The 17 best bras of 2023
Nothing can ruin your day faster than an uncomfortable bra, which is why filling your lingerie drawer with options that are as comfy as they are flattering is so important. While there are thousands of bras available to choose from in the world of intimates, you’ve probably found out the hard way that many are not as comfortable as they claim to be. So instead of wasting time and money on uncomfortable and unsupportive undergarments, we turned to a variety of bra experts to bring you their top tips on how to shop for the best bras across multiple categories.
What to keep in mind when shopping for a good bra
Size
When it comes to shopping for bras, nothing is more important than finding out your correct bra size, and unfortunately up to 80% of women are wearing the wrong size. Not only can this cause daily discomfort, it can also increase chafing, neck, back and breast pain. And it can even contribute to bad posture! Luckily, it is easy to figure out your correct size and will only take a few minutes at home.
“First, you will need a tape measure (measuring unit should be inches) in order to take your rib and bust measurements,” said Noemi Diaz-Justino, senior design director of lingerie brand True & Co. “Holding the tape measure parallel to the floor, wrap it snuggly (not tight) around your rib cage. If the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches. If the measurement is an even number, add 4 inches. Next, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor, wrap the tape measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Now subtract the rib measurement (with the added inches) from the bust measurement. The difference will determine your cup size. The guide for cup sizes goes like this: 1 inch = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, 3 inches = C cup, 4 inches = D cup, 5 inches = DD, 6 inches = DDD.”
Fit
Now that you know how to measure your bra size, it’s time to make sure the bra you choose fits properly, because a well-fitting bra makes all the difference. According to Dana Donofree, breast cancer survivor and designer of bra line AnaOno, your bra should fit “securely and comfortably around your rib cage without gapping or overflow in the cups. Your chest should feel secure and at ease while you wear a bra, so it should not ride up in the front or the back, and the straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders.”
If you still need help figuring out the right fit, Jessica Pfister, vice president of Dreamfit Intimates, says there are a few fit checks you can do. “First, the top of cup should contain the breast without bulging or gaping. If it’s bulging the cup is too small or your straps are too tight. Underwire should follow the perimeter of the breast tissue and rest on the rib cage and the bra band should hug firmly around the body, anchoring the bra cup and underwire in place.”
“The band of the bra should also fit horizontally across the back. If it rides up in the center, this indicates that the weight of the breasts is pulling the back of the band up and the band is too large. You may need to go down a band size,” she added. “The center front of the bra should lie flat, tacking close to the breastbone. And if your straps are correctly adjusted, you should only be able to fit two fingers under the strap.”
Fabrics
“A bra should be made from good-quality components,” said Annette Smith, brand director for Montelle Intimates. “Good-quality elastic, foam, mesh and fabric will ensure your bra lasts for many months still doing the job it was meant to do.”
When it comes to finding a soft fabric Jessica told us, “Personally, I think there is nothing better than a super soft microfiber, modal or cotton spandex bra. They look smooth and feel incredibly comfortable. But, honestly, technology is so amazing now that you can have the most incredible lace bra that has a finish on it to make it feel just as soft and yummy against the skin.” Annette agreed, saying, “Lace bras are not itchy if they are a good quality.”
Silhouettes
Choosing the right silhouette “all depends on your lifestyle and your aesthetic,” said Annette. Think about the purpose of your bra, if you’re shopping for a comfortable bra to wear every day, you may want to consider a T-shirt bra that offers more coverage and plenty of support, while if you’re looking for a sexier option for special occasions, you may consider a pretty balconette option, a push-up style or a plunging bra.
With these guidelines in mind, we scoured the internet to find the best bras available, across multiple categories. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable wireless bra, a minimizing option for larger busts or a cute strapless option, there’s a bra on this list for just about everyone. Read on to see all 17 bras that customers say feel so good, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them.
This gorgeous bra from Natori provides good support and comfort you’d expect from a T-shirt bra but it has a feminine lace trim that gives it a more fashion-forward feel. The partially lined bra features contoured plunge cups that give your bust a flattering shape, and elastic-lined edges that keep the bra securely in place without digging into your skin. Even better, there are 16 pretty colors to choose from. “This is a great fitting bra that makes my modest bust size look great! Very comfortable, provides a great contour and the lace does not show through the shirt. The price was worth it. This is now my go-to bra,” raved one customer.
