The Best Bras for Comfort, Lift and Support


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We updated this article in March 2023 to include more information about each of our top-tested bra recommendations. We also added a new video with helpful instructions for measuring your bra size.


Finding the perfect bra is easier said than done. For starters, there are so many styles to choose from — strapless, bralettes, wireless and more with differences in padding, closures and support. It can feel nearly impossible to buy one that’ll meet your needs, fit you properly and feel comfortable enough to wear all day long. On top of that, bras can get pricey, so you want to make sure you’re investing in a quality bra that will feel good, look good and hold up well over time.

Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab test bras of all kinds and have evaluated more than 100 styles with over 250 real users in the last few years. Altogether, we've collected upwards of 3,500 data points to help us find the best bra styles for different preferences and body types. Our analysts assess the bras in our Lab for properties like stretch recovery, construction and how well they hold up to repeated laundering. Then we send them out to our consumer testers — hundreds of people ranging from small cup sizes to larger busts — who share their thoughts on fit, comfort, appearance and more.

What's the best bra for most people? Although there's no one perfect bra for everyone, the Natori Pure Luxe Custom Coverage Bra is our best overall bra that suits a variety of body types. It impressed our Textiles Lab experts during evaluations and also blew away our testers of different sizes who loved the supportive design and gave it the highest overall ratings for comfort.

Our top bra picks

After our picks, keep reading to learn more about how the Textiles Lab tests bras and other clothing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. First, here are the best bras for nearly every size, body type and style preference.

Best Sports Bras | Best Bras for Large Busts | Best Bras for Small Busts | Best Strapless Bras | Best Nursing Bras | Best Bralettes | Best Wireless Bras | Best Backless and Sticky Bras | Best Pumping Bras


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HRUK3US?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Pure Luxe Custom Coverage Bra</p><p>$74.00</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Natori</span>

This style earned the top spot in our tests and was rated the most comfortable bra by our panel, including those with both small and large cup sizes. On top of that, it proved to be durable in our Lab testing; it washed well and kept its shape after we stretched it out. In fact, it's the bra our own experts have preferred to wear for years, even after trying dozens of styles on the market.

It's a traditional bra that's ideal for everyday wear thanks to its foam cups, supportive underwire, adjustable straps and hook-eye closure. It has plenty of coverage throughout, yet remains invisible under most clothing. A few testers shared that the lace straps were noticeable under some tops. It also comes in a variety of colors — including neutral shades and vibrant hues — and a wide range of cup sizes.

Tester notes: Users loved the smooth fabric and said it fit well, felt supportive, didn’t shift and was easy to put on and take off. One B-cup tester said, “The inside of the bra is super smooth and feels good on my skin. I could wear it under any thin T-shirt, and it didn’t show through.” Similarly, a DD-cup reviewer told us, “It was perfect in every way! It felt invisible, but did its job perfectly.”


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084N58J87?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Ultimate T-Shirt Soft Underwire Bra</p><p>$19.99</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Hanes</span>

Don’t let the price fool you – this bra was one of the top performers in our evaluations and beat out styles over triple its price. It uses a super soft and stretchy fabric that feels like a cozy T-shirt, and it's tagless to avoid any irritation. It also has adjustable straps with a built-in hook so you can convert it to a racerback for more versatility. And while this style has an underwire for lift and support, it also comes in a wire-free version for those that prefer to skip them.

It washed well in our laundering tests without any shrinkage. The downside is the sizes are more limited than other bras we've evaluated, and it didn't bounce back to shape as well as others in our stretch recovery tests, meaning it may stretch out over time.

Tester notes: Our panel unanimously said it was comfortable, supportive and stayed in place throughout the day. They also said that it looked great under clothes. One C-cup tester told us, "This bra is amazing! It is so soft and so comfortable I forgot I was wearing it throughout the day. The straps were very easy to adjust and the bra offers very full coverage."


<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6RRONO/?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Oh So Light Wire-Free Bra</p><p>$14.55</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Hanes</span>

Hanes makes our list again, this time for its wireless bra that's lightweight yet surprisingly supportive. Whether you're wearing it in the summer or just want a barely-there feel, it fits like a second skin, so you won't be poked or weighed down. Not to mention, it’s one of the least expensive bras we tested.

