Do you need to wear a bra while you sleep? We got the full lowdown from the pros. (Knix, Elita, Soma)
While many of us can't wait to slip off our bras the moment we step through the door, have you ever considered wearing one around the clock? If you find yourself craving a little extra support while you relax in the evening or drift off to dreamland, a sleep bra might be just what you’re looking for. We totally understand that the idea of wearing a bra to bed might not seem all that appealing at first, but these aren’t your typical everyday bras! Sleep bras are typically lightweight, wire-free options that are so comfy you forget you're wearing them. They should also be supportive without being restrictive — so you can easily move around while snoozing. To help you get the scoop on these cozy undergarments, we chatted with two bra experts to find out exactly what they are, who can benefit from them, and how to pick the right one for you.
While you may be tempted to sleep in any bra you find comfortable, the best sleep bras do have a few key factors. According to Kimmay Caldwell, Undergarment Educator at HurrayKimmay.com, "Sleep bras should have no underwires, minimal structure, and use gentle, stretchy fabrics to provide light support without feeling restrictive." That's because the body needs to breathe and stretch at night and will be in a different position than when you're standing or sitting during the day.
Jené Luciani Sena, bra expert and bestselling author of The Bra Book, agrees saying while a sleep bra doesn't necessarily need to be specially designed for catching some Z's, it should be "a lightweight, comfortable bra that offers gentle support without underwires and heavy padding."
While anyone can wear a sleep bra at night, Sena says they can be "especially helpful for women who have very large heavy breasts who tend to experience chafing, or who sweat a lot when they sleep (such as peri- and menopausal women). Pregnant and nursing women with sore sensitive breasts and nipples might also benefit from a sleep bra."
Caldwell adds that sleep bras can also be used as a styling hack for those early morning wake-up calls. "I often wear sleep bras when staying over at my in-laws under my pajamas. That way I can wake up and have breakfast with the family in my PJs without having to put on a regular bra." Genius!
While finding the right sleep bra is really a matter of personal preference, there are a few key factors to consider when shopping for one.
Fabric: Sena recommends looking for options in "breathable, soft, stretchy fabrics like microfiber with a higher nylon content." But if you tend to sweat a lot at night or have sensitive skin, she suggests opting for a style made from 100% cotton or modal cotton. Caldwell is also a fan of natural materials and says to consider bamboo or even silk options too. "Also moisture-wicking blends can help you keep you cool and comfortable. Either way, soft cozy materials and finishes will feel best while slumbering," she adds.
Design: Aside from a soft and smooth fabric, the most important factor in choosing a sleep bra is avoiding anything that can cause discomfort. Think hardware, clasps or underwires that can dig in and pinch you while you move around in your sleep. Sena also suggests skipping any bras that have thick, heavy padding, as they can weigh you down as you snooze. You should also avoid any option with thick seams or large tags and reach for smooth, seamless designs to help prevent irritation while sleeping.
Support: "Opt for a bra with gentle support, such as soft, stretchy or wide underband and unlined cups, rather than firm compression," says Caldwell. Sena confirms lightweight support is key and mentions "some women also believe that sleeping in a bra helps to prevent sagging, although there is no real evidence to suggest this."
Stretch: Since most of us roll around a lot in our sleep, you want to find an option with serious stretch and flexibility. "A good sleep bra should move with your body and not feel restrictive. It should fit less firmly than your typical, supportive bra. Most folks just want something to keep their bust in place and aren't looking for extreme shape or support."
Sena says this is the bra she personally sleeps in every night. "It checks all the boxes…soft breathable material… enough support without being restrictive, a hook-and-eye closure so you have room to loosen if need be, and no hardware on the straps or underwire." It comes in four cool colors and ranges from small to 4XL, so you can easily find a comfortable fit.
Caldwell describes the fabric of this sleep bra as "delicious,"adding: "It's so soft and easy to wear to sleep with zero hardware." And if you want even more coverage while you catch some zzzs she says the full-figure version is just as great.
Sena loves Knix bras for sleeping because of how comfortable they are, and she's a fan of this one in particular because it's designed to be cooling. "It has very little fabric with the single layer mesh and just a simple design. You can also pair it with their absorbing panties," she said.
Another Truekind option beloved by Caldwell. It offers more coverage than Sena's favorite above but is just as comfy, thanks to its seamless design with no hardware to poke or prod you. Caldwell notes that it's super easy to slip on and off.
We even have one from Soma that’s actually marketed as a sleep bra. "It’s a super soft modal cotton and a simple bralette style you can pull on," says Sena. The wireless bralette is double-layered for added coverage and a secure fit and it has some shirring on the sides to help shape your bust.
"This one has breathable, soft fabric and is adjustable for a great fit. Plus, the size range is incredible,"Caldwell raves. The band sizes range from 30 to 48 and the cups go from DD to J! And even though it's wireless, it offers a good amount of lift, support and separation for the girls.