Along with being a great support bra, the comfy bra features patented SmartStretch straps that are specially designed to never fall down. I love that it clasps in the front and the fact that it creates a completely smooth base underneath my clothes. It comes in eight different colors and ranges in size from 32A to 40DDD. What’s more? The bra is so flattering and comfortable, even Jennifer Garner is a fan! She once told the brand, “You guys have no idea how many friends I’ve turned on to the Bra-llelujah!”
This full-coverage bra can minimize your bust line by up to one and a half inches. Along with a built-in underwire, it boasts two non-padded cups that comfortable cover and support your breasts. It’s also made from a four-way stretch material that smooths any bumps and bulges on your sides and back to create a nice layering base. It ranges in size from 36C to 42H and comes in a variety of colors. “Full coverage, minimizing and comfortable! Best bra I’ve found in a long time,” said one happy customer. “I am very large-chested and it is extremely difficult to find comfortable, affordable and nice bras! This checks all the boxes!”
Made from a blend of elastane and nylon, this pullover bra has a seamless knit band that hugs the body and provides the lift and support you need without a pesky underwire. It has a V-shaped neckline on front and back and it’s designed to keep its shape even if you wear it every day, so you don’t have to worry about stretching it out. The bra comes with removable pads if you’d like a little extra shaping. “I have been on a search for a very comfortable bra for the last year. I need support because I am a 34DDD, but the older I get the less I want to wear an underwire. This bra literally feels like you are wearing nothing, yet it’s supportive. I just ordered two more of these,” wrote one shopper.
The smoothing bra features molded cups and light foam padding to provide a comfortable, natural shape, while the back and sides have boning and gripper strips to help keep the bra in place. It even comes with removeable straps, so you can add them when you need extra support. They convertible bra can be worn conventionally, halter style or crossed in back. “I usually have issues finding a strapless bra in my size, since I am a 34 DDD. The bra fits perfectly, it stays in place, and is very comfortable. It gives great support and the right amount of cleavage. I am so excited I finally found the right strapless bra,” raved one shopper.
Amazon’s bestselling everyday bra is seamless to prevent chafing and is made from an ultra-soft nylon/polyester/spandex blend material. It has a lightweight underwire built-in to provide support without discomfort. Plus, the straps are not only adjustable but you can also convert them to crisscross in the back. One five-star reviewer called it “the best T-shirt bra” before adding, “I love to wear T-shirts when I’m not wearing scrubs…but hate the dreaded line that bra’s leave at the cups. This lays flat and doesn’t create creasing/lines in your top. And it’s so comfortable!”
“This is the perfect bra for someone who does not want wires,” said Annette Smith, Brand Director for the brand. “It has a hook and eye closure on the back ensuring that it is easy to put on and is cup sizes for a great fit. The bra even comes with removable pads.” The ethically made bra comes in seven colors and ranges in size from 30B to 40G. “So comfortable you don’t know it’s there but it still provides all the support and separation I desire,” noted one five-star reviewer.
Sleek and stylish, this bra smooths out lumps and bumps while still looking good up to a size HH cup. The full coverage balcony bra has molded cups, adjustable straps and cute pinstripe detailing. It comes in 10 versatile colors that will pair perfectly with the rest of your wardrobe. “If you're slim in the ribcage, but have larger cups, then this bra is a must-try! I ordered my true size, 28F, and haven't worn anything else since,” said one verified purchaser. “If you're on the fence, just go for it. Can be worn comfortably all day. The girls stay facing forward, high and proud, and stay put allllllll day. There's no spillage. Seriously, I never write reviews, but when something works, it's worth talking about.”
Smaller cup sizes know how hard it can be to find a bra that both fits at the band and doesn’t gap in the cups. That’s likely why more than 50,000 shoppers love this classic T-shirt bra that comes in half-cup sizes, so they can easily find their perfect fit even for small breasts. One customer with a A½ cup sized commented, “I had waited waaaaay too long to find a bra that fits just right, and I'm so glad I did. It fits like a glove and is so comfortable I forget I'm wearing it. Highly recommend!”