The back of the bra has adjustable and convertible straps, plus a hook-eye closure like a traditional bra. The front has flexible foam cups and a band below the bust for support. Its soft fabric wowed our analysts — the material fully recovered to its original shape after we stretched it out, and it washed well with hardly any shrinkage.

Tester notes: This style was especially loved by testers who prefer bralettes, and they found it to be more flattering than other minimalist bras. Most wearers said that it was comfortable and supportive despite not having an underwire for lift. As one tester put it, "It is so incredibly comfortable. I like the look of it, and it is a flattering fit. The material is super soft, and it's supportive without being uncomfortable."


<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thirdlove.com%2Fproducts%2F24-7-classic-t-shirt-bra-taupe&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fclothing%2Fbra-reviews%2Fa28436305%2Fbest-bra-brands%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra</p><p>$74.00</p><p>thirdlove.com</p><span class="copyright">ThirdLove</span>

ThirdLove is one of the most searched-for bra brands, thanks in part to its inclusive features that help you find the perfect fit. First, you take a quiz to help you pick out the right style and size, then you get free shipping and a generous 60-day return period to make sure you love it. The brand is also unique because it offers a wide range of sizes. This popular style goes up to a band size of 44 and comes in half-cup sizes for anyone that's in between. The website shows the bras on several models so you can see how it fits different body types.

The T-shirt bra is intended for everyday wear with its underwire for lift, foam cups to shape and pleated straps to prevent slippage on your shoulders. Plus, it held up well to washing in the Lab, though it didn't fully regain its shape after we stretched it out.

Tester notes: Testers liked how soft and comfortable the materials felt, and those with smaller cup sizes especially liked the fit and shaping benefits without having too much padding. One A-cup tester said, "I love how soft this bra is which feels great on the skin! I have never felt a bra material like this before." On top of that, a C-cup tester told us, "This was a great basic bra that felt very comfortable. I could easily wear it with almost any outfit, and it didn't dig into any weird places on my body."


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QIANNOG?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Idol Moulded Balcony Bra</p><p>$68.00</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Freya</span>

Finding a good bra can be especially difficult if you have a larger cup size, but this fashionable yet functional style may end your shopping struggles. It goes up to a size HH (which is the UK equivalent of a US size L) and it performed exceptionally well in our tests. It was durable in our Lab’s evaluations without any issues to report, and our tester panel loved wearing it.

The thoughtful design offers support yet still works with most clothing because the cut isn't too high and the straps aren't too wide. It's adjustable and has an underwire for good separation, plus soft cups for a rounded shape. Although our testers found it to fit nicely, some online reviewers share that it runs on the smaller side, so be sure to review the size chart before buying, especially since it's offered in UK cup sizing.

Tester notes: Our testers for this style ranged from cup sizes D through G, and they said it was comfortable, fit well, felt supportive and looked great. One D-cup wearer especially loved that “it was functional without looking like a granny bra," and a DD-cup user agreed, saying, "I love the design of the bra — feminine, flirty and cute." Besides appreciating its style, a G-cup tester noted, "I love the support, too."


<p><a href="https://www.wearpepper.com/products/limitless-wirefree-scoop-bra-black" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Limitless Wirefree Scoop Bra</p><p>$50.00</p><p>wearpepper.com</p><span class="copyright">Pepper</span>

Shop Now

Limitless Wirefree Scoop Bra

$50.00

wearpepper.com

Pepper

This brand designs its bras specifically for A, AA and B cup wearers, unlike other bras that may just be scaled down to fit smaller cup sizes. It's wire-free yet still provides lift with its stretchy fabric, and its cups are shallower than traditional bras. Plus, the cups are lightly lined for modest coverage without excess material.

The fabric is also ultra-soft with slight compression, which the brand describes as feeling like your favorite pair of yoga pants. Just note that several users reported the band feeling a bit too snug, so we recommend sizing up. Pepper also makes an underwire bra with a curve that's optimized for smaller busts if you prefer more support.

Tester notes: All of our A and AA cup testers appreciated how well the cups fit without any gaping. They also liked how comfortable the fabric felt, how great it looked under clothes and that there wasn't too much padding. One A-cup tester even said, "It gave me cleavage, which many bras don't!"


