Best bras for back fat: The smoothing styles to invest in

All bodies are beautiful but for some, the best bras for back fat can help boost confidence by alleviating a common hang-up that some have about their bodies. Often, the quickest fix for smoothing out back fat is a well fitting bra, as in correct fitting styles can cut into your frame being both uncomfortable and creating an uneven silhouette.

The best bras should fit firmly enough to fully support your bust, but not so tightly that they cause skin to spill out on either side. Similar to the best bras for large busts, a good test is to see if you can fit two fingers behind the clasp of your bra when it's on the loosest hook. If you can't quite squeeze your fingers in, it's too tight and this could be the cause of any bulges. If you want more tips on fitting your own bra, check out our how to measure bra size guide.

Getting your foundations right under your clothing can make a world of difference to how an outfit looks and should be the very first thing you consider when building your capsule wardrobe. The market's best bras for back fat offer a wealth of smoothing options that are guaranteed to boost your confidence and create a smoother silhouette under your favorite outfits. For best results, look out for smooth, seam-free edges and wide back panels, that will gently contour your back, while supporting your bust line too. 

What to look for in the best bras for back fat

Best bras for back fat according to our experts

SPANX has become the go-to for many of us looking for the best shapewear, but the brand actually offers some really reliable bras too. And its Breast of Both Worlds® Reversible Comfort Bra is magic when it comes to comfort, support and banishing back fat. A supportive crop top style, this non-traditional bra delivers in the results department. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "Thanks to the brand's long standing history in shapewear, this Spanx bra really knows how to lift, shape and smooth. While not quite as supportive as perhaps a wired style, using the same shaping fabric and a deep back, this bra is a winner when it comes to a seamless back finish. It also has removable cups for additional shaping, which is ideal for changing up you look."

Quality of materials: "Crafted in the signature SPANX material this is one great bra and I found it can lift and shape even on a heavier bus, without the use of hooks, wires, and seams - meaning you get the support without the digging and bulges."

Style and attractiveness: "One of the more boring bras on the list, the sport style will certainly appeal to some, and if you normally love the most comfortable bras, that are wire free, then this design is ideal. You can also reverse it to sport a different color too, which I think is useful in terms of wear, versatility and of course, cost effectiveness."

High tech lingerie with sustainable credentials, Leonisa perhaps doesn't have the same brand recognition as some of the other labels in this column, but when it comes to bras for back fat they're hard to beat. With a section on site dedicated to back support, Leonisa has several bras with deeper side and back panels, making them a real game-changer when it comes to banishing back bulges. 

What our tester said...

Fit: "As a 'back smoothing bra', this style is specifically designed for a smooth finish and the bra comes up extra high under the armpits to completely negate the problem. Beyond smoothing, it features lightweight cups, which provide full coverage and hold the bust in place. The bra also offers a natural lift, flexible side boning, adjustable straps, and a back hook closure for a perfect fit. It uses light compression to streamline your shape, too. An impressive addition to lingerie drawer."

Quality of materials: "Made from 87% polyamide, 13% elastane, Interior lining: 87% polyamide, 13% elastane, my only complaint is the lace of natural fabrics for added breathability, however it is soft and smooth against the skin with good stretch and gives a good sculpting effect." 

Style and attractiveness: "Available in six colors, if you find this bra works for you, stock up. It's a relatively simple push up design, as really the genius is in the deep side and back panels that create a smooth finish. The push up silhouette does help to elevate the design."

With its signature soft fabric, Sloggi makes some of the most comfy bras on the market, so we wanted to know if it would be a good option for banishing back fat. The second-skin-like claims are true and the bra is extremely soft, stretchy and comfortable to wear. Unbelievably light, second-skin is certainly the correct term when it comes this bra. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "Better suited to smaller busts, this bra does not offer huge amounts of uplift and support above a C cup. The slick, stretch fabric does glide over backfat, gently skimming without hard contouring, but it is more suitable to relaxing than everyday wear." 

