Comfort is king when it comes to bras, and sadly, more often than not, it’s also non-existent. But things are changing. The past decade has seen a sizeable shift in the bra market, with demand for sexy bras from the likes of Victoria's Secret decreasing in favour of comfortable bralettes or wireless bras.
Indeed, the rise of working from home has changed our relationship with bras. During the Covid-19 pandemic, sports bra sales increased by 32 per cent and wireless and bralette sales surged by 40 per cent. It’s sustenance over style these days, and we’re not mad about it.
From T-shirt styles to bandeaus, there’s more choice than ever when bra shopping, so I know how hard it can be when trying to find the right one. When it comes to fabric, Zoe Price-Smith, Boux Avenue's chief design and product officer, recommends microfiber, thanks to its “second skin” softness. Not only is it seamless and durable, but its elasticity creates a “comfortable fit that adapts to the bust, without being restrictive”. For something a little sexier, Price-Smith suggests stretch lace. As the name suggests, “stretch lace has more movement, being able to stretch and mould to the bust and not feel restricted, creating a comfortable and flattering fit”.
However, don’t throw out your underwire bras quite yet. “A lot of people believe that for a bra to be comfortable, it has to be wireless. This is simply not true,” Price-Smith adds. “A properly fitted wired bra will feel comfortable. It will provide more support to the bust and help to reduce any back pain, especially for larger busts. If you are finding your wired bra is uncomfortable, this is likely to be because you are wearing the wrong size.”
Armed with my new bra-shopping knowledge, I’ve been on the hunt to find the best, most comfortable bras for all budgets. I’ve tested over several months, and my list only includes the ones I genuinely found to be so comfortable, I almost forgot I was wearing it.
How I tested
When it came to testing the best comfortable bras, I wore them for WFH days, long stints in the office and evenings out. I considered several key things during testing, including:
- Style: I considered the overall appearance when testing each bra, and whether it looked good under different outfits. A great bra should make you feel supported and confident, without obvious lines or bulks under your clothing.
- Fabric: The material of a bra plays a huge role in comfort. I checked whether the fabric was soft, breathable, and gentle against my skin, especially for all-day office wear. I also paid attention to how it felt on my skin, and whether it caused any irritation or itching.
- Fit: Finding a perfectly fitting bra is a plight known to many. During testing I checked how well the bra stayed in place without digging in or slipping down, paying close attention to the band, cups, and straps to ensure they felt secure without leaving dent marks in my shoulders.
- Value for money: I weighed the price against the quality, durability, and comfort of each bra. A good bra should feel like a justified investment, especially if it lasts a long time. However, a bra shouldn’t be a bank breaking purchase.
Each bra included in this list was worn for at least 12 hours and was washed at least once during testing. Only bras that satisfied the above criteria were included in my final list.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
As a senior shopping writer at The Independent, I specialise in reviewing clothing, so I know what makes a worthwhile investment, and I always keep an eye out for comfortable and durable materials. I’ve been reviewing products like beauty advent calendars and women’s best pyjamas since 2020, so I know what’s a worthy investment and what to steer clear from, and everything I test is used in a real-life environment. Where bras are concerned, I know the brands to turn to for high-quality, flattering designs while still keeping budget and everyday wearability in mind.
The best comfortable bras for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Nudea the stretch easy does it bralette: £38, Nudea.com
- Best budget buy – Asos Design moulded T-shirt bra in white: £18, Asos.com
- Best luxury option – Dora Larsen summer scoop underwire bra: £68, Doralarsen.com
- Best bandeau bra – Intimissimi ilaria ultralight microfibre bandeau bra: £39, Intimissimi.com
Nudea the stretch easy does it bralette
Best: Bra overall
Size range: XS-XXL
Materials: Microfibre
Colourways: Sage green, white, pink, grey, brown, black
Why we love it
- Buttery soft
- Seamless
- Washes well
Nudea is one of the most exciting names in sustainable underwear, and this style is a long-standing favourite. Designed using the brand’s microfibre stretch fabric, the bralette is silky-soft against your skin. It offers non-wired support with no exposed elastics, helping to reduce discomfort. Enhancing your natural cleavage, the bra features a flattering deep V-neck cut, with the brand’s signature logo in luxe gold detailing on the left cup. The multifunctional adjustable straps are on the wider side and don’t dig into the skin, whether you wear them as a cross-back or over-shoulder style.
