After and during the pandemic, sales of non-wired bras increased due to the consumer wanting to be more comfortable everyday. Non wired bras can be worn by all ages, from teens in training bras to the more senior wearer."
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Size range: S-XL
With a crop top design and smoothing, stretchy material, this medium-support bra is super comfy and flattering. We found it worked for larger busts as well as smaller chests, and while the design is very simple, we loved the comfort that the lack of underwire gave.
Utilising the brand's shapewear know-how, the fabric smooths without feeling constricting, you can also check out Spanx clothing range for items with inbuilt shapewear too, including tops and camisoles that will offer additional smoothing support.
Size range: 30E-40J
Ideal for nursing, lounging, and gentle exercise, the Bravissimo Nova Lounge Bra solves the age-old quandry of bralettes that offer no support or separation.
The cross-over front section of this bra is lightly padded, and the wide straps and firm band offer good lift and support that will have you wearing this bra in and outside of the house.
"This is the comfiest bra ever! Since having kids I’ve really struggled to find a bra that fits my new deflated shape and I find underwire so uncomfortable but this bra is the closest I’ve come to feeling confident again," one reviewer wrote.
Size range: XS-L
While the material of this bra genuinely feels like a second skin in terms of comfort, if you're bigger than a C cup, you might find this doesn't offer quite enough support for you. However, for smaller chests this supremely comfortable option is one of our favourites.
The second-skin-like claims are true and the bra is extremely soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. Unbelievably light, second-skin is certainly the correct term when it comes to this bra, as you'll easily forget you've got it on. Slips on, with no fastening, it offers a super smooth finish.
Best bras: Strapless Bras
Strapless bras are brilliant for occasion wear - not so brilliant if they don't fit well. A good fit is key to a strapless bra, and to do that, you need to do a little more than just try it on for size.
A well-fitted strapless bra should sit along your rib cage and feel secure enough to not move or slide about when you're wearing it. If it doesn't stay in place, you may well need to try a size smaller to help keep it snug to your skin (but make sure you can breathe still!).
It should support your breast in a way where they are not slipping out of the bottom, but equally not spilling over the top. It's a definitely a bra type that requires a bit more thought, which starts when you try it on. Rather than just seeing how it looks and feels stationary, lift your arms up and down, jump up and down on the spot a few times and see how secure it is. It's also worth taking the garment you plan on wearing it with shopping with you, so you can see if it suits.
Women with a larger bust may also want to consider a strapless bra with a thicker band for additional support.
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If anyone knows how to make well-fitting strapless bras, it's the Victoria's Secret team. This multiway bra can be worn classic, as a halter, one strap, crossback or strapless, and features exclusive non-slip cups and band to help make sure it stays in place.
woman&home social media editor Jenny Wotherspoon is a big fan. "This is the best strapless bra I've found for keeping the girls in place. It's got no padding so it doesn't make you look a weird shape, and the rubbery bits inside the band keep it in place really well. It does lose it's effectiveness a little over time, but the shape and security are really good!
Size range: 30D-38G
From shoppers and lingerie experts alike, Wonderbra’s Ultimate Strapless Bra has long been hailed as the best on the market. We're pleased to confirm that it's worth every single bit of the hype. Available up to a G cup this bra does work for larger busts, although the underband only goes up to a size 38.
Incredibly sturdy, its unbudging band is patterned with small silicone dots, which prevent the bra from slipping. This brand excels due to its unique hand-shaped system, designed to lift your bust from the inside. Admittedly, this makes it not the most comfortable option to be wearing for long periods of time, but if you're looking for unparalleled support and a discreet style, then the people at Wonderbra know exactly what they're doing.
One of the prettiest strapless bras we've tested, the w&h team are big fans of the Wacoal brand. Made from super-soft, stretch lace, the Halo Lace is unbelievably comfortable and supportive - and it looks beautiful too. Complete with detachable straps, it can be worn in a variety of ways, making it a great option for any outfit.
"Wacoal bras are some of the most reliable and comfortable in my collection and I love this lace strapless style that doesn't cause any bulk under thinner tops or dresses," says former woman&home fashion writer and freelancer Amelia Yeomans. "The material is soft on the skin and is more stylish than your typical strapless bra - plus it can be trusted to stay up, and comes with detachable straps for even more functionality."
