The 20 best support bras of 2023

It’s not easy shopping for the perfect bra — especially if you need that seemingly impossible combination of supportive and chic. And with many stores selling only A-DD bras, that doesn’t come close to covering women’s actual size range. The result? We often settle for something that doesn’t quite fit, says bra expert Kimmay Caldwell. With more than a decade of bra-fitting experience under her belt, Caldwell sees two issues the most: bands that are too loose and cups that are too small. “Women are mistaking loose for comfortable,” she says, adding that many women consider anything larger than a C cup size as too big and opt to size down instead (not a great idea).” Turns out, it is possible to find a good-looking, comfortable bra that supports you in all the right places — as long as you know what to look for. To find the best support bra in various categories, we consulted a variety of bra experts and fitters to bring you their top tips for finding a bra that fits along with our top picks.

How to measure your bra size?

From silhouettes, colors and styles, there are so many elements involved in shopping for a good bra but none more important than finding your correct size for the best bra fit. According to Elisabeth Dale, founder of The Breast Life, “We’re so fixated on these different numbers,” she says. “Why not wear something that fits? You’re going to feel so much better.” Luckily, it’s super easy to find a bra that is your correct size from home.

“First, you will need a tape measure (measuring unit should be inches) in order 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.”

How should a bra fit for the necessary support and comfort?

According to Bare Necessities Bra Fit Expert, Kristyn Polin, there are five tips to remember when finding a proper fit that is both comfortable and supportive, starting with your band size. “1. Your band should be straight and level, not riding up. 2. Your straps should stay in place without digging in or slipping. 3. Your breasts should fill the cups without any spillage or gapping. 4. The underwire needs to surround each breast without pinching anywhere. 5. The center gore between your cups should lay flat and not lift off the chest.”

What details make a bra more supportive than others?

While most claim to be supportive, many bra styles fall flat when it comes to actually providing the support you need. Luckily Rachel Pietri, lingerie brand Natori’s Customer Service Manager, has found there are certain details to look for that make a bra more supportive than others. “I have found that having straps that are fully adjustable, as well as a band that is thick enough to withstand the weight of the chest will provide the most support,” she said. “Also, the wider and thicker the band is, the more even the weight distribution will be, which will contribute to both support as well as comfort.”

Dawn Kenney, National Fit Consultant Director at Wacoal agrees it’s all about the details. “The cup construction plays a major role in the support that you receive from a style. The fabric should be soft but not too stretchy,” she said before adding, “An underwire will help with support and if you are in the correct size, it should be comfortable. Look for a style that you like and when you try it on make sure that your breast is getting the lift you are looking for without any bounce.”

With these tips in mind, we scoured the internet to find the best bras with support available for all body types, across multiple categories, including bralettes. Whether you’re looking for a supportive wireless bra, an option for larger busts or a style that provides full coverage, there’s a supportive bra on this list for just about everyone. Read on to find the bra that's best for you.

It’s on the pricier end, but Dale promises that the three-part cup design on our first bra, which has an extra seam to support large breasts, is extremely supportive and long-lasting. The elastic lining at the top of the cup is form-fitting, so you won’t get that annoying gap between the breast and the cup. And no worries about pesky wires poking out — this underwire is triple-wrapped for comfort. Choose from seven colors, several of which are on sale!

Extremely comfortable memory foam cups provide coverage and a slight lift with adjustable straps, while a double-layer back smooths you out in all the right places. This everyday bra is a cult favorite from ThirdLove, known for its inclusive size range.

"This bra fits perfectly and is incredibly comfortable. I love the full coverage and support it provides. The quality is fantastic. The wide band helps keep everything where it is supposed to be and it doesn’t give me any extra bulge on the back," said one customer.

Caldwell swears by it for minimizing size while maximizing comfort. Not only does it fit like a second skin, it has a breathable mesh back to prevent bulging.

It's a hit on Amazon with over 1,800 perfect five-star ratings. One fan reports: "LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!! So comfortable. I wish I knew about minimizer bras years ago. Makes my chest look smaller and super comfortable. It is also pretty. Good riddance, Victoria’s Secret."

