• The right bra can make a world of difference in comfort, support, and confidence.
  • Our guide features bras that performed well in our tests, emphasize comfort, and have a good range of options across sizes, support levels, and styles.
  • ThirdLove is our top pick because of its intelligent fit finder quiz, half sizes, and carefully designed bras that are as sexy as they are comfortable.
  • You can also check out our guide to the best women’s underwear you can buy, and the best sports bra.

Buying bras may not be the most fun experience, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Luckily, there are a handful of companies that are looking to make the bra-purchasing process less of a hassle. But more importantly, the results are everything that you’ve ever wanted for your chest.

Your primary consideration when purchasing a bra should be comfort. After all, you’re likely going to be wearing your bra for at least the eight-hour workday, so your underwire can’t be digging into your rib cage, your straps can’t be tangling uncomfortably against your shoulder, and your clasp can’t be scratching your back.

Then, you should also consider what style of bra you’d like. Are you looking for a push-up, or are you looking to be a bit more inconspicuous with a classic T-shirt bra? There’s no wrong answer, of course, but there are certainly different bras for different occasions.

Perhaps most importantly, you’ll want to keep fit in mind. After all, an ill-fitting bra will be neither comfortable nor stylish (regardless of what you’re trying to achieve), but sometimes, figuring out exactly what bra size you are can be a bit difficult. This is especially the case when you’re doing your shopping online. Luckily, a number of our favorite bra purveyors have gone to great lengths to ensure that you and your bra get along.

Here are the best bras:

Updated on 07/20/2020 by Mara Leighton: Updated prices and links and added a section of what else we considered. We’re currently testing bras from Wacoal and bras for larger cup sizes, and we will update this guide with our results in the future.

The best bra overall

At ThirdLove, it's all about the fit, and oh, how these bras fit, thanks to the intelligent Fit Finder quiz and optional half sizes.

Face it - today's standard cup sizes aren't always exactly what your body needs. And luckily, at ThirdLove, no one is expecting you (or your breasts) to fit into a predetermined mold. In just 60 seconds, Thirdlove will help you find a bra that feels as though it was actually tailored to your body, all without your ever having to leave the couch.

It all starts with ThirdLove's Fit Finder tool, which as the name suggests, helps you find your actual right size. You'll input the cup size and band measurements you normally abide by, as well as the company from which you've historically purchased your bra. But then you'll also talk about where the shortcomings are - how much of a gap there is, how well the band actually sits against your back, and to what extent you find yourself adjusting the straps.

Most importantly, you'll tell ThirdLove about the shape of your breasts, because yes, that will impact what bra is ultimately recommended.

Once you're done with the full questionnaire, you'll input your email address, and you'll be shown what your bra size should be (it may be different than you previously imagined based on your answers), as well as a recommended bra. And best of all, if your bra size comes in a half cup (because yes, that's a thing), ThirdLove can send you a bra that comes in a half size.

While you may not think that a web-based survey could actually take you to a better fitting bra, think again. As soon as I put on my ThirdLove Classic T-Shirt Bra, I knew that I'd been wrong with just about every other bra I'd ever worn. This is easily one of the most comfortable and truly supportive pieces of lingerie I've ever worn, and whereas other bras seem to work only with certain outfits, I've managed to wear this particular bra under cocktail dresses and sweats alike.

Although the T-Shirt Bra is the classic choice, ThirdLove has plenty of other fantastic options for you to choose from as well, including a racerback, a lace racerback with a front closure (which is beautiful, by the way), and another personal favorite, the lace balconette (for special occasions).

Several other women on the Insider Reviews team have tried ThirdLove's bras and love them. Since we're all a range of sizes and shapes, it's impressive that we all love these bras. Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton especially appreciates that the 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra felt supportive without being restrictive and that "the ultra-thin memory foam cups form nicely to the body, and the material is breathable enough to auto-regulate."

Pros: Careful sizing guide, great fit, and comfortable material that doesn't irritate the skin even after a long day of wear

Cons: The Classic T-Shirt Bra isn't the sexiest bra in the world, but there are other options

Read our full review of ThirdLove's 24/7 Cotton T-Shirt Bra

The best budget bra

Foto: Source: Hanes

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a good bra, and Hanes is here to prove it.

High prices don't always correlate with high quality, and similarly, budget buys don't mean budget quality. No one knows this better than Hanes, the classic underwear brand that makes one of the best wire-free bras on the market.

Whether you want to call it a bralette or a wireless bra, you'll certainly call it supremely comfortable. The Comfort Wire-Free bra line by Hanes is one of the sturdier bras you can buy. Sure, it's not made of sexy lace, but as a result, it can withstand quite a bit of wear and tear. It doesn't lose its shape or stretch out in unattractive ways after several cycles in the washing machine, and because it doesn't have an underwire, it's incredibly lightweight and flexible.

But don't think that a lack of wire means a lack of support or structure. As folks over at Good Housekeeping noted, "I liked that this bra did not have an underwire, yet I felt fully supported. It was soft and comfortable…I almost forgot I was wearing a bra."

Because the Wire-Free bras are fully adjustable, they also stay put quite well.