Quality of materials: "A very thin layer, it has an almost swimsuit like appeal. Very lightweight it feels like you're not wearing anything at all. The fabric has a lot of stretch, so while it does have a smoothing effect thanks to the scuba-style consistency, it doesn't have shapewear qualities, pulling you in, in the same way as other back fat banishing bras do as there is just so much stretch to it. The second skin effect however does give a sleek finish and it's so light you will forget you're wearing it. If they could just up the cup size support it would be a game changer. However one of the benefits of the great stretch recovery should minimize how often you should change your bra."

Style and attractiveness: "One of its biggest pluses is that it comes in loads of different colorways making it quite a fun style. It also has matching briefs available, that like the bra are simple and clean in style."

There are the bras you want to be seen, then there are the ones you want to sit quietly beneath your clothes and work their magic. This is one of the latter. Undeniably comfortable, it's made of second-skin soft microfiber, as well as a light foam lining and smooth cups that secure your breasts in place. The bra also integrates a flattering neckline, a thoughtful detail for everyday and elevated wear.

What our tester said:

Fit: "I have worn this bra for a long time and it is one of my favorite bras for both comfort and a great bra for larger busts. The molded cups give a smooth finish and the bra underband has a soft to the touch finish. While not the deepest of back straps, they are substantial enough to make them effective in smoothing backfat. With only a two hook bra strap, this still manages to offer good support, although it could have a deeper back if you're really looking for something to fully smooth out back fat."

Quality of materials: "Lovely soft material the molded cups are a great touch to give a very rounded bust shape. The fabric is soft against the skin and despite thin shoulder straps, it does not dig in."

Style and attractiveness: "A simple design, this is pretty function over style, but as it comes in a range of colors it is a good every day basic for those that want a simple but supportive wired bra."

Bralette sales have boomed in recent years, thanks to their extreme comfort factor. In a pack of three, these offer great value for money and forgo a hook and eye fastening to offer a smooth finish. Also suitable for low-impact sporting activities, they offer support without wires and padding for a really natural shape. Although the bra goes up to a 2XL, customer reviews suggest it comes up small, making it more appropriate for smaller cup sizes. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "M&S is well known for its lingerie department and I wasn't disappointed with this bra. As the sizing suggests, not in cup sizes, it doesn't offer the same level of support as a wired, cup-sized design, but it was an extremely comfortable wear with light support, great for lounging. With a relatively deep back band and no hook and eye fastening it does deliver on a smooth finish, although as it's not made from shapewear fabric it smooths rather than contours." 

Quality of materials: "This bra is a bargain and ideal for casual, weekend or loungewear use. It's not the most luxurious of fabrications, however it is soft, washes well and is an absolute steal on price."

Style and attractiveness: "A simple crop top design, this bra comes in a handy pack of three with several colorway options. Not the most stylish, but I do love the ease and bulk buy ability."

Specifically for larger cup sizes and made for sporting, if you're after a high-support sports bra that can work with larger bust sizes without leaving you spilling out of the sides and back, this could be a good option. It's been specifically designed to encapsulate your bust, with moulded cups to hold your breasts and reduce spillage and it's wire-free for comfort and to prevent digging. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "The full cup design comes quite high up, giving you extra coverage and support and reducing back fat and side spillage in the process. A sturdy bra, while this is engineered for support, if you're looking for something to really hold you in, you can wear this outside of the gym too. Like a sturdy crop top, but with hook and eye fastening, the longer line underband and deep backstrap make this one of the best bras for back fat."

Quality of materials: "A particularly sturdy bra, this is a high quality design. The lightweight fabric and padded, adjustable shoulder straps are a particular highlight as I felt they helped prevent digging and bulges."

Style and attractiveness: "With a sport aesthetic and an attractive cut out back, this bra understandably has a sporty feel. The crop top style is ideal for giving this bra a modern feel."

