Best bras for comfort

What is the most comfortable bra? Well, that depends on what comfort means to you. We’ll help you identify what elements make up your most comfortable bra and which key features to look for when you’re shopping for the best bras. 

It starts with picking the best fabric

When people say comfort, most of the time they mean soft. If the softest bra ever is what you’re after, look for a bra that has brushed or peached fabric. These are processes that treat the fabric to make them extra buttery soft against your skin. 

For others, comfort might mean they’re looking for a second-skin effect that feels like they aren’t wearing anything. If this is you, you’ll want to look for a slick fabric. These are typically thinner, stretchier fabrics that are woven in a way that gives them a slick appearance. You’ll often find these fabrics used in “one-size-fits-all” products because of how stretchy they can be.

If your idea of comfort is something that’s super breathable, you’ll want to look for a moisture-wicking fabric that transfers sweat away from the body so you aren’t sitting in a pool of wetness. Nylon, treated polyester, cellulosic fabrics like tencel and bamboo, and natural fabrics like cotton all have sweat-wicking properties. Mesh is ultra breathable too, but it won’t necessarily wick away moisture. 

Most comfortable bra constructions 

Is there a specific bra design element that drives you crazy? There’s no need to suffer! We’ve compiled the most common bra complaints and offered our best solutions to help you feel your most comfortable. Once you identify the problems you want to fix, you can more easily find the best bras for you.

Complaint: My underwire digs in and pokes me. 

Solution: There are many innovative options that help you avoid the dreaded underwire stab. For example, if you’re committed to underwire, look for bras that have the wire embedded into the foam of the bra or attached to the exterior of the cup so it’s away from your body. Or, ditch the underwire altogether and look for a supportive wire-free style, like these.

Complaint: My bra chafes at the underarm, seams, or straps.

Solution: Look for bras with bonded seams instead of sewn seams. Bonding uses an extremely strong glue to keep fabric pieces together, which means you won’t get any bulky or scratchy seams. Also, make sure you double check the fabric at the arm hold and band to ensure it’s not too stiff or made with sharp edges.

Complaint: My bra is too tight and it leaves red marks.

Solution: Try a bra with wider, longer straps that are made with softer materials. Plush Back elastic is softer on the side that touches your skin and can be a great option for people with sensory sensitivities. If you have a larger chest, however, you don’t want straps that are too stretchy because that will affect the support of the bra and cause new issues that can lead to discomfort. 

If you’re experiencing discomfort in your bra related to sizing, it may be worth measuring yourself to determine that you’re wearing the correct bra size. Check out our super easy-to-follow guide here.

Most comfortable bra styles

While comfort can absolutely be subjective, these styles are known for being the most comfortable to wear. 

Wire-free Bras

Wire-free bras are, simply, bras that are made without underwire. Unlike bralettes, which don't offer support, wire-free bras are packed with features that lift, separate, and shape your breasts. If you hate the feeling of underwire so much that you count down the minutes until you can take your bra off, a wire-free bra is an amazing underwire alternative. They're also great for back smoothing and seamless silhouettes. Try some of our favorite wire-free bras here.

Bralette 

A bralette is a lightweight bra that has no underwires or molded cups. They typically offer very little or no support. It’s great for those seeking comfort and light coverage. This bra is perfect for smaller cup sizes that don’t require heavy support.

Sports bra

Sports bras are designed to withstand high impact activity. Since they’re created for physical activity, they’re typically made with breathable, sweat-wicking material. These bras are typically more compressive than a regular bra. Their focus is functionality instead of appearance, as they may compromise the natural shape of the breast.