If you’ve come across the bestselling Evelyn & Bobbie Defy bra while shopping for the most comfortable bras, you’ll know why it's gained such a loyal following. The wire-free design promises all the lift and shape you’d expect from an underwired style, without the usual digging, pinching and discomfort. It combines seriously impressive support with a comfortable, smoothing fit, making it the kind of bra you can wear all day without constantly wanting to take it off. Sounds good, right?
When we put it to the test here at woman&home, our reviewer called it "a dream to wear", and it quickly became a reader favourite when the US-based brand finally launched at John Lewis last year.
But while the Defy is undoubtedly worth every penny, the £68 price tag won’t suit every budget. The good news? You don’t have to spend quite so much to find a comfortable, supportive wire-free bra. We’ve rounded up the best affordable alternatives, whether you’re looking for the best bras for large busts, or simply want to ditch uncomfortable underwires.
Shop the Defy bra
We have to hand it to Evelyn & Bobbie; this really is an outstanding wire-free bra. It's a pull-on style so there are no tricky fastenings, and it has a high cut back so it minimises pesky back fat. It's designed to lift and support while being as comfortable as possible, and it evenly distributes the weight of boobs to avoid back issues. According to our reviewer Matilda Stanley, "the sizes go from S-XXXL, but because of the adaptable fabrics, each size covers a dozen or so bra sizes, so busts ranging from 30C-54H can find their match."
Shop affordable alternatives
I'm starting with my favourite here. This runs from cup size D up to an L, and it's available in four pretty colours, including the autumnal burgundy colour shown in the image at the top of this article. Unlike the Defy bra, this does have traditional hook-and-eye bra fasteners at the back, but has that crop top look from the front. For JJ–L cups, there's added shaping on the cups for more support, and I love that this was originally a sleep bra, but Bravissimo listened to feedback from customers, who said they loved wearing it all day. One reviewer wrote: "Who would have thought no wire bras would work so well. Ultimate comfort is exactly what you get."
This one is for bust sizes DD+, and it features 4-way stretch fabric that "moves with your body while providing a high-level smoothing effect". It's also got "advanced bonding technology along the under-arm and wings" that won't create bulges, and traditional wiring is replaced by a bonded underbust. Again, it's got hook-and-eye fastenings, and there's a size chart to figure out which size would work best for you, ranging from 32DD to 40G. Oh, and like the Defy bra, this one is machine washable - bonus!
Featuring double-layered fabric and padding that moves with you, this one is reinforced with a bonded structure. There are matching knickers available, but it's worth noting this is hand wash only. One customer wrote: "First time trying a non underwired bra and very impressed. No bumps and ugly seams under T-shirts that would normally show up every lump and bump. No straplines except for at the back but still a lot better than a 'regular' traditional bra."
Another bra that has many impressive reviews to read through, Shapermint is a brand you definitely need on your radar if you prefer wire-free bras. This one has foam cups, thick shoulder straps that won't dig in, and it will create a flattering shape underneath tight tops. It's available in sizes S to 4XL, and there's a size chart to help you figure out which will fit you best.
This one has a pull-on fit like the Evelyn & Bobbie bra, and it's available in classic black or nude. One customer wrote this glowing review: "These bras are truly comfortable and have been a great help & relief since having my right shoulder replaced which prevents me from doing up anything at the back, i.e. a bra, so being able to step into or pull a bra over my head making it so so much easier to get dressed & to actually wear a bra."
At just £22, this is the most affordable style on our shortlist, and it's from one of the best British clothing brands, M&S. It's available in dress sizes, from 8 to 22, and it's got a gel underband to help it stay put. It's pull-on, the padding is removable, and it's machine washable, but it might not have as much firm support as some of the others. One customer wrote: "No hooks or straps to alter. I find them very comfortable and won’t wear anything else now."
The wire-free revolution won't be for everyone, but from personal experience, I haven't worn underwire in years. And honestly, I'm not sure I ever will again since so many of the modern bras you can find on the high street have the tech to replace outdated underwire.
