Looking for the best bras that deliver on support, lift, and style? We’ve got you (and your boobs) covered when it comes to finding the perfect bra, whether it's a sports bra, plunge bra, bralette, or full cup you're looking for.
Finding the best bra for you can often take some time and effort—especially if you don't know what exactly to look for for your body and bust type. So we've tested dozens of bra styles, from everyday wear to bra solutions and more, to pick out the very best bras for every bust type.
With styles for a wide selection of cup sizes, body types, and budgets, there’s something for everyone. In order to pick the best styles, when testing we looked at the quality of the material, design, support, and—arguably the most important factor—comfort.
The bras that made our list were a joy to wear—no falling straps, wires digging into the ribcage, and gaping cups here. In addition to our list of the best bras in 2022, we've also got detailed guides on the best strapless bras, best sports bras, and the most comfortable bras.
How we selected the best bras
There's no universally held standard of 'the best bra'—everybody has a different idea of how a good bra should fit, flatter and support. But there are some common qualities we firmly believe all of the best bras should share:
- Fit—when it comes to bras, fit is everything. If you're finding that your current bras aren't doing what they need to, then it's definitely time for a new one. With our guide on how to measure bra size in mind, we wore the bras through work and weekend, to really test their fit, support, and wearability.
- The quality of the materials—if cared for properly, the best bras should also prove excellent value for wear. This is why we rigorously tested the quality of their materials, their washability (following expert guidance on how to wash bras, of course), and longevity, to see if they really step up to the plate.
- Style—who said supportive bras had to be boring? From pretty lace balcony bras to wow-worthy push-up bras, we tried them all—to help you find the bras that will make your boobs look amazing, both in and out of clothes.
As a result, we’re 100% confident that these are the best bras worth parting with your hard-earned cash for.
The best bras as chosen by our experts
Best balcony bra
A balcony bra, also sometimes referred to as a balconette bra, is a flattering choice for all boobs of all shapes and sizes. Balcony bras have wide-set straps and half-moon-shaped wiring at the base of the cups which supports your breasts from beneath and lifts them upwards. They create a full, rounded shape, and are available with or without wiring and padding. The shape of the cups means balcony bras provide less coverage than a full cup style, making them the perfect partner to tops or dresses with a lower neckline.
Like most balcony bras, this classic style is designed with the cup cut horizontally, which hoists the breasts upwards, rather than inwards. What you get is a natural lift over deep, plunging cleavage, enhanced by a four-part seamed cup and sturdy underwire. The Curvy Kate Victory Balcony Bra offers a firm, natural finish, minus padding—a thoughtful inclusion for bigger busts that warrant non-restrictive wiggle room. The cups have a smooth shape that will work underneath dresses and t-shirts alike.
Balcony bras are designed to lift cleavage upwards rather than inwards, making them a great fit for smaller boobs. This stunning Figleaves balcony bra gives smaller boobs a lift without looking unnatural, as opposed to some heavily padded options. It comes in five pretty colors—for every mood or occasion and our tester found this was a comfy bra for wearing every day.
A great choice for bigger busts in need of extra support, this bra has full coverage cups and provides impressive support and lift, as well as a sleek appearance that is perfect for under t-shirts—but still feels sexy and luxurious. The fabric feels really premium—we particularly like the subtle stripe detailing—and minimal seams ensure it doesn’t show beneath your clothes, making it an ideal t-shirt bra.
For such a pretty bra you wouldn't expect the level of comfort that you get from this elegant balcony bra. It’s non-wired so that you don't get any pesky underwire discomfort and the lack of padding makes for a more natural look. We love the pretty lace finish—particularly when paired with the matching briefs. Our only niggle is that the lace isn't the softest and can be a bit scratchy, so we would reserve this for those evenings out when you want a bit of inner confidence and aren’t wearing it all day.
This bra provides a fantastic, clean shape, with plenty of support—a winner if you’re wearing a fitted shirt, dress, or t-shirt, making this one of the best t-shirt bras too. The cups are padded and full—there’s no danger of spillage. Our tester comfortably wore this bra all evening and, at times, forgot they even had it on. The material is soft and malleable, so the bra adjusts to your shape rather than the other way round.
Everything you’d expect from a balconette bra, the Playtex Flower Elegance is both sophisticated and seriously flattering. The attention to detail is spot-on, from the delicate bows on the shoulders and center to the soft, super-stretchy fabric on the backband. The latter of which is not only really comfortable, but helps eliminate any bulging at the back. Buy yours in black, white, or a range of pretty pastel shades.