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07281YBT1?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Love My Curves Modern Curvy T-Shirt Bra</p><p>$19.99</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Playtex</span>

Explicitly designed for full figures, this bra is available in larger band sizes and is made with smoothing fabric that looks great under clothing. The straps are cushioned yet not too thick or wide, and they can convert to a crisscross style in the back. It also has an underwire, padded cups and a hook-eye closure like a typical bra, plus modesty petals inside the cups for extra coverage.

Even though it's less expensive than other styles, the bra was still one of the top performers in our tests with high scores across the board. A few testers shared that it runs small, but it washed well in our evaluations without any shrinkage or noticeable signs of wear. Plus, it recovered its shape nicely after being stretched out.

Tester notes: Users raved about how great it looked under clothing, and they gave it a perfect score for staying in place throughout the day. They also liked how it offered good coverage while still being deep enough to wear with low-cut tops. On top of that, they appreciated the appearance of the bra itself with one highlighting, "I loved that it was supportive and comfortable while still feeling sexy and feminine."


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DNYB7YN?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Easy Does It No Bulge Bra</p><p>21.99</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Olga</span>

This bra outperformed dozens of other wireless styles with high ratings in every area of our consumer evaluations. It has a band for support instead of an underwire and provides adjustability through its straps and hook-eye closure in the back. Plus, the fabric is stretchy so it moves with you like a second skin, and it has smoothing panels for side support and to eliminate bulges.

Unlike most bras where you shop by the band and cup size, this one ranges from small to 3X and has a size guide to follow when you buy. It's designed for band sizes 34 through 46 — which is a wider range than most styles, though it only specifies cup sizes B to DD in its size chart. And while it offers great shaping benefits with some built-in padding, it doesn't separate as well as underwire bras.

Tester notes: Reviewers on our panel unanimously said it fit well, felt comfortable, stayed in place and looked great under clothing. Even though it's wireless, a tester said that it "provided more support than a typical wireless bra," while another said, "The bra gave me great support and lift." They also noted how soft the fabric felt, with some saying they forgot they were even wearing a bra.


<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fshopcuup.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-scoop-opaque-black&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fclothing%2Fbra-reviews%2Fa28436305%2Fbest-bra-brands%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>The Scoop</p><p>$78.00</p><p>shopcuup.com</p><span class="copyright">Cuup</span>

An unlined bra is for anyone that prefers to avoid padding in the cups, regardless of bra size. This lightweight style has the separation and support of an underwire bra with soft, opaque fabric in the cup area. It also has a flattering scoop neck design that looks great under most clothing styles.

Another standout feature of this bra is its straps: They lie flat without slipping and are the ideal width to be supportive yet discreet. Its buttery soft fabric also kept its shape perfectly after we stretched it out in Lab tests, and it washed well with no signs of wear.

Tester notes: It's hard to find a bra that suits a wide range of sizes, but this one fits the bill. An A-cup tester told us, "I am shocked with how comfortable this wired bra was to wear all day long. Nothing poked or prodded my skin, and it did not feel tight and compacted." Similarly, a G-cup tester said, "The fabric is smooth and doesn’t get stuck under clothing. I was happy that the straps stayed in place without slipping all day."


<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.soma.com%2Fstore%2Fproduct%2Fenbliss%2Bwireless%2Bbralette%2F570222599&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fclothing%2Fbra-reviews%2Fa28436305%2Fbest-bra-brands%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Bralette</p><p>$48.00</p><p>soma.com</p><span class="copyright">Soma</span>

Whether you're working from home or just looking to stay comfortable, a bralette is often less constricting than a traditional bra, thanks to its minimalist design. This style has no clasps, hooks or hardware of any kind. Instead, it offers full coverage support with smooth fabric and removable padded cups. The band is on the firmer side, but the brand says you can size up if you prefer a looser fit.

Though the coverage may be too visible under certain clothes, it has a V-neck in front to help it stay discreet under low-cut tops. And while it can be hard to find a good fit match with bralettes, this one comes in a wide range of colors and sizes to fit sizes 30 to 44 in the band and sizes A to G in the cups.

Tester notes: Testers said it was comfortable enough to wear all day at home but still good-looking and supportive enough to be versatile for everyday use. As one reviewer summarized, "The fabric is very soft. It feels like I'm wearing nothing! It is so very comfortable that I'd wear it all day and all night."