Thanks to the smooth finish of the bra, it’s a great choice under T-shirts or fitted tops. It’s available in six colourways, too – choose between a stylish sage green, baby pink, or minimalist ivory or black. I’ve tested this bra for more than six months, and it still looks box fresh, despite dozens of rounds in the washing machine. I can’t fault it.
Buy now £38.00, Nudea.com
Asos Design moulded T-shirt bra in white
Best: Budget bra
Size range: 30A-38D
Materials: Polyester
Colourways: White, black, beige, brown
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Underwire for extra support
Take note
- Doesn’t wash as well as other bras on test
- Straps can dig in
Asos is one of the best online destinations for updating your underwear collection on a budget. Setting you back just £18, this everyday T-shirt bra is a steal. The super lightweight bra boasts underwired support and adjustable straps, with moulded cups helping to create a seamless finish underneath tops.
Don’t be put off by the wire; I found it doesn’t dig into skin as long as you wear the right size. The fabric comes out a little creased in the wash, but it’s not visible under clothing. Just be sure you don’t adjust the bra too tightly, as I found that the thin straps can dig in.
Buy now £18.00, Asos.com
Next ultimate comfort bras, three pack
Best: Multi-pack bra
Size range: 30B-40E
Materials: Cotton, elastane
Colourways: Black/white/pastel rose nude; white/navy blue/pink; yellow/grey/pink
Why we love it
- Great value for money
- Everyday neutral colourways
- Comfortable and flattering
Offering stellar value for money, this pack of three bras costs less than £30. Designed with a flattering plunge cut, the silhouette is ideal for tops with low necklines.
The bra is made from a cotton and elastane blend that feels cosy and comfortable against your skin. It’s noticeably cooling during hot weather, as this bra stood up to a recent heatwave in London. The smooth finish of the bra creates a seamless look – a good choice for pairing with tight-fitting tops – while the sculpted look of the cups gives just the right amount of lift.
Buy now £28.00, Next.co.uk
M&S body soft wired T-shirt bra
Best: Underwired bra
Size range: 32A-42D
Materials: Polyamide, polyester, elastane
Colourways: White, black, nude, soft pink
Why we love it
- Super lightweight
- Feminine lace detailing
- Good range of sizes
- Wired for extra support
Take note
- Those with smaller busts might not need the underwire
M&S has been selling lingerie since 1926, so the stalwart knows a thing or two about designing the perfect bra. Its selection is vast, from lace sets to bralettes, and sizing goes up to 42D in most styles. Well-priced at just £20, this T-shirt bra is available in four colourways (white, black, cream and pale pink), and has padded cups with underwire for support and lift.
Designed with an invisible edge for a seamless silhouette under clothes, the bra also features a stretchy, soft-touch hook-and-eye closure that minimises skin irritation. There are lace inserts on the band for flattering detail. The padding offers rounded definition (great for those with smaller busts), while the polyamide material is cushion-like and soft against skin. Combining comfort and femininity, the style is so lightweight it almost feels like you’re not wearing it at all.
Buy now £20.00, Marksandspencer.com
Free People heathered essentials triangle bralette
Best: Bra for lounging
Size range: XS-XL
Materials: Heathered cotton
Colourways: Ivory, blue, purple, oatmeal
Why we love it
- Super soft
- Easy pull-over design
Take note
- Not enough support for all-day wear
I found this bralette so comfortable that I was even tempted to wear it to bed. There’s no fiddly clasp to deal with – simply pull the bra on over your head. The straps are thick and adjustable, but this bra is designed for those with smaller busts, as anyone with a larger bust will find that this design lacks support. I’m a 32B and found this style served as the ultimate WFH bra under a baggy T-shirt.
It’s a stellar choice for those who are nipple-conscious, too, with the bra providing another coverage without compromising on comfort. The triangle cups are unlined with a thick trim, while there’s no risk of the elastic underband digging in.
