Best bralettes we tested
Best bralette for large busts: Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette
Best bralette for small busts: Pepper Limitless Wire-Free Scoop Bra
When it comes to shopping for women’s undergarments, it often feels like the odds are not in our favor. Even something as simple as a bralette can have so many variables: Does it pinch? Will the straps stay put? Is there enough support? Is it fashionable? The list goes on.
That’s why Underscored editors tested nearly 30 styles from top brands to find the absolute best bralettes for all sizes. Over the past month, seven editors — ranging in cup sizes from A to F — tested a selection of bralettes, gauging their fit accuracy, comfort level, supportiveness and wearability.
Unlike traditional bras, bralettes are wireless. Because of this, they won’t have a major lifting or push-up effect, but they will give your boobs some support. Bralettes are also different from sports bras, since the goal isn’t to compress the chest. We love them for casual days working (or lounging) at home or running errands, since they’re typically stretchier and more comfortable than an underwire bra.
Ahead, find out which bralettes we’ve incorporated into our spring wardrobes and will be reaching for again and again.
Smooth, supportive and so, so comfy, the Bliss Bralette is the next best thing to going bra-free. It gives ample coverage for bigger busts, and it hugs in all the right places.
This bralette solves all the problems those with smaller chests struggle with. There's no gapping, no bulky padding and the straps aren't constantly falling off. Just a second-skin-like fit.
Best bralette for large busts: Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette
Harper Wilde was the favorite brand overall for testers with cup sizes D to F, and we’re confident the brand’s size range (XS to 6XL) can comfortably accommodate even larger chests. According to the editors, the Bliss Bralette feels buttery soft yet impressively supportive. It can be tricky to get enough lift from a wireless bra, but Harper Wilde has managed to do it. The Bliss Bralette has coverage akin to a sports bra, but instead of being compressive, the microfiber material just hugs the body. It doesn’t cause any bulging on the back or sides and is virtually invisible underneath clothes.
One reviewer on Harper Wilde’s website said that it’s “practically comfier than nothing” and we totally agree. Home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman says that she wore it all day (over 12 hours) and barely felt it was there. Likewise, I’ve napped in it and even slept overnight with it on because it’s just that comfy. At $45, we totally think it’s worth the investment.
Our love for Harper Wilde doesn’t stop there. We were also fans of the Bliss Triangle Bralette, which has adjustable straps and a higher center in the front for sizes large through 6XL for added coverage.
Best bralette for small busts: Pepper Limitless Wire-Free Scoop Bra
Pepper’s bras are specifically made for smaller chests, and it shows. Our testers loved the fit of the Limitless Wire-Free Scoop Bra, noting that it felt like a second skin while providing ample support. The smooth, stretchy material feels soft and secure, while the clasp back closure ensures an accurate fit. It also has a plunging, open neckline that can work with a variety of tops. Common issues with other bras, like straps sliding off your shoulders or awkward bunching, weren’t a problem either.
“My chest is on the smaller side, so I primarily loved that this brand specifically caters to sizes like mine, where you always have trouble finding a bra that not only fits but looks natural too (e.g. no bulky/obvious push-up padding),” head of social Stephanie Griffin shares. “Secondly, I don’t mind splurging when it comes to a bra that I actually like (since it’s so rare, I often go braless), so I most liked the comfort and practicality.”
Echoing that sentiment, associate editor Lindsey Smith also called out Pepper’s superior comfort. “This was extremely comfortable to the point I forgot I was even wearing a bra,” she says. “I never felt like I was constantly readjusting.”
It comes in a rainbow of colors, from multiple neutrals to seasonal shades, making it not just practical but cute.
How we tested
We looked at the top intimates brands, our personal favorites as well as new or buzzy launches to create our testing pool of 14 brands. From there, we tested at least two styles from each brand, so we could compare the comfort of styles within the brand and also across the entire testing pool. Each brand was tested by two editors of different chest sizes, and each editor tested three to four brands (at least six bralettes total).
Our main goal was to find the most comfortable bralette, so we put them to the test by wearing them while working from home, running errands and doing other low-impact activities. We took several factors into consideration to determine which bralettes are the best.
- Size: we tested bras that have generous size ranges and also some that are meant for specific body types (smaller chests, curvy sizing, etc). We considered which felt true to size in the band and cups.
- Fit: We noted if the straps or band dig in and if the straps slipped off our shoulders. Is there any gapping? Did the cups hold us in properly or was there overflow?
- Adjustability: We assessed the difficulty in clasping the bralette the back or slipping it over our heads, as well as if the straps and bands were adjustable.
- Support: We assessed if the bralettes were supportive enough to get through a whole day without readjusting or feeling like we were falling out of the cups.
- Style and material: We tried some bras that were plain and others that had lace or cute design details, noting which type of clothes they could be worn under, as well as if the fabric was itchy or uncomfortable.
- Overall comfort: We considered if we could substitute our normal bra for each bralette.
- Price: We asked ourselves if the bralettes felt worth their value quality-wise and if we’d wear them often enough to justify the cost.
How we rated
Taking into account the factors outlined above, each editor ranked the brands they tried, in order of favorite to least favorite. They also picked their singular favorite style from each brand they tested.
The two winners for small and large chest sizes were ranked number one by at least two editors of different cup sizes.