<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ae.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fp%2Faerie%2Fbralettes%2Flace-bralettes%2Faerie-eyelash-lace-padded-plunge-bralette%2F1697_3546_125&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fclothing%2Fbra-reviews%2Fa28436305%2Fbest-bra-brands%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Eyelash Lace Padded Plunge Bralette</p><p>$19.97</p><p>ae.com</p><span class="copyright">Aerie</span>

Lace bralettes are often delicate and only designed for small cup sizes, but this versatile style is pretty and feminine with its intricate lace details and still offers shape and support thanks to its removable padding. On top of that, its plunge neckline can be easily worn under most clothing.

It also has adjustable straps and a hook-eye closure so it goes on like a regular bra. Plus, there's a clip in the back so it can convert to a racerback style. It's ideal for A to C cups but is available in variations for larger cup sizes with sturdier straps plus an extra hook in the back. As an added bonus, this bra uses 62% recycled nylon in its blend to help reduce waste.

Tester notes: Reviewers were surprised by how much they loved this bra. As one tester told us, "The feel of the cups is amazing! They're soft but still provide support." Another summed it up by saying, "It was super comfortable and gorgeous, too." While some of our testers wished they sized up for a better fit, most gave it high scores for appearance and overall satisfaction.


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QR0VIO?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Red Carpet Strapless Bra</p><p>$66.95</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Wacoal</span>


This bra proves you don’t have to sacrifice support to go strapless. In fact, it had higher scores from our testers than many of the non-strapless styles we analyzed. It uses silicone strips along the top of the cup and on the band that help it stay in place as you move and features wide side panels with boning for more stability and smoothing benefits. Our testers found the bra to feel comfortable, but a few online reviewers noted that although the bra stayed put, the silicone strips and boning dug in.

Besides its stay-in-place powers, it held up in Lab tests without shrinking or stretching out. It comes with removable straps so you can wear it as a traditional bra, halter, criss-cross or one-shoulder style. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and a wide range of band and cup sizes to fit many bodies. In fact, this style was especially loved by people with full figures and larger busts.

Tester notes: Our panel unanimously said it stayed in place all day. On top of that, it fit well with no spillage or gaping in the cups and looked great with their outfits. A D-cup tester told us, "I wasn't pulling it up all day like I normally do with strapless bras," while a plus-size reviewer with a DDD-cup agreed, adding, "It stayed in place and gave great support."


<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fharperwilde.com%2Fproducts%2Fthe-strapless-black&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fclothing%2Fbra-reviews%2Fa28436305%2Fbest-bra-brands%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Base Strapless Bra</p><p>$50.00</p><p>harperwilde.com</p><span class="copyright">Harper Wilde</span>

While the previous strapless style is suitable for most cup sizes, this one is more minimal and better suited for A and B cups. In fact, it's hard to even find a strapless bra that's available in A-cup sizes. The fabric is buttery soft, and the brand says the bra is designed with just enough lift without too much padding in the cup.

It comes with convertible straps and has an X-bridge in between the cups for a better fit and easy folding. The bra washed well in our Lab tests, though it didn't fully recover its shape in our stretch recovery evaluations.

Tester notes: Our panel gave it perfect scores for appearance, ease of putting on and ease of taking off, as well as high ratings for fit and support. Testers with larger busts said it needed to be pulled up frequently, but those with smaller cup sizes said that it stayed in place all day. B-cup testers in particular gave it perfect scores for overall satisfaction, with one summarizing, "I liked that it was strapless and actually stayed up. I would often forget I was wearing it. I never had to pull it up, and it made my boobs look great."


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FJILJAW?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Bra-llelujah! Full Coverage Bra</p><p>$64.99</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Spanx</span>

Spanx is most well-known for its shapewear, but this bra wowed our testers and analysts with its innovative design. For starters, unlike most bras that are designed to either clasp in the back or pull over your head, this one hooks in the front so you don't need to struggle to get it on or take it off.

This style is also unique because it uses a soft, hosiery-like material for the back and shoulder straps. It's not adjustable, but it's stretchy to conform to your body. Though the material didn't bounce back to shape as well as other styles in our Lab tests, the bra still offers superior support with its underwire and full-coverage cups. Plus, these same straps are available in a pullover bralette style that has no clasps or underwire.

