Testers from cup sizes A to G tried more than 50 bras to find the best for every breast. (Yahoo Shopping / Pepper)
The right bra forms the foundation of a confident, comfortable fit for your entire wardrobe. And yet finding a good bra can feel like the most impossible style task out there. A good fit means it supports your breasts and gives the lift you want with straps that don't slip and a band that doesn't pinch, ride up or dig in — a feat.
But whether your preference is the easy comfort of a bralette, the structure of an underwire with soft cups or something in between, there is a bra out there for you. To make your search easier, we consulted professional bra fitters and lingerie designers; we also relied on our own testing by seasoned shopping editors to identify the best bras across a range of categories.
With their expert guidance in hand, we researched and reviewed more than 50 highly rated bras in various styles and at a range of prices, narrowing down the list to determine which are truly worth your money. Whether you're seeking a wireless bra that feels like a second skin, a supportive bra for larger busts or a cute strapless style that actually stays put, you'll find a standout option here.
Update, Nov. 24, 2025: We reviewed all product prices and availability, and after additional testing, added new top picks from Cuup, Pepper, Wacoal and Evelyn & Bobbie.
When it comes to finding the best bras, the most important thing is finding the ones that work for a range of cup sizes, breast shapes and goals and of course, comfort. I consulted professional bra fitters, intimates designers and lingerie experts to gather trusted guidance on what makes a truly great bra.
Using their insights, I spent more than 10 hours researching bra brands, styles, claims and specs, narrowing it down to 50 top-rated bras across a range of styles and price points. I considered availability and range of sizing, colors and customer feedback to find the ones worth testing.
Next, our team of experienced shopping editors and product reviewers tested over 30 standout styles to determine which ones truly deliver. We asked each for insight on the perfect bra, from fit to style, with testers ranging in cup sizes A-G and preferences from wireless barely-there bralettes to structured underwire bras that give lift and separation.
In our tests, we evaluated each bra based on comfort, support, style, quality and durability. Our testers weighed in on what makes each bra comfortable, whether it stood up to repeated wear and laundering and how it performed over time. After crunching all of the research, we found the bras worth a spot in your lingerie drawer.
Size: An ill-fitting bra can lead to daily discomfort like chafing, shifting band, slipping straps, gaping cups and may contribute to neck, back or breast pain, especially for people with larger breasts. There are many online guides and videos that walk you through finding your bra size process, but if you're unsure, specialty lingerie stores often offer free professional fittings. Ultimately, trying on several styles and sizes is the best way to find what truly fits and feels right, since sizing can vary between brands and bra types.
Fit: A well-fitting bra can make a significant difference in comfort and support. Your bra should fit "securely and comfortably around your rib cage without gapping or overflowing in the cups," says Dana Donofree, breast cancer survivor and founder/CEO of the bra brand AnaOno. "Your chest should feel supported and at ease, so the bra shouldn't ride up in the front or back, and the straps should rest comfortably on your shoulders."
The cups shouldn't bulge or gap. Bulging may indicate the cup is too small or the straps are too tight. "The top of the cup should contain the breast without bulging or gaping," says Jessica Pfister, vice president of Dreamfit Intimates.
The "underwire should follow the perimeter of the breast tissue and rest on the ribcage," says Pfister.
"The bra band should fit snugly around your body, anchoring both the cups and the underwire in place," says Pfister.
"The band of the bra should fit horizontally across the back. If it rides up in the center, this indicates that the weight of the breasts is pulling the back of the band up and the band is too large," Pfister warns. You may need to go down a band size.
The center of the bra, called the gore, should lie flat against the breastbone. And if your straps are adjusted properly, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably underneath.
Fabric: "A bra should be made from good-quality components," says Annette Smith, brand director for Montelle Intimates. "Quality elastic, foam, mesh and fabric will ensure your bra lasts for many months still doing the job it was meant to do." When it comes to soft, comfortable fabrics, Pfister says it's hard to beat certain tried-and-true materials. "Personally, I think there is nothing better than a super-soft microfiber, modal or cotton spandex bra. They look smooth and feel incredibly comfortable."
As for lace, Pfister says that "fabric technology is so amazing now that you can have the most incredible lace bra that has a finish on it to make it feel just as soft and yummy against the skin.” Smith agrees, adding, "lace bras are not itchy if they are good quality."
Support: When it comes to breast support, "think of it as building a bridge," Dale says. "You don’t need much to cross a small creek on foot, but you want structural steel to carry the weight of a car. The same goes for bras.
"Many A through C cups can get by without much in the way of wires. Once you get beyond that point, the D through G cups, you'll want underwires, side panels, etc. When you go up to G cups, you'll want to buy bras from brands specializing in those bigger cup sizes."
Adjustability: Choosing bras with adjustable bands and straps is key to achieving a personalized fit, says fit expert and educator Kimmay Caldwell, founder of HurrayKimmay.com. "Often people mistake comfort with loose, carefree bras. But those tend to be loose, roam around and not fit well. So many of the clients I've fit said they want wire-free and stretchy, but once they're in the right size, they love the feel and look of a wired bra," she says.
Style: Choosing the right silhouette "all depends on your lifestyle and your aesthetic," Smith says. Think about the purpose of your bra: If you're shopping for a comfortable bra to wear every day, you may want to consider a T-shirt bra that offers more coverage and support, while if you're looking for a sexier option for special occasions, you may consider a pretty balconette option, a push-up style or a plunging bra.
Delimira Balconette Bra: Deals writer Carrie McCabe says this plus-size Delimira bra isn't bad overall, but noted that it had some sizing issues. "Nice fabric and good smoothing; not too tight around the band and felt accurate to the 40 sizing. However, I wish they had DDD cup sizes, especially considering this is a plus-size specific bra," she says. Overall, she found it comfortable despite its underwire, though she did notice some gaps and spillage due to the cup-size issue.