Buy now £32.00, Freepeople.com
Stripe & Stare crossover bra
Best: Crossover bra
Size range: XS-4X
Materials: Tencel modal x micro
Colourways: Nude, black, neon pink
Why we love it
- Sustainable fabric
- Flattering silhouette
- Super soft
Stripe & Stare is best known for its soft and cosy pyjamas, but its sustainable underwear is equally comfortable. Designed for all-day wear, the brand’s crossover bra is a particular favourite for its flattering design. The bra is so lightweight that you forget you’re wearing it.
Just like the brand’s other underwear styles, this bra is crafted from a 95 per cent biodegradable material derived from tree bark, which the brand claims is twice as soft as cotton. This was confirmed when I put it to the test; the fabric felt unbelievably soft against my skin. The bra is unwired, with adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye fastening, with the crossover design helping to lift and support your bust while creating flattering cleavage. Adding a feminine touch, there’s delicate lace detailing around the band. The bra goes up to 40-42DD, and the generously sized cup design makes it a good unwired choice for larger busts.
Buy now £35.00, Stripeandstare.com
Boux Avenue comfort microfibre plunge bra
Best: Bra for a plunge neckline
Size range: 28A-38DD
Materials: Polyamide, elastane, polyester
Colourways: Blush, black, white
Why we love it
- Lifts and defines
- Very lightweight
- Soft against skin
- Unwired
Take note
- The cups can lose their shape if folded away or packed
- The unwired design might not have enough support for larger busts
With padded cups and a plunge cut, this wireless bra works to lift and define your bust. It’s designed to appear invisible under clothing thanks to the soft microfibre material. The straps are fully adjustable with a soft seal hook-and-eye fastening that doesn’t catch the skin. From the cups to the band and straps, the material is buttery soft with that desirable ‘second skin’ feel.
This bra is incredibly lightweight, too, so you can rely on it for all-day wear. Thanks to the plunge silhouette and thin straps, the bra is great under V-neck tops and dresses, as it helps create cleavage. One thing to note is that the cups lose a bit of their shape and dent a little when packed away in a suitcase or folded up too much in a drawer. However, for the affordable price, it’s hard to fault.
Buy now £22.00, Bouxavenue.com
Dora Larsen summer scoop underwire bra
Best: Luxury bra
Size range: 32B-36DD
Materials: Recycled polyamide, recycled nylon, recycled elastane
Colourways: Pink, blue, hot pink, green
Why we love it
- Sexy without compromising on comfort
- Straps designed to avoid digging in
Take note
- Underwire
- Expensive
Dora Larsen is my go-to for sensual sets that don’t compromise on comfort or wearability, and the label’s summer scoop-neck underwire bra is a new favourite. The unpadded cups are moulded for a clean, attractive look while the scoop, plunged neckline pushes up your cleavage. It’s underwired, but the wire is short, making for supportive lift that isn’t restrictive.
Crafted from a soft stretch microfibre with recycled lace trims, the material is super soft against your skin. The straps are coated with microfibre up to the shoulder, with thinner adjustable straps at the back, to ensure there’s no risk of them digging in. Beyond pure comfort, the bra is available in a choice of four bold shades. I love the garishly gorgeous colour palette of the ‘summer’ style, with the hot pink contrasted by turquoise lace for a statement look. If you’re looking for a comfortable but sexy and stylish bra, look no further.
Buy now £68.00, Doralarsen.com
Uniqlo wireless bra
Best: Sculpting bra
Size range: 65-70AAA to 85-90FG
Materials: Polyamide, polyester, elastane
Colourways: Black, pink, beige
Why we love it
- Sculpting
- Lightweight
- Seamless finish
- Unwired
Take note
- Comes up small
- Those with larger busts might find it doesn’t offer enough support
Uniqlo’s commitment to minimalist, fuss-free fashion is reflected in the brand’s underwear. The brand’s best-selling wireless bra gives support without restrictive wires. I found that the seamless finish helps to sculpt your silhouette. The bra doesn’t show lines under clothing, which helps with a more polished look.
