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The best bras of 2025: 16 tested, pro-approved styles for comfort and support
From stealthy T-shirt bras to flattering minimizers and strapless faves, these are your bust's best bets.
We all want to look and feel our best. For many, that means wearing clothes that support and accentuate our body types. Well, it all starts with undergarments. Whether you like a comfy bralette, an underwire bra with soft cups or something in between, there's a bra for everyone. The trick, of course, is finding it. To help you out, we've consulted bra fitters, designers and our own shopping experts to find the best bras across multiple categories.
With their guidelines in mind, we researched over 50 top-rated bras in various styles and price points, testing dozens to see which ones are worth buying. Whether you're looking for a comfortable wire-free bra, a minimizer for larger busts or a cute strapless option, there's a bra on this list that you'll want to consider. Read on to learn about our favorites, including bras that feel so good, you'll forget you're even wearing them.
Looking for something with added support? Check out our list of the best support bras. And be sure to check out our guides to the best sports bras, the best bras for large breasts and the best wireless bras.
Table of contents:
The best bra overall
Fabric: 84% nylon, 16% spandex | Sizes: A to G | Colors: 9 | Support features: Contoured plunge cups, molded mesh outer covers, elastic-edged stretch-lace wings, straps that increase in width as size increases | Type of bra: Plunge
In choosing the right bra, "you want something that is well-sewn. You want it to be even and reinforced at the straps and back," Elisabeth Dale, author of The Bra Zone and founder of The Breast Life tells Yahoo. This gorgeous bra from Natori ticks those boxes and more.
When I first saw it, I was skeptical that the pretty lace option would provide the all-day comfort and support I expect from a T-shirt bra, but I was shocked by just how comfy it was. It is the epitome of fashion meets function. The partially lined bra has a feminine lace trim that gives it a more fashion-forward feel, contoured plunge cups that give my bust a flattering shape and boost, and elastic-lined edges that keep the bra securely in place without digging.
While I typically try to avoid underwire bras, I barely noticed it in this style. I love the plunging neckline, and while I was worried the lace would show underneath my clothes, it was unnoticeable. The adjustable straps were thin yet sturdy, and while I thought the lace and mesh might get itchy or uncomfortable, they were soft and comfortable even after hours of wear. Even better, the width of the straps increases as the sizes go up to give larger busts the support they need.
- Supportive underwire
- Pretty lace details
- Comfortable even after hours of wear
- Wider straps for larger sizes
- Has to be hand-washed
Other top bras we recommend for 2025
Fabric: 72% nylon, 28% spandex | Sizes: A to DD | Colors: 6 | Support features: Soft, dig-free straps that self-adjust for comfort; improved back support | Type of bra: Full coverage
This smoothing, full-coverage bra by Spanx is so comfortable that it's been one of my go-tos for years. This supportive option features patented SmartStretch straps that are specially designed to resist slipping. I love that it clasps in the front and creates a completely smooth base underneath my clothes. The underwire doesn't dig in, and the back is made of hosiery, which makes sense since it's so soft and stretchy. It comes in six colors and sizes 32A-40DDD.
Even Jennifer Garner is a fan. She once told the brand, "You guys have no idea how many friends I've turned on to the Bra-llelujah!"
- Comfortable, structured cups
- Smoothes your sides and back
- Convenient front closure
- Nonslip straps
- Comes in limited band sizes in certain colors
- Must be hand-washed
Nicole Sforza/Yahoo
Fabric: 78% nylon, 22% spandex | Sizes: C to H | Colors: 20 | Support features: Underwire, 4-way stretch fabric, 2-ply cups | Type of bra: Full coverage/T-shirt
If you're looking to downplay your cup size, this full-coverage minimizer from Vanity Fair may be what you’re looking for. It can minimize your bustline by up to 1.5 inches. Along with a built-in underwire, it boasts two nonpadded cups that comfortably cover and support your breasts. "Depending on the bra style and if you need a larger cup size, you might look for side panels or a wide back band and straps. These details are more critical in bras for people with fuller busts (anything over a DD)," Dale says. This option delivers, with extra side and back bands that are made from a four-way stretch material that smooths any bumps and bulges to create a sleek base. Sizes range from 36C to 42H, and it comes in a variety of colors.
