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10 best comfortable bras that you might even forget to take off

From bralettes to crop tops, we’ve found top undergarments for everyone in need of support

Lauren Cunningham
Tuesday 28 May 2024 06:15 EDT
We tested their comfiness for at least 12 hours, running the obligatory washing machine test too
We tested their comfiness for at least 12 hours, running the obligatory washing machine test too (The Independent )
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Bras aren’t known to be the most comfortable things. Just as you wouldn’t opt to sleep in a thong – or we wouldn’t, at least – we doubt you’d reach for an underwired model for a session of chilling out on the sofa.

But it’s time to think again, as we have rounded up the best, most comfortable bras we can find – and we aren’t just talking about sports bras and crop tops. Welcome to no pokey wires, straps that dig in, or strange fits that have you awkwardly shimmying in public.

With options from high street favourites such as Boux Avenue, H&M and Matalan, as well as the coveted brands including Skims and Alexander Clementine, Savage X Fenty, there’s something for every price point, size and style preference.

Whether you’re still working from home, are looking for a bra you can sleep in, or are just well and truly tired of uncomfortable options, nip below for our guide to what to buy right now.

How we tested the best comfortable bras

Whether going to work, the supermarket or out on a date, a lot of us like a bra to support, lift and smooth out our chests. So we (a 30D) judged on each of those categories alongside style and quality, to pick the best comfortable bras.

Each one was worn for a full day – at least 12 hours – and taken through our routine. We also carried out a wash test via a mixed load 30-degree cycle, because who really has time to handwash underwear or put it in those little mesh bags? These all held up just fine.

The best comfortable bras for 2024 are:

  • Best comfortable bra overall – Skims fits everybody triangle bralette: £34, Harrods.com
  • Best budget comfortable bra – Pretty Polly botanical lace non-wired triangle bra: £11.20, Prettypolly.co.uk
  • Best for larger chests – Freedom Underwear the freedom bra: £55, Freedom-underwear.com
  • Best underwired bra – Intimissi greta natural cotton balconette bra: £35, Intimissi.com

Skims fits everybody triangle bralette

Skims fits everybody triangle bralette .jpg
  • Best: Comfortable bra overall
  • Size range: XXS-4XL
  • Material: 76 per cent polyamide and 24 per cent elastane
  • Colour options: Nine neutral shades and nine bright colourways
  • Why we love it
    • Unbelievably soft
    • Moves and stretches with your body
    • No chaffing

If you haven’t yet heard of Skims, you’ll definitely have heard of the brand’s founder Kim Kardashian. Like millions of other people across the globe, we were well aware of Skims but had not yet got our hands on any of the products. But there’s no turning back now.

This bra was so soft we forgot we were wearing it, so it doesn’t really get more comfortable than that. It has quite a high elastane content at 10 per cent, meaning it moves and stretches with the body, but is also strong enough to offer just the right amount of support for everyday wear. The mesh inner cup lining has a silky feel meaning there’s no nipple chaffing – always a plus – and the classic minimalist design should work under almost any top. Well done, KKW.

The marine, pink and yellow colourways are currently out of stock, but with 15 other shades to choose between, you’re spoilt for choice!

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Pretty Polly botanical lace non-wired triangle bra

Pretty Polly botanical lace non wired triangle bra indybest.jpg
  • Best: Budget comfortable bra
  • Size range: 30C-38D
  • Material: 51 per cent polyester, 43 per cent polyamide and 6 per cent elastane
  • Colour options: Sage, pink, blush and grey
  • Why we love it
    • Pretty lace design
    • Extremely supportive

Not only is this Pretty Polly lace bra beautiful – a rarity when it comes to comfortable bras – it’s actually extremely supportive. With large cups that cover the whole boob and a lace overlay for an extra inch of coverage, this is definitely one for those who like to keep their boobs close to their chest. The thick, shiny band also adds to the support while giving just a bit of added lift. If you’re after a comfortable bra that’s still sexy, look no further.