Best bras: Front fastening
Front fastening bras are both extremely convenient and ideal for those who may struggle with their mobility. Just as comfortable and stylish as regular bras but with the added bonus of accessibility, everyone can benefit from having a front fastening bra in their arsenal.
"Front fastening bras can be beneficial for the older wearer and those with mobility issues," agrees Georgina. "They can be easier to fit and comfortable to wear and are sometimes medically recommended." But even practical picks can be stylish and make you feel your best whilst providing that all-important support.
"A front fastening bra can have a hook and eye fastening, a clasp or even a zip," explains Georgina, so it's easy to find a style that will work best for you and your needs. Plus, "as the fastening is at the front, this will mean the back of the bra is completely smooth under clothing," she says.
Look out for styles with a stretchy back if you want as much support as possible and the perfect fit underneath your bust.
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Size range: 36B-44D
Designed for larger back and cup sizes, this front fastening style is both feminine and practical with a full coverage shape. It is designed to aid posture, but functions brilliantly as a supportive bra.
With soft top cups that adjust to the shape of your bust, adjustable straps, and supportive side bands, it ticks every box. Plus, it's non-wired for an extra comfortable fit.
Reviewers rave about the ease of the front fastening, with one customer saying: "I was having problems doing the back fastening bras so tried this one. Soooo happy with it, I now have 4!"
Size range: 30A-38G
Our team have tested several Lounge bras over the years, and one thing you can count on is a barely-there feel which will be undetectable underneath clothing - and this style is no different.
In a smooth fabric with a stretchy back, this front fastening style is designed for everyday wear and maximum comfort. We especially love the stylish metal clasp that really adds to the look of this bra whilst enhancing its convenience.
Available in four different shades and up to a G cup, this is the ultimate do-it-all bra with a sturdy front closure that will make getting ready a breeze.
Size range: 32B-38E
If you struggle with your bra straps slipping off your shoulders throughout the day, this could be the style to solve all of your problems. Thanks to the front fastening, it has a minimalist racerback style that isn't too sporty or bulky, making for reliable wear.
It boasts medium coverage with unlined seamless cups for a flawless finish, so can be worn under pretty much anything. Plus, with a low centre front and small clasp, it offers even more versatility.
With the same stylish appeal as other bras thanks to the scalloped edges and lacy straps, but several added layers of practicality, it's a winner on all fronts.
Best bras: Post-surgery
"Post-surgery bras are made from super soft materials and are designed with special seam constructions for maximum comfort when the skin can be particularly delicate around the bust after an operation," explains Georgina.
"The coverage and support of a post-surgery bra is also important depending on what type of surgery the wearer has had," she says. Finding the right post-surgery bra will be a very personal thing, but there are a few key features to look out for to ensure it doesn't cause any discomfort.
"Post-surgery bras are usually non-wired and come with a pocket at the inner cup which can be used to hold a prosthesis. A prosthesis can sometimes be quite heavy, so ensuring supportive linings are used, that are still soft for comfort, is key."
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Size range: 28D-40H
Developed with the brand's customers, this Bravissimo post-surgery style offers style, comfort, and innovation. The pocketed mastectomy style is non-wired and has no internal side seams to ensure lasting comfort.
The inner fabric is made from cooling, soft mesh that feels soft against the skin, meaning no irritation. Plus, the built-in pockets can hold prosthesis if needed. Most of all, this bra is endlessly feminine and stylish thanks to the red lace fabric.
With an average rating of 4.7/5, customers have nothing but brilliant things to say. "Ordered this bra a week after mastectomy and I am delighted with it! Lightweight, true to size, comfortable. My softy prosthetic stays in place and I look balanced. I feel secure and supported," said one reviewer.
Size range: 32A-42E
Suitable for both single and double mastectomy, this gorgeous non-wired style comes with an internal cotton pocket to hold a prosthesis.
The Flexifit technology means the fabric will move with you and remain comfortable against the skin throughout the day. With an adjustable back and straps, you can be sure of a perfect fit too.
Aside from the beautiful colour and stylish lace material, customers note the brilliant price and brilliant fit. "The best post surgery bra I’ve found. Comfortable, classy and feminine," says one reviewer.
Size range: 32B-38E
Another customer favourite, the Maisie bra is extra soft and has padded cotton-lined cups which are gentle on the skin. This style also has in-built pockets, so it can hold a prosthesis if needed.