Executive Editor Nicole Sforza raved that the fabric on this bra "feels very smooth and soft, like buttah — even at the tightest level." She went on to add, "I swear this might be the most comfortable underwire bra I've worn in awhile, possibly ever. This bra is a minimizer and I really felt an immediate difference putting this bra on after having a nonminimizer on. I definitely feel like it's keeping the girls in."
- Full-coverage cups prevent bulges or spilling
- Very smooth, soft feel
- Immediate minimizing effect
- Smoothing panels on the sides and back
- Underwire can get uncomfortable by the end of the day
Fabric: 77% nylon, 23% spandex | Sizes: A to DDD | Colors: 30 | Support features: Heavier weight for increased support | Type of bra: Seamless full coverage
This buttery-soft wireless bra is made from a blend of elastane and nylon. It has a seamless knit band that hugs the body and provides the lift and support you need without a pesky underwire. The V-shaped neckline carries over from the front to the back.
It's designed to keep its shape even if you wear it every day, so you don't have to worry about stretching it out — and I can confirm that it delivers. It comes with removable pads if you’d like a little extra shaping; I wore it both ways and thought it looked just as good without them as it did with them. I loved how thick and supportive the straps were and that they stayed in place all day long. And I couldn't get over how soft and smooth the fabric felt.
The bra is definitely full coverage, and if you have a smaller bust like me, it will barely show any cleavage. Keep that in mind if you want more skin to show.
- Soft, seamless material
- Barely there feel
- Supportive underband
- Full coverage means no cleavage for smaller busts
Rebecca Carhart/Yahoo
Fabric: 91% nylon, 9% spandex | Sizes: B to H | Colors: 4 | Support features: Molded underwire cups, back and side boning | Type of bra: Convertible
This strapless bra from Wacoal has an impressive 4.6-star rating with more than 2,000 reviews from Nordstrom shoppers, and for good reason. It features molded cups and light foam padding that smooth you out and provide a comfortable, natural shape, while the back and sides have boning and gripper strips to help keep the bra in place. It even comes with removable straps, so you can add them when you need extra support. The convertible bra can be worn conventionally, halter style or crossed in the back.
I've had this bra for years and never had any issues with it staying up, even during long nights of dancing at weddings and other events. Some customers say the cup sizes run small, and I agree. I'm typically an A cup, which the brand doesn't offer here, but surprisingly, the B cup fits me, so definitely be sure to check the size chart before you buy. It also looks super smooth under all types of fabrics, though I will note that after wearing it for hours, it starts to feel like it's digging in. To be fair, I've noticed that with all strapless bras since they have to stay up on their own.
- Convertible thanks to removable straps
- Doesn't slip down even during dancing or other intense movement
- Back and sides have boning and gripper strips
- Pricey
- Digs in by the end of the night
Fabric: 83.5% polyamide, 16.5% spandex | Sizes: A to H | Colors: 34 | Support features: Underwire, thick side and back bands, adjustable straps | Type of bra: Scoop
If you're looking for a supportive, comfortable bra to wear every day, I recommend checking out this Cuup bra. It has a lightweight underwire built in to provide support without discomfort, and it's completely undetectable even under my thinnest shirts. I love that it has thicker straps than average bras in my size and that the side and back panels are longer to create a smoothing effect.
The unlined cups accentuate your natural shape and the stretchy microfiber material is incredibly soft and silky smooth. I barely felt the underwire even after wearing the bra for hours on end, and it never dug in or poked me. While it does require hand-washing, I don't mind taking the extra time to care for it since it's so comfy.