Best padded bras
A padded bra is any bra that features padding on the cups. The extent of the padding can vary from bra to bra, and padded bras are available in a wide range of shapes. There are many benefits to a padded bra, and a number of reasons why you might opt for one. A lightly padded bra will ensure your nipples aren't visible and create a smooth, symmetrical shape beneath clothes. A bra with more padding will give your bust a boost, making your boobs appear bigger than they are. You may want to wear a padded bra every day, or only wear one to fill a particular top.
If you’re looking for a fancy bra at high-street prices, the Rosie for Autograph range ticks all the boxes. The signature shapes remain pretty much the same year after year, updated with new colorways and this failsafe shape is a recurring favorite. Our tester found that the Silk & Lace Underwired Full Cup Bra provided plenty of coverage and lots of support. The light padding and underwiring worked together to lift and boost the bust, while the luxe silk straps kept the fit comfortable.
Thanks to the lace overlay, the Pour Moi Flora offers the look and lift of a balconette, with all the support of a full-cup bra. It feels sturdy and comfortable while maintaining a pretty appearance. The padding is subtle, not so much as to dramatically change the size of your bust, but just enough to disguise your nipples and create symmetry. We know once you find a bra you love you’ll want to buy it in every color, and luckily this is available in a range of seasonal shades, as well as practical black and white.
If you have undergone a mastectomy, you may find that a specialist bra designed with post-surgery breasts in mind offers the best fit. This bra has been designed without underwiring for maximum comfort, and with soft, molded foam cups to create a smooth shape beneath even form-fitting clothing. In-bra pockets make room to add a breast form, with easily adjustable straps ensuring a secure fit. Extra brownie points for the breathable, sweat-wicking fabric.
When Boux Avenue said Ultra Boost, they mean it! This bra is made up of two sections of foam, one at the side, and one at the center of the cup boosts your bust by as much as two cup sizes, for seriously impressive cleavage and volume. It’s a great choice for those with smaller boobs, or if a particular outfit requires a little extra oomph. The thin straps and lace back add a feminine touch to this plunge and push-up bra. A great all-rounder!
This super-sexy bra marries support and comfort with ornate floral lace and mesh, making it the perfect lingerie piece for special date nights—trust us, this is one bra that should be worn to be seen—or occasions like weddings or evening events. This bra offers adjustable straps that can convert to crisscross and features a stunning plunge neckline, so it’s a versatile choice. Our tester also noted this bra is far more comfortable than it looks. Suited to small-medium boobs for a real boost.
Admittedly, it doesn't have the greatest size selection—leaving this super-soft wireless bra strictly to those searching for the best bras for small busts. Having said that, this has to be the best cleavage-boosting bra for small boobs we've come across. Intimissimi's Gioia super-padded underwired bandeau bra in smooth-to-the-touch microfiber lifts and enhances cleavage without the uncomfortable rigid bits that can come with other wireless bras. Choose from nude, white, or black to match any outfit.
Best push-up bras
Want to give your bust some extra oomph? A push-up bra may be the style for you. A push-up bra differs from a padded bra in that the bulk of the padding tends to sit in a 'C' shape around the outer edge of the cups. This pushes your breasts upwards and inwards, creating impressive cleavage and the illusion of a bigger bust. It is possible to increase the size of your boobs by more than one cup size when wearing a push-up bra. Most push-up bras are low at the front and similar in shape to a plunge bra.
Mollie is Boux Avenue’s bestseller, with one bra purchased every 10 minutes. Hailed as one of the best push-up bras, this lingerie staple works for cup sizes across the spectrum. The removable padding in sizes A-DD shapes and accentuates smaller busts, while the plunging shape supports and holds breast sizes DD+. Regardless, the full-coverage cups will boost your confidence, creating a full, rounded shape both under clothes and without them.
Victoria's Secret's front-close push-up bra can boost small boobs by up to two cup sizes. It's definitely one of the more decorative picks on this list, but if you're looking for a show-stopping special occasion bra, this one's worth the investment. It's also a lot more comfortable than it looks, with soft finishes and straps that don't dig in, so it can be worn throughout the day with ease. This is a good choice for small-medium boobs, but bigger boobs may want less of a boost.
All the bras in Rosie Huntington-Whitely’s collaboration with M&S are elegant, and this padded plunge style is no exception. It’s almost like a bralette in shape and design, with triangle-shaped cups and no underwiring. It’s relatively high coverage for a plunge bra, sitting high on the cups but low in the center. For us, the fabric is the star of the show, with a smooth, glossy finish that feels really premium. Opt for creamy opaline or chic khaki.