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Freedom Underwear the freedom bra

The Freedom bra indybest.jpg
  • Best: For larger chests
  • Size range: 28D-40HH
  • Material: 77 per cent polyamide and 23 per cent elastane
  • Colour options: Black, clay, navy and white
  • Why we love it
    • Unrivalled support
    • Great for larger chests

Independent underwear brand Freedom is quickly making its mark as a go-to for D+ sizes. Stocking from 28D to 40HH, it’s one of the largest runs we’ve seen and with only two styles – the freedom bra or sports bra – they’ve clearly nailed each design.

We are one of the smallest sizes within this range, but the mechanics of this bra were not lost. Again, there’s no underwire, meaning it’s soft enough to sleep in while still having enough support to rival a wired option. With thicker straps, three hooks and eyes compared and a wrap-over front cup design, if you’d ruled out comfortable bras for a larger chest, it’s time to think again.

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Intimissi greta natural cotton balconette bra

Intimissi Greta natural cotton balconette bra indybest.jpg
  • Best: Underwired bra
  • Size range: 34B-44B
  • Material: 84 per cent cotton and 16 per cent elastane
  • Colour options: Grey, white, black, clay and navy
  • Why we love it
    • Great for those who need underwire support
    • No poking
  • Take note
    • Could show nipple outlines

We know we’ve gone on about how all of these other bras are comfortable because they don’t have a wire, but for some people, it’s a necessity, so of course, we had to include an underwired option. This Intimissi greta cotton balconette bra is the comfiest we tried. The wire is nicely padded and sits right against the breastbone, so there’s no poking, and it’s barely visible when on. The front strap is all in one piece with the cups, so no seams are there to rub, and you can’t really go wrong with the minimalist design. But be warned – without any padding, it may show nipple outlines on a particularly cold day.

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Alexander Clementine lilac seaweed bralette

Alexander Clementine lilac seaweed bralette indybest.jpg
  • Best: Environmentally friendly bra
  • Size range: XS-XL
  • Material: 74 per cent tencel (wood pulp), 19 per cent seacell (seaweed) and 7 per cent Roica elastane
  • Colour options: Lilac
  • Why we love it
    • Sustainable credits
    • Literally kind on skin
    • One of the softest

You may remember this brand made headlines a few years ago for making underwear out of seaweed. Yes, you read that right. Using only seaweed (Seacell) and wood pulp (Tencel), this brand is a game-changer when it comes to sustainable clothing. Carbon neutral, biodegradable, and responsibly sourced so as to not deplete resources, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Oh, but it does. The seaweed actually contains iron, iodine and vitamins A, C, E and B12, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness. And, of course, the packaging is compostable, and the information card even has wildflower seeds in it so you can grow your own mini meadow.

Over to the bra, and, we’re impressed. It’s one of the softest options we tried, with a great simple cut and barely-there feel, although there’s no padding, so nipple outlines are visible.

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Sloggi zero feel bralette

Sloggi zero feel bralette.png
  • Best: Black bra
  • Size range: XS-L
  • Material: 70 per cent polyamide and 30 per cent elastane
  • Colour options: White, nude, pink, purple, dark green, burgundy, brown, black, mauve, lilac, blue, navy, caramel and a tie dye pattern
  • Why we love it
    • Great support
  • Take note
    • Very thick straps

A black bra is just as much of a necessity as a comfortable bra, so two-in-one is a great deal. This bra is sure to be an everyday staple for anyone looking for a basic, no-frills style design. Comfort-wise, we couldn't fault it. The only downside that we did note was the width of the straps – great for larger chests, but not for anyone looking to wear a strappy top.

