When it comes to finding the perfect bra to keep your bust under control, we're all looking for very different things. I'm always on the hunt for the most comfortable bras, as I struggle with harsh underwires and rigid padding. Traditionally, softer styles wouldn’t offer much in the support stakes, but thankfully, this has changed, and you can now find lift and hold in lingerie that is also wonderfully comfy to wear.
Finding the best bra can feel like the holy grail of your wardrobe. While some bigger-busted ladies may be trying to track down the best bras for large busts or the best minimiser bras, I like to look out for the most comfortable bras that also support my chest. I tend to opt for softer styles for lazy sofa days, and classic bras for a busy day at work. However, I often find the latter a little stiff and tight to wear, and I count the minutes until I can get home and whip it off again. So I was excited when I was asked to test the most comfortable bras!
As a fashion editor, I have worn and worked with an endless amount of underwear and certainly had some favourite brands, but I was intrigued to try some new-to-me labels and styles to find the most soft and supple non-wired bras out there that promised to look after my boobs without any ouch-moments.
Because I understand how tricky it can be to find ‘the one’, I tested 25 very different styles and shapes from a wide range of brands, and I have found some firm favourites. I am a size 36C, so what works for me might not necessarily be a winner for you, but while vetting the most comfortable bras, I considered everything from the style and fabric to the support and fit, as well as how comfy they felt to wear for a full day. I also thought about the size range and general support for larger busts.
While the technical aspects of each bra and the overall fit were my main priority, the way the bra looked was also a big factor for me. In the past, wireless bras could often be a little basic and some even considered them a bit frumpy, but these days there is an amazing array of shapes and cuts available that can look great and feel fabulous to wear.
Women might opt for a softer style for a number of reasons, so it's good to have one in your underwear drawer. Boobs can feel a little sore and tender during times like pregnancy and the menopause, or sometimes it just feels nice to have a break from structured bras.
Whatever your reasons behind shopping for the most comfortable bras, I have taken the hassle out of your browsing and rounded up the comfy styles you can rely on…
The quick list
I’ve condensed all my thoughts from the last few months of testing the most comfortable bras below into an easy summary for you. These are the styles I'd recommend to friends.
As the name might suggest, this one is super soft, and the silky fabric feels breathable and light against skin. I have always been a fan of M&S underwear, and this one is up there with the best. I love how the lacy back and side bands balance out the very simple cups while adding a sexier feel. The gently shaped and lightly padded cups combined with an impressive size range (covering 30B-42E) makes it a winning choice for a wide range of bust sizes too.
This brand recently launched in the UK, and I predict big things. This bra blew me away! The clever technology and mouldable fabric adapts to your shape to fit like a glove, and it manages to lift and hold my chest amazingly well with zero wire or firm padding. The size range is impressive, and it’s designed to look after even very large busts without feeling restrictive.
I adore loungewear, but had struggled to find a truly soft bra to keep my boobs in check without getting in the way of a comfy sofa day. This soft and delicate bralette did the job perfectly and added a gentle amount of hold to my chest without feeling at all restrictive or tight. The lace design was a bonus too, and I'm really fond of the colour.
Non-wired bras usually don’t offer much in the lift and cleavage stakes, but this pretty pink piece really surprised me. The smooth and sleek design has a plunge front and some very gentle padding in the cups perked up my bust brilliantly. I tried it in a pastel pink shade, and it’s also available in classic black and white options.
I love Spanx shapewear, but had never considered their bras before. This wire-free bra has a slightly firmer feel, which smoothes and holds brilliantly, but still manages to feel flexible. The reversible design means you get two looks for the price of one, and the sizing includes XS-3XL, which covers a band size of 31-54. I was impressed with how well it sat under clothes.
This sportier bra looks great, plus the featherlight fabric is easy to wear for a day at home or the school run. The pale pink design has a flattering crossover front and pulls on like a waistcoat to fasten under each boob, which is unlike any other bra I've tested. It has a feminine yet modern vibe to it that creates a lovely shape on boobs and it’s very comfortable to wear all day.
Most Comfortable Bras: Tried & Tested
You’ll find plenty more details about each bra below. As I mentioned, I tried 25 bras, and these came out as my very favourite. Wondering how we test bras? I wore each bra for a full day, and thought about the design and fabrics, as well as support, but most importantly, how comfortable they were to wear. At W&H, we take our bra testing very seriously and only feature products that we truly love. The below made it into the best buys because they really were comfy and easy to wear while keeping my boobs in check.
Most comfortable bra overall
I have long been a fan of the underwear range from M&S – in fact, the Contourwear Non Wired Plunge Bra made it into my round-up of the best bras for back fat last year too. I had high hopes for this bra, and I'm happy to report that I was not disappointed. The sumptuous black lace on the underband and at the back gives it a sexier feel, and the fuss-free full cup front was very flattering on my boobs.