This bra might seem like a surprising answer to the best bras for back fat but if you're worried about back fat on a scoop-back top, a low-back bra might just be the answer. Cutting below where the bra straps would usually be, this doesn't smooth and sculpt your back, but will cut low enough that it isn't cutting through your back either. And Wonderbra's patented hand-shaped support means you don't need to compromise on the lift. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "Thanks to its underwired design, this bra offers strong support for all-day bust security, no matter what. And the perks don't end there - it incorporates lightly padded cups that give a smooth silhouette, plus adjustable shoulder straps. Although it has great support, it is one for smaller busts, only available up to a DD cup. The line of the back scoops below where back fat would sit, so while it won't sculpt, it also won't cut through your back, which would create bulges."

Quality of materials: "You can trust Wonderbra to make a high quality bra and this one feels lovely against the skin, with the hand-shaped push up to give an excellent level of lift."

Style and attractiveness: "Despite this bra being very much a functional piece, Wonderbra have still managed to make it an attractive style. With an almost corset like finish, the bra feels and looks like a pretty, longline push up bra."

One of the brand's best sellers for the last 40 years, this back fat fighting bra is designed with larger busts in mind. With a wireless design, this bra supports busts without the discomfort many find with a wired bra. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "A really solid fit, the support means that my bustline was held in place. With a full-cup design, there was also no risk of spillage. Wide straps add to the support of the bra but also help to give a smooth finish under clothes. The three-part cup really helps to push bustlines up and forward. The back band isn't the deepest, and I'd say this bra is better for side support than fully across your back."

Quality of materials: "The super soft fabric meant I was comfortable and there were no bulges or areas that dug in, particularly at the sides of the back, where the support is widest." 

Style and attractiveness: Not the most fashion-forward design, this bra is very sturdy. The full cup means this bra isn't great under low necklines, but under most sweaters and tops it gives a perky finish." 

This seam-free, wire-free and fastening-free bra has matching control briefs for a really smooth finish under clothing. Made from stretch fabric, with removable padding, this bra offers great everyday comfort. With a crop-top style, the higher back panels and stretch fabric offer good back coverage, ideal for anyone looking for the best bras for back fat. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "I personally prefer the lift you get from a wired bra, as I find bras without fastenings or wiring can lack in the support department and while I really liked this bra for its wide back panel that helps to smooth out back fat, I don't think it gives as much up lift as some of the wired bras in this column, so it depends what level of support you want from the bra, compared to its smoothing ability. That being said, it's a great machine-washable bra for more relaxed days, under loungewear or for working from home."

Quality of materials: "Machine washable this bra is made from polyamide and elastane and comes in seven colors. It's better in cooler months than in the heat of summer, but at £10.99 it's an absolute steal."

Style and attractiveness: "With an almost crop top, and sporty-like aesthetic I really like the look of this bra. The seven colors it's available in are all pretty neutral and basic making it really versatile. The slight sheen adds a touch of luxe to proceedings." 

Shapeez is one of the relatively new shapewear brands rivaling the likes of Spanx with its nifty shapewear items such as this clever back-fat-eliminating tank top/bra combo. While this has a tank top shape, ideal for under vest tops, if you want even more coverage, check out its full-coverage version, great for wearing under evening wear or higher neck, close-fitting items. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "This isn't my first time wearing a Shapeez, as I have had a tank top from them before. While you might feel skeptical about this lesser-known brand, I find its products do work. Shapewear meets lingerie, this bra obviously is not great for low back or backless items but if you want a smooth finish under clothes, the full top-like back panel gives a sleek finish."

Quality of materials: "With moisture-wicking properties, this tank top has a full bra support system at the front, separating it out from other bralette styles. The smoothing stretch fabric feels great on the skin."

Style and attractiveness: "For an item that is intensely practical I think they've managed to make it look good too. I love the fact that the front is a normal bra fit, with the back resembling more of a vest top. It's a clever design." 

