The best bralettes that are far comfier than your average bra

Wave goodbye to niggling under-wiring and molded cups - the best bralettes are all about comfort.

The lingerie market has seen a significant shift in recent years, with more and more of us neglecting structured, scaffolding-style bras for something a little well, lighter. But that’s not to say there’s not still a place for the best bras in our wardrobe - especially if you’ve been blessed with a bigger bust. 

Among the types of bras every woman should own, a bralette tends to be free from underwiring and padding, relying instead on the fabric and straps for support. From wispy triangle bras to slightly sturdier crop tops, today's options come in a variety of shapes and designs, each designed to serve a particular purpose. The latter would make a good sleep bra for those with a D cup or higher, while the former tend to be best suited to smaller busts. 

Think of it this way: They're akin to non-wired comfortable bras; however, if a bralette does have padding or underwiring, it’ll only have one or the other - never both. When it comes to maintenance, it's just as important to regularly wash your bralettes as you would wash standard bras. That's because bralettes feature delicate fabrics and are less structured in design, meaning they'll become incredibly flimsy with continued wear.

To sum it up succinctly, the bralette is the closest option to going braless, offering non-restrictive support to hold breasts in place. That being said, if you're still confused about the difference between bras and bralettes, it just so happens that we’ve written an entire article dedicated to that very subject.

How to choose the best bralettes for you

• Consider your breast shape and size: are they big or small? Pointy or round? High or low? Symmetrical? 
• Determine what you'd like for your bralette to achieve: do you want lift, shape, boost, or coverage? Or a mix of the four? 
• Consider your wardrobe: Compared to traditional bras, bralettes often complement outfits. Therefore, it's important to assess your wardrobe and determine how your bralette fits into the equation.
• Think practically:  Beauty factor aside, overly ornate and intricate bralettes tend to peak through clothing. For this reason, select nude-toned bralettes with simpler constructions and designs.

Best bralettes according to our experts

A best-seller that's become one of the go-to best bralettes and is remaining popular season after season. The wide straps and longline shape mean this provides not only plenty of support, but a fair amount of coverage too. Ideal for both upscale and casual wear, it incorporates decorative, feminine details: from stretchy floral lace to a plunging neckline to accentuate cleavage and soft scalloped trim.

Impressively inclusive when it comes to both shade range and sizing, this bralette from Kim Kardashian's range is available in 9 different 'nudes'. When they say it 'fits everybody', they really meant it, making it one of our best bralettes. Part of the 'Fits Everybody' collection, this triangle-shaped option features 2-ply stretch fabric, which won’t cut or poke into your skin. It’s lined with sturdy mesh for added support, plus adjustable shoulder straps to hold breasts in place.

With its second skin-like claims, the Sloggi Zero Feel bralette has become one of the best bralettes on the market. The super-thin material feels like lightweight bikini, but it still manages to support even busts that are on the heavier side. It's a comfortable pick for when your bra sizing changes throughout your cycle too and it blends smoothly under clothes. It also features removable padded cups that give boobs a nice lift and shape and there are lovely colors to choose from.

The kind of no-frills, fuss-free piece we all need in our underwear drawers, this is one of the best bralettes for people who hate wearing a bra. With an all-hosiery smoothing back, it features no metal hardware, no elastic, and no poking tags: a powerful trio that provides long-lasting comfort and support. Those will larger busts will appreciate the added fabric layer in cups for sizes L-XL.

See our full Spanx Bra-llelujah! Unlined Bralette review

If it's the hardware at the back of your bra that gives you gyp, you'll love the smooth, metal-free finish on this bralette. And when it comes to comfort, you'll also fall in love with the lightweight material, soft-foam cups, and no-click back: thoughtful design elements that provide enduring support. Simply pull over your head and you're good to go.

This bralette is one of les girls les boys' best bralettes for good reason. The soft, double lined fabric and wide elastic band makes for a niggle-free fit. Additionally, this sporty-chic jersey bra supports a wide range of bust sizes, particularly leveraging a double-lined design and wide elasticated band. All in all, it's the ultimate staple that marries elegance with superior comfort.

Complete with a light layer of padding, this bralette creates a nice smooth line under tight tops and t-shirts. The wire-free bralette is adorned sheer eyelash lace trims, and features a single-strand hook and eye fastening for seamless adjusting. In the world of lingerie, Lindex delivers exceptional quality among the best bra brands worth supporting. 

Perfectly tip-toeing the line between fashion and functionality, the super soft jersey fabric makes this an absolute joy to wear. Compared to other materials, this fabric particularly feels second-skin soft and lightweight — not to mention incredibly breathable. It's also free from restrictive padding and underwiring that tend to slide and poke into skin through continued wear. The delicate stretch-lace detailing is a noteworthy touch as well, making this a stunning option for work and play.

Sleek and simple, this V-neck style features adjustable straps, V-neck silhouette, and ribbed under band for the perfect fit. The soft, elasticated fabric makes it a comfortable choice for anyone who doesn't need too much support. A nod to pragmatism, it's a simple, no-frills option that's works well underneath everyday garments and will remain completely concealed, sweat and all. 

Proof you don't need to shop at a lingerie specialist for the best bralettes, high street hero & Other Stories have come up trumps with this lace beauty. The dainty soft triangle bra is detailed with a sheer embroidered finish. along with scallop trimmed edges and a unique swirl pattern. For comfortable fit, it features adjustable spaghetti straps and hook closures.

Offering light to medium support, Heist have used supportive paneling to boost your bust without the need for wiring. Made with soft and smooth material, it's designed to enhance natural lift, all while keeping breasts secure in place without spilling out. If you're seeking a more pronounced push-up, this may not be the best option; if, however, subtlety is your jam, then we say "add to cart" ASAP.

One of the prettiest bralettes we've ever laid eyes on, this doesn't scrimp on detailing: from the embroidered lace throughout to sturdy, yet lightweight under band for support. Wear with straight straps or clip them together to create a racerback. Or, since it's stunning on its own, pair it with a plain-Jane tank or the best dresses for springtime (and beyond). 

A beautiful bralette at a bargain price, this is a great way to try the trend without breaking the bank. The padding free yet wired cups work well for bigger busts. Its unlined cups give breasts natural shape and support; while the shoulder straps and hook-and-eye fastening can be adjusted to your liking.