The best bras are, without a doubt, one of the hardest pieces to shop for in a woman’s closet. Some may spend hours in fitting rooms, months trying on various brands, and even years with the hopes of finding that one comfy bra that fits and functions the way they want it to, without much luck. Thankfully, the never-ending hunt has gotten a whole lot easier in recent years, with so many lingerie brands expanding their silhouettes, size ranges, and skin tones to make bra shopping a much more comfortable endeavor.
Vogue’s List of Best Bras and Brands for Women:
To ease your search, we took a deep dive into the best bras out there, bringing all the noteworthy brands and styles worthy of your attention, top of mind. No band was left unclasped in the research process; to compile this guide, our editors tested everything from the best everyday solutions that will seamlessly disappear under T-shirts (including those that blur the lines between lounge and sports bra), to all things frivolous, including those adorned with lace, trims, and embroideries, if you prefer to show off those underpinnings or want to indulge in something extra special for a noteworthy occasion.
Find all the essential silhouettes here, from triangle to balconette, demi and strapless, with as much or as little oomph as you prefer—meaning varying levels of padding, back smoothing, adjustable straps, and underwire or wire-free. Whichever team you’re on, comfort is still the number one prerequisite—you should never settle for chaffing caused by ill-fitting bands, discomfort from itchy fabrics, and breast spillage or gapping from poorly designed styles. Each one of these bras (and brands) have focused on the wearer’s experience to ensure you never have to feel restricted again.
Keep reading to discover the best bras that are sure to spark a little more enthusiasm each time you reach into your underpinnings drawer.
Free People
There is always a touch of whimsy in the intimates section at Free People and their in-house label bras should not be overlooked. The retailer shines in the bralette and wireless bra category, so rely on them for all things unpadded or soft cupped—with lace being a standout fabrication. Most styles run from XS to XL or bra sizes 32A to 36DD and are recommended to be hand-washed in cold water.
Skims
Simplicity is at the heart of the Skims universe. The buzzed-about brand boasts easy everyday favorites like the wireless T-shirt bra in eight skin-toned shades, plus inclusive sizing that ranges from 30A to 44H. As their tagline suggests, there is a fit for everybody and every shape, thanks to the 360-degree stretch technology in their buttery soft fabric, ensuring a custom fit can be found, every time. Find two of the most comfortable bras we’ve tried, below.
Cuup
Cuup is beloved for its simplicity and support; the line’s silhouettes in “power-mesh” fabric or modal with flexible underwire are customer and editor favorites. With a range of tones and colors, plus sizing from A-H, the label has come to represent a no-nonsense attitude—the opposite of antiquated bra marketing. Cuup sizing can differentiate from traditional standards, so be sure to consult their custom fit chart for the best experience.
Commando
Commando has been known to save the day with its seamless no-show undergarments, made from high-tech fabrics—simply look at their Butter series, which has a light-as-air feel and soft touch, as you’d expect from the name. Sizes range from XS to XL and 32B to 38DD, and can run a bit snug for that seamless effect, making it more ideal for smaller busts. Still, if you’re looking for a supportive yet seamless bra that will get the job done, without making itself known, Commando should be your go-to.
Chantelle
For nearly 150 years, this French family-owned undergarment business has excelled in the art of lingerie design. Chantelle has become beloved by those with larger busts, offering everyday bras in cup sizes up to H, which provide incredible support, while still having the French design flair. Brand devotees gravitate towards their “whisper-soft” seamless designs that lift without bulky extra padding.
Fleur Du Mal
New York-based brand Fleur du Mal is known for combining exceptional quality, both in fabrics and construction, with a bit of fun. Lean on their bras for comfort and support, with a super luxurious feel—proof that hard-working bras can be incredibly pretty, too. Most styles are offered in sizing from 30A to 40G, with core favorites that include a stretch-lace demi bra that provides lift without padding, and a low-cut satin triangle style that is comfortable yet playful, perfect for layering under sheer pieces, when a peekaboo effect is desired. Hand-wash and air-dry to keep these looking new, wear after wear.
Eres
Known best for its beautifully-constructed and timeless lingerie and swimwear, European label Eres applies the same design principles to its bras. Elegant lace is always plentiful in each collection, with non-padded triangle shapes and unlined underwire bras in high demand and selling out quickly once new drops hit, especially for the smaller bust crowd. Since the brand measures European sizing, consult inch-to-centimeter conversions chart, when testing your first style—and always hand wash.
ThirdLove
Customers gravitate towards ThirdLove for their exceptional comfort in the bra category. You’ll often find shapes with little-to-no padding and no underwire, still providing incredible support. Inclusive sizing is a prerequisite. For instance, their best-selling T-shirt bra is available in cup sizes from A to H, with half-sized cups in the mix to prevent gapping, a nearly impossible feat in the lingerie market—since with bras, every millimeter counts.
