The right bra can either make you feel ultra-confident or desperate to free your girls the minute you arrive home. Plus, finding the right bra fit is also a mission of its own. From balconettes to strapless styles, bras are meant to support you and lift your spirits — literally and figuratively.
There's also increasing evidence of the impact of breast-supporting garments on women. But while women are constantly searching for the perfect bra that offers comfort and won't dig into their shoulders, there is more to the hunt than just identifying your band and cup size.
Shop TODAY talked to bra specialists to get an accurate read of your true size and fit, along with how to determine when to ditch onerous intimates once and for all.
How to measure your bra size | How is a bra supposed to fit? | How often to replace your bra | Bras to shop | Strapless bras | Wired bras | Wireless bras | Sports bras | Nursing bras | Editor picks | How we chose | Meet the experts
How to measure your bra size
Measuring your bra size is less complicated than it looks. According to bra fitting expert Zainab Akbari, all you need is a soft measuring tape to get the right fit. To begin, Akbari suggests wearing your favorite unpadded bra — no sports bras, push-up bras or minimizers — for a more accurate reading.
"Take a snug measurement around your rib cage in inches, directly under your bust and level all around," she suggests. "If you got an odd number, round up to the next whole number. Then, take a loose measurement in inches over the fullest part of your bust, keeping the tape level around your body. Ensure that the tape isn’t too tight by taking a deep breath in and out. If needed, round up to the nearest inch."
"After finding the first size, go up one band size and down one cup size so you can compare the fit," shares undergarment educator Kimmay Caldwell. For example, a 30C would move up to 32 and down to B, for a 32B. However, depending on the brand, your bra size may vary depending on the style, cut and material of the bra.
Caldwell also suggests getting fitted by a professional every time you purchase a new bra in person. She uses her own guide, which she calls "bra size starting points" to get an ideal fit.
"Size is a great starting point, and the fit is the best focus. This is why working with a trained bra fitter is so valuable," adds Caldwell.
How is a bra supposed to fit?
The right bra will make you feel supported and lifted without the pain of thick wires and hooks. According to bra fitting expert Marissa Renelt, there are five specific areas that you can always check to verify if your bra is fitting correctly — your band, straps, cups, underwire and center gore (aka the space in between your breasts).
How often should I replace my bra?
There are a few things to keep in mind when you decide to replace your bra. For starters, if you feel that the underwire is starting to bend, then it's time to change your bra.
"Frayed, pilled and stretched-out fabric is a sign [you are due] for a new bra," shares Jeni Hulick, director of retention marketing at Bare Necessities.
Another thing to consider is the hook of the bra. Your bra should fit snug and be attached to the first set of hooks. "When you’re at the last, innermost set of hooks, it’s definitely time for a new bra," she adds.
Hulick also recommends saying sayonara to your bra when the straps are stretched out or your body shape has changed due to weight fluctuation.
Best bras with support, according to shoppers
True & Co Women’s True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra
- Comfortable
- Well-made
- Doesn't dig into sides
- May roll up
Colorways: 32 | Materials: Nylon, elastane
According to shoppers (and one Shop TODAY writer), True & Co makes the perfect bra for all your comfort needs and support. Amazon shoppers who gave this option a glowing five stars confirm that this wire-free scoop neck bra offers a buttery feel on top of the easy wear.
“This bra actually holds up my heavy girls. It feels great; no sharp plastic or wires to dig in,” one shopper with a 40DDD bust added.
Simone Perele Essentiel Multi-Position Unlined Moulded Bra
- Convertible design
- Molded cups
- Hand wash only
Colorways: Two | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
If you're looking for an everyday essential that will give support and comfort for hours, this is the bra. It comes with a soft microfiber material and multi-position straps that can be worn in three different ways: crisscrossed, as a halter bra or as a traditional T-shirt bra. With a plunging neckline and molded cups, this is a bra that will solve any undergarment issues.
Strapless bras with support, recommended by shoppers
Melenca Strapless Bra for Large Bust
- Comfortable
- Holds everything together
- Can run small
Colorways: 25 | Materials: Nylon, spandex
For women with a larger bust, you'll want to rely on a supportive bra that has a nice grip. With more than 6,300 ratings, customers agree this one is meant to hold your breasts without pain thanks to the minimizer design and silicone gripper elastic.
A busty gal confirmed her 36F size has survived the common burden of falling with this bra. "Wow my boobs stayed in place and didn’t sag down and it actually felt so comfortable and looked really nice under an off-the-shoulder top," she added.
Cosabella Free Cut Micro Bandeau Bra
- True to size
- Good support
- May slide down
Colorways: Eight | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Sometimes a bandeau is the best solution to your bra woes. This lightweight strapless features non-padded cups and a side boning for added support. Also, it comes with a silicone grip to prevent slipping.
Natori Bliss Perfection Strapless Bra
- Comfortable
- Great support
- May run big
Colorways: Two | Materials: Nylon, spandex
Feel elegant in this strapless bra with lace detailing. The garment comes with removable and adjustable straps for added support. This bra will give you the confidence to dance all night without worrying about things falling apart.
"It provides support and does not slide down. I live in hot, humid Houston and this bra is very breathable, which is a lifesaver on extra warm days," added one reviewer.
Wired bras with support, recommended by shoppers
Deyllo Women’s Push-Up Lace Bra
- Comfortable
- Great lift
- Good quality
- May run small
Colorways: 16 | Materials: Nylon, elastane
10,500+ verified Amazon reviews admit this push-up bra gives the perfect lift and support. Whether you have a cup A or a size 36DDD, this feminine bra is meant to provide the plump you need while "keeping the size of your breast from squeezing out. Coverage is great, it's definitely comfortable and not scratchy at all," added one shopper who gave this five stars.
