"Unlike anything I’ve worn before" - the SKIMS Back Smoothing bra really lives up to its name

When it comes to buying the best bra, it’s all about comfort, support and style. In all honesty, I wouldn’t necessarily expect to find all that from a celebrity-backed brand, but SKIMS seems to have broken the mould when it comes to underwear over the last few years, and it’s hard to ignore the hype around Kim Kardashian’s shapewear label.

The range is packed full of firming staples, swimwear, lingerie and loungewear basics that all get rave reviews from shoppers around the globe, but it’s the Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra that I was most intrigued by. I have lots of lacy styles and push-up pieces in my underwear drawer already, but I needed a simple T-shirt bra for everyday wear that actually looked and felt good to wear. I wanted a bra that supported my bust and could be worn under a variety of tops without any pesky overspill, and spoiler alert! This bra really does do it all.

If you're on the hunt for the best bras for back fat or struggling to find the best bras for large busts, I think this chic piece should be at the top of your shopping list, as it offers far more than just basic hold and support. As the name suggests, it’s designed to smooth your back, and it has a larger vest-like back panel and very deep sides that are unlike anything I’ve worn before. The fuller coverage design promises to cancel out lumps and bumps while keeping your bust in check, and the bra is actually part of the label’s ‘Fits Everybody’ range, which is all made from super soft and stretchy materials that promise to never lose their shape or hold.

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I wore the SKIMS piece over a couple of days before washing it and wearing it again. While testing the bra, I considered the design, the fit, the fabric and the support, as well as how smoothing it was around my sides and back.

SKIMS Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra: Comfort & Fit

The bra is a pull-on style, so you don't need to worry about fiddly catches at the back, and although the firm fabric is a little tight to pull into place (it felt a little like squeezing into my sports bra!), once on, it felt wonderfully comfy and sat exactly where it needed to be.

The shoulder straps are adjustable to help you find your perfect fit. I expected the full back panel to feel odd, but it was actually very comfy, and I genuinely forgot all about it after getting dressed. The plunge-front, wired cups added a nice amount of lift to my boobs without being too much, and my chest felt very supported. I wore this bra over a busy weekend, which involved a children’s soft play party and a big spring clean around the house and my bust felt very well looked after during all the climbing, crawling and hoovering. I didn’t feel the need to re-adjust or worry about my underwear at any point, and my boobs were kept in check brilliantly.

The SKIMS bra is designed to sit smoothly and promises to keep under arms and the upper back looking sleek and lump-free from all angles, and it really did do just that. I often worry about overspill when wearing skimpier bra styles, but this one cancelled out any concerns and acted like my best shapewear, only without feeling too tight or firm. The back panel offers just the right amount of compression and hold, minus any rigidness.

The fabric is gorgeous to wear and has a silky soft feel against the skin. The material is stretchy yet firm, and feels equally great to wear while I’m out and about as it does for a day on the sofa, and the elasticated underband helps to keep it supple and comfy without any risk of it digging in or riding up.

The bra is available in sizes 32A- 44H, and the materials are designed to stretch and mould to your shape to find a good fit even if you are between sizes. I went for the 36B and found it was perfect – definitely true to size.

SKIMS Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra: Style

One of the things that makes SKIMS so popular is the variety of nude shades available – rather than the standard beige and bright white options. This one is available in four natural-looking tones to help you find a good match, as well as classic off-white and black. There are matching knickers available too. I tried the black option and love how sleek and modern it looks – no lace, bows or metal trims, and the minimal design will sit neatly under sheer or tight tops.

Of course, the fuller back panel does mean that this piece won’t work well under vest tops or camis, but I found that it was ideal for layering under a shirt, T-shirt or jumper, so it’s easy to wear with most outfits and the plunge front suits most necklines well too.

SKIMS Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra: Care

The clever technical fabric is made from a blend of polyamide and elastane, and it's recommended to hand-wash with cold water to avoid any damage or shrinkage. I wore the bra for two days and then cleaned it before wearing it again, and found that it felt exactly the same and hadn’t lost any shape. The light materials dried speedily too.

SKIMS Back Smoothing Full Coverage Bra: Verdict

I was drawn to this bra because I was intrigued by the fuller back panel combined with the sleek design, and I had hoped it would be flattering to wear. It really has surpassed all my expectations.

As well as providing plenty of lift and support to my bust, the firm fabric and clever shape manage to cancel out any lumpy problem areas to give me a confidence boost when wearing clingy tops and dresses. I can see why this bra has had so many good reviews online now, including one customer who wrote: "This bra has truly been a lifesaver to me. As I have had constant pain and muscle soreness in my shoulders, I had issues finding a bra that I could bear wearing all day. It also smooths out everything, and as a woman with a proportionally small chest compared to overall size, it's just perfect."

It does exactly what its name suggests – the clever design firms and flatters from every angle. It is smoothing, stylish and caters to a wide range of body types and bust sizes – so what’s not to love?! I have worn it on repeat, and it has fast become my favourite underwear for everyday wear.

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