Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best styles according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
Finding one's dream bra is a notoriously difficult task that women have been plagued with since the darn things were invented. The essential undergarment can cause some major pain and discomfort to both your person and your wallet, and sadly, owning just one won't cut it.
But it's not all bad. Believe it or not, there are plenty of bras out there that look just as good as they feel and promise to withstand the test of time. As you'll be sporting a bra nearly 365 days of the year, it's important to invest in one that fits properly, meets your needs, and—most importantly—feels right.
Ahead, we've rounded up a list of the web's 10 best bras in every style, along with our advice for finding your perfect fit, tell-tale signs of when it's time to upgrade, and how to care for and preserve your investment properly.
How To Tell When It's Time To Invest In A New Bra
Take it from us: a well-fitting bra will never do you wrong. If your breasts fill out the cups of your bra without gaping or overflowing, your band sits in the middle of your back rather than too high or too low, and your straps sit comfortably at your shoulders, then congratulations—you own a bra that properly fits. If your current bra doesn't meet these needs, don't fret. Now is your opportunity to invest in something that will better serve you. A well-fitting bra shouldn't dig, gape, or cause pain, and if you're experiencing any of these issues with your current bra, it may be a sign that it's time to remeasure your bust to determine your correct bra size.
How To Measure Yourself To Determine Your Bra Size
Owning a bra that provides the right fit can make all the difference—we're talking less back pain, no digging, and more confidence. The thought of measuring yourself at home can seem intimidating at first, but trust us—the process is actually quite simple and should take less than 10 minutes. All you'll need is a tape measure and your best-fitting bra.
1. To determine your band size, put on your chosen underwire bra. Grab your measuring tape and lift your bust to measure the area around your rib cage. To get the most accurate measurement, make sure you wrap the tape measure around your torso and straight across your back. If you end up with an odd number, round up to the nearest even number.
2. To determine your bust size, wrap your measuring tape around the fullest part of your breast. This is the area furthest away from the chest wall.
3. Lastly, subtract your band size measurement from your bust size measurement to calculate your cup size. Every inch of difference between the two numbers is a cup size. For example, one inch is an A cup, two is a B cup, and so on.
How To Launder Your Bras
We've said it before, and we'll say it again. Properly caring for the pieces in your closet is one of the biggest factors when it comes to extending their life span. When wash day comes around, make sure you show your bras a bit of extra attention. We recommend hand washing your bras in the sink, but you can do it in the washing machine as long as you use a garment bag, a gentle cycle, and cold water. And whatever you do, don't put your bras in the dryer. The intense heat can be way too much for the elastic in your bras, not to mention bend the underwire into unrecognizable shapes. Instead, leave your bras out to air dry. They'll thank you later.
Our Method For Finding The Best Bras
As much as we love a good return policy, we hate to use it. The bras ahead are backed by our data-driven algorithm that factors in best-seller lists, editor recommendations, and real reviews from bra-wearing women like you—all so you can be sure that what you see is truly what you get. The bras on this list are breathable, supportive, reliable, and—most importantly—comfortable. Keep scrolling to shop the Top 10 bras you can buy right this very second for every style and need.
Next up, check out the 10 Best Strapless Bras. Opening image: thirdlove.com
November 24, 2021
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Calvin Klein Invisibles Comfort Seamless Wirefree Lightly Lined Triangle Bralette
BEST LIGHTLY LINED BRA
WHY YOU NEED IT: Engineered to deliver a second-skin feel, this seamless bra boasts wire-free cups and convertible straps for the perfect fit. Plus, it's made with stretchy nylon material that virtually disappears under clothing.
WHY WE LOVE IT: "This is my absolute favorite bra. It's comfortable, smooth, and supportive—and usually on sale on Amazon, making it a great deal, too!"—Beth Zerdecki, Chief Marketing, and Product Officer
SPANX Bra-llelujah! Full Coverage Bra
BEST BACK-SMOOTHING BRA
WHAT IT DOES: Meet your most supportive bra yet. Designed with thick, dig-free straps and SPANX's innovative Smart Stretch fabric for a customized fit, this genius option caters to your unique shape and stays in place no matter where your day takes you.