Fastening-free, this pull-on bra top from French lingerie brand Chantelle already gets good customer reviews, so we had to give it a try to see what all the fuss was about. With a crop-top-style it's ideal for wearing under low-back or V-back items, as it offers coverage and support on the sides of the back to help sculpt and smooth. The V-neck back detailing makes this a great option for lower cuts in the summer months.

What our tester said:

Fit: "Another great pull-on silhouette, I am a big fan of Chantelle lingerie. Unfortunately, perhaps due to the fact it is wire and fastening free, this bra only comes up to a size L making it limited in terms of accessibility. That being said, if you have a smaller bust but still want a back fat banishing bra, the deep back on this design is absolutely idea. Coming quite far up the back it smooths bumps at the back for a sleek finish and thanks to the lack of fastenings, it's as smooth as some of the best shapewear."

Quality of materials: "Beautiful, high-quality fabrics, this bra feels lovely. With good stretch, but not so much that it lacks support, this is a comfy pull-on and off option."

Style and attractiveness: "A pretty basic crop top in terms of design, it's ideal for a more discreet finish under fitted and lighter colored clothing."

Suitable for sizes 32-34 D-DD through 38-40 F-G, this bralette offers great coverage and support without wires and fastenings. This pull-on bralette uses power mesh to help sculpt your shape, forgoing traditional molded cups. With four-way stretch for fabric recovery, this bralette is machine washable and piling resistant for a comfy wear that lasts for longer. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "As with the majority of bralette styles in this piece, you might find this more suitable for relaxed weekends or work-from-home days as the level of support is not the same as a wired and fastened iteration. Having said that, for a pull-on bra, with a decent underband and back smoothing, wide back panel, this bralette is great. Not the highest level of support I've tried, it will give the best uplift to smaller busts." 

Quality of materials: "Fully lined and resistant to pilling, this bra is made from 79% modal for breathability. Machine washable it features a four-way stretch for great size recovery after wear. You can tell that this bra has been designed with comfort in mind."

Style and attractiveness: "Once again it is largely function over form, but as crop tops tap into the sports luxe trends that are around right now, this bra still feels fresh and contemporary. It's available in four neutral colorways too."

When we're not wondering how to keep tights up, tights can offer the most amazing shaping and sculpting properties, so we love that Kim Kardashian's brand Skims has used tights or hosiery fabric as the basis for this bralette. Offering light support, this bralette is more of a crop-top shape and a little sheer. As with all of the Skims products, the size range is fantastic, with products available up to a 5XL for real inclusivity. 

What our tester said:

Fit: "It isn't the most bounce-resistant bra, but if you look at the deep back, you can see why it made the list. The wide back panel helps to smooth out back fat and the cute silhouette means it looks good too. The straps are rather thin, hence the lack of support, but you could also slip this on over the top of a bra instead of a camisole under a sweater to benefit from its back smoothing abilities, without compromising on support."

Quality of materials: "I love that it uses tights materials as the basis for the design, as this definitely helps with its back fat smoothing abilities. Kim Kardashian's Skims collection has been a huge hit and I get why."

Style and attractiveness: "A crop top with a twist, the sheer element gives this design a little va-va-voom, while the almost racer back style straps add a fashion-forward feel."

How we tested the best bras for back fat

Trying on a host of bras - far more than made this list, our tester looked for three key things when testing the best bras for back fat. While fit and the bras back smoothing abilities was most important, we also considered quality of fabrications and styles and tried to ensure a set of varied price points to make this accessible for a range of budgets and bust sizes.

• Fit: Of course fit is key when looking for the best bras for back fat and this encompassed both how the bra fit in terms of comfort, lift and shape, and of course its ability to smooth out back fat or gently contour your silhouette for a smoother finish.
• Quality of materials: Having washed the bras, our tester can explain how the bras last in wash, if they feel good against the skin and the level of stretch and comfort provided by each piece.
• Style and attractiveness: This was the least important factor in the test but one to consider none the less and while most bras for back fat score averagely in this area, there were a few that stood out for style as well as functionality.