  1.  £25 from Sloggi.com
Prices may vary
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Stripe & Stare T-Shirt bra

Stripe-and-stare-t-shirt-bra-indybest
  • Best: For colour options
  • Size range : XS - 4X
  • Material : 95% biodegradable TENCEL modal x micro
  • Colour options : White, pink a-boo, cocoa, taupe, mocha, mineral, graphite, indigo and pirouette, neutral leopard taupe, vintage spot and Ferrari spot
  • Why we love it
    • Buttery soft
    • Sustainable
    • Great colour options
  • Take note
    • Not the most supportive

Having already tried (and absolutely loved) some unbelievably soft pyjamas from Stripe & Stare, our tester was very much looking forward to trying this T-shirt bra, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The material is buttery soft, super breathable and ultra stretchy fabric billed by the brand for its sustainable benefits, as it’s made from wood pulp, and we loved that it has an almost second-skin feel.

When it comes to the fit, there isn’t an underwire or cups, which means that while it wasn’t the most supportive for our tester, it’s going to be more than comfy enough for wearing to bed. The straps are adjustable but bear in mind that the seam is elasticated, and can’t be adjusted, which we know not everyone will love. But there’s a really nice range of colours and patterns to choose from, think polka dot prints and lively shades. The cocoa brown was a lovely, flattering option and, as a nice final touch, we really rate that a tree is planted when you’ve made your order.

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Savage x Fenty dotted mesh bralette

Savage-x-fenty-bralette-indybest
  • Best: For something sexy yet comfortable
  • Size range : XS-XL
  • Materials : Body: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane; Lace: 84% Nylon, 16% Elastane
  • Colour options : Black caviar, juicy purple, plum potion purple, lavender, hot & heavy pink, pink hot coral, yellow amber, Fuji apple green, green emerald and blue cyber cafe.
  • Why we love it
    • Sexy and comfy
    • Super soft
    • Great design options
  • Take note
    • Size down

Who said comfy bras can’t also be a bit sexy? And who better to show us the way to comfy yet chic bras than Rhianna? The pop star turned businesswoman brings us this stunning black mesh bralette that we just loved.

We found that there were no tight or twisted straps and the mesh lace was buttery-soft on our skin. The support gave us a lovely shape, but we did find it slightly large, so we’d recommend sizing down for a more snug fit.

The black colourway is ideal and makes for a versatile set, but it is also available in nine other colours, suiting every preference and personality.

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Dora Larsen vita graphic lace bralette

Dora-larsen-bralette-indybest
  • Best: Bralette
  • Size range: 32 B/C - 36 D/DD
  • Materials: Recycled nylon
  • Colour options : Pink, red, teal and lavender
  • Why we love it
    • Adorable designs
    • Suprising amount of support
  • Take note
    • Not the most subtle wear

Something about wearing a bra that’s super lacey and super pink is just fun – and it’s made even better when it’s comfortable to wear. While we love the bubblegum colour, this is certainly not a subtle pink and will shine through any white top, so you may like to know that it is also available in three other equally trendy and bright colour combos.

This bralette design is different to others we’ve tried in the past – it finds itself closer to the bra side of the spectrum. With four clasps on the back, it offers great support and a surprising amount of flattering cleavage, a bonus bralettes don’t often provide. The material feels high quality and gentle on the skin, so much so that if it were not for the occasional strap slippage we would hardly notice it was on at all.

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Nico organic full cup wire-free bra

Nico-comfy-bra-indybest
  • Best: Environmentally friendly bra
  • Size range : 8A- 14D
  • Materials : Plant dyed organic cotton
  • Colour options : Yellow, lilac, orange, powder blue, sage and rose
  • Why we love it
    • Sustainable choice
    • Full coverage and support

NICO’s full cup wirefree bra is made of a double-layer fabric which provides full coverage and support without the need for wires or padding. Crafted from plant-dyed organic cotton and ethically produced, this bra embodies both sustainability and comfort. With its adjustable cotton straps ensuring a personalised fit, NICO’s offering is not just a bra but a conscious choice for both your body and the environment.

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The verdict: Comfortable bras

The competition was fierce with this one, and we’d happily wear any of these bras every day of the week, but the weightless feel of the Skims bra just edged it to the top spot. Alexander Clementine, meanwhile, blew us away with its innovative manufacturing methods.

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