Our favorite backless bra, this unique shape allows you to wear backless tops and dresses while still enjoying firm hold and lift. Our tester loved the shape of her bust in this bra, as creates a round and full effect, while still managing to provide some comfort. Wonderbra's signature hand-support in the cups creates an uplifting effect that means your boobs will stay pert and secure throughout the evening. It's quite the contraption, so more a bra you would wear on special occasions rather than for every day.
Maidenform's Love the Lift push-up is designed with soft yet durable fabric that rests seamlessly underneath garments without peeping through or chafing. If you want to create a natural lift that's not too over-the-top, then this option is most definitely for you. If, however, you want to create the illusion of breast augmentation or breast implants, you'll want to opt for a full-coverage alternative. For medium-sized breasts that need extra support, this bra features a sturdy, thick band that doesn't feel too cumbersome.
If you're blessed with a bigger bust, maximize your assets with this boosting bra from Gossard, a tried-and-true brand that ups the ante in the lift and support department. The bra leverages contoured foam plunge cups that lend a precise and comfortable fit for your breasts. It also incorporates soft mesh throughout the back wings, preventing chafing you'd normally experience with irritating fabric.
Best strapless bras
A strapless bra is, as you might have guessed by the name, a bra that’s free from straps. More of an occasion piece than an everyday essential, it’ll go undetected beneath tops with either no straps, or narrow spaghetti ones. As the bulk of the support is coming from either underwiring or the backband, instead of the straps, strapless bras can be uncomfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time—especially if you’ve been blessed with a bigger bust. That being said, resist the urge to size up. Wearing your strapless bra too loose will mean it’s more likely to move around, increasing the risk of a wardrobe malfunction.
From shoppers and lingerie experts alike, Wonderbra’s Ultimate Strapless Bra has long been hailed as the best on the market. We're pleased to confirm that it's worth every single bit of the hype. Its unbudging band is patterned with small silicone dots, which prevent the bra from slipping. This brand excels for its unique hand-shaped system, designed to lift your bust from the inside. Admittedly, this makes it not the most comfortable option to be wearing for long periods of time. Still, we love this failsafe bra for moments when your bust needs extra support.
We've always been a little suspicious of multi-way bras. After all, if they can be worn so many ways, surely they're sacrificing support? Well, this VS bra will totally change your mind. The Sexy Illusions sleek bra can be worn in five ways: the traditional two-strap route, racerback, halter-neck, strapless, or asymmetric. However you choose to wear it, the fabric quality will leave you seriously impressed. It's smooth as silk and virtually undetectable underneath tight clothes. Moreover, the bra uses a patented, non-irritating adhesive, which provides all-day support and comfort.
This failsafe multiway bra is a reliable option for all sizes. As one of the best strapless bras, the Curvy Kate Luxe Strapless bra is a joy to wear—the fit is perfect, and its silky satin feels luxurious against the skin. The cups have a smooth shape that will work underneath dresses and t-shirts alike. Balconette bras are designed with the cup cut horizontally, which creates a lift upwards rather than inwards. The classic balconette style moves away from a deep cleavage towards a natural lift, with sturdy, adjustable straps and a three-part seamed cup. A great strapless lingerie option for wearing every day without any discomfort.
It’s refreshing to see so many different variations of the classic 'nude' shade catering to different skin tones. Reviewers agree, with multiple shoppers praising Boux Avenue’s inclusive approach to colors, happily expressing how it feels good to find a bra that works for their skin tone at a reasonable price. The bra itself is super streamlined, with a minimal design, supportive waistband, and smooth, seamless cups—the plunge style results in a natural cleavage.
This may be one of the best bralettes and less sturdy than other options, but it's still a solid choice for a strapless bra and the double lining and light padding do offer something in the way of support in comparison to other bandeau styles. For those with smaller boobs, the light padding may provide enough support, but for those looking for a reliable strapless bra in anything above a C, consider one of the other options in this guide.
The Maidenform Speciality Strapless Minimiser Bra is free from padding and low on lift, with both of these details working in tandem to make your bust appear smaller. That’s not to say it’s not supportive, with molded underwiring and a wide back band. Sticky edging at the top of the cups helps to keep them in place, and there’s the option to wear the bra with or without the detachable and adjustable straps.