A brilliant simple, everyday style that delivers on functionality, it is a comfortable basic with no pesky wires or digging in - but with ample support for day-to-day.
"This is a life saver when you most need comfort!" said one customer, with countless others noting how soft it is on the skin.
How we selected and tested the best bras
Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
There's no universally held standard of 'the best bra' - everybody has a different idea of how a good bra should fit, flatter and support. But there are some common qualities we firmly believe all of the best bras should share:
- Fit - when it comes to bras, fit is everything. If you're finding that your current bras aren't doing what they need to, then it's definitely time for a new one. With our guide on how to measure bra size in mind, we wore the bras through work and the weekend, to really test their fit, support, and wearability.
- The quality of the materials - if cared for properly, the best bras should also prove excellent value for wear. This is why we rigorously tested the quality of their materials, their washability (following expert guidance on how to wash bras, of course), and longevity, to see if they really step up to the plate.
- Style - who said supportive bras had to be boring? From pretty lace balcony bras to wow-worthy push-up bras, we tried them all - to help you find the bras that will make your boobs look amazing, both in and out of clothes.
Learn more on how we test bras at woman&home in this detailed guide.
FAQs
What is the best bra to wear with a V-neck dress?
"When wearing a V-neck dress, it is best to opt for a plunge bra as it has a lower front and a neckline more in line with a V shape," says Georgina. You can also opt for a strapless or bandeau style to ensure that no straps are on show.
For particularly low or unusual cuts, a stick-on bra may be necessary. However, these usually don't offer as much support as traditional bras. A strapless or plunge style in a matching colour to your dress will both look and feel good.
What bras offer the best support?
"The bras with the most support are either a full-cup bra, as the cups provide the most coverage and therefore more support, or a high-impact sports bra," explains Georgina. Both of these styles can be trusted to deliver lasting support, especially styles with thicker straps.
What is the best bra for sagging breasts?
"For sagging breasts, I recommend a full cup bra as they have higher coverage and will therefore provide support to a softer bust," says Georgina. "At Next, we have developed a range of Total Support bras, especially for this."
Any bra with ample support and coverage is likely to work well and provide comfort, but the best bra for you is the one that looks and feels the best for your lifestyle.
How to find the best bra
"The best bra is an investment. Like anything you want to last for a long time, you need to invest and go for a brand that has a wide size range from back bands and cup sizes, to ensure the perfect fit", says Curvy Kate's PR and Content Manager and resident 'Bra Whisperer', Katie Weir.
"Seek professional advice, many lingerie retailers offer both in-person and virtual bra fittings - such as an appointment with Curvy Kates Bra Whisperer. Taking less than 30 minutes over Zoom, you can find your perfect fit and leave feeling really knowledgable about your bra".
And what should you look out for?
"(Particularly) if you have big boobs, the comfort and design of a bra is integral to a great fit and shape. Look for wide straps as these will feel super comfy across your shoulders, a wide, firm back band to hug and hold your body from the underarm right around to your back, as 80% of support comes from the band".
How do I know if a bra fits properly?
So you've found the best bra, but you're still unsure about how a bra should fit. We totally get it - finding a bra that fits like a glove takes time and a lot of trying on, but according to Priya Downes, CEO and co-founder of fit first lingerie brand Nudea, there are a number of tell-tale signs that will indicate whether or not your bra fits as it should.
- Your bust is bulging out of cups and is showing through your top - giving the double boob effect.
- The center front of the bra is not sitting against your sternum and is lifting away
- The cups are now empty and wrinkling.
- The underband is riding up at the back, and you have to tighten the straps
- A previously comfortable bra is now uncomfortable.
But it's also important to remember that the size of your boobs is likely to fluctuate throughout the month. While knowing how to measure bra size is extremely important it's also important to take into consideration when you should measure your bra size.
"We wear bras every day of the month, so it's good to always be well-fitted," says Priya. "At the time of lowest hormonal activity, about seven days into the cycle, the breast will be at its lowest size, as well as on the last day of the cycle. It would be ideal to measure at both times."
Though she adds, "Usually one or two bigger bras for your biggest days will do, but we should also make sure that your smaller size is suitable for every day."
It's important to measure your bra size or get measured regularly, usually every six months, regardless of whether or not your bras still fit. This is because wearing the right bra is very important both to bust health and how our clothes fit. Your bra will naturally stretch as you wear it, so regularly keeping check of your size will always ensure you're getting the best lift possible.
