The Best Bras Out There, Reviewed by Real People With Boobs
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."
Bras, amirite? Many of us haven’t worn one since March 2020—and maybe you’ve sworn off them forever. They can be so constricting, especially when you’re unknowingly wearing the wrong size (which is actually quite common, considering we were measured for our first bra somewhere around…middle school). But now that festive events are back on and the return to office is here or around the corner, we’re probably gonna have to get used to strapping into the B-word again. (For all their faults, they do make an outfit look pretty damn good.)
Luckily for people with boobs out there, we here at Cosmo have taken it upon ourselves to try each of the best bra brands and styles on the internet—aka the ones with the top reviews and most clout online—testing the comfort and wearability for all cup and band sizes. Cosmo staffers representing A–B cups, C–D cups, DD–DDD cups, and G+ cups tried on the eight most popular bra styles (T-shirt, bralette, full-coverage, sleep, plunge, strapless, wireless, and balconette) by brands whose customers say they’re getting it right. To determine if these styles are best for you, take a look at the bra on a variety of body types, see the kinds of outfits they work best for, and read the review closest to your own sizing.
Scroll on to find the right bras for you.
Best T-Shirt Bra: Perfect Primer Underwire T-Shirt Bra by Wacoal
Ah, the humble T-shirt bra. Pretty much for all boob types and all occasions. This is your go-to bra, the one you reach for most often, so it needs to be comfortable and preferably not reveal itself at all underneath your outfit.
The Perfect Primer Underwire T-shirt Bra by Wacoal has amazing reviews from customers, but it also scored high with our editors. All noted how comfortable it was, despite some being very underwire-averse. One editor even called it her “number one return-to-office bra.” Now that’s high praise—seeing yourself wearing something all day, for at least eight hours straight. Learn what else our reviewers had to say about this lil undergarment, below.
Best Bralette: Flocked Logo Bralette by Savage x Fenty
For my people who hate bras but need some support, please rest your eyes on the Flocked Logo Bralette by Rihanna’s steamy lingerie line, Savage x Fenty. Our editorial reviewers (and also RiRi’s customers) love the fact that this piece gives the smallest bit of lift without the extra constriction and straps that many other styles have. Everyone also appreciated the flirty mesh and trendy logo-based design. Rihanna, thank you for your service. If you’re wondering how to wear it, this type of bra does well with items that have a little less shape, like loungewear pieces and flowy dresses, or as a little peekaboo moment with something low-cut or see-through.
Editors who tried out this design noted that they loved it so much, they might be inclined to buy it in all colors! One quick thing: Savage x Fenty has a reputation for being very inclusive, and it does have an impressive size range. However, our reviewer with G cups noted that this particular style was built with only A to DD cups in mind. While the band fit her frame, her breast tissue spilled over, meaning this bralette doesn’t exactly pass the vibe check for anyone in the larger cup range. Read on for some in-depth meditations on this well-rated item.
Best Full-Coverage Bra: Rive Gauche Unlined Full-Coverage Bra by Chantelle
Anyone in the market for a full-coverage bra is probably interested in lots of support and, obviously, lots of coverage, meaning almost the entire breast is encased by the cup of the bra. Often, these are sought out by women with larger cup sizes, as demi, balconette, and even T-shirt bras may not always give off a desirable shape. This style is most often worn with things like sweaters and high necklines, so it doesn’t peek out. Many times, this style of bra comes off as matronly and not super cute. But our winning style, the Rive Gauche Unlined Full-Coverage Bra by Chantelle, is so pretty that it legit could be worn as part of your lewk with the right lower neckline that shows just enough of its lace trim.
Our reviewers loved how supported this bra made them feel—one mentioned she felt as secure as she would on a roller coaster! But one thing to look out for is that this is not the bra for people who don’t feel like they have a super-full breast shape (somewhat obvious but worth pointing out). Editors who fell under this category felt the bra gave them “torpedo” or “cone” shaped silhouettes and ultimately didn’t think the fit worked for them. More info coming at you right down there.
Best Sleep Bra: True Body Lift V-Neck Sleep Bra by Tru & Co.
Most people don’t actually sleep in bras, but there’s a growing category of loungy underthings that are so comfy, you could sleep in them and not even notice they’re there. Basically, they’re for those lazy days when you know you’re gonna be stationed on the couch but you want a little extra support, lift, and separation. There’s no reason to exclusively wear these in bed or at home though. This style works best under baggier ’fits and thick materials, like chunky knits, where shape is less key, so comfort is the name of the game.
The Tru & Co True Body Lift V-Neck Sleep Bra gets top marks from its customers and definitely won over our editors, who weren’t sure about the concept at first but fell in love with the soft, breathable nature of this garment. “It’s like athleisure but for your boobs,” one said, and honestly, true. One thing worth mentioning: These viral bras (they were all over the ’gram not long ago) are designed to go up to only a DDD. Our G-cup reviewer did wear one and loved the fabric but said it was a tight fit. If comfy lounge bras feel like they could be your vibe, read on for more about this bra, straight from people who wore it.
