In the 70s we burned them, in the 90s – an era of nipples as fashion statement – we eschewed them, and during the pandemic we flung them off with glee. And although many of us vowed never to go back to bras when lockdowns lifted, we find ourselves back in their hold. Among the current crop of bras, though, are some so hard-working, stylish and above all comfortable that they might tempt even the staunchest brassiere -denier to think twice.
Finding the right bra for you – and for the right occasion – can feel like a herculean task. I worked as a bra fitter for six years and have spent more time than is probably healthy pondering the ins and outs of what makes our boobs comfortable and perfectly placed. From C cups to HH, sports bras to everyday bras, here’s my pick of the best on the market.
Best for large sizes
Bravissimo Millie
This underwired bra, which is available up to a K cup and comes in a happy array of colours, from muted ivory and caramel to cobalt and neon coral, provides support but with a more delicate look than many of the other bras available up to this size. As it’s made from flexible stretch lace, it offers comfort, too.
Buy: £39
bravissimo.com
Panache balcony
Made up to a 44FF cup, this balcony model is a trusty friend to many women with bigger boobs. It gives a nice lifted shape under a T-shirt, and thinner straps than a lot of bras that go up to this size keep it feeling dainty. Plus, there are regular fresh colours to keep even the person buying this style for the third or fourth time from feeling jaded.
Buy: £30
panache-lingerie.com
Rigby & Peller Prima padded balcony
Seam-free to give a slicker look under fitted clothes, this lightweight model goes up to an H cup. It might be pricier than others but Rigby & Peller bras are known to last. This balconette neckline is perfect for wearing with lower-cut tops.
Buy: £102
rigbyandpeller.com
Best for every day
Dora Larsen tulle underwire
My favourite everyday bra, this recycled nylon tulle underwire is practical, comfortable and has seamless cups. The low-cut front is good for wearing under shirts and V-necks, plus the variety of colours adds a bit of fun.
Buy: £58
doralarsen.com or
selfridges.com
Chantelle Norah sweetheart neckline
With a sweetheart neckline that would impress John Singer Sargent, this T-shirt bra is light enough that it feels easy-breezy but with gently padded cups that mean you don’t need to fret about nipples showing through. You can also transform it to a racer back for increased support and versatility.
Buy: £59
johnlewis.com
Organic Basics wireless plunge
Made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and moulded polyester, this wireless padded bra is described as “buttery-soft” – and that’s not far wrong. With a plunging neckline that looks good under a variety of tops, it also provides a subtle lift and comes in eight colours.
Buy: £38
organicbasics.com
Best for sport
GoodMove ultimate support
This is my favourite bra for Hiit classes. Available in sizes up to an H cup, this non-padded model has been designed for “high impact activity such as cycling or dancing”. The full-cup design gives extra support (I wear a very secure 32F), while the moisture wicking should take the edge off when you’re feeling the burn. Plus, at £30 for a two-pack, it won’t break the bank.
Buy: £30 for a pack of two
marksandspencer.com
Sweaty Betty running
The high neckline makes this bra good for high-impact sports, such as running and boxing, and the firm underband provides maximum uplift with minimum movement. But for all of its sturdiness, the adjustable straps, which can be worn several ways, give it flexibility so you can personalise your fit.
Buy: £65
sweatybetty.com
Nike Alpha padded adjustable
Offering lots of support and minimal bounce, this padded design made from Nike Dri-FIT fabric comes in classic white and black, as well as a more interesting burnt orange colour. The pretty design means it could be worn as a crop top without feeling underdressed.
Buy: £59.99
nike.com
Best for special occasions
Commando mesh plunge underwire
A special day calls for a special bra and this mesh underwired design is up there with the most elegant bras around. The deeply plunging neckline means it will work with exaggeratedly low-cut styles, but still offer support. The sheer cups give a smooth outline under silky fabrics.
Buy: £70
Skims bandeau
A size-inclusive bandeau, this stretchy design comes in a range of colours to suit a variety of skin tones. The lack of bulky cups or padding means this bra is great under a variety of tops and you don’t get the “shelf” effect you can get with other strapless bras.
Buy: £28
John Lewis lace racer back
Low-cut with a racer back, this bra will work with a wide range of occasionwear. The lace detail feels special, while the front clasp shows they have thought of practicality, too, making the bra easy to put on and take off. Plus, you can’t sniff at the £29 price tag.
Buy: £29
Best for nursing
Bravado seamless
Available up to a K cup, this bra features secure clips that can be used with one hand and bra cups that fully drop away, making for as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. The colours – from chalky pink, cherry jacquard and grey orchid to classic black, white and grey – are nice, too.
Buy: £36
johnlewis.com
Hotmilk leakproof T-shirt
A T-shirt bra made with bamboo yarn, this is soft and less fussy than many nursing bras. Plus, it is “leakproof”, meaning that it is designed to absorb up to 15 ml if you are expecting some light flow. Or, for unexpected leaks, you needn’t worry too much if you forgot nursing pads.
Buy: £39.99
Hotmilk.co.uk
H&M padded and non-wired
Non-wired, made of jersey fabric and available in several colours, from white to pigeon blue and powder pink, these seamless padded bras are pleasingly undemanding at a demanding time. Plus, for a product with a limited shelf life, they are relatively affordable.
Buy: £27.99 for pack of two
