The 8 Best Bra Brands for Every Size, Shape, and Purpose
Experts weigh in on the dos and don’ts of good bras.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The pursuit of the perfect bra seems like a never-ending search party. Historically, bras have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable, painful, and irritating, but our feminist society has come a long way since then. Over the last decade, a ton of great new bra brands have popped up with solutions to bothersome underwires, digging straps, and cup gaping, to name a few.
As someone who’s personally invested in the matter, I’ve consulted experts and tested a ton of styles to curate a list of the best bra brands yet. Whether you’re seeking wire-free support for a fuller chest or you’re on the hunt for the best bras for small boobs to add volume, these brands run the gamut to service women of all sizes and needs. From the best T-shirt bras to sexy lingerie, strapless styles, and more, you are bound to find a bra that could potentially change your life.
Pros
- Available in half cup sizes
- Top-rated
- Smoothing for sides and back
Cons
- Some experience underwire discomfort
ThirdLove has a virtual fitting room featuring 3D renderings and animations that correspond to a questionnaire to visually explain concepts like cup gaping and underwire digging. It asks users to identify problems in their current bra experience to match them with the perfect fit.
Co-founder, Ra’el Cohen says, “My personal favorite bra is our 24/7® Classic T-Shirt Bra. It works with, not against, my natural breast shape to create beautiful cleavage and the look I desire.” With memory foam cups, and nonslip, pleated adjustable straps, the result is supportive and smoothing.
Band Sizes: 32-34
Cup Sizes: A-H (including half cup sizes)
Colors: 16 options
Material: Nylon, spandex
Customer review: “This is my second Classic T-shirt bra and it’s simply the best underwire bra I’ve ever had. It’s great for daily wear and especially under my white T-shirts. I also love that Third Love does half sizes because it allows me to have my perfect fit.”
Pros
- Boning helps keep its shape
- Does not slip down
Cons
- The band is wider than most
Lively’s bras are smooth, breathable, and sleek. The brand does strapless styles especially well, with a thick, snug band that stays comfortably put and separate cups that flatter the girls. This one is lightly padded with a flexible underwire you can barely feel.
Band Sizes: 32-38
Cup Sizes: A-DDD
Colors: Toasted almond, jet black
Material: Nylon, spandex
Customer review: “I am so pleased with this bra. Good strapless bras are hard to find, especially for top-heavy girls. I had zero slipping and even forgot I was wearing a bra! Band is a little more snug than usual but for a strapless, that’s ok.”
Pros
- Second skin comfort
- Wirefree support
Cons
- Pads fall out easily
- Runs slightly big
True & Co. prioritizes comfort and materials. You’ll never spot a wire or experience discomfort. This bra rounds and contours through supportive triangle cups and adjustable straps, while the inventory of styles ranges from push-up and padded to unlined second skin. If you hate wearing bras, this brand is for you.
Band Sizes: XS-2X
Cup Sizes: A-DD+
Colors: 22 options
Material: Nylon, elastane
Customer review: “This bra has just the right amount of support, lift & comfort. It’s the only bra I haven’t ripped off while I’m driving because I’m so uncomfortable. I had a double mastectomy and have been searching for 1.5 years for a comfortable bra, and the search is OVER!”
Pros
- Super soft mesh
- Stylish
- Pain-free wire
Cons
- Runs slightly small
CUUP revolutionized the bra by making simple everyday styles sexy and comfortable. The mesh is breezy and buttery while the wired bottom is pain-free and super supportive at any cup size. It comes in 50 different colors and prints.
Band Sizes: 30-44
Cup Sizes: A-H
Colors: 50 options
Material: Nylon, Spandex
Customer review: “I love this bra! I’m a 34DD and was very nervous about the level of support. It has a decent amount of support for chill activities and is great quality. It is definitely the cutest bra I own. Highly recommend!”