The support this one offered was great. I wore it for a very busy day, which included dashing for a train, a long day in the office, and then the school pick-up. This bra saw me through for all of it – it held my chest in place without feeling too rigid, and the soft and silky fabric was such a treat against my skin. I could put it on first thing and not have to think about it later – there was no need for yanking it down or readjusting.
As with most M&S bras this one works brilliantly for both small and large breasts but sadly the cup size only goes up to an E, so not ideal for women with bigger boobs.
Due to the delicate lace fabric, this one should be hand-washed only. I found that after cleaning, it dried speedily and fitted just as well as before.
It exceeded my expectations in terms of style and general support, while being incredibly soft to wear. I found myself reaching for it again and again.
You can read my full M&S Body Soft Non Wired Bra review here
Most comfortable bra for large busts
This piece from the new-to-the-UK brand is cleverly designed to provide support and lift for even the largest of busts without the need for underwire. I tried the Defy bra, and it blew me away. The modern fabric is designed to work with the heat from your body to mould to your natural curves and shape for the perfect fit that doesn’t pinch or dig in. The brand recommends wearing it for three days for it to soften up and adapt to your shape. I actually found it fitted beautifully after just a few hours - I could pop it on in the morning and forget all about it.
It has quite a full amount of coverage and a high back, which isn’t the sexiest look but it’s super smoothing under clothes and a great choice for anybody looking for the best bras for back fat. It’s a pull-on, so there’s no tricky clasps to deal with, and once on, it added a smooth and pert shape to my chest and offered plenty of hold for even the ultimate test – a session at a busy soft play centre with my toddler! The cups have an innovative design that somehow lifts and supports boobs and all without the need for a wire or stiff shaped cups.
The clever adaptive fabric means that although the sizing covers S-XXL, each size includes a dozen or so bra sizes, ranging from 30C to 54H. I tried it in a medium in the Himalayan Salt colourway, but it's also available in black and a soft sand shade.
This one is up there with the most expensive bras I tried, and I appreciate it is a big investment. I honestly think it's worth the money, though, thanks to the science-backed fabrics and clever fit. The design evenly distributes the weight of breasts to ease back pain and straining, too, so if you have an ample bosom, I think this one will really help.
I expected the modern materials to be delicate to care for, but this one is fine to throw in the washing machine on a cool wash - which is a winner for me!
You can read my full Evelyn & Bobbie Defy bra review here
Most Comfortable Bra for loungewear
For a low-key day at home, I always prefer much lighter support. This gorgeous bralette does just that and helps create a smooth shape without feeling at all restrictive. The soft and stretchy lace material was easy to move around in, yet held up well even after hours of wear without feeling loose. It’s wire-free and has removable pads for an even softer feel, it’s a pull-on, so there’s no clasps to worry about, and you can adjust the shoulder straps to find a better fit for your shape.
While I don’t think it would provide enough support for my boobs while running for the bus or a busy a day of errands, it was great for a little lift and hold for while I’m at home in my favourite sweatshirt and leggings. The sizing does go up to XXL but I don’t think this would be a great choice if you have very large boobs and need a higher level of hold – you might prefer another comfy bra alternative that offers a little more structure like the Evelyn & Bobbie Defy bra.
The design gets a big thumbs up from me as I love the unusual turquoise colour and pretty lace fabric. It’s also available in five other colour options, including bright pink and classic white. The lacy fabric is surprisingly easy to care for too - you can pop it in the wash without any worries - no shrinking, bobbling or loss of shape.
This super soft bralette style bra has fast become one of my favourites for a cosy sofa day at home – it’s such a treat to wear.
Read my full Sloggi Zero Feel bra review here
Most comfortable bra for lift
I hadn’t expected many of the wire-free bras to do much in terms of cleavage, as they tend to be much softer and offer a smaller amount of lift than firmer lingerie, but this one really surprised me!
The combination of deep plunge front and gentle padded cups helped to support my boobs well with a gentle hint of push-up that was very flattering and a nice little pep-up that I wouldn't normally get from wire-free pieces. It’s lower cut than most of the other bras I tried, but without being OTT for everyday. The modern and simplistic design kept it looking chic, while sitting sleek and smoothly under even the tightest of tops.
I found it offered the right level of hold for when I did the school run or popped to the shops but I’m not sure it would hold up as well for those with very large boobs. The shaped and lightly padded cups are a little firm, and the sizing covers 28A-38DD.
The microfibre fabric is lightweight and breathable. It has a fresh and cool feel against skin, and I expect it to feel nice to wear on even the warmest of summer days. I tried the pretty pink colourway, and it’s also available in timeless black and classic white.
Another plus point is that this one is machine washable which makes a nice change from my heavily structured and delicate bras that often need to be hand-washed.