Pros: Extremely affordable, wide range of colors, good support, and straps that stay in place

Cons: There are a limited selection of cup and band sizes, so chestier women may not be able to find a good fit

The best for atypical breast shapes

Foto: Source: Natori

If you're a fan of deep V-necks, the Natori Feathers Bra will keep you supported while staying out of sight.

There are few outfits for which the Natori Feathers isn't the perfect fit, and that makes this bra a staple in just about any wardrobe. As the name suggests, this bra takes a dramatic plunge down the middle, so if you're a fan of daring cuts and plunging necklines, this is certainly the bra for you.

Flirty and fun, Natori's signature Feathers lace adds the right touch of femininity to this pretty piece of lingerie. While aesthetics and functionality don't always go hand in hand when it comes to your underthings, Natori is certainly the exception to that rule. The comfortable T-shirt design is also plenty supportive.

Best of all, perhaps, is that the Feathers bra seems to be particularly useful for women with atypical bra sizes or breast shapes. As one happy customer noted on the Natori website, This is the first time I've worn a bra without padding and my boobs have never looked better!" Another reviewer echoed these sentiments, writing, "This bra is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. It fits my barely-A, wide-set bust perfectly."

Insider Reviews senior reporter Mara Leighton has been wearing the Natori Feathers bra since she discovered it in high school, and she was surprised to learn that so many of her friends have been wearing this bra, too. It's become what she calls the "'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' of lingerie" thanks to its staggeringly broad appeal regardless of bust size and shape.

New York Magazine calls the Natori Feathers the "unicorn of undergarments." The bra features a molded mesh outer cover with lace trim, as well as adjustable stretch straps that become wider as you size up. The Feathers bra is constructed of 84% nylon and 16% lycra and lace.

Pros: Great for plunging necklines, comfortable, flirty, and well-fitting for women with atypical bra sizes

Cons: Cup size runs small, so be sure to order accordingly

Read our full review of the Natori Feathers bra.

The best convertible bra

Foto: Source: Wacoal

If you need one bra to serve the purpose of two (or more) bras, then you'll want the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra.

Strapless bras in and of themselves are always a bit of a struggle, what with constant slippage and the seemingly never-ending need to adjust and readjust their fit. But with the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra, you can bid your fidgeting days adieu.

Part of the secret of this great bra is that it's not just strapless - it's actually convertible. The removable straps can help keep you supported, but so too can the gripper strips inside the top and bottom edges that make sure that the bra stays adhered to your chest, and doesn't begin wandering down. The back and side boning also helps the bra maintain its shape, while the mesh back keeps you comfortable.

Although most strapless bras don't do much for actually helping to shape your chest, the Wacoal is a different story, thanks to light foam padding, you'll enjoy "full figure natural shaping, support," and most importantly, no show-through. Because the straps are fully removable, you can choose how to wear them, whether that's halter style, crossed in the back, or traditional.

Folks at New York Magazine note that "this bra stays put no matter what," and Good Housekeeping also pointed out that the bra washed well without shrinkage, and that it was comfortable, supportive, and easy to put on.

Pros: Great for larger chested women, convertible, stays in place, comfortable

Cons: Some customers have noted issues with fit

The best bra for large cup sizes

Foto: Source: Bare Necessities

Chantelle makes supportive, comfortable, and natural-feeling bras for larger cup sizes.

Chantelle, a cult-favorite brand for shoppers with larger busts, is a family-owned French lingerie company with sizes that range from bands 30-44 and cups A-H. Its bras are supportive and offer a more natural and less bulky look than many of the other brands that cater to larger cup sizes. And, they skip the common flaws found in mass-produced bras for this size range - they don't drop low or spread you out.

Chantelle bras are functional, but they're also undeniably pretty, unlike many of the options available to women over a C-cup. You can find opaque T-shirt bras and multifunctional bralettes as well as beautiful lacy options - all of which prioritize the support, shaping, and structure a larger bust needs.

Chantelle prices tend to be on the higher side (typically $52-$120), but a high-quality, supportive bra that respects your natural shape justifies the cost. All of its products are handmade in Chantelle-owned factories so there is complete control over the quality. - Mara Leighton

Pros: Functional, beautiful, natural-feeling, non-bulky, high-quality

Cons: Pricey

The best bralettes and wire-free bra

Foto: Source: Lively/Facebook

Lively's bras and bralettes only cost $35, but they offer the quality, support, and style of much more expensive ones.

If you're sick of spending $50 to $100 on each bra you buy, take a look at Lively. All of the startup's bras and bralettes cost just $35 apiece. You can choose from a wide range of styles, including numerous bralettes and a handful of different bra styles with and without underwire.

I've tried several Lively bras and each one has impressed me in a different way. The underwire push-up bra and the push-up bra without underwire are both incredibly comfortable. The padding is subtle and not excessive like the push-up bras from Victoria Secret and other brands. You get a slight lift without feeling like you're going to fall out of your bra.

The no-underwire version is surprisingly supportive, too. When I first laid eyes on it, I thought I'd need to return it immediately, but it's turned out to be one of my favorites. The wide band gives the support I need and the lack of wires makes it super comfortable for all-day wear.