Pros
- Stylish
- Luxe materials
- Seamless
Cons
- Pricey
Sexy lingerie is great and all, but it’s typically reserved for special occasions due to uncomfortable materials. Fleur du Mal combines the best of both worlds, checking off both boxes. In a luxurious stretchy silk, this seamless style is great for everyday wear, featuring molded cups and a stylish bow accent.
Band Sizes: 30-38
Cup Sizes: A-D
Colors: Black, ivory, tan
Material: Silk, spandex
Customer review: “Simple, yet stunning bra. It’s so smooth with no seams showing and so perfect that I immediately bought another!”
Pros
- Ultra-soft material
- Adds fuller coverage
- Great range of skin tones
Cons
- Smooths, but does not shape
Skims is the buzziest bra brand right now. In a sea of “tried-and-true” brands, this Crossover Bralette stands out as a top-rated bestseller (with over 2,800 five-star reviews). The material is buttery and smooth while the unlined coverage gives just enough support.
Sizes: XXS-4X
Colors: 22 options
Material: Polyamide, elastane
Customer review: “This is the only bralette I’ll wear. It has perfect coverage, looks fantastic, and it actually gives support. I highly recommend this product, especially for larger-chested girls who are looking for proper bralette support.”
Pros
- Comfortable underwire
- Smooth under clothes
Cons
- Thin straps
- Only goes up to a B
Pepper has changed the game of bras for small-chested ladies. A common complaint is cup gaping. Instead of adding excess volume, Pepper has perfected the smoothing fit to, lift, lay, and subtly round out the chest. The result is comfortable, second-skin support you’ll never want to take off.
Band Sizes: 30-40
Cup Sizes: AA-B
Colors: 11 options
Material: Polyamide, elastane
Customer review: “This was love at first wear. The bra is soft, comfortable, no gap as promised, perfect fit. I can’t wait to replace all my bras with Pepper!”
Shapermint Truekind® Supportive Comfort Wireless Shaping Bra
Pros
- Extra band coverage is especially smoothing
- Wire free support
Cons
- Thick material
This bra from Shapermint has sold out five times. It’s made with molded foam cups that lift and shape the boobs and features extra band coverage for a smoothing effect. Designed to disappear under any top with varying necklines, it’s completely customizable with convertible straps and an adjustable hook and eye closure.
Sizes: S-4XL
Colors: 5 options
Material: Polyamide, elastane
Customer review: “It fits well and is designed to smooth the back as it sits lower. This is the best bra I’ve ever bought.”
What to Look for in a Bra
Materials
Cami Raymond, senior design director of Ruby Ribbon says, “Non-negotiables of a good bra are quality materials and construction, a supportive band and straps, and the overall fit.” The fabric should feel like a second skin: soft, stretchy, and smooth. “Since bras are worn for extended periods of time, make sure the fabric isn’t causing any uncomfortable sensations like chafing or itching. Look for softer fabrics and bras with lining in the cups,” she adds.
Proper Fit
A properly fitting bra should fit snug around the breasts. A bra that is too big will cause gaping in the cups, while a bra that is too small will cause spillage. Cohen says, “The band should fit comfortably snug for support, but not too tight that it leaves marks. You should be able to slide two fingers under the back of your band—no more, no less. The straps should stay put all day without slipping, but they shouldn’t be so tight they dig.”
There are several bra styles on the market, so finding the right one to flatter and support your shape can take time. “Almost 80 percent of women are wearing the wrong bra size due to common fit issues like slipping straps, wire sitting on breasts, straps digging in, cup gaping, side overflow, and cup overflow,” Cohen says. Consider this your checklist to avoid when bra shopping. If you’re free from all, you just may have found the perfect bra.
Gabrielle Richards, bra expert and brand director of Truekind and Shapermint, suggests fuller-chested women should consider a bra with wider straps. “These are designed to offer better support by distributing weight more evenly, giving you that extra comfort you deserve,” she says. Full-coverage cups will also make a bra more comfortable. “Strong back bands will provide extra support, making sure your bra stays put and doesn't ride up.”
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