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
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.
Best t-shirt
Type: T-shirt bra
Size range: 30B-40G
One of the best t-shirt bras for a bigger bust, the Figleaves Smoothing Sweetheart bra launched a few years ago and has become an integral part of the Figleaves collection (and lots of underwear drawers too). Available for D-F boobs, and back sizes 30-40, Figleaves provide excellent bras for bigger busts.
The fit is supremely comfortable and at a great price point, this sweetheart neckline bra is cut low enough to be discreet under clothing and work with V and scoop necks, but high enough to offer fantastic support. With a two-hook back, but smooth and decently deep back panels, it's also a great bra for smoothing out back fat.
Best looking
Type: Padded bra
Size range: 32A - 38F
For those wanting light padding, for a little extra shape and fullness, without hugely altering your original silhouette, the Flora bra from Pour Moi is an excellent choice. Available in a whopping nine colours, both a mix of neutrals and directional hues, this could easily become your everyday bra with an added hint of luxe, thanks to the lace. Don't forget the matching briefs too.
With the look and lift of a balconette bra but the support of a full-cup, this bra is sturdy, comfortable but still attractive. It also features a light layer of padding for subtle shaping that covers nipples and creates symmetry.
Best balcony
Type: Balcony bra
Size range: 30D - 44G
The Curvy Kate Victory Balcony Bra offers a firm, natural finish, minus padding - a thoughtful inclusion for bigger busts that warrant non-restrictive wiggle room. The cups have a smooth shape that will work underneath dresses and t-shirts alike.
Having made a name for itself fashioning up the big busted bra market, the Victory bra wins in the style stakes too. Utterly functional for every day, the cut-out detail across the breastbone adds a stylish and sexy twist. The small V hardware between the cups is a nice addition too.
Best everyday
Type: Balconette bra
Size range: 28D-40K
Bravissimo's Millie bra is enduringly popular thanks to its lifting balconette style and gorgeous lace cups. It has an innovative side sling that pushes breasts forwards for a more shapely look, while the stretchy lace bands at the top of the cups adapts to your breast and works with differences in side or shape between cups.
Available in ten colours, this style also has a number of matching pants to choose from. There's also a full body Millie style for a sexier, shaping look.
Best silk
Type: Full cup bra
Size range: 30A - 42E
If you’re looking for a fancy bra at an affordable price point, the Rosie for Autograph range ticks all the boxes. British clothing brand M&S is well-loved for its lingerie department and is well known for making some of the best bras. A failsafe option, the signature shapes remain pretty much the same year after year, updated with new colourways and this padded bra shape is a recurring favourite.
We found that the Silk & Lace Underwired Full Cup Bra provided plenty of coverage and lots of support. The light padding and underwiring worked together to lift and boost the bust, while the luxe silk straps kept the fit comfortable. The smooth, lace-free cup felt sexy and sultry but utterly practical too, and as you might expect from M&S the fabric was of excellent quality, feeling soft and luxurious without breaking the bank.
Best bralette
Type: Bralette
Size range: S-XL
With a crop top design and smoothing, stretchy material, this medium-support bra is super comfy and flattering. We found it worked for larger busts as well as smaller chests, and while the design is very simple, we loved the comfort that the lack of underwire gave.
Utilizing the brand's shapewear know-how, the fabric smooths without feeling constricting, you can also check out Spanx clothing range for items with inbuilt shapewear too, including tops and camisoles that will offer additional smoothing support.
Best for large busts
Type: Plunge bra
Size range: 34E-46H
Featuring supporting and stylish geometric stretch lace, the Panache Sculptresse Bliss Full Cup Bra offers immense comfort and a smoothing effect that's perfect for wearing under shirts or other items which require you to be held and minimised.
Our tester enjoyed this bra so much it quickly became her everyday. It lacks the more sexy elements you could find in other Panache bras, but the all-day support and comfort is unrivalled.
Best sports bra
Type: Sports bra
Size range: 28B-40J
Panache's non-wired sports bra offers great shape without the discomfort of an underwire. It features a clip that allows it to be converted to a racerback style, with seam-free inner cups for comfortable long-term wear.
The lower band holds very firmly, meaning it's best to wear this bra when you're out and about. It's a lot sturdier than your typical unwired bra, with a longline fit that means you could even wear it in the place of your typical workout top.