This classic bra is one of Annette’s favorite bras from the brand because “This spacer cup technology is light and breathable — you feel like you are barely wearing a bra. It’s supportive all day long and creates a lovely round shape.” Shoppers also love the extra-wide bands that offer extra support and help smooth out their sides and back. “This is the perfect lightweight bra. Very comfortable and supportive. The wire doesn’t dig into my armpits, which is a common problem with larger cup sizes. I’m ordering more,” wrote one.
Not only will this Lively bra keep you comfortable with it’s wire-free design, but it can also be worn with practically everything, thanks to it’s plunging V-neck silhouette. Made from a super soft modal fabric, the bra features breathable mesh wings to keep you cool and soft boning at the sides for additional support. What’s more, it has a J-hook at the back that lets you convert it into a racerback instantly. “I love how it looks under T-shirts. My favorite features are the deep V and the hook to convert it to a halter — I use that feature way more than I ever thought I would,” raved one shopper. Others say the convertible bra is perfect for travel since it can be worn under so many different silhouettes.
“The wide back bridge design and thicker straps offer additional support through the back and underarms,” said Dana. “The Rora, like most of our bras, features our trademark Tencel modal fabric that provides buttery-soft, irritation-free comfort.” The bra also boasts a front closure design and pockets that you can slip your prosthetics or symmetry shapers into. “Prior to surgery I tried several different bras and chose the AnaOno. This bra was exactly what I needed post-op for a lumpectomy. It was easy to use, was very supportive, and it was incredibly soft and breathable. Highly recommend,” said one customer.” While it was initially designed for mastectomies, shoppers who have had breast reductions and augmentations also rave about how comfortable and supportive it is post-surgery.
Not only will this Lively balconette bra give your girls a little lift, but it will also help keep you cool thanks to its breathable mesh material. The convertible straps are fully adjustable from the front, so you don’t have to struggle to fix them from the back, and it easily converts into a racerback. “I got this bra in green about six months ago and wear it almost every day. Lively bras are the most comfortable I’ve found, and the unlined bras are the perfect cross between the comfort of a bralette and the support of a bra,” noted one customer.
The pull-on bra offers medium support and light compression to get you through various activities. It also has Nike’s signature Dri-Fit technology that pulls away sweat from your body to keep you cool and dry during your workouts. It ranges in size from XXS to 3XL and comes in three versatile colors. “No one likes to shop for bras. This is a great product. It fits well, keeps the girls in line, and doesn't cut into your sides. It rides a little high in the armpits, but does what it needs to do so you don't have side-boob. Wicks sweat well, too."
It may look like your traditional bra, but this innovative style has lightweight push-up foam pades built in to give your bust a boost. Not only is the bra buttery soft, but it also has 360-stretch for added comfort. “It’s the most inexpensive boob job you can purchase. I mean it. I liked that this bra didn’t hike my boobs up to my NECK, but still gave them a noticeable ‘umph,’" said one happy shopper. “Also, it’s crazy to me how it managed to be COMFORTABLE and made my boobs feel like they were being lifted by clouds. What in the shapewear sorcery?”
With an expanded size range, classic fit and padded straps, no wonder it is one of DreamFit Vice President Jessica Pfister’s favorites from the brand. “All of the incredible details of a designer bra in an expanded size range for just $29.99,” she said. The bra's molded no-show cups and wide band provides a smooth layering base for clothes, while the cushioned foam straps relieves pressure from your shoulders. One reviewer called it “a great bra for bigger women,” adding, “Got this for my daughter in 46DD, and she loves it. She says that the cups fill well, no overflow. The underband is good and combined with the underwire (that she can't feel at all!), her twins feel well supported. She loves that the straps are padded, too, along with the cups, because there's none of the normal drag on her shoulders. Definitely a win.
People who like to partially show off their bust will love this demi cup bra from Soma. The memory foam-blend cups give you a nice shape but they're not full coverage, so you can still let a bit of cleavage peak through a tank top with a plunging neckline. The bra also has lace side panels that are supportive and won't show through your clothes and adjustable straps. One happy shopper raved, "I bought my first Embraceable Enchanting Lace Demi Bra in store on a whim. It quickly became my favorite bra. Now, I need one in every color!!! It’s the most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn!"
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