Tester notes: Reviewers raved about the comfy materials, plus they said it was supportive and easy to put on and take off. It earned praise from a C-cup tester who said, "I liked the fabric and that the straps were very comfortable. It was very easy to wear, and I barely noticed it on all day." It was also “hands down, the most comfortable bra I have ever worn,” according to a DD-cup tester.


<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DTMPJY?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10055.a.28436305%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Full Figure Beauty Back Bra</p><p>$25.00</p><p>amazon.com</p><span class="copyright">Vanity Fair</span>

With full-coverage cups to avoid spillage, wide straps to reduce stress on shoulders and wide side panels that smooth to prevent bulge, this bra is your best bet if you're looking for all-over support. The cups are lightly lined so there's not too much padding, and the fabric feels smooth throughout, looking flattering under clothes.

This version has an underwire for good separation, though it also comes in a wireless version that still proved to be supportive in our tests. And though the panels are stretchy, the bra still kept its shape well after we put it through the wringer in our stretch recovery and laundering evaluations.

Tester notes: Reviewers loved how it looked under clothes and how it stayed in place well. Plus, they raved about how comfortable and supportive it felt to wear. They especially liked how the straps didn't dig into or slip off their shoulders. The one complaint they had was that the hooks were a bit difficult to clasp in the back. One C-cup tester told us, "I liked how smooth it looked under my clothes," while a DD-cup wearer said, "The cup size was perfect and the straps were thick and sturdy, which made for better support."


<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.victoriassecret.com%2Fus%2Fvs%2Fbras-catalog%2F5000004045%3Fchoice%3D5CM6%26genericId%3D11206522%26limit%3D100%26resultPosition%3D8%26searchBrand%3Dvs%26searchedFor%3DCotton%2BHeather%2BSnow%2Blightly%2Blined%2Bdemi&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodhousekeeping.com%2Fclothing%2Fbra-reviews%2Fa28436305%2Fbest-bra-brands%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Lightly Lined Demi Bra </p><p>$30.00</p><span class="copyright">Victoria's Secret</span>

This one’s a bit more minimal than full-coverage styles and is lightly lined so you get some padding for shape but not too much. Besides its demi cups, the straps are also fairly thin making them less visible under clothes, plus they can convert to criss-cross in the back so you can wear it with racerback tops.

There's an underwire for good separation and lift, and the smooth fabric is intended to look seamless under clothing. Just note that the fabric stretched out a bit in our Lab tests, though it held up well when we laundered it.

Tester notes: Our reviewers who ranged from B to DD cup sizes gave it perfect scores for support. They also said it gave them amazing shape and lift, plus it fit well and looked great under clothes. One DD-cup tester said, "I liked how supportive it was! My chest was definitely very high up. I liked how thin the strap was and yet supportive. The material was also very smooth."


<p><a href="https://evelynbobbie.com/products/defy-bra?variant=33024130842733" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Defy Bra</p><p>$88.00</p><p>evelynbobbie.com</p><span class="copyright">Evelyn & Bobbie</span>

Shop Now

Defy Bra

$88.00

evelynbobbie.com

Evelyn & Bobbie

This incredibly comfortable style is both seamless and wire-free. Not only is the fabric smooth for superior comfort, but it also has wide straps and removable cups for ultimate support. On top of that, the fabric along the sides, back and front all help smooth bulges and keep the bra in place.

While the design may make it harder to wear discreetly under certain clothing, it's the perfect lounge bra and is extremely flattering under tops with more coverage. It's a pullover style but is still easy to put on and take off.

Tester notes: This bra was so smooth and comfortable that testers forgot they were even wearing it. It also provided incredible support, thanks to its full-coverage design and removable cups. One DDD-cup tester said, "This bra felt like a cloud when I put it on, it was so comfortable! I felt ZERO pressure on my shoulders and my breasts felt totally supported and lifted."


How we test bras

Our evaluations consist of performance and durability tests in our Textiles Lab along with consumer tests to get in-depth feedback from wearers with a variety of body types during real-life use. Here's how we review each style:

  • Stretch recovery: Bras are made to stretch so they can give you the right fit, but it's important that they maintain their shape after use. To make sure the elastic doesn't stretch out, we mark a section of the bra then stretch it to a standard measurement and clamp it in place for two hours (pictured here). After we release the bra, we measure the markings to see how well it returned to its original shape after one minute. We then remeasure again after one hour.

    a bra being tested for stretch recovery at the good housekeeping institute in the textiles lab
    LEXIE SACHS
  • Washability: Each bra is repeatedly laundered according to its care label and assessed for aspects like shrinkage and appearance after washing.