Best Plunge Bras: Bowery Mesh Plunge Bra by Liberté and Matilda Side-Support Plunge Bra by Elomi
Plunge bras serve a variety of purposes and truly should be more of a staple in most people’s drawers. For anyone with boobs that point east-west or are spaced a little farther apart, this style does a great job of getting everything in the right place. Additionally, if your shoulders slope down at all (aka if you constantly have probs with regular bra straps falling down, even if they’re adjusted to you perfectly), plunge styles tend to combat that issue. They also tend to dip lower than a typical T-shirt or balconette bra, making them easier to wear with lower-neckline ensembles.
Our reviewers tested two different best-selling plunge bras, one geared more toward straight sizes and another with a more inclusive range of options: the Bowery Mesh Plunge Bra by Liberté and the Matilda Side-Support Plunge Bra by Elomi. Our Cosmo reviewers who tried the first bra loved how it made them feel and how their boobs looked in the bra. Our smaller-cup-size tester felt it was super comfortable, but those in the mid-range didn’t feel like it was an all-day-wear kind of style (it didn’t mix well with sweat, and they were more aware of the fabric than normal). The reviewer who tested the Elomi option thought it was super comfortable, and the only con was that the cups were a little more full-coverage than she typically prefers. At this point, you know the drill, so keep scrolling.
Best Strapless Bra: 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra by ThirdLove
Everyone with boobs can attest that strapless bras are a struggle. So finding one that actually stays up, still gives the girls a nice shape, and feels comfortable enough to wear throughout an event is a major coup. ThirdLove’s 24/7 Classic Strapless Bra claims to be all that and more—and customers pretty much agree. They insist that this one will be your staple for strapless or off-the-shoulder dresses and tops forever and ever, amen!
And for the most part, our reviewers echoed those sentiments. They noted that this bra actually Stayed! Put! (The silicone band on the inside helps with that.) And while they were aware they had it on (somewhat of a plus with a style you want to make sure isn’t inching down to your belly button), they did mention it was comfy enough to have on all night long. The only gripe? This design is all about functionality, and the cups are…“generous,” as one of our editors said. Meaning that if you’re wearing something low-cut, this bra may peek up and out of your look. That being said, almost everyone mentioned that this design would be their new go-to in the strapless category, and that’s really, really saying something. Read on for some more musings on this particularly great piece.
Best Wireless Bra: Padded Wireless V-Neck Bra by Knix
For all my folks who love the idea of bralettes and loungy bras but need a little more support than that and absolutely d-r-e-a-d underwire styles…the wireless bra is your new bestie. Lots of trusted brands have styles that fit this category, but Knix is known for its comfort and support, and its Padded Wireless V-Neck Bra is a staple for anyone in the know. This undergarment gives shape and lift, but it won’t go as far as your push-up, balconette, or T-shirt alternatives, so it is best to wear under something a little less structured and form-fitting as a result.
Our editorial reviewers, particularly those with larger cup sizes, absolutely loved this wireless bra. From its smoothing side and back panels to its adjustable fit (Knix sizing is different than your typical band-plus-cup situation—instead, it uses numbers 1 to 8+ and each size covers three to six standard bra sizes) and molded cups, testers mentioned a shape they all-around love. It’s worth mentioning that if you have a smaller chest, you may not be as into it, as it has a lot of material and, depending on your boob shape, those molded cups might not be it for you. But anyone C-cup or above should add this comfy bra to cart ASAP. Find out what else our editors said about this bra, below.
Best Balconette Bras: The Balconette by Cuup and Embroidered Floral Unlined Balconette by Love, Vera
Ah, the balconette. Sexy without trying and oh so French. The way the cups are positioned definitely works better for some people over others. If you have breasts that are fuller on the bottom than they are on the top, for instance, this is the bra shape for you. It’ll provide extra lift and its unique silhouette makes it perfect for clothing with a scoop or square neckline. These styles can sometimes work as an everyday T-shirt type bra, but if your breasts have more fullness up top, you may experience some bulging that’ll put you off of wearing this beneath something more form-fitting.
Cuup, a direct-to-consumer bra brand you’ve absolutely seen in your targeted Instagram ads, has really made a name for itself, particularly in the balconette space, so its aptly named “The Balconette” design earned top marks from customers. It doesn’t go up very high in cup or band sizes, however, so we had one tester try the gorge Embroidered Floral Unlined Balconette from Love, Vera. Cosmo reviewers tended to rate Cuup well the smaller chested they were and noted that the brand’s sizing may differ from what you’re used to but to go with it if that’s the case, for a better fit. Our Love, Vera tester raved about the design and lightness of the fabric, but while the brand is overall more inclusive, they did note that they had to get a sister size, which unfortunately didn’t line up well with their frame. Even still, they said they’d wear it again if it were to be ~seen by someone else~, so you know it looks goooood despite that setback. If you are interested in this style of bra, you know what to do!