This super-soft pullover bra promises up to one inch of lift — while also keeping its shape and scoop neckline wash after wash. Senior Design Director, True & Co, Noemi Diaz-Justino, loves the wireless bra because it, “combines a buttery smooth fabric on the cups with a seamless knit band that hugs the body. These bras are the ultimate in comfort and perfect for when you need that extra lift.

One 40-42DDD wearer says: "It fits perfectly and yes, it does 'lift' without those uncomfortable underwires. Very pleased!" It might be the most comfortable bra on the list that still offers great support and has removable pads.

Along with mesh-lined cups that boast vertical and darted seams for lift, this push-up bra also features a comfortable underwire, adjuster straps that can form a criss-cross pattern and a pretty scalloped lace detailing for a feminine touch. “The bra lifts and separates really well and I like how thick the lacey material is. It gives extra coverage but it is still comfy and supportive at the same time,” said fit expert Kristin Polin.

The bra ranges in band size from 30 to 40 and cup size from A to H, and shoppers of all sizes rave about how much they love it. One reviewer who described themselves as curvy wrote, “I love this new style from the Bare collection. I found the bra to be true to size and supportive. The cup style offers natural cleavage without any extra padding and the lace is soft and sexy. Highly recommend!”

When it comes to bra shopping, you no longer have to choose between comfort and style thanks to this Natori bra. The bra’s lacy straps not only amps up the sex appeal, but it’s buttery soft fabric and contoured cups and padded underwire work together to make it supportive and comfortable enough to wear all day long.

There are 12 colors to choose from, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that suits your style. “Would recommend to everyone! Comfortable and beautiful. Great color selection and so feminine,” raved one shopper.

Shopping for lingerie, intimates or undergarments can be hard for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for shoppers with bigger busts — and that’s why we love this Freya bra so much. The full-coverage bra has seam-free molded balcony cups that range in size from B to HH. The thick padded straps won’t slip down, while the underwire band fits snuggly for added support.

One shopper said “this bra changed my life,” before adding, “I am a size 32FF and have dealt with chronic shoulder pain from my naturally large chest for years. I tried countless bras and none gave me the right support with out intense pain. CUE THIS AMAZING BRA. Great shape, full coverage for no double boob, and NO pain. The support truly comes from the band, as it should. I no longer loath leaving the house.

One of the hardest parts of shopping for a great bra when you have small bust is finding a cup size that actually fits, which is why this ThidLove bra is so popular. Over 50,000 shoppers are fans of the supportive T-shirt bra because it actually comes in more than 60 size combinationss including half cup sizes for those of us who are in between sizes. The ultra-thin memory foam cups add shape, while the underwire provides all-day support.

One customer with an A1/2 cup-size raved, “So far I feel really happy with this bra, it feels like wearing nothing, has good support and no gaps on the cup!”

One happy shopper reports: "It's so hard to find a bralette that fits well when you are bigger than a C cup. I'm really pleased with this one...Smooth across the back and no spillage in the armpits. I like that it has a hook and eye closure rather than having to pull it over my head. Much better fit and quality compared to Cosabella." (Tip: Customers say to size up.)

According to Caldwell, bras with soft, wide straps help smooth things out. This unlined bra features wide wings to combat the dreaded underarm bulge, and a four-column, two-row hook back for extra support during everyday wear.

Says one five-star reviewer: " I absolutely love this bra!...It has a thick band around the back so back fat is reduced. I like the full coverage for everyday wearing. I feel like I am really held in and it completely cuts out the crazy cleavage. Also, I have zero underboob. It has no padding (soft cup), which I prefer because it makes me feel smaller. Thicker straps on my shoulder is nice so it doesn't dig in."

This Panache option has encapsulated cups that support each breast individually to prevent that dreaded uniboob look that even the best sports bras can create. It can easily transform into a racerback bra with the use of a J-hook and it has smooth flat seams to prevent chafing during workouts.

"I don't know how they did it, but this bra has managed to be supportive and flattering at the same time which I have yet to find in a sports bra up until now," raved one shopper. "Very minimal bounce when running. Comfortable to wear and my boobs look so perky in it!"

Says a fan: “This is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn! It is DEFINITELY NOT one of those bras you can't wait to change out of at the end of the day. The materials are of very high quality — silky and substantial but not overly heavy; and it provides excellent yet very comfortable support."