It's the perfect mix of lighter everyday support and easy comfort. It feels like a nice balance between a traditional lingerie staple and a softer bralette.
Read my full Boux Avenue Comfort Microfibre Bra here
Most comfortable smoothing bra
When you think of Spanx, shaping shorts probably spring to mind. I've worn plenty of the brand's best shapewear over the years, and have heard great things about the Spanx Seamless Leggings. But the bra range was new to me!
I opted for this sportier design, which promises to add support and hold to boobs while being very flexible. The full-front piece offers more coverage than a traditional bralette, and while there isn’t any padding or wires, the fabric is a little thicker and firmer, which is brilliantly smoothing and creates a very sleek finish.
The firmer fabric supported my chest while chasing my toddler round the park or tidying the house, with no harsh tightness, and it moved with me rather than against me, so I found it easy to wear for hours and had no complaints.
While it doesn’t offer fuller hold for a day at work or running errands, it’s an excellent option for wearing at home or for a relaxed weekend, and I think it’ll look after a wide range of bust sizes well with the impressive size range on offer
Unlike a lot of my structured and more delicate bras, the padding-free shape of this one means it can be rinsed in the washing machine and washed on a lower temperature. I found that it washed well and after drying, it retained its shape and hold brilliantly.
Overall, I found it a comfortable and very flattering bra that smoothed and lifted my boobs, and I like the clever reversible design, as it means you get two bras for the price of one.
You can read my full Spanx Comfort Bra Review here
Most comfortable bras - best design
There's a lot about this bra that I really liked. The main thing for me was the stylish design looks good while having lots of clever technical details that make it fit better too.
It pulls on a bit like a waistcoat, with a flattering crossover front that fastens under each boob. The front fastenings have three rows of hook-and-eyes, so you can adjust each side to suit your shape, and easily make it a little looser or tighter without too much effort. The wider straps also have hidden thinner straps inside that can be removed for a softer feel or added in for extra support. These extra details give this bra a customisable feel, which I really enjoyed and I wore it a little looser for lounging around, before switching to a firmer setting on busier days.
The cups themselves are soft and made from a silky smooth fabric like a classic bralette, but the crossover design seems to pull the material over boobs to feel taught and secure, to provide plenty of hold.
I liked the peachy pink colourway and the subtle jacquard print fabric, and the elasticated underband has a very contemporary and sporty feel to it while still being very feminine. I think it would look great in black, but right now it's only available in navy or a soft sapphire shade.
The delicate fabric needs to be hand-washed, so avoid the machine with this one. Once cleaned, it dried very quickly and felt like new.
This one is up there with the comfiest I’ve tried. As well as being stretchy and easy to wear, the fine fabric adds gentle hold that would suit smaller and medium sized boobs well, and I love how flattering the crossover front is. While it wouldn’t be enough lift and hold for a very busy day, this light level of support is perfect at home or for a quick pop to the shops. It's unlike any bra I've worn before - and I’ve been wearing it on repeat.
You can read my full Fantasie Fusion Leisure Bra review here
How we tested the most comfortable bras
While looking for the most comfortable bras, I tested 25 different styles. I wore each one for at least a full day, and while wearing them I considered the fit, style and fabrics, as well as how comfy they were to wear. I was searching for comfortable pieces but it was important to think about every aspect of the bras to make sure it was a good all-rounder that I would happily recommend to others.
I tried a wide range of styles, shapes and designs from different brands that cater for a range of sizes and budgets. I tried a few classic triangle-shaped bralettes but found that they didn't offer any real support, and are probably best for those with smaller busts or as a sleep bra. I also found anything with a wire to be a no-go for this round-up, as even those styles that promised a comfy fit, still felt a little too stiff with hard underwire in the cups.
It was tough to whittle it down to just six - some other bras that were very nearly in my final picks were the M&S Lounge Rib & Lace Non-Wired Plunge Bra, which has a very modern feel to it, and I enjoyed how soft it was but I found slightly better support from other bras from the same brand - including the Body Soft Non Wired Full Cup above.
Wacoal had some great styles too, and the Back Appeal was a strong contender due to the supple fabrics and impressive hold, but I found the design and fit weren't as wow-worthy as some of the others on my list, so it narrowly missed a spot in my best buys.
Fit: The fit is up there as the key part of finding a good bra, and this includes how well it supported boobs as well as how comfortable it felt to wear all day. I wanted to be able to pop it on and not have to worry about it for the rest of the day. I also thought about the shape it created on my bust and how neatly it sat under clothes.
Materials: This is important when it comes to comfort, so I considered how soft and breathable fabrics were. I also looked at how well materials held up after being washed and dried.