What is the best bra to wear everyday?
There is no definitive 'best bra' to wear everyday, as the choice is subjective and depends on your shape and size, how much support you're looking for and what kind of comfort level you want. But these are some of the more common everyday bras for most people:
- T-shirt bras: Probably the most common choice for everyday wear thanks to its moulded cups and smooth fabrics that look seamless under clothes.
- Full cup bras: Maximum coverage means secure support that reduces bulges and jiggling.
- Non-wired bras: Always a top pick for those looking for comfort.
- Balcony bras: One of the most flattering styles as they support the breasts from underneath and lift them upwards.
- Bralettes: Easy to throw on without awkward fastenings and generally don't use any wiring or much padding, so these are a common pick for everyday wear.
- Sports bras: The best sports bras and best high-impact sports bras are for those who need extra secure support for busy days,
According to Katie, there are three key styles we should all be adding to our bra-drobes though.
"Plunge Bra - this is perfect for lower cut outfits as you show a little more décolletage. The center wire sits lower between the boobs which still offers great support and separation for the best shape.
"Balcony Bra - this is a fuller coverage style that separates the bust with the wire sitting higher between the boobs. This bra shape is great for feeling super secure in your bra, make sure it is perfectly fitting so that you don’t spill out of the cup. You can also get a balcony bra with side support which projects your bust forward to give incredible shape and for ladies who want to have a minimizer effect without the squashing this bra shape eliminates the boobs from going east/west."
"Strapless Bra - this will change your life. A perfectly fitting strapless bra will hold your boobs up without the pain. Always make sure that the wires reach around, the breast tissue and the back band should offer 100% of the support".
Which bra is best for shape?
If you're looking to create shape with your bra, there are a few different styles and features you can look out for:
- Padded/molded cups: Padded and/or molded cups are the best way to create shape. This can be in a more structured style with underwire or even in a comfortable bralette with removable cups.
- Underwire: A bra with underwire will help to create shape as it will lift the bust from underneath.
- Side support: Side support is always helpful with creating shape as it pushes the bust inwards and upwards from the sides.
- Balcony cut: A balcony or balconette style bra creates shape from the way that it holds up the bust.
Top tips for buying a bra online
We're firm believers that every good fashion look starts with the basics, and a good bra is non-negotiable. Even the most well-thought-through capsule wardrobe wouldn't be effective without a well-stocked bra drawer to go with it.
Here's how to make sure you get it right the first time around when shopping online:
- Book an online fit consultation: no, it's not the same as an in-person fitting, but virtual bra fittings can go a long way in helping you find the best fit, and subsequently the best bra for you.
- Put your new bra through its paces: "When you finally get your bra, make sure you try adjusting the straps and jiggling your boobs," says Carlotta Ghigi, Nudea’s in-house bra technologist and expert fitter. "As you’re putting the bra on, lean forward and ‘jiggle’ your boobs into the cups to get the best fit. This can be a real game-changer for some who’ve been wearing ill-fitting bras for years," she advises.
- Ensure hassle-free returns: "It's an oft-quoted statistic that 80% of British women are wearing the wrong bra size, but self-measurement is just one step in finding your fit," says Ghigi. "So it makes sense to ensure that returning items is as easy as possible."
When should I replace my bra?
As with a pair of the best jeans, you probably have a few favorite bras in your underwear drawer that you turn to again and again. But if you're wondering how often you should change your bra, it's probably more regularly than you think.
"A bra that you wear every other day should be washed every four wears and if hand-washed, this bra will last you one year. But as bodies change, it is recommended that you have a bra fitting every 6 months to check your size and ensure maximum comfort" - says Katie.
But when your bra no longer feels supportive - whether that's because your bra has lost its stretch, its fabric is wearing thin from over-washing, or your size has changed, it's time to seek out a replacement. But proper care of a bra can prolong its life.
Here are a few tips for making your favorite bra go the distance:
- Machine wash your bra in a garment bag and on a delicate cycle to keep it from getting twisted among your other clothes
- Line your bras up in your underwear drawer like they do in shops. Folding your bra one cup inside the other can shift the padding and compromise its shape.
- Invest in a special detergent to keep your bra in mint condition for as long as possible.