  • Wear tests: Users with a range of band and cup sizes try the bras and fill out thorough surveys, scoring factors like ease of putting on and taking off, fit, comfort, support, stay-in-place capabilities, visibility under clothes and overall appearance. Testers also have the opportunity to share comments about specific things they liked and disliked about each bra.


Where to shop for bras

Many people love shopping for bras online. It can be more convenient to try on bras in the comfort of your own home instead of a store dressing room. Still, there are some important aspects to keep in mind to ensure you're making a smart purchase without feeling or wearing it first:

  • Check the return policy to make sure you can get a refund if it's not a good fit. Many online bra retailers offer free shipping both ways so you can try on a few and send back whatever doesn't fit.

  • Take advantage of customer service. Tracy Freno, the bra fit expert at Bare Necessities, explains, "Many sites are equipped with fitting experts — whether by phone, chat, social media or other means of communication — who are trained to help answer any questions you may have regarding fit, style or even suggestions of what to buy."

  • Do your research before you start shopping. Jene Luciani, the best-selling author of The Bra Book, suggests educating yourself as much as possible before you buy so that you understand the lingo when picking out your ideal bra. Whether it's understanding the terms in the product descriptions or figuring out which style is best for your body type, Luciani stresses the importance of researching ahead of time. "I suggest knowing how to measure yourself and then following their sizing charts as much as possible, and also knowing what styles would be most suitable for you. For example, someone with very full breasts probably isn’t going to be happy with a demi cup. If it says full coverage, that’s more suitable."


How to find your correct bra size

You can start by measuring your bra size at home or with a consultant in a store. Even then, you should still try on a few different sizes to see what fits and feels best. Freno urges you to focus on what feels good instead of getting caught up on a specific size, especially because fit varies between brands. It helps to go up and down a few band and cup sizes if the fit doesn’t feel right. Remember that just like with clothing, each brand will fit you differently.


How should a bra fit?

  • You should fill out the cups without any gaping (which means the cup is too big) or overflow (a sign the cup is too small).

  • The band should be level with your ribcage without riding up, and the center gore, the section of the bra that stretches between the two cups, should lie flat against your breastbone.

  • The straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders. Adjusting the straps can help you find a better fit. Making the straps tighter can often give you more lift and support, which helps get rid of back and shoulder pain.


How many bras should you own?

"It will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences," shares Freno. "I generally recommend four everyday styles plus three specialty bras (e.g., sports bra and strapless styles)." Luciani suggests stocking up once you find your perfect style, "If you have that 'favorite' bra that you’re tempted to wear every day, I recommend buying more than one. For example, if it’s that nude T-shirt bra — buy three or four."


When to replace your bra

Freno shares, "The rule of thumb is about 100 washes/wears." But since most of us are likely not keeping track, it’s best to replace your bra when it loses its stretch and no longer feels supportive instead of following an exact timeframe.

Luciani adds, "Obvious signs of wear and tear such as crushed cups, bent underwire, stretched out straps, broken or bent clasps and when the material loses its elasticity — all good signs it’s time to toss. Other signs that are maybe not so obvious are if it suddenly seems big or it’s not holding you up the way it should be! That may mean it’s time to replace."

Be aware that the more you wear and wash the bra, the faster it'll need to be replaced. And because your size can change over time, it’s important to check the fit in front of a mirror once or twice a year to make sure your bra is not too big or too small. "Even as little as a 5-pound weight loss or gain can change your bra size to some degree," explains Luciani.


Why you can trust Good Housekeeping

Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie joined Good Housekeeping in 2013 and has extensively tested intimate apparel of all kinds — including shapewear, bras, underwear and more — using specialized lab equipment and coordinating samples with hundreds of consumer testers.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst and has covered bras for large busts, bras for small busts and boob tape, as well as swim and fashion-specific content. For this article, she used her relative expertise from Good Housekeeping and knowledge from her fashion degree to add more input.

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