Other bralettes we tested (and liked)
Besides the two top picks, we all had varying other favorites. Whether they provided the ideal level of support or just looked super cute, these bralettes stood out to each editor for their own reasons.
Reviews editor Tobey Grumet Segal loved this versatile bralette. “It was super soft, comfortable and most important to me (with a 32DD bust), it was supportive with its removable pads and back clasp,” she says. “This was the only bralette I felt comfortable wearing out for things other than neighborhood chores or coffee runs. The medium was true to size, and I think it could work with all cup sizes. I also really liked it’s low plunge back. For under $30, it’s absolutely worth the price.”
Two small-busted editors were big fans of this lace bralette, which they say is best for lounging or under loose, flowy tops and dresses. “I’m usually wary of lace bralettes, but the Hanky Panky Retro V-Neck Bralette blew me away,” Smith says. “I’m used to lace bras that itch and are uncomfortable, but this one was the opposite.”
As Griffin explains, “It’s a completely sheer, retro-inspired lace bralette that features adjustable straps [and] an elastic underbust, and can be easily slipped on over the head.” She was also surprised by how high-quality the bra felt. “The size (I took an XS) was spot-on and the price point, at $59, is worth it in my opinion,” she says. “Finding good-quality lace that’s both stretchy and cute is hard to come by these days!”
This was my personal favorite bralette. The molded cups add shape to the bust without any bulkiness or an uncomfortable underwire. I’ve worn it on two long-haul flights now because it’s so comfy. I also like that the style has a back clasp; I find that bralettes that pull over the head stretch out faster. I found it true to size, according to the brand’s size chart. Although I usually wear a size small in tops, I ordered a size medium for the bralette since I’m a 32D, and it fits perfectly.
This has been a longtime favorite of Smith’s. The triangle silhouette adds a touch of lift, and the contrasting logo band adds a sporty vibe. “I do love that it’s a soft cotton and is extremely affordable and usually always on sale,” Smith says. It’s true — a few of the colors on Amazon are currently up to 40% off.
While Cuup’s Wireless Plunge bra is on the pricey side, the fit and support is worth the extra money (especially for those with a larger bust), according to editorial director Chelsea Stone. “It felt great all day — no itchy material or straps and bands digging in — and I think it would work for most sizes, since the sizing for me was spot-on,” she says. “I could get away with wearing it in place of a normal bra if I have on a looser top but probably not with a tight top. The cherry on top was that I liked how it looked and it felt quite supportive”
Photo editor Molly Flores preferred the crossback style of Lively’s wireless bra. “It was extremley comfortable, a little on the larger size but didn’t dig into me anywhere,” she says. “I took the padding out because I typically only wear unpadded bras and bralettes, and still had a slight lift.”
Sometimes you just want to wear a pretty bra, and that’s where Free People’s Midweek Bralette comes in. While it doesn’t deliver much in the support department (larger busts may want to steer clear, to be honest) the sheer, lacy bralette is all about looks. The beautiful piece makes you feel like you’re wearing something special. It’s made with a lace mesh that is soft and stretchy, and I like the pretty details like the contrasting lace trim and double straps on the back. It looks cute peeking out under a tank top or a sheer blouse, but most of the time I just wear it for lounging.
Stone says she’s been wearing versions of this Aerie bralette for years (it’s changed slightly over time) and considers it one of the best. “I have probably eight of them in different fun and neutral colors, and they’re truly my go-to for lounging around, though I don’t hesitate to wear them out of the house under a sweater or tee,” she says. “The ribbed fabric is super soft, comfortable and stretchy, plus they’re under $30. I’ve also had several of them for years now, and they haven’t stretched or worn out.”
For those that prefer cotton, Flores recommends this budget-friendly pick. They’re 95% cotton, with a touch of spandex for stretch. Flores says they’re similar to Skims’ cotton scoop bralette but for a fraction of the price. They’re affordable, super comfortable and true to size. What’s not to love?
With seven size ranges that cater to different band and cup size combinations, Cosabella has a fit for everybody. “I loved that Cosabella has a separate Curvy line that’s designed for smaller band sizes and DD+ cups,” Lake Abdelrahman says. “With bralettes, the bands are usually way too big on me and sometimes still too small in the cups. This was not the case with Cosabella! This style was so cute and comfy.” The only drawback was the $80 price tag, although you can get lucky and grab it for up to 60% off when the seasonal colors go on sale.
Griffin also raves about this Pepper bra. “It’s so beyond comfortable that it feels like second skin, and I could truly wear it all day long without the straps ever slipping off my shoulders, the material bunching or it feeling too tight,” she says. “I also almost always opt for a padded bra, so I honestly assumed this would be more of a bra for lounging. However, this style features the brand’s iconic ‘boob-hugging lift’ and I felt supported and really liked the natural lift it gave me (oftentimes, padding can be so obvious and bulky).”
For smaller busts, this bralette strikes a perfect balance of comfort and cuteness. The balconette silhouette gives a retro feel, inspired by Italian lingerie of the 1930s. I like that it gives a little lift and shape to the chest, and the pointelle cotton adds a sweet touch. It also features romantic details like a little ruffle trim along the neckline and petite bows on each strap. This is another one that I prefer for lounging, but it can also work underneath a sweater or a flowy top.