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A bra that doesn’t fit correctly—whether it’s too big, too small, unsupportive, or just plain poor quality—can disrupt your ability to carry out your day-to-day responsibilities, let alone feel good in your clothing. Unfortunately, finding one that’s right for you is no easy task, despite that there’s no shortage of options available. In fact, one Google search alone can leave you with hundreds, if not thousands, of options in a single category of bra.
What’s more: The type of bra ideal for you will look different than what might be best for your best friend or colleague. Bras, like our bodies, are unique, so finding one that fits the bill in every important area is vital. It helps to know what to look for when it comes to the right bra—and the varieties from which to choose. Here, we tapped two bra experts to help us narrow down some of the best bras on the market in every category.
What to consider when choosing a bra
There are myriad factors to consider when choosing the right bra. Here’s a look at the most important areas to pay attention to when shopping for a bra.
Fit
Proper fit is crucial for comfort and support. Cami Raymond, bra expert and Senior Design Director for Ruby Ribbon, recommends ensuring that the band fits snugly around your ribcage without riding up. “It should be parallel to the ground and allow for only two fingers to fit comfortably underneath,” she says.
Cup size
Raymond recommends that the cups fully encapsulate your breast tissue without any spillage or gaping with the underwire (if present) encircling your breasts without digging into the tissue.
Adjustable straps
Adjustable straps are also a plus, since they allow you to make alterations for certain outfits or potential shifts in your own sizing.
Material
When choosing material, Raymond suggests always selecting something breathable like cotton or moisture-wicking spandex fabrics if you’re prone to sweating.
Best bra for for small breasts: The Little Bra Company Lucia Signature
When you’re shopping for the best bra—especially if you have a specific fit concern—you don’t necessarily want to look at the best places to buy dresses. Instead, seek out a brand and/or store that focuses on bras. For instance: The Little Bra Company. This brand specializes in petite sizes, which means they’ve honed in on all of the necessary features that work for smaller busts. “The center gore of the Lucia is really narrow, so it really does guide breast tissue forward to create some great volume and shape, which is really awesome,” says bra expert, Kimmay Caldwell. “It's also convertible which is really neat so that way if you want to get you to wear it for the different style in the back, you can do that.” This brand also has a padding scale, which indicates how padded each bra is.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 28-34
- Cup sizes: A-C
- Number of colors: 3
- Style: Push-up bra
- Price on publish: $65
What we like:
- Deep plunge allows bra to hide under most clothing
- Has convertible straps and a light underwear
- Padding scale indicates how much lift and support
What we don’t like:
- They sometimes run out of certain sizes
The Little Bra Company Women's Lucia Bra Nude 28A
Best bra for large breasts: Elomi Charley Side Support Plunge Bra
This UK-based lingerie and lifestyle brand specializes in creating both stylish and supportive bras for women with larger cup sizes and fuller busts. The Charlie, in particular, offers an elegant underwire and a front plunge that can be worn under most clothing, even those that have a deep neckline. It has reinforced side panels that bring the breasts forward, an elasticized edge around the top of the cups and it even converts to a racerback with a J-hook. Caldwell gives this bra a thumbs up for plus-size women and those with large breasts because it goes all the way up to a UK JJ, which in the U.S. is a much fuller cup.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32-46
- Cup sizes: DD-JJ
- Number of colors: 9
- Style: Support plunge bra
- Price on publish: $49.50-$66.00
What we like:
- Fully customizable fit
- Converts to a racerback with J-hook
- Plunge front allows you to wear with most clothing items
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers report that the cups run small
Elomi Charley Side Support Plunge Bra
Best t-shirt bra: Natori Bliss Perfection T-Shirt Bra
Natori is known for putting comfort first and its variety of t-shirt bras is impressive. This one has a sweetheart neckline that gives a natural shape to the bra along with flexible foam-lined underwire that doesn’t dig into your skin. The contour cups provide light coverage and you can customize them with fully adjustable and close-set straps. If this becomes the “it” bra for you, it comes in 14 different colorways so you can stock up on a few great hues.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 30-38
- Cup sizes: A-G
- Number of colors: 14
- Style: Support plunge bra
- Price on publish: $30-$70
What we like:
- Fully customizable fit
- Converts to a racerback with J-hook
- So many colorways offered
What we don’t like:
- There’s a limited number of band sizes
Natori Bliss Perfection T-Shirt Bra
Best lightweight bra: Smart & Sexy Sheer Mesh Demi Underwire Bra
If you’re looking for something simple, lightweight, but still sexy, this mesh and sheer underwire bra is the ticket. It’s soft and breathable thanks to dual layers of sheer-molded demi cups supported by underwire. The demi cups have an outlined matte elastic trim that gives a boost to your natural contours. To maintain a seamless silhouette, there are two-ply mesh wings on either side. The clasp in the back has a hook-and-eye closure that maintains its shape well after washes.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32-42
- Cup sizes: C-DD
- Number of colors: 18
- Style: Mesh demi underwire bra
- Price on publish: $30-$70
What we like:
- Mesh material is super breathable
- Velvety straps are adjustable
- So many colorways offered
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t offer sizes for very small busts
Best wireless bra: Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette
If you want to avoid wires altogether when it comes to your bra, you might find yourself resorting to mostly sports bras. However, even the best sports bras aren’t intended to be worn outside of exercise, at least for too long. Enter: The Bliss Bralette by Harper Wilde. It’s made from soft microfiber and has a v-neck front, smoothing sides that flatter your figure and a wireless band that won’t dig in and cause discomfort.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: XS-4XL
- Cup sizes: N/A
- Number of colors: 11
- Style: Bralette
- Price on publish: $45
What we like:
- Mesh material is super breathable
- Velvety straps are adjustable
- So many colorways offered
What we don’t like:
- This bra has no traditional cup or band sizes
Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette
Best strapless bra: Commando Butter Soft-Support Strapless Bralette
Finding the right bra is tricky enough. Finding one that’s both strapless and supportive is like searching for a needle in a haystack. This one checks all the boxes. Made from Commando’s Butter™ ultra-soft fabrics, the support garment is also made sustainably from beech trees. It has supportive molded cups and removable padding and is held together by an adjustable back closure. It comes in four skin-toned hues.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: XS-XL
- Cup sizes: N/A
- Number of colors: 4
- Style: Strapless
- Price on publish: $78
What we like:
- Butter™ fabric is super soft against skin
- Adjustable back closure
- Molded cups and removable padding
What we don’t like:
- Limited sizing available
Commando Butter Soft-Support Strapless Bralette
Best plus-size bra: Third Love 24/7® Perfect Coverage Bra
If you’re plus-sized and looking for added support without having to compromise on fit or style, look no further than Third Love’s 24/7® Perfect Coverage Bra. It molds to your body thanks to a thin layer of memory foam and holds its shape thanks to no-slip memory foam straps, which are adjustable to boot. The support provided to the sides and the back are smooth, so you don’t have to worry about spilling out and the underwire is ultra-flexible (no poking!). Shopping tip: Third Love made our list of the best lingerie brands, in case you’re looking to stock up on undergarments.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 32-44
- Cup sizes: B-H
- Number of colors: 7
- Style: Support and Coverage
- Price on publish: $72
What we like:
- Memory foam cups and straps mold to your body
- Smoothing sides and back prevent spillage
- Flexible underwire doesn’t cause poking
What we don’t like:
- Cups can be a bit firm until broken in
Third Love 24/7® Perfect Coverage Bra
Best push-up bra: SKIMS Fits Everybody Push-Up Bra
Leave it to Kim Kardashian to create a push-up bra that yields seriously impressive results. The reality TV star-turned business mogul knows a thing or two about how to design a bra that helps create a lift that’s comfortable and sexy. This one offers a supportive lift thanks to foam pads and an ultra-comfortable underwire. It comes in more than 17 shades, 10 of them being their classic, skin-toned hues. Kardashian skeptics take note: SKIMS really does excel at undergarments. They made our lists for the best shapewear and best cotton underwear.
Specifications:
- Band sizes: 30-38
- Cup sizes: A-H
- Number of colors: 17
- Style: Push-Up
- Price on publish: $54
What we like:
- Affordable
- Comes in many colorways, including 10 skin-toned hues
- 360-degree stretch and foam pads make for ultimate comfort
What we don’t like:
- Offers limited band sizes
SKIMS Push-Up Bra | Medium Neutral | 42DD | Fits Everybody
How we chose the best bras
We reached out to bra specialists to better understand the specific qualities shoppers should look for in every category of bra to find the perfect variety. We chose our picks based on their recommendations, as well as by combing through customer reviews to see which brands and styles customers liked best.
Best places to buy bras
There’s no shortage of places to buy bras—both in-person and online. (In a way, the myriad options begin to feel like the quest for finding the best anti-aging serums or best night creams: A lot of promises, but not a lot of certainty when browsing.) For the most accurate fit, Caldwell suggests going to a certified bra fitter at a local boutique if you want a high level of service and expertise, as they can walk you through all of your options and support you to find the best size and fit in each bra. “Department stores typically carry a smaller range of sizes, or have more stock online and bra specific online retailers have a lot of options, but you'll have to purchase multiple sizes and check the fit, then return what doesn't work,” she adds.
How to find your correct bra size
The most accurate way to find your correct bra size is to actually measure your band size using soft measuring tape. Next, you can measure your bust size by standing up straight with your arms by your side. Measure the fullest part of your bust and round this to the nearest whole number. Your cup size will be the number of your band size subtracted from your bust measurement.
How should a bra fit?
Your bra should feel comfortable; it shouldn't pinch, poke or cause discomfort. The band of your bra should fit snugly around your ribcage and sit parallel to the ground, explains Raymond. “It should not ride up in the back and your breasts should fill the cups fully without any spillage or extra space or gaping,” she says. “The straps should be adjusted so they stay comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or sliding off.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best bra to wear with anything?
The best bra to wear with anything is typically the one you find to be the most comfortable. Ideally, this is a seamless and neutral-colored bra that won’t show underneath most clothing and will allow you the flexibility and freedom to perform your day-to-day activities.
What is considered the most comfortable bra?
Comfort is unique to the individual; what you might find comfortable may not be to your friend or neighbor. Therefore, Raymond points out that the key to finding the most comfortable bra for you is to consider your personal preferences along with other factors like body shape, skin sensitivities, any body pains, etc. “Trying on different styles and brands, getting professionally fitted, and reading reviews from other customers can also help you find a comfortable bra that suits your needs,” she adds.
What is the best brand of bra?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to which brand carries the best bras; it really depends on your individual preferences, unique body shape, as well as your needs and wants.
Which bra is best to wear daily?
When choosing a bra that you will plan to wear daily, take into consideration your wardrobe and make note of the color scheme. “If you wear a lot of darker colors, try to get something that is either black or a dark neutral, since, if you wear a light-colored bra underneath your dark clothing, the color will bleed onto that light color and your bras will become dingy looking,” warns Caldwell. “Also, keep in mind that when wearing the right size and style for you, an underwire bra can be quite comfy.”
How many bras should I own?
According to Caldwell, most people need about seven, with two or three bras working with about 70 percent of their wardrobe. “For most, those are some really great, smooth t-shirt bras, a fuller coverage t-shirt bra, a strapless or convertible bra to go with specific outfits, some sports bras, a wire-free lounge or sleep bra, and something fun that makes you say hooray,” she says.
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