The best bras to support, lift and shape your bust

We’ve rounded up the best bras for every cup size, body type, and budget for your most comfortable fit yet

best bras to support
(Image credit: Future)

Possibly the most important thing in your closet, 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 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 best bra for the job. For a more hourglass shape you might want to try the best push-up bras, or a plunge bra for fuller cleavage, while a t-shirt bra will give you a smooth shape under a top, making them one of the best bras for back fat. This does mean however that you may need to invest in various types of bras from several categories.

We've tested dozens of bra styles, from the bras that deliver the best lift and shape for everyday to specialist bra solutions and more, in order to pick the best bras. 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, cup preferences, and budgets. The bras that made our list were a joy to wear - no falling straps, no wires digging into the ribcage, or gaping cups. Just great fit, lift, and style.


How we selected and tested the best bras

a selection of the best bras tested for the feature

(Image credit: Rivkie Baum)

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. 

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, like the Nudea Bra & Briefs Detergent and Softener Duo, to keep your bra in mint condition for as long as possible. 
Rivkie Baum
Fashion channel editor

Rivkie is a fashion editor, writer and stylist with twenty years' experience in the industry. Rivkie studied design and pattern cutting at the London College of Fashion, and fell in love with styling and journalism, and has covered fashion weeks in London, Paris and New York, as well as shooting editorial all over the world.


Specialising in plus size fashion, Rivkie has long championed that style is for everyBODY and has appeared on a host of radio stations and television shows, pushing for greater representation for plus size women and fashion throughout her career. 

With contributions from