The best bras of 2024: 16 tested, pro-approved styles for comfort and support

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.

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!"

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."

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 A? 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.

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."

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."

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.

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." 

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.

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.

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.