Freya Idol Underwire Molded T-Shirt Bra: Dodell-Feder and Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity tested this Freya option and felt it slightly missed the mark. "I'm a wireless bra wearer through and through," Garrity says. "And when I want a little more shaping, I typically opt for lightly lined underwire styles that are still comfortable enough for all-day wear. That said, this bra doesn't exactly fit the bill. It's comfortable enough, but I wasn't a fan of the fabric or the fact that the band was too tight (despite knowing this is my right size)." Doddell-Feder notes, "I generally love Freya bras and have tried many styles over the years. This is not one of my favorites. I thought the shaped cups didn't wear well, and this isn't the most comfortable design. The gore (center part between the cups) comes up pretty high, which I think affected the fit."
Harper Wilde T-Shirt Bra: I loved that the straps on this everyday T-shirt bra were adjustable from the front, and the clasp in the back to convert it into a racerback was a nice bonus. Unfortunately, I found that the cups cut into me weirdly. The bra looked good from the front, but the cups cut off on the sides at a weird spot, causing spillage. I didn't notice other reviewers having this issue, so I may have needed to go up a cup size.
Natori Bliss Perfection Soft Cup Bra: This wire-free option felt great, and I often forgot that I was wearing it. The only reason it didn't win out for best wire-free bra was the lace panel at the bottom. I liked that it gave the otherwise plain bra a sweet, feminine touch, but it sometimes rolled or folded up as I was wearing it.
Skims Unlined Balconette Bra: The fabric on this Skims bra was silky smooth, and I was really impressed by how soft it was. But I found the underwire to be a bit thicker and more uncomfortable than other options I tested. The bra fit great and looked really nice on though. And I really appreciated the size range and color options available.
Soma Embraceable Enchanting Lace Demi Bra: This demi-cup bra from Soma has a sweetheart neckline that reveals a hint of cleavage while still giving you the support you need. The memory-foam blend cups give a nice shape but aren't full coverage, so you can still let a bit of cleavage peek through a tank top with a plunging neckline. I really liked this bra and found it very comfortable, but just preferred others more.
Warner's No Side Effects T-Shirt Bra: Ross liked that this T-shirt bra by Warner's was "supportive without being uncomfortable," but she didn't really notice much smoothing happening from the side bands, and she noticed some gaps on the sides. In general, she found it pretty comfortable, even though she rarely wears bras with underwire. "Overall, it's a solid T-shirt bra, but beware of some gapping."
Everyone will have a different answer for this question, depending on their lifestyle and preferences, but Teich recommends at least four, depending on occasion. Her recommendations:
One to two everyday t-shirt bras for daily wear.
One to two sports bras for exercise.
One to two specialty bras, such as push-up bras, convertible bras, strapless bras or even maternity or nursing bras.
One to two comfort bras, like a bralette or wireless bra for lounging, sleep or comfortability.
For regular wear, a good rule of thumb is to wash your bra every two to three wears to prevent the buildup of sweat, body oils, bacteria and odor. Teich warns, though, "that each time you wash your bra, you slightly degrade its integrity — the elastic, wire and hardware will wear down over time, so it's a balance of washing as much as necessary without overdoing it."
One caveat, she says: how much you've perspired. "During sweatier summer months when you're sweating more, you may want to wash your bras more often, maybe even after every wear," she says. "And sports bras should be washed after every use, since they're highly saturated with sweat."
If you are investing in a high-quality bra, you need to properly care for it to help it keep its shape and softness. "Throwing them in the washer and using your typical clothing soap will ruin the elastic, shape and material, making it harsh and brittle and dented," Caldwell says.
If you need to wash them frequently but want to preserve their structure, Teich recommends hand-washing in cold water with a gentle detergent, and hang-drying. To keep your bras in the best condition:
Always follow the care instructions on the label, which may recommend hand-washing or using a lingerie bag in the washing machine on a delicate cycle.
Avoid the dryer — air-drying is best to maintain fit and longevity.
"Air-dry by hanging the bra from its gore," says Teich. "Never hang your bra by the straps or the band to prevent the fragile elastic from prematurely stretching out."
Rotate between several bras to give each one time to rest and recover its shape.
There is no scientific evidence suggesting that wearing a bra to bed negatively impacts breast health, according to National Center for Health Research. "Similarly, there is no sufficient evidence that going braless will help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer," researchers say. Whether you wear one while you sleep is purely a matter of preference.
"First, you’ll need a tape measure marked in inches to take your rib and bust measurements," says Noemi Diaz-Justino, senior design director at lingerie brand True & Co. Here's how, according to Diaz-Justino:
Wrap the tape measure snugly (not tight) around your ribcage, directly under your bust, keeping it parallel to the floor. Round to the nearest whole number — this actual underbust measurement is your band size.
Next, measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust, making sure the tape measure is level.
To find your cup size, subtract your band measurement from your bust measurement. Each inch of difference typically corresponds to a cup size:
1 inch = A cup
2 inches = B cup
3 inches = C cup
4 inches = D cup
5 inches = DD
6 inches = DDD (or E, depending on the brand)
If you're between sizes, trying on multiple sizes and styles is still the most reliable way to find the right fit.
Kimmay Caldwell, expert bra fitter and founder of HurrayKimmay.com
Elisabeth Dale, author of The Bra Zone and founder of The Breast Life
Noemi Diaz-Justino, senior design director of lingerie brand True & Co
Dana Donofree, breast cancer survivor and founder/CEO of bra line AnaOno
Helena Kaylin, founder and CEO of MINDD, the first exclusive D+ bra company
Jessica Pfister, vice president of Dreamfit Intimates
Annette Smith, brand director for Montelle Intimates