Cosabella
Cosabella’s range of best basics include everything from lace to mesh and cotton, in a range of classic shades—essentially, reimagined T-shirt bras. Think of them as a seamless first layer when getting dressed on the daily, whether you’re looking for something a little more playful with frilled lace or strict comfort with an easy cotton bralette. Customers love the incredible stretch that their custom fabrics provide, clinging to the bustline, without any discomfort. Available in size XS to XL, these wear-everywhere styles are best for smaller busts, tried-and-true favorites you’ll constantly go back to.
Intimissimi
Washable styles from Intimissimi hit the sweet spot between Italian lingerie and easy-care pieces that turn into wardrobe workhorses, whether that be a mainstay T-shirt style or a lace-trimmed balconette. They also fall on the affordable end of the spectrum—a win for all of us. Boasting superior comfort and a true-to-size fit, bands run from size 34 to 44 with cups up to size DDD, with minimal padding providing a natural yet supportive shape.
Kiki de Montparnasse
Kiki de Montparnasse s designs are a lesson in the best in French lingerie. Whether with sheer mesh or delicate lace, each piece provides a bit of escapism with an air of elegance that is unmatched. Generally best for smaller busts, you can find bralettes in size XS to L with cupped shapes available in 32A to 36DD. Due to the delicate nature of these undergarments, drycleaning or hand-washing is highly recommended, to keep these special bras all the more long-lasting.
Spanx
Spanx may have begun in the shapewear category, but their attention to all undergarments has provided us with some serious solutions to wardrobe conundrums, including bras. From full coverage options to strapless shapes, never struggle with discomfort again—or finding the right fit again. Sized 32A to 40DD, their smooth, lightly-lined bras are held in high regard for their versatility, but also a patented backing made from hosiery, offering a dig-free experience and front clasp for easier dressing, rather than the standard back closure.
Araks
Simplicity has always been the focus for designer Araks Yeramyan. A go-to for fashion stylists and editors alike, the consistency of the brand is their testament. Although the brand often plays with color, you can still find neutrals in their signature bra silhouettes, ranging from a satin balconette with support to minimal triangle bralettes made from organic cotton and mesh, in sizes XXS to XXL, with cups up to DD.
Natori
With some of the most popular bras in the industry today, Natori has been a female-led company since the ’70s when founder Josie Natori started the company from scratch. The brand’s ethos is that “each piece is designed and crafted to be a personal treasure—a modern harmony of East and West.” Customers are drawn to the supreme comfort within the brand’s bra selection, both lined and unlined, often boasting convertible straps for versatility. Inclusive sizing ranges from 28A to 38H, often in black, white, and a range of skin tones.
Calvin Klein
If you’re going to go for logos, there is nothing more classic than the cool-factor that the Calvin Klein brand brings with its iconic design, a favorite since the ‘90s. Still, their line of simple T-shirt bras shouldn’t be overlooked, all with a minimalist spin that is essential for everyday wear. Bralettes range from XXS to 4XL with band and cup sizing from 32A to 36DD. Cotton modal styles are machine-washable, simply hang-dry to ensure the shape remains true.
Wolford
Known best for its hosiery and bodysuits, Wolford is also high up on our list when it comes to bras that are practical yet elegant. From everyday silhouettes to something sheer, Wolford offers a bra for every occasion and every fabrication. Find fitted full-coverage bras for comfort, satin full-coverage for a soft touch, and mesh styles with a supportive finish. Most styles range from 32A to 38E, with brand devotees favoring the softly molded cup styles that have a superiorly luxe feel. Hand-washing is preferred for these, as well.
Cou Cou Intimates
Those with sensitive skin know that organic cotton is the most breathable fabric to combat itchiness and irritation, so it only makes sense that your bras should be made from it, as well, a garment that sits so close to your figure. Cou Cou is crafted completely from this wonder fabric, available in XXS to XXL. All the styles are minimalist-friendly, free from underwire, padding, and cups, so keep this in mind while perusing, in case you are looking for something with more support. Wash these pieces on a delicate cycle, then hang-dry for the best results.
Etam
Etam has provided expertise and innovation for over one hundred years in the undergarment industry. Their bras are still made in French factories, with the same attention to detail and quality as the past, now with modern technologies and designs that satisfy both the minimalist shopper and frill-seeking. Most bra styles are around $60 or under, with sizes ranging from 32B to 40DDD, with true-to-size fits that customers can rely on time and again.
Journelle
Although Journelle is a discovery point for many of the lingerie brands listed here, its in-house collection has become beloved by bra enthusiasts. The styles are centered around romantic silhouettes from balconette bras to lightly-lined plunging necklines, and although the brand often works with lace, mesh, and other delicate materials, customers love the comfort that these sexier silhouettes still always bring—surprisingly versatile underneath even T-shirts for a seamless look. Multiple colorways are a huge plus, especially when you find a silhouette you like, along with the extensive size range from 30C to 38G.
Savage x Fenty
Featuring microfiber fabrics in T-shirt shapes that have become bestsellers and lace options that rival pricier lines, the quality against price point of Rihanna’s lingerie line makes all these bras true steals. The extensive size range from 30A to 46H and a gamut of skin tones, has set a new bar for attainable and inclusive lingerie within the industry, offering something for everyone.