The All You Busty Bralette is very comfortable for lounging around at home with its wide, thick straps, and super soft material. I'm not a bralette person for going out and about (having a DD cup will do that to you), but it's perfect for days when you have nowhere to go beyond the grocery store. As someone with a larger cup size, I really liked that there's a DD+ section with all the bras and bralettes that are made for larger busts.

We also tested the No-Wire Strapless Bra and were thrilled with how supportive it was and how little we were distracted by it throughout the day. Senior reporter Connie Chen writes, "Though I could still tell I was wearing a strapless bra throughout the day, I certainly thought of it much less often than I usually do because it wasn't painful to wear and I didn't have to constantly wriggle around self-consciously to readjust its position."

Women with smaller busts will love the wide range of bralettes and how cute they look. Many of them are stylish enough to show off, too.

The only real downsides here are that Lively doesn't have sizes above DDD and the bras may not be as long-lasting as more expensive ones. - Malarie Gokey

Pros: Wide range of styles, true to size, cute designs, comfortable, affordable

Cons: May not be as long-lasting as others, sizes max out at DDD

Read our full review of the Lively No-Wire Strapless Bra.

The best lounge bra

Foto: Source: True Body Co.

True & Co. makes comfortable, wire-free bras from a buttery soft material that lifts and supports.

True & Co.'s True Body Collection is full of soft, wire-free bras that are perfect for lounging.

Sizing ranges from 32A to 42DDD/F, and while it won't give you as much support as a traditional wire bra, it does promise up to an inch of lift.

One of our favorite styles from the True Body collection is the V Neck Racerback. The bonded technology means no elastic or bulky, line-disrupting seams. The wire-free channel lends support like underwire without the wire, and the "super lift fabric" (a tightly knit blend) provides the noticeable lift and support. The molded cups prevent you from slipping out and getting the dreaded "underboob" that almost uniformly plagues these seamless, "comfort"-first bras.

I wear the V Neck Racerback around the house, but I also like to use it under T-shirts for a smooth silhouette and a more natural shape. For as much use as I get out of it, almost $60 isn't ideal but it certainly hasn't been regretted.

The Mesh Scoop Neck Lift Bra is also one of the best pieces of loungewear that I own. It's basically the same as the other True Body bras by virtue of its identical smooth, buttery soft fabric, but it also has a mesh back so it's extra breathable.

Most True Body bras come with removable pads, and range in colors from nudes to bright patterns. And after many less-than-careful loads of laundry, I haven't seen any noticeable change in performance or look. - Mara Leighton

Pros: Buttery smooth fabric, noticeable lift, versatility, extreme comfort, relatively affordable

Cons: Not as much support as a traditional bra, can find lounge bras for cheaper, less support for larger cup sizes

Read our full review of True & Co. bras.

What else we considered

Foto: Source: Cuup
  • Spanx makes pillowy soft bras with wider-than-average straps and the sort of easy, natural lift that the company credits to 3D technology. Altogether, it makes for a secure, comfortable, and supportive experience. Our testers loved them, and we highly recommend a variety of full-coverage styles, which we tested across different bra sizes. But, we appreciate ThirdLove's style and size variety more for the average person.
  • Cuup's bras are surprisingly supportive, but they're not as strong in the individual categories of variety, price, or support to outrank our top picks. We still recommend them.
  • Harper Wilde makes reliable, affordable bras in neutral colors. We like them and recommend them, but didn't find them to be the strongest option in any of the categories above during our testing.
  • Summersalt makes semi-sheer underwear sets like the Feel Free Bralette and Feel Free Underwear, which we tried and thought were comfortable, cute, and well-suited for lounging. But, we like both True & Co. and Lively's superior variety, stock, and structural support even more.
  • Everlane stocks comfortable tank bras and bralettes, and we appreciate both the softness of its Pima cotton and the fact that its ReNew styles utilize Econyl, a 100% regenerated nylon that's typically made using a combination of nylon from fishing nets, fabric scraps, and industrial nylon waste. But, we prefer the structural support and comfort of the True & Co. and Lively bras.

Check out our other great bra and underwear guides

Foto: Source: Journelle

The best women's underwear

Underwear. You won't give it a second thought if it's fabulously comfortable, but if it's anything less than that, it's all you'll be able to think about all the livelong day. And let's be honest - you're way too busy to waste any brain space on something as trivial as underwear. These are the best places to buy women's underwear.

The best strapless bras

With so many silhouettes, sizes, and styles to choose from, finding the right strapless bra for your needs can be downright overwhelming. It's often the trickiest bra to shop for since you have to find one that not only fits properly but will also stay put all day without slipping down or digging into your side. These are our picks for the best strapless bras.

The best sports bras

A good sports bra keeps your chest supported during your workout, minimizing any uncomfortable bounce and jiggle. These are our top picks for the best sports bras you can buy.

The best women's swimsuits

When it comes to picking a swimsuit, it really is all about you. Be sure that the suit that you've chosen is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. We've kept inclusivity top of mind in our guide to the best swimsuits, so you can find the best swimsuit that suits your style.