Style: While not as influential as the technical aspects of each bra, I still thought about the colour, pattern, and shapes of each piece of lingerie I tried. In the past, I have found wireless bras to be a little bit simple and less wow-worthy, but these days they can be just as stylish as traditional bras so I factored in how they looked too.
How to choose the most comfortable bra for you
When it comes to selecting the best bras for comfort, it's all down to personal preference but as a general guide, there are a few key features that you should always look for to find an easy-to-wear bra:
- Comfy materials: When you’re looking for a soft and wearable piece, the fabric can make a big difference. Look for silky and microfibre fabrics that are gentle against skin while being breathable and avoid anything too thick as this can feel a little more rigid and tight, and may be too hot during summer.
- Wide straps and underband: The underband is where most of the support and lift comes from for a bra. Wide straps make them less likely to dig into your shoulders, giving greater comfort overall. The wide underband should help to hold your bust and stop overspill, while feeling much more comfortable around your sides and back than a skinnier band.
- Sleek and simple designs: I found that pull-on styles minus any embellishment or bold seams tended to be comfier because there was no tricky clasp to deal with or any worry about the fastenings rubbing against or digging into skin. A smooth and sleek design will sit neatly under clothes and will be easier to forget about when you’re wearing it than something overly fussy
- Minimal padding: Padding is great for a little extra oomph, but it can feel very stiff and structured, and will take away from the comfiness. When it comes to easy-to-wear bras, opt for softer cups with minimal or no padding. You can still get plenty of shape and definition from a non-padded bra, and they feel much more supple to wear.
- Good fit: You want the back band to stay where it is all day without riding up, and the shoulder straps shouldn’t feel harsh or dig in. You should be filling the cup, without over-spilling and your breasts should still sit in the correct position, although as there tends to be less lift and sculpt, they might not be quite as high as usual.
- How it looks: Whatever you're wearing, you want it to look good and make you feel great. Whether you want something a little sexy or pretty, taking time to find a style that suits you and your capsule wardrobe can make it feel extra special to wear.
FAQs
What kind of bra is most comfortable for all day wear?
Bras are a very personal thing so the answer to this will vary from woman to woman, but for me, I’d say that a wire-free design with softer cups will always be more comfortable than a traditional structured piece.
It’s always best to try on different styles to find the perfect fit for you, and to get the right level of support for your bust and your lifestyle. Whichever you go for, you want to be able to wear it without having to think about it - it should neatly under clothes and feel great.
Can wireless bras still provide support for larger busts?
If you have a fuller bust, you can still feel comfy in a wire-free bra. Look for stretchy yet firm fabrics that will move with your body while still having enough hold to stop your bust from bouncing all over the place. Moving around a lot and even short bursts of exercise like dashing for the bus can all put strain on the tissue and ligaments in your boobs which can lead to discomfort, so it is important to find a bra that offers the right level of support for everyday while feeling easy to wear.
I’d recommend looking for pieces that have extra supportive details like wider straps and fuller back panels to lift and hold better. I spoke to Wacoal Europe Fit Specialist, Paulene Leese, who explained: “whilst wired bras can give a better shape as they separate the bust, as long as the wireless bra gives the support on the band, you can still experience a good level of lift and they can still take the weight of the bust away from the neck and shoulders.”
Are wire-free bras better for your breasts?
While comfort may be the reason most women opt for softer bras, some shoppers buy them as they worry about doing damage to their breasts with harsh wires. I asked Paulene her thoughts and she told me: “as long as a wired bra isn’t digging into breast tissue and fits well, both wired and non-wired bras can have equal benefits. It is important you are wearing the right size for maximum comfort and to avoid any painful pinching.”
Alexandra Thrower, Brand Manager at bra brand Chantelle, also explained to woman&home: “Your bra has a very important role, and that is to protect and bear the weight of your bust. Most women don’t realise how heavy their bust is (anything between about 500g for B/C cups, to 2+ kg for G+ cup). They need to be supported. You may also find that not wearing a bra will worsen back, shoulders, or neck pains and give you headaches."
Non-wired options can also make for more comfortable bras for anyone who suffers from tenderness, especially during different times of the menstrual cycle or in the various stages of menopause.
Why the fit of your bra can impact comfort
One of the biggest factors that can mean a bra doesn't feel comfy is down to it simply not fitting right. Even the softest of styles might feel uncomfortable if it's too big or too tight.
Use our expert guide on how to measure bra size with just a tape measure at home. If you're not confident going through the process on your own, you can look up advice and tips online from brands like Victoria's Secret and Triumph, or book in to visit your local lingerie store. Most brands, including M&S and John Lewis offer free measuring services.
Paulene Leese is a trusted underwear expert with over forty years of industry experience. Paulene has worked for the luxury lingerie brand Wacoal since 2014, and is one of their Europe Fit Specialists, working with women to help them find their perfect bra size and fit.