- Barely there feel
- Very soft material
- Supportive, comfortable underwire
- Gives a natural shape
- Pricey
- Has to be hand-washed
Harper Wilde
Fabric: 79% nylon, 21% spandex | Sizes: XS to 6XL | Colors: 14 | Support features: Wireless lifting band | Type of bra: V-neck
Thousands of shoppers can't get over how comfortable and supportive this popular bra is. Another of Caldwell's top picks, it's made with no foam, cups, wires or padding, making it so comfortable that many shoppers say they forget they're wearing it.
I can confirm that you barely feel it on. Its durable microfiber fabric gave me the lift and support I needed without sacrificing comfort, and it was honestly the softest material I've ever worn. There is no underwire on the bralette, but it does have a thick underband that provides support and keeps it from riding up. I found this bra to be true to size, though the brand recommends sizing up if you want less of a compressive fit.
- Very soft, comfortable microfiber
- Wireless design is still supportive
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
- You may need to size up for less compression
- Can't go in dryer
Fabric: 55% nylon, 45% spandex | Sizes: A to DD | Colors: 4 | Support features: Wireless lifting band | Type of bra: V-neck
This wire-free T-shirt bra was so comfortable that I often forgot I was wearing it. The memory foam cups offered the right amount of coverage and comfort, while the slight plunge neckline allowed me to wear all types of shirts with it. The stretchy side and back panels smoothed out everything for a seamless layering base and stayed put no matter how much I moved around.
The only time I did actually notice this bra was when I tested it during a heat wave in Florida. The humidity made it stick to me when I was walking outside, but it felt normal again as soon as I went indoors, into the air-conditioning. It says to hand-wash only, but I accidentally ran it through the washer and dryer and it came out looking pretty good. It was slightly puckered afterward, but once I had it on, it looked and felt the same.
- Very soft, comfortable
- Provides seamless base for layering
- Nearly undetectable under clothes
- Plunging neckline is compatible with many tops
- Comes in limited band sizes
- Must be hand-washed
Rebecca Carhart/Yahoo
Fabric: 76% nylon, 24% spandex | Sizes: AA to H | Colors: 9 | Support features: Removable pads, no-slip straps | Type of bra: Plunge
Women with smaller cup sizes know how hard it can be to find a bra with a close-fitting band that doesn’t gap in the cups. That’s likely why more than 6,000 shoppers love this classic T-shirt bra that comes in half-cup sizes, so they can easily find their perfect fit.
I've always hovered somewhere between an A and B cup, so I was excited to try the A½ cup and was so excited to feel how well it fit. Along with nonslip straps that stay put all day long, the bra also comes with removable inserts, so if your breasts are two different sizes, you can balance them out. I loved the pretty mesh overlay and how soft the material was. The underwire was pretty comfortable, though it was noticeable by the end of the day.
- Comes in half sizes for a more customizable fit
- Removable inserts accommodate two different breast sizes
- Supportive underwire
- Nonslip straps
- Pretty mesh layering
- Underwire can be uncomfortable by the end of the day
- Can't go in dryer
Saundra Latham/Yahoo
Fabric: 100% nylon | Sizes: C to L | Colors: 14 | Support features: 3-part unlined underwire cups | Type of bra: Full coverage/T-shirt
Anyone with a larger bust knows they typically have to choose between a bra that looks good and one that offers enough support. Luckily, this PrimaDonna option is pretty and sturdy. Bra expert Dale recommends it, saying the brand is "pricey but worth every cent."
Commerce Editor Saundra Latham said "the sides did a great job of smoothing me out and eliminating any of that dreaded armpit fat." She did note that while it's "by no means uncomfortable, the checkered fabric and lace had a distinctive feel that makes this less of a lounge-around bra than a go-to-work or out-to-dinner bra."
Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder has owned this bra since the early aughts. "It offers a ton of lift — almost shelf-like, which some people might not enjoy. But I think it works under T-shirts because it helps separate my torso, so I don't just look like all boobs." She's never experienced any digging or pinching, though she does note that "because the cups are on the deeper/larger side, sometimes they gap a little if I've lost weight."
