Many women have a complicated love-hate relationship with their bra. It’s not surprising, since most bras are necessary for support, yet they’re often some combination of itchy, pinch-y, constricting or unflattering. Plus, achieving the right fit can be a humbling, torturous exercise. But finding comfortable lingerie is within reach, and thankfully the result does not need to be frumpy or uninspired.
The perfect bra is a well-executed feat of engineering designed with a few key criteria: it provides the right amount of support, it doesn’t ruin the silhouette of your outfit and it makes you feel really good about what’s going on underneath your clothes. When done right, the best type of bra will make you practically forget you’re wearing one at all.
We’ve put together the most comfortable-yet-chic bras from the best brands on the market today. Some of these companies have been around for decades, while many are relatively new to the scene. All of them will help you view your bra as less of a humdrum undergarment or necessary evil, and more of a daily essential that you actually enjoy putting on and wearing all day.
Modern And Minimalist
Made from luxe microfiber, this supersoft bra has a slightly wider shoulder strap that doesn’t cut into your skin but also doesn’t scream “granny bra.” Reviewers comment this is the kind of model that works for just about everyone. For instance, if you’re small chested, it fakes a curvier bust. If you’ve got a larger chest, it supports and smooths. Its curved silhouette gives a flattering push-up look—without the padding or any discomfort. Two more details to love: The wider band eliminates bulging, and it comes in seven sleek colors.
Practical Yet Pretty
This bralette is the comfort equivalent of wearing sweatpants and the style equivalent of…well, it’s made by Rihanna so you know it will be chic. Constructed out of cotton jersey with a scalloped lace edge trim, it has adjustable straps and a two-layer front for soft support (although reviewers recommend sizing down for extra hold). The best part? It’s machine washable and can be thrown in the dryer, unlike most bras. It’s also available in 20 playful colors and patterns, so there’s a good variety to choose from.
Stylish Support For Smaller Chests
If you’ve got an A or B cup size, you know that finding a bra that doesn’t gap can be a real challenge. Pepper has changed all that with its thoughtful styling for small-chested women. This everyday bra—available in seven colors—is comfy and sleek, featuring cups trimmed with a mesh overlay that allows for a flexible fit and gives a chic, elevated appearance. The buttery-soft fabric is seamless under clothing, and the underwire has a smooth trim that won’t cause pinching or itchiness under your arms. Reviewers also rave about the accuracy of Pepper’s fit guide.
A Soft Support System
This bra is a splurge, but think of it as the lingerie equivalent of a versatile LBD. It features luxurious lace and trim without the itchiness factor, and wireless coverage and support without any spillage. It’s elevated and pretty, yet comfortable enough to work for everyday.
A Not-So-Basic Basic
Lively thoughtfully blends athleisure and lingerie, but while some wireless bras can give off a squished, uni-boob look, this one has padding at the base of the cup to give a flattering, natural boost. It’s proof that trusty bras don’t have to be boring and bland—and perfect for wearing while lounging with your significant other, under work clothes (or for WFH) or for a night out. It’s available in nude and black, but also comes in unexpected shades such as smoke, olive and plum. (Psst, Lively also makes really cute swimwear.)
Pragmatic And Playful
Love Stories calls its iconic bralettes “a holiday for your boobs,” and it’s not hard to see why. Imagine your most snuggly elastic waistband pants, and then envision that blissful comfort in the form of an elastic band at your ribcage like on this pretty bra. The cups are made of soft, stretch satin and lined with frilly, semi-sheer lace in a gorgeous colorway. So basically, this is the comfort equal of your coziest joggers, but at the same time akin to a killer night-out outfit.
Underscore Your Assets
This bestselling bra has an underwire, but reviewers rave it’s so comfortable that you’ll forget it’s there. Even better, the fit—with demi contouring and molded mesh cups—seems to be universal. Think of this as both a utilitarian, everyday staple and a flirty standout. Its Italian lace trim makes it special, while the deep plunge makes it super versatile for a variety of necklines. The style comes in eight shades, from practical nudes to navy, black and white.
An Everyday Essential
This style is what bra dreams are made of because it meets the superfecta of soft, stretchy, supportive and sexy. The non-sagging bralette will keep everything in line from first thing in the morning through after-work drinks. With a faux-wrap crossover front, you’ll feel snug but not squished. If you’re decision-challenged, this model comes in 16 colors, from brights to nudes. Some reviewers say the style runs slightly small, so size up to avoid a nip slip.
Lift For Larger Cup Sizes
Designed for all and especially for those with fuller busts, this subtly sexy number is wire-free but still offers coverage and support. Some practical details that make this luxe and not frumpy: mesh cutouts at the sides and back for extra airflow and thin, supportive shoulder straps that are easily concealed under tanks or sleeveless tops. This can be converted from regular to racerback straps, so its versatility makes it particularly good for travel when you want to conserve space in a suitcase. To note: This comes up a little higher in front so won’t work with low-cut tops.
Wonderfully Wireless
It’s counterintuitive to think that a lightweight bra with no padding or wire could offer lift and be supportive, but that’s exactly what this style does. Made with sheer Belgian power micromesh, this bra will has flexibility and feels comfortable throughout the day, without a lot of fuss. Reviewers say it feels like a second skin and doesn’t ride up. Full disclosure: It’s available in ten semi-sheer colors, but that’s also what makes it sexy.
All-Day Comfort
Meet the next star of your lingerie drawer. ThirdLove’s t-shirt bra is crafted with all kinds of thoughtful, comfort-focused details in mind: It’s made from unbelievably soft pima cotton and tagless, and it has a flexible, nickel-free underwire, along with a foam-padded back closure. From an aesthetic standpoint—with the sexy cutout and flattering half cups—it’s a definite winner too. This bra fits band sizes 32-44 and cup sizes from A to H.
A Sustainable Superstar
Inclusive fashion brand Proclaim features nude bras in a variety of shades, and you’ll want to wear this comfy, pullover style on repeat. Made from supersoft, earth-friendly Tencel fabric, this bralette gives major coverage with double-layer support. It’s also cup insert-compatible.
The Perfect Push-Up
If you’re looking for a little extra oomph, this lightly-lined, no-nonsense push-up will give you cleavage without too much extra: no spillage, no bulging, just serious comfort. We especially love that it’s got front-adjustable straps so you don’t need to take it off or get help to achieve the perfect shoulder strap fit. Reviewers recommend sizing up with this model.
Sexy Scalloped Edges
Some may consider this more special lingerie than an everyday number, but we’d beg to differ. It’s wireless and made from soft chevron lace, and it has adjustable straps and mesh-lined cups so it checks the comfort box. Reviewers also love Cosabella’s bralette because it’s not overly constricting but still has substantial support.
Inspired Intimates
If you’re in the market for a sophisticated, fashion-conscious bra, look no further. An editor favorite, Dora Larsen is known for responsibly sourcing materials, romantic styles and out-of-the-box colorways. We love the color-blocked emerald and lilac on this bra, as well as the thick straps for comfort and the padded cups overlaid with partially recycled lace. This price point may be on the high side, but investing in fashionable comfort won’t go out of style.