USER REVIEW: "I don’t wear any other bra. This covers the problem areas beautifully. No wonder so many celebrities endorse it! I have gone in store and tried other recommendations from the sales clerks, but nothing ever beats this."
Thidlove 24/7 Perfect Coverage Bra
BEST FULL-COVERAGE BRA
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Designed with Thirdlove's signature cups, this bra features a hybrid memory foam that forms to your unique shape, creating a smoothing silhouette. And thanks to the ballet back design, the straps will never dig in or slip.
THINGS TO KNOW: Thirdlove uses a special knitting technique to ensure these bras are extra durable.
True & Co True Body Triangle Convertible Strap Bralette
BEST BRALETTE
WHY YOU NEED IT: Designed with wireless cups and free of elastic and seams, this bra lays flat against the skin to offer a smooth fit that vanishes under clothing.
THINGS TO KNOW: Just like your favorite sports bra, this comfy convertible option slips on right over your head.
Wacoal Full Figure Simple Shaping Minimizer Bra
BEST MINIMIZER BRA
USER REVIEW: "I have been buying Wacoal bras since the '90s. Why? The workmanship and materials are top-notch, and the fit is consistently and comfortably on the mark. My latest purchase is no exception to the rule. It fit perfectly right from the start, and I look forward to wearing it for some time to come."
WHAT IT DOES: Designed to minimize the look of fuller busts, this bra has silky fabric and etched scrolls along the straps for a secure fit.
Wacoal How Perfect No-Wire Contour Bra
BEST WIRELESS BRA
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: The best bras are the ones you forget you're wearing. This unlined style expertly shapes and supports just like a wired one would—minus the discomfort of the wire, of course.
USER REVIEW: "This is by far the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. It literally feels like a second layer of skin. It has very soft fabric, and I will be purchasing it in all the colors! Most importantly, it looks like a normal bra rather than the 'sports bra' look that's common with the wireless range."
Pepper Mesh All You Bra
BEST BRA FOR SMALL BUSTS
WHAT IT DOES: Made with shallow cups that sit close to the bust and signature mesh that shapes and lifts, this bra delivers an optimized curve and sleek elastic to prevent the band from riding up.
USER REVIEW: "I have always struggled with the cups on bras! They were always too big, I’ve never filled them out, and I thought this was normal. I found pepper, and WOW! I fill out the cups, there’s no gap, and it’s comfortable! I 100% recommend this bra! I got rid of all my other bras, and this is what I’ll be purchasing from now on. Thank you, pepper!"
Thirdlove 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra
BEST T-SHIRT BRA
WHY YOU NEED IT: With tagless clasps, flat tubing underwire, and accordion straps, this bra makes everyday comfort a top priority. Bonus: it's the brand's number-one best-seller.
ABOUT THE BRAND: There's a bra here for every body. Thirdlove has a unique sizing system that factors in everything from breast shape to the way you feel in your current bras, leaving shoppers with a whopping 78 sizes to choose from.
Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra
BEST STRAPLESS BRA
WHY YOU NEED IT: Finding a good strapless bra is practically the Olympic sport of bra shopping, but we're proud to say you can end your search here. This full-coverage bra comes equipped with seamless underwire cups to ensure that fuller cup sizes from DD all the way up to H get the support they need.
USER REVIEW: "I usually have issues finding a strapless bra in my size since I am a 34DDD. This bra fits perfectly, it stays in place, and it's very comfortable. It gives great support and the right amount of cleavage. I am so excited I finally found the right strapless bra."
Natori Feathers Underwire Contour Bra
BEST BRA OVERALL
WHY YOU NEED IT: This bra kills it in every department. When we tell you there's nothing it can't do, we're not exaggerating in the slightest. It provides great support and a comfortable, barely-there feel, and it disappears underneath even the thinnest of shirts.
WHO IT'S FOR: If you have wide-set or shallow breasts, this bra may be a good fit for you. According to rave reviews, it prevents gaping thanks to its slightly tighter band and smaller cups.
The Latest