As for comfort, the moulded cups and smooth design hug the body, without digging into your skin, and the soft, stretchy fabric is a dream for all-day wear. While the bra doesn’t lift or add volume like some other styles I tested, it keeps your bust secure and supported. I found the bra came up slightly small, so I suggest sizing up if you’re unsure.
Buy now £19.90, Uniqlo.com
Intimissimi gioia the silky touch microfibre push-up bra
Best: Push-up bra
Size range: 32B-38C
Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Colourways: Cream, white, black, beige, cappuccino, dark beige and moka brown
Why we love it
- Plunge effect
- Lightweight
- Soft fabric
- 'Second skin' feel
Take note
- Those with larger busts might find it doesn’t offer enough coverage
This Italian lingerie brand is synonymous with sophisticated and sexy designs, which it has channelled into this pleasingly comfortable unwired bra. It’s incredibly lightweight, with structured seams under the cup to support your bust. The bra is crafted from microfibre for a ‘second skin’ feel, and the straps are covered in the same smooth fabric, ensuring a comfortable fit on the shoulders.
I found that this is a plunge bra without any of the discomfort usually associated with such styles. The cups are moulded with a deep V-neckline and padded volume to create the illusion of two extra cup sizes. The straps are thin, so they work nicely under a strappy top or dress. Owing to the low-cut V style, ladies with larger busts might find there’s not enough coverage to give full support.
Buy now £39.00, Intimissimi.com
Lounge ribbed triangle bra
Best: Ribbed bra
Size range: XS- XXL
Materials : 91 per cent recycled polyester, 9 per cent elastane
Colourways: White, charcoal blue, black
Why we love it
- Feather light
- Double-layer fabric
- Soft on skin
Take note
- Straps need to be on tightest setting to hold larger busts
Lounge's triangle bra is about as comfy as it gets, with a smooth lining and elasticated support. The rib detailing and v-cut design is flattering, while the matching triangle thong (£16, Lounge.com) – if you fancy treating yourself – sits comfortably on the hips, making a perfect complement to the body's natural curves. When she washed the bra, our tester saw no dulling of the white fabric, nor any shrinkage or misshaping. The bra air-dried quickly without creasing.
As for support, our 34DD tester found that the cups provided ample lift without digging into her shoulders or ribs, and she forgot she was even wearing it. Something to note – the low-cut V shape leaves breast tissue prone to 'spilling', so those with bigger busts will need to make use of the adjustable straps (we wore them on the tightest setting).
Buy now £15.00, Lounge.com
Intimissimi Ilaria ultralight microfibre bandeau bra
Best: Bandeau bra
Size range: S-L
Materials: Polyamide, elastane, cotton
Colourways: Nude, black, white
Why we love it
- Doesn’t slip down
- Comfortable cotton lining
- Provides extra layer of coverage
Take note
- Limited size range
A bandeau bra is an essential in any underwear drawer, giving you support and definition when wearing a strapless dress or top. This style of bra can also provide an extra layer of coverage under unlined clothes. This one from Intimissimi ticks all the boxes for a comfortable bandeau bra. It boasts an invisible elasticated trim to prevent it from falling down, while the cotton interior feels soft against your skin.
The pad comes as a single piece reinforced in the middle with tulle, preventing any displacement and helping with a more comfortable fit. There are removable padded cups, so you can customise your look. With the padding, it creates a flattering rounded effect. Without it, your natural curve is enhanced. The polyamide and elastane fabric is smooth and completely concealed under clothing, too. It’s just a shame there aren’t more sizes available.
Buy now £39.00, Intimissimi.com
Your questions on comfortable bras answered
What’s the best comfortable bra?
Nudea is one of the buzziest names in lingerie, thanks to the brand’s sustainable and comfort-first underwear. The ‘stretch easy does it’ bralette is an everyday hero, boasting a ‘second skin’ feeling, lightweight design and seamless finish, and my favourite of this list.
If you’re after flattering and feel-good underwear that doesn’t compromise on comfort, the Dora Larsen set is beautifully made. Meanwhile, for those looking to update their rotation for less, Asos, M&S and Next have some great designs.
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