- Side and back panels offer smoothing support
- Pretty lace details
- Doesn't dig in or pinch
- Cups offer a lot of lift
- Expensive
- Can't go in dryer
Nicole Sforza/Yahoo
Fabric: 84% nylon, 16% spandex | Sizes: D to H | Colors: 14 | Support features: 3D knitted fabric, rounded 4-way stretch molded knit cups, double-layer power mesh on side wings | Type of bra: T-shirt
If you need extra support on your sides, check out this Montelle bra with extra-wide straps. This classic has spacer cup technology that is light and breathable, making it an especially solid pick when temperatures rise, or if you just run hot.
The bands are made with power mesh to help smooth out sides and increase ventilation, and Sforza says she did feel cool when wearing it. Perhaps best of all, she said the underwire is super comfortable. "It gave support without digging in at all. It's almost as if this is a non-underwire bra, but it's not!" she says. She also notes that she had no spillage, and she raves about the "thin, soft, smooth magical fabric."
- Made of cooling power mesh material
- Comes in extended band sizes
- Comfortable cups and side support
- Barely there feel
- No smaller cup sizes
- Should be hand-washed
Rebecca Carhart/Yahoo
Fabric: Nylon, spandex, rayon | Sizes: A to DDD | Colors: 3 | Support features: Soft side boning, adjustable straps | Type of bra: Deep V
This bra stays nice and comfortable, thanks to its wire-free design, but it can also be worn with practically everything, thanks to its plunging V-neck silhouette. I loved the super-soft modal fabric, and the breathable mesh wings helped keep me cool.
What's more, the straps are adjustable from the front instead of the back, which made it incredibly easy to fix the length, and a J-hook at the back let me convert it into a racerback instantly. I tried it with a variety of tops with different necklines and backs, and the J-hook and plunging neckline made this bra invisible underneath all of them. The bra doesn't have an underwire, but the band is a bit longer than a normal bra to offer additional support.
- Comfortable wireless design
- Has a thick, supportive underband
- Converts into a racerback bra
- Plunging neckline offers nice amount of cleavage, can be worn with various tops
- Comes in limited band sizes, colors
Fabric: 8% recycled polyester, 12% spandex | Sizes: XXS to XXXL | Colors: 7 | Support features: Compression fit, elastic band | Type of bra: Sports
This pull-on bra offers medium support and light compression while you move and sweat, so it's no wonder that thousands of Amazon shoppers and our own deals writer, Britt Ross, are fans. It features Nike’s signature Dri-Fit technology, which wicks sweat from your body. Even better, you can choose from three support levels: high, medium and light.
Says Britt: "I hate wearing sports bras. Nikes are the only ones that don't feel like they're digging into my skin. I appreciate that they come with different levels of support (I like light support, since I hate feeling too constricted, but even this one makes me feel like everything is held in place). I also like the clean design and the fact that they come in some pretty colors and neutrals. I mainly wear them while riding my Peloton bike, and nothing's ever felt like it's popping out."
- Comes in different support levels
- Comfortable design doesn't dig in
- Affordable
- Machine-washable
- Breathable material wicks away sweat
- Straps are not adjustable
Rebecca Carhart/Yahoo
Fabric: 74% nylon, 26% spandex | Sizes: B to G | Colors: 3 | Support features: Soft underwire, adjustable straps | Type of bra: Demi
We can't get over how sleek this demi bra is. It gives your girls a little lift, but it also helps keep you cool, thanks to its breathable mesh. It has a supportive underwire built in, but it's so lightweight that I barely noticed it when wearing it.
The demi silhouette kept the majority of my bust covered, but it still gave me a natural shape and a slight boost. Just note that the Belgian power micromesh is sheer, so you can see everything underneath it. This bra also has to be hand-washed in cold water.