If none of the above styles or brands caught your eye, do not worry! Our reviewers (and other staffers who are just as passionate about lingerie) weighed in with their other favorite designs and labels. Browse the honorable mentions list below for even more vetted options. Most importantly, don’t settle for a bra that’s just okay! A good, comfortable fit is out there—it just sometimes takes patience (and reading through lots and lots of reviews).
A note on our review process and parameters:
Cosmo employees self-identified their chest sizes (A and B cups; C and D cups; DD and DDD cups; and G cups and higher). Then they each tried on eight bras, wearing them for a full night’s or day’s worth of activities unless they were too uncomfortable to wear for that long.
Stylist: Andrea Zendejas. Photography assistant: Ashley Wilson. Hair: Clara Leonard. Makeup: Juliette Perreux. Manicure: Mamie Onishi. Video: Abbey Adkison, Liesl Lar, Janet Upadhye. Art direction: Katie Buckleitner. Production: Ruben Chamorro, Khadija Horton.
T-shirt bra looks: A–B cups: Raquel Allegra top. Wacoal bra. DL1961 jeans. Uncommon Matters earrings. C–D cups: Jonathan Simkhai top. Wacoal bra. Citizens of Humanity jeans. Mejuri earrings. DD–DDD cups: Maisie Wilen dress. Wacoal bra. Mounser earrings. G+ cups: Hilary MacMillan dress. Wacoal bra. Sylvia Toledano earrings. Bralette looks: A–B cups: Savage x Fenty bra. Remain Birger Christensen shorts. Mounser earrings. C–D cups: Dries Van Noten top and skirt. Savage x Fenty bra. By Far sandals. Bondeye earrings. DD–DDD cups: Ted Baker blazer and pants. Savage x Fenty bra. Jimmy Choo heels. Joanna Laura Constantine earrings. G+ cups: Wray dress. Savage x Fenty bra. Labucq sandals. Bondeye earrings. Full-coverage bra looks: A–B cups: Calle Del Mar top. Chantelle bra. Agolde shorts. New Balance sneakers. Mounser and Loren Stewart necklaces. Klik Belts belt. C–D cups: Jonathan Simkhai top. Chantelle bra. Stine Goya skirt. Adidas sneakers. Jennifer Zeuner earrings. DD–DDD cups: Rails top. Chantelle bra. Ganni pants. Jennifer Fisher earrings. Notte necklace. G+ cups: Whit Two top and skirt. Chantelle bra. Daniella Shevel booties. Jean Riley earrings. Loren Stewart necklace. Sleep bra looks: A–B cups: JoosTricot sweater and shorts. True & Co. bra. Bychari earrings and necklace. C–D cups: LoveShackFancy top and pants. True & Co. bra. Mejuri earrings and necklace. DD–DDD cups: Bernadette robe. True & Co. bra. Sleeper shorts. Brother Vellies socks. Boy Cherie earrings. Gigi Clozeau necklaces. G+ cups: Summersalt top and pants. True & Co. bra. Wolf Circus earrings. Plunge bra looks: A–B cups: Cath Paname dress. Liberte bra. JoosTricot shorts. Sarah Noor earrings. C–D cups: Nanushka dress. Liberte bra. Manolo Blahnik heels. Mounser earrings. Pascale Monvoisin necklace. DD–DDD cups: Realisation Par dress. Liberte bra. Luv Aj earrings. 51 E John necklace. G+ cups: Draper James dress. Elomi bra. Mounser earrings. Strapless bra looks: A–B cups: Simon Miller dress. ThirdLove bra. Jimmy Choo heels. Jennifer Fisher earrings. C–D cups: & Other Stories top and pants. ThirdLove bra.Chelsea Paris sandals. Mejuri earrings. Loren Stewart necklaces. Bondeye pendant. DD–DDD cups: Simon Miller dress. ThirdLove bra. Aurelie Birdermann earrings. G+ cups: Mara Hoffman top. Karen Millen pants. ThirdLove bra. Jimmy Choo heels. Jennifer Zeuner earrings. Roberto Coin necklace. Wireless bra looks: A–B cups: The Attico dress. Knix bra. Roger Vivier heels. Loren Stewart earrings. C–D cups: Rosetta Getty top and skirt. Knix bra. Annie Costello Brown earrings. DD–DDD cups: Jacquemus dress. Knix bra. Uncommon Matters earrings. G+ cups: Eloquii dress. Knix bra. Chelsea Paris heels. Ming Yu Wang earrings. Balconette bra looks: A–B cups: Herve Leger top and skirt. Cuup bra. Sterling King earrings. C–D cups: Alejandra Alonso Rojas top and pants. Cuup bra. Alighieri earrings. DD–DDD cups: Rixo dress. Cuup bra. Vans sneakers. Mejuri earrings. Loren Stewart necklace. G+ cups: Tanya Taylor dress. Love, Vera bra. Jenny Bird earrings.
You Might Also Like