Best strapless
Type: Strapless bra
Size range: 30D-38G
From shoppers and lingerie experts alike, Wonderbra’s Ultimate Strapless Bra has long been hailed as the best on the market. We're pleased to confirm that it's worth every single bit of the hype. Available up to a G cup this bra does work for larger busts, although the underband only goes up to a size 38.
Incredibly sturdy, its unbudging band is patterned with small silicone dots, which prevent the bra from slipping. This brand excels due to its unique hand-shaped system, designed to lift your bust from the inside. Admittedly, this makes it not the most comfortable option to be wearing for long periods of time, but if you're looking for unparalleled support and a discreet style, then the people at Wonderbra know exactly what they're doing.
Best plus size
Type: Plunge bra
Size range: 32DD-46K
Great coverage, rounded cups for a fuller shape and gorgeous embroidery, this is the fuller bust bra that ticks so many boxes. Crafted as a three piece cup with side support to push the bust forward, this Elomi design is a favourite.
Offering exceptional lift for larger busts, this bra has a three-part cut for excellent support but still a low enough front for wrap dresses and tops. Wide straps stop any digging in, while a thick under and back band makes it one of the best bras for back fat.
Best lace
Type: Plunge bra
Size range: 28D-40K
The Freya Offbeat Underwired Side Support Bra is constructed from four pieces, offering top-class uplift and side support for large busts while still being comfortable for daily wear.
Highly functional, the bra is also flirty and fun with a selection of ten colours to choose from, as well as a quirky mismatched strap and cup colour in a few of the offerings. Our tester enjoyed the fact that the lace has a good amount of stretch, which gave her a more natural shape in the bust.
Best plunging
Type: Plunge bra
Size range: 34E-46H
Ideal for wearing under plunging tops and dresses, Bravissimo's Niya Bra is lightly padded and offers a rounded effect that smooths under any outfit. The back straps can be turned into a racerback look, and given how supportive this style is, they're impressively thin and could be hidden under most dress straps.
Our tester wouldn't wear this one for everyday, but she'd definitely keep it on-hand for events. This style offered her immense lift too, which (combined with her shapewear) helped in creating a smoothed and sculpted silhouette.
Best sheer
Type: Balcony bra
Size range: 28D-38G
The sheer design of this Freya Starlight Balcony Wired Bra is demure and feminine, available in a range of neutral colours. It has a sturdy-forward shaping design that offers a lot of hold, but not much give, meaning it's a good option for keeping your breasts in place all day long.
We enjoyed the shape of the cups with this bra, which would be the perfect day-to-day choice for size D and above. It's just a shame it doesn't come in smaller sizes.
Best lounge bra
Type: Lounge bra
Size range: 30E-40J
Ideal for nursing, lounging, and gentle exercise, the Bravissimo Nova Lounge Bra solves the age-old quandry of bralettes that offer no support or separation.
The cross-over front section of this bra is lightly padded, and the wide straps and firm band offer good lift and support that will have you wearing this bra in and outside of the house.
Best seam-free
Type: Seam-free bra
Size range: XS-L
While the material of this bra genuinely feels like a second skin in terms of comfort, if you're bigger than a C cup, you might find this doesn't offer quite enough support for you. However, for smaller chests this supremely comfortable option is one of our favourites.
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 to this bra, as you'll easily forget you've got it on. Slips on, with no fastening, it offers a super smooth finish.
Best supportive
Type: Full cup bra
Size range: 30D-44J
One of the most supportive bras we've tried, the Ana Side Support Bra from Fantasie is made from three pieces that add forward shaping and lift while still being flexible enough to accommodate different boob shapes and sizes.
It comes in a selection of colours, and the lace top layer keeps the design interesting while still offering full cup coverage.
Best sexy
Type: Full cup bra
Size range: 30D-44J
It's hard to find bras that are both sexy and supportive, but the Elomi Kintai Black Plunge Bra passes the brief with flying colours. We love the range of sultry or bright colours on offer, and the unique peek-a-boo look adds some interest without showing through clothing.
We were impressed by just how comfortable this bra is, and you can pair it with either a thong or full brief if you're in the market for a matching set.
Best full cup
Type: Full cup bra
Size range: 30D-40J
Panache's Allure Full Cup Bra is one of the brand's most enduringly popular bras. The stretch floral lace accommodates variations in breast shape and size, with a structured strap that provides side support for a naturally lifted look.
We wish this style was available in smaller cup sizes, but if you're fuller-busted and want a natural-looking bra for day-to-day wear, we recommend this one.
How we selected and tested the best bras
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.
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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.
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