- Supportive underwire
- Very sleek design
- Comfortable, breathable material
- Gives a natural shape with a slight boost
- Completely sheer
- Comes in limited colors
Rebecca Carhart/Yahoo
Fabric: 65% polyamide, 35% spandex | Sizes: AA to F | Colors: 35 | Support features: Push-up, foam pads, flexible underwire | Type of bra: Push-up
Victoria's Secret bras have always been known to add a little extra va-va-voom to your bustline, and this popular push-up bra held true to the brand's reputation during testing. Not only did it make the girls appear two cup sizes bigger, but I also loved how smoothing and supportive it was. The plunging neckline allowed me to wear a variety of different tops with it, and the straps and band are fully adjustable, which let me find a comfortable fit for my shape.
The cups have padding in two places: the bottom and the side, which really boosts your bust. I've honestly never had more cleavage than when I wore this push-up bra. There are also a ton of styles to choose from, ranging from classic nudes for everyday wear to lacy designs for special occasions.
- Tons of colors to choose from
- Doubly padded cups provide great liftt
- Comfortable and smoothing
- Adds the appearance of up to 2 cup sizes
- Comes in limited band sizes
- Must be hand-washed
Rebecca Carhart/Yahoo
Fabric: 65% polyester, 35% polyamide | Sizes: B to G | Colors: 3 | Support features: 3D molded underwire | Type of bra: T-shirt
"Bras are a lot like jeans. Everybody has a different favorite based on what fits their body best, and the style they're going for," expert bra fitter Caldwell told us. "That said, there are a few great basic bras that fit well on lots of people." This Simone Perele topped her list when it comes to crowd-pleasers, and I can see why.
The lightly molded cups gave me a smooth, contoured fit, and there was no bulky padding, so I had a nice, natural shape when wearing it. I loved how soft, supportive and comfortable the bra was, but I felt like the pretty floral detailing along the band and straps made it more of a special-occasion bra than one you'd wear every day.
- Soft and comfortable
- Molded cups give shape without bulky padding
- Pretty lace details
- Expensive
Factors to consider when shopping for a bra
Size: Unfortunately, up to 80% of bra wearers are in the wrong size. Not only can this cause daily discomfort like chafing, but it can also contribute to more pervasive neck, back and breast pain. It can even contribute to bad posture!
Luckily, it's easy to figure out your correct size, and you can do this in just a few minutes at home. "First, you will need a tape measure (measuring unit should be inches) to take your rib and bust measurements," said Noemi Diaz-Justino, senior design director of lingerie brand True & Co. "Holding the tape measure parallel to the floor, wrap it snuggly (not tight) around your rib cage. If the measurement is an odd number, add 5 inches. If the measurement is an even number, add 4 inches. Next, keeping the tape measure parallel to the floor, wrap the tape measure loosely around the fullest part of your bust. Now subtract the rib measurement (with the added inches) from the bust measurement. The difference will determine your cup size. The guide for cup sizes goes like this: 1 inch = A cup, 2 inches = B cup, 3 inches = C cup, 4 inches = D cup, 5 inches = DD, 6 inches = DDD."
Fit: A well-fitting bra makes all the difference. According to Dana Donofree, breast cancer survivor and founder/CEO of bra line AnaOno, your bra should fit "securely and comfortably around your rib cage without gapping or overflowing in the cups. Your chest should feel secure and at ease while you wear a bra, so it should not ride up in the front or the back, and the straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders."
Jessica Pfister, vice president of Dreamfit Intimates, says there are a few fit checks you can do. "First, the top of the cup should contain the breast without bulging or gaping. If it's bulging, the cup is too small or your straps are too tight. Underwire should follow the perimeter of the breast tissue and rest on the rib cage, and the bra band should hug firmly around the body, anchoring the bra cup and underwire in place.
"The band of the bra should also fit horizontally across the back," she added. "If it rides up in the center, this indicates that the weight of the breasts is pulling the back of the band up and the band is too large. You may need to go down a band size. The center front of the bra should lie flat, tacking close to the breastbone. And if your straps are correctly adjusted, you should only be able to fit two fingers under the strap."