It’s easy to see why the bra is so popular, the back and side panels are made with hosiery material that stretches and moves with you, leaving a completely smooth base for your clothes. It has a front closure and v-neck shape while the underwire and molded cups provide ample support and lift.

One of our e-commerce editors Lisa Schweitzer is a fan of the stylish and supportive bra. “I wore this bra while pregnant because it was so comfortable and didn't feel restrictive, while also providing support,” she said.

Bare Necessities Bra Fit Expert, Kristyn Polin, loves this bra because “it gives a natural shape and keeps the girls front-and-center, where you want them to be. The material is so soft and the stretch lace on the cups provides an easy fit for busts of all shapes and sizes. The sides are wide enough to smooth out any extra skin you may have, without digging into your armpit area.”

There are three colors to choose from and shoppers say it is “extremely supportive.” One raved, “I love this style, it's really supportive and a pretty design. Comfortable and soft, with delicate details. It fits true to size.”

The sultry bra not only amps up the sex appeal, but it’s also supportive and comfortable enough to wear all day long. Unlike many supportive bras that are plain and generic looking, this satiny balconette bra has sexy lace accents and a pretty rhinestone detail in the center for a special touch.

“Comfortable on and sexy to boot,” wrote one reviewer. “Can't go wrong if you are full-busted and want some ‘oomph’ in other words — some uplifting. The sides hold the girls front and center giving you a sensuous shape. You get great support and real comfort — a must-have if you want that push-up look. I wore it with a T-shirt and dress, both times getting admiring glances. My new favorite bra!”

“This style delivers the ultimate lift in a seamless cup. To get the same lift in other bras you might need to try a style that has a seam that might show through your clothes,” said Dawn Kenney, Wacoal’s National Fit Consultant Director. In addition to being made from a super-soft material, the bra boasts single-ply cups that support and shape your bust providing up to one inch of lift.

One happy shopper wrote: “The Elevated Allure is a fabulous bra. No padding, just the soft fabric that stretches and provides excellent support. I got the blue color and it is beautiful. Everything about this bra says 'made for me.’”

This everyday bra from Natori features convertible straps, a soft stretch jersey fabric and a supportive underwire that’s cushioned for a super-comfortable fit. Different sizes range from 30A to 38G and there are a variety of pretty colors to choose from, so you can easily find your perfect fit and style.

Natori’s Customer Service Manager, Rachel Pietri, called it “the most comfortable underwire bra” she’s ever worn before adding, “it provides incredible support throughout the day, whether I'm in the office or out and about in NYC.

This strapless bra from Vanity has over 14,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, and for good reason. The smoothing strapless bra features light foam molded and padded cups to provide a comfortable, natural shape, while the underwire, sides and back of the bra have non-slip silicone to keep the bra in place as you move around.

“Believe me when I tell you I cried when I put this bra on... It fit perfectly, the support was more than I could imagine and the fit is so flattering,” raved one shopper. “I wore this bra to a wedding last night and danced my heart out. This bra never moved and was insanely comfortable all night. This is the only strapless bra I will purchase from now on!”

Along with patented 3-zone support, this Soma bra also boasts a uniquely designed C-shaped underwire that helps lift and shape the bust. It has padded adjustable straps and a padded hook-and-eye closure for extra comfort and it’s satiny fabric will look smooth and undetectable underneath your clothes.

“I was looking for a comfortable full coverage bra for months now, glad I found this, support is amazing and doesn't show any bulges, buy it! I would highly recommend it,” said one five-star reviewer.

This Wacoal bra’s stunning plunge bra has a neckline that is is perfect for when you want to wear a low-cut top or dress. The brand’s National Fit Consultant Director, Dawn Kenney, says “this is my go-to style when I need a lower plunge for an outfit. It is part of our Ultimate Comfort collection and has a pretty lace on the strap just in case it happens to peak out.” The cups have a hidden sling built inside for added support and shaping, while the shoulder straps provide the perfect fit.

“Soft is the keyword here for this bra. It is so comfortable and the material is so soft. Even the lace is soft and not scratchy. The underwire is flexible but very supportive,” said one happy shopper. “ I have been very happy with how my tops look over this bra. Even after washing the bra, it come out like it is new.”

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.