Best plunge bras
Plunge bras are cut low at the front, making them easy to disguise beneath sweeping or V-necklines. The cups are angled, pushing your boobs upwards and towards each other. This will create cleavage and provide lift, especially for those with smaller busts. Plunge bras can be padded or non-padded, and wired or non-wired. These choices are up to you, and will depend on the size and shape of your bust.
It’s easy to think that this dainty, lace-styled bra wouldn't be supportive thanks to its light and lacy material. But once you try on this crowd-pleasing piece of lingerie, you’ll soon be proved wrong. The Figleaves Juliette offers a secure fit and support, thanks to its clever double lining and sturdy underwire. Since it's a plunge style, the bra provides a flattering shape underneath T-shirts and shirts.
Worried a plunge bra won’t offer enough support? Well, worry no more. Elomi has managed to achieve two feats in one, combining form-fitting four-part cups with a low neckline that’ll work with wrap dresses and tops. The wide straps provide extra straps with minimal niggling. If you find your straps have a frustrating tendency to slip off of your shoulders, use the handy clip to create a closer-fitting racerback.
Freya has created a bra that gives you your bust, just better. Boobs look fuller, rounder, and perkier with the help of this plunging style—just what you want when wearing lower tops. The design is fuss-free and low on detail, with the only exception being a subtle lace trim to the back and straps. Those who lack fullness at the top of their boobs will see the biggest difference with this bra, as it does a great job of pushing the bust upwards.
Truly, this is one of the few bras you could forget you’re wearing. The fabric is among the softest we’ve come across, on both the outer and lining, with a super-stretchy back made from material akin to your most-loved t-shirt. The cups are sleek and smooth, providing a good level of support. It works with nearly all necklines, and won’t show through even your closest-fitting outfits. A great all-rounder!
The 24/7 Classic bra is a best-seller that leverages the best qualities of a push-up bra created by Thirdlove, a beloved lingerie and loungewear behemoth with over 9,000 positive customer reviews. To ensure a proper fit for each bust, this brasserie harnesses smooth memory foam cups to minimize gaping, which typically happens when your bra is too big. Not to mention, shoppers love its cozy feel, durable support, and versatility for casual and formal events.
Sumptuously soft by name and nature, M&S's plunge non-wired bra is made from a smooth polyamide mix and decorated with a non-irritating lace around the band. This fuss-free option does exactly what it says on the tin: provides light to medium support, shapes the bust for a lifted, smooth look under clothes, and remains soft through wash and wear. We can promise this one will be a stalwart in your lingerie drawer, whether you wear it with one of the best dresses or a loose, linen shirt.
Best multi-way bras
A multi-way bra is a bra that can be worn in a variety of different ways by adjusting or removing the straps. They’re super versatile and an incredibly handy style to have in your underwear drawer. Use yours to create a solution to almost any wardrobe dilemma. They can be worn to disguise straps beneath a top with a narrow back, a halter neck or an asymmetric neckline. A multi-way bra can also be worn as a strapless bra, or with the straps straight, à la your standard bra. Multi-way bras are suitable for all bra sizes, although those with a larger bust may find the typically narrow straps dig in a little.
There are multi-way bras, and then there’s an M&S multi-way bra. Going above and beyond, this is the most versatile multi-way bra we’ve seen to date. Aside from the usual options to wear with a halterneck, one shoulder, or cross-over straps, there’s also an impressive 12 eyelets on the inside of the cup, all of which you can attach a strap to. Choose between transparent or opaque straps and backband depending on your outfit.
Finally, a multi-way bra that won’t leave those with bigger busts aching to take it off by 5pm. Lightly padded cups work in tandem with underwriting and wide straps for a firm, supportive fit. The straps are easy to adjust to create a halter, racer, or crossover back, while the plunging shape means it works well beneath V necklines too. The included extender is a handy touch, letting you lower the back of the bra by as much as two inches.
Having one good multi-way bra in your arsenal is a must. Going far beyond the call of duty of your everyday t-shirt bra, Uniqlo's versatile multi-way allows you to wear it as a cross-back, halter neck, and strapless bra, too, meaning it will work well underneath any outfit. This handy bra comes in two colorways and fits like a dream. Our tester loved the smooth finish and comfort, especially considering the low price tag of this product. A great all-rounder for smaller boobs.
The Maidenform Speciality Strapless Minimizer Bra made it into our list of top picks for strapless bras, but it's also worth highlighting its one of our favorite multiway bras thanks to its detachable straps and discreet shape. Wear it as a strapless bandeau for lounging, bralette for gentle exercise, or with a shoulder-bearing top for a relaxed and natural look.