Choosing bras that have adjustable bands and straps is key to getting a customized fit, says Kimmay Caldwell, expert bra fitter and founder of HurrayKimmay.com. "Often people mistake comfort with loose, carefree bras. But those tend to be loose, roam around and not fit well. So many of the clients I've fit said they want wire-free and stretchy, but once they're in the right size, they love the feel and look of a wired bra," she says.
Fabric: "A bra should be made from good-quality components," says Annette Smith, brand director for Montelle Intimates. "Good-quality elastic, foam, mesh and fabric will ensure your bra lasts for many months still doing the job it was meant to do."
In finding a soft fabric, Pfister told us, "Personally, I think there is nothing better than a super-soft microfiber, modal or cotton spandex bra. They look smooth and feel incredibly comfortable. But, honestly, technology is so amazing now that you can have the most incredible lace bra that has a finish on it to make it feel just as soft and yummy against the skin.” Smith agreed, adding this: "Lace bras are not itchy if they are good quality."
If you are investing in a high-quality bra, you need to properly care for it to help it keep its shape and softness. "Throwing them in the washer and (God forbid) dryer, and using your typical clothing soap will ruin the elastic, shape and material, making it harsh and brittle and dented," Caldwell says.
Support: When it comes to support, "think of it as building a bridge," Dale says. "You don’t need much to cross a small creek on foot, but you want structural steel to carry the weight of a car. The same goes for bras. Many A through C cups can get by without much in the way of wires. Once you get beyond that point, the D through G cups, you'll want underwires, side panels, etc. When you go up to G cups, you'll want to buy bras from brands specializing in those bigger cup sizes."
Silhouette: Choosing the right silhouette "all depends on your lifestyle and your aesthetic," Smith says. Think about the purpose of your bra: If you're shopping for a comfortable bra to wear every day, you may want to consider a T-shirt bra that offers more coverage and support, while if you're looking for a sexier option for special occasions, you may consider a pretty balconette option, a push-up style or a plunging bra.
How we chose the best bras
We talked to bra fitters, designers and lingerie experts to gather tips on how to shop for a great bra. With their guidelines in mind, we researched over 50 top-rated bras in various styles and price points, then narrowed the list based on price, quality, comfort, support, style, sizes and colors offered, and, of course, customer reviews. Then our team of shopping experts tested over 20 styles to see which options deserve a spot in your lingerie drawer.
Other bras we tested
Delimira Balconette Bra: Deals writer Carrie McCabe rated this plus-size Delimira bra a good bra, but said it had some sizing issues. "Nice fabric and good smoothing; not too tight around the band and felt accurate to the 40 sizing. However, I wish they had DDD cup sizes, especially considering this is a plus-size specific bra," she says. Overall, she found it comfortable despite its underwire, though she did notice some gaps and spillage due to the cup-size issue.
Freya Idol Underwire Molded T-Shirt Bra: Dodell-Feder and Gift Guides Editor Amanda Garrity tested this Freya option and felt it slightly missed the mark. "I'm a wireless bra wearer through and through," Garrity says. "And when I want a little more shaping, I typically opt for lightly lined underwire styles that are still comfortable enough for all-day wear. That said, this bra doesn't exactly fit the bill. It's comfortable enough, but I wasn't a fan of the fabric or the fact that the band was too tight (despite knowing this is my right size)." Doddell-Feder notes, "I generally love Freya bras and have tried many styles over the years. This is not one of my favorites. I thought the shaped cups didn't wear well, and this isn't the most comfortable design. The gore (center part between the cups) comes up pretty high, which I think affected the fit."
Harper Wilde T-Shirt Bra: I loved that the straps on this everyday T-shirt bra were adjustable from the front, and the clasp in the back to convert it into a racerback was a nice bonus. Unfortunately, I found that the cups cut into me weirdly. The bra looked good from the front, but the cups cut off on the sides at a weird spot, causing spillage. I didn't notice other reviewers having this issue, so I may have needed to go up a cup size.
Natori Bliss Perfection Soft Cup Bra: This wire-free option felt great, and I often forgot that I was wearing it. The only reason it didn't win out for best wire-free bra was the lace panel at the bottom. I liked that it gave the otherwise plain bra a sweet, feminine touch, but it sometimes rolled or folded up as I was wearing it.
Skims Unlined Balconette Bra: The fabric on this Skims bra was silky smooth, and I was really impressed by how soft it was. But I found the underwire to be a bit thicker and more uncomfortable than other options I tested. The bra fit great and looked really nice on though. And I really appreciated the size range and color options available.
Soma Embraceable Enchanting Lace Demi Bra: This demi cup bra from Soma has a sweetheart neckline that reveals a hint of cleavage while still giving you the support you need. The memory-foam blend cups give a nice shape but aren't full coverage, so you can still let a bit of cleavage peek through a tank top with a plunging neckline. I really liked this bra and found it very comfortable, but just preferred the Negative Sieve Demi Bra (highlighted above) a bit more. But if you prefer a bra that isn't sheer, this is a great demi option to try!
Warner's No Side Effects T-Shirt Bra: Ross liked that this T-shirt bra by Warner's was "supportive without being uncomfortable," but she didn't really notice much smoothing happening from the side bands, and she noticed some gaps on the sides. In general, she found it pretty comfortable, even though she rarely wears bras with underwire. "Overall, it's a solid T-shirt bra, but beware of some gapping."
Bras FAQs
How many bras should I own?
Everyone will have a different answer for this question, depending on their lifestyle and preferences. It might help to think in terms of occasion. Everyday bras in neutral colors are great for daily wear. Sports bras are best for breaking a sweat in the gym, and you might need a few of these so you can wash them after every use. Specialty bras such as push-up bras or strapless bras are good to have on hand for specific dresses and tops. You might also want to have bralettes and wireless bras on hand for added comfort. Finally, you might need one or several nursing or maternity bras for that phase of your life.
How often should you wash bras?
The standard rule of thumb is to wash your bra at least every third wear to ensure you don't experience a buildup of sweat, odor and bacteria. That might mean washing your sports bra after every wear. Just note that some specialty bras can lose their shape or stretch if you get too laundry happy. If you want to wash a bra frequently but you're worried about wear and tear, consider hand-washing it. As always, follow the instructions on the label for best results.
Should you wear a bra to bed?
If you've heard rumors about the health effects of wearing bras to bed, we're here to put your mind at ease. There is no scientific evidence suggesting that wearing a bra to bed negatively impacts breast health. Whether you wear one while you sleep is purely a matter of preference. Obviously, if you find that wearing one at night makes you uncomfortable or causes breakouts or body odor, you might want to skip it.
How can I find my bra cup and band size?
To start, measure your band size by measuring snugly around your rib cage below your bust. Round to the nearest number. Then calculate your bust size by measuring the fullest part of your bust. To figure out your cup size, subtract the band size from the cup size. For each inch of difference, you'll increase in cup size. A will be 1 inch, B will be 2 inches and so forth.
There are tons of guides offering advice on how to measure yourself to find your bra cup and band size. If you have trouble doing this yourself, many specialty lingerie stores will offer a free consultation. In many cases, your best bet will be to try on several sizes and see for yourself which fits best.
Meet our experts
Kimmay Caldwell, expert bra fitter and founder of HurrayKimmay.com
Elisabeth Dale, author of The Bra Zone and founder of The Breast Life
Noemi Diaz-Justino, senior design director of lingerie brand True & Co
Dana Donofree, breast cancer survivor and founder/CEO of bra line AnaOno
Jessica Pfister, vice president of Dreamfit Intimates
Annette Smith, brand director for Montelle Intimates