This crowd-pleasing strapless bra from Victoria's Secret with detachable straps also made it into our round-up of the best multi-way bras on the market. Our tester loved the versatility of this bra and how and it was comfortable enough to wear all day—and night. The bra can be worn in five different ways, making it the answer to any wardrobe dilemma.
This handy strapless bra also makes it into our list of the best multiway bras, with detachable straps that offer more support when needed. The straps are thin enough to be worn under strappy dresses and tops and are easily removed if your outfit requires a strapless option. Our tester felt comfortable all day in this bra, practically forgetting it was on, thanks to its soft, breathable material and sturdy cups. As a full-cup bra, this style caters well to bigger boobs—but bear in mind cup sizes start from a D, so this bra isn't suitable for smaller boobs.
Best bralettes
Bralettes are a type of bra, but have become so popular in recent years that they've become a category in their own right. Interpretations can vary from brand to brand but a bralette tends to refer to a lightweight bra that's free from wiring. Shapes can range from a high-coverage crop top to a barely-there triangle shape. In most cases, bralettes are made from feminine fabrics such as lace or silk. If you have a smaller bust, a bralette should provide enough support for all day wear. But if you have a bigger bust, you might find that it's not giving you enough lift and hold to keep you comfortable. If that sounds like you, save your bralettes for slow-paced days and at home wear.
The Bra-llelujah! Unlined Bralette resembles a modern-day sports bra, featuring a plunging triangle shape, supportive shoulder straps, and a wide, hosiery-style back. It’s crafted from a long-wearing Lycra mix for the softness of a t-shirt and the stretch of a pair of tights. Those with bigger busts might find it doesn’t offer enough support for all-day wear, however, it still works well as a sleep bra and as one of the best bras for small busts.
While this bralette is recommended wholeheartedly for lounging and sleeping in, our tester also felt comfortable wearing this day to day with t-shirts, shirts, or dresses—the seamed cups create a lovely shape, even for a bigger bust. Our tester tried the bralette in their usual size and it was a little snug—this is especially important if you're on the hunt for one of the best bras for back fat.
Impressively inclusive when it comes to both shade range and sizing, this bralette from Kim Kardashian's range is available in 9 different 'nudes'. When they say it 'fits everybody', they really meant it, making it one of our best bralettes. Part of the 'Fits Everybody' collection, this triangle-shaped option features 2-ply stretch fabric, which won’t cut or poke into your skin. It’s lined with sturdy mesh for added support, plus adjustable shoulder straps to hold breasts in place.
Figleaves is always ahead of the curve as an industry leader in the lingerie space. Case in point: The Millie Lace Bralette is not only one of the brand's most popular styles, but it’s also a bra that's become a media darling among social media influencers. On a larger scale, it's evolved into one of the best bralettes on the market. This low-coverage bra fits more like a crop top, featuring semi-sheer, unlined fabric. It's also longline, finishing two inches beneath the bust. Ultimately, this extra fabric makes the bra incredibly supportive and secure, especially for larger breasts.
Some days, you just gotta give your boobs a bit of a rest. Our solution? Calvin Klein's iconically soft bralette. It's the perfect working-from-home pick, with breathable and comfortable material that offers the support required for sedentary days. With a racerback fit, no padding, and no lining, this one probably counts more as loungewear than it does bra, but it does a great job of helping you feel just that little bit more put together for days when you won't be moving much.
With its second-skin-like claims, the Sloggi Zero Feel bralette has become one of the best bralettes on the market. The super-thin material feels like a lightweight bikini, but it still manages to support even busts that are on the heavier side. It's a comfortable pick for when your bra sizing changes throughout your cycle too and it blends smoothly under clothes. It also features removable padded cups that give boobs a nice lift and shape and there are lovely colors to choose from.
Best sports bra
Sports bras have been specially designed to wear when exercising. They offer support to your bust through two key methods—compression and encapsulation. Compression works by holding your breasts close to your chest, while encapsulation provides support by encasing your bust in two separate cups. A sports bra can use one, or both of these methods to reduce movement and bounce. The level of support your sports bra offers will depend on the type of exercise it was designed for. Low impact sports bras tend to have narrower straps, less padding and lower coverage and are suitable for activities such as Pilates and yoga. High impact sports bras tend to have thick, padded straps, a racer back and high coverage. Wear yours when running, trampolining or taking part in a sweaty HIIT class. Medium impact sits between the two, and can be used for aerobic exercise classes, cycling and long walks.