Cuup The Balconette Bra
- Comfortable
- Great for large busts
- Flattering
- May run small
Colorways: 23 | Materials: Nylon, spandex
Embrace a balconette style without the extra fabric. This design from Cuup is created for women that want to make a statement. The cups are sewn and not molded with offers a natural shape to your boobs. Even though it’s wired on the bottom, this brad won’t dig in.
“The cups fit like a glove and the fabric is so breathable (no more boob sweat!). They are also cut in such a way that somehow manages to hide the cup when wearing low-cut tops, yet simultaneously keeps everything in place without falling out,” said one buyer.
ThirdLove 24/7 Second Skin Unlined Bra
- Comfortable
- Great fit
- Can dig into skin
Colorways: Five | Materials: Nylon, spandex
If you're looking for a little push, this is the bra for you. The non-wired bra offers a quick lift to those ladies in need of a lifted illusion. Also, the design offers a good shape without being too tight on the back and non-constricting on the front. The cups will hug your breasts without the added padded material from traditional styles.
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra
- Adjustable
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- May run small
Colorways: Nine | Materials: Nylon, spandex
This comfy undergarment is made with ThirdLove's signature memory foam cups and adds the perfect balance of support and softness.
Pour Moi India Front Fastening Underwired Bralette
- Soft material
- Nice quality
- Supportive
- Fasteners can dig into skin
Colorways: Four | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
This bra combines elegance, structure and support while providing a flattering figure to your chest. Coming in eight different cup sizes and four colors, it has fastening hooks in the front for a comfortable feel and easy buttoning.
Wireless bras with support, recommended by shoppers
Tommy John Comfort Smoothing Triangle Bralette
- Removable pads
- Silky soft
- Lightweight
- May run small
Colorways: Eight | Materials: Nylon, spandex
Forget those days of digging and slipping bras when you try this wireless one. The bralette from Tommy John is made with a thermoregulating fabric and lightweight support that won’t exhaust your breasts after the end of day. The straps are fully adjustable and the cup is ultra-breathable for those ladies who worry about underboob sweat.
Free People Square Neck Good Karma Bra
- Doesn't ride up
- Barely-there feel
- May run small
Colorways: 17 | Materials: Spandex, Nylon
For a sportier feel, this wireless bra from Free People will support your breasts no matter what. With 17 colors to choose from, this bra might easily become an everyday essential and pairs easily with your favorite tank tops, camisoles or dresses. According to customers who are size DD, this bra is also supportive enough and flattens your shirt thanks to the compressive material.
Glamorise MagicLift Seamless Support T-Shirt Bra
- Padded straps
- Very supportive
- Comfortable
- Band size may run small
Colorways: Four | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane
Your boobs are about to be lifted happily ever after with this seamless bra from Glamorise. What makes this bra comfortable is the padded shoulder straps ending digging inconveniences.
“You could be wearing the tightest of T-shirts and it’s so nice and smooth with a natural shape,” added one happy customer.
Spanx Bra-llelujah! Wire-Free Front-Close Bra
- Full-bust support
- Front-closure
- Comfortable
- May run big
Colorways: Two | Materials: Nylon, elastane
If wires are not your thing, turn to this elastic-free bra from Spanx. The garment will feel as comfortable as your leggings due to the front closure and buttery fabric. It is made with ultra-fine stretch microfiber to feel like you're not wearing one.
"Best bra I’ve ever gotten! So comfy, feels like a sports bra but still has the support of a regular bra!" added one shopper who rated this five stars.
Sports bras with support, recommended by shoppers
ThirdLove Kinetic Impact Sports Bra
- Adjustable straps
- Wireless built-in cups
- Great for working out
- May run small
Colorways: Seven | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Don't struggle with a pullover sports bra when you can just adjust the straps and hook the back on this shopper-approved find from ThirdLove. This one is lightweight and has wireless cups for a sweat-free session. The straps are adjustable and ideal for those that do high-intensity workouts.
Kinflyte Rise Bra Eco Jersey
- Full coverage
- Comfortable
- Adjustable straps
- Pricey
Colorways: Seven | Materials: Upcycled polyester, spandex, nylon
Don't stop your active life because of a bad sports bra! This one is adjustable and offers soft cups and a scoop neckline for easy movement. Also, the back mesh will cool you down when you're working out.
"I don't have to be readjusting all the time. The material is so breathable that I can survive Florida summers!" said one shopper.
Nursing bras with support, recommended by shoppers
Motherhood Plus-Size Seamless Clip Down Maternity and Nursing Bra
- Comfortable
- Easy to use for nursing
- Material may stretch
Colorways: Six | Materials: Nylon, spandex
This bestselling bra will support your pregnancy from the first trimester all the way to delivery. It features removable pads, clip-down straps for easy pumping, back closure and full coverage that will make you feel like a queen.
Gratlin Women's Seamless Nursing Bra
- Comfortable
- Great support
- Easy snaps
- May run small
Colorways: 10 | Materials: Polyamide, spandex
Become a master at breastfeeding with this wire-free nursing bra. This option comes with clip-down cups that offer full coverage and a wide band that doesn't cut into your back. Plus, it's super breathable and easy to maneuver when you're holding your newborn.
Kindred Bravely Signature Sublime® Contour Nursing & Maternity Bra
- Super soft
- Wireless
- Cups may run small
Colorways: Three | Materials: Nylon, spandex
You will receive endless comfort and support throughout your post-pregnancy with this nursing bra. It’s made with a stretchy yet supportive wireless construction to move your baby comfortably.
“It’s the first one I’ve tried that has looked and felt like I’m wearing a normal bra. It still has great support and functionality like a nursing bra,” shared one buyer.
ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Nursing Bra
- Comfortable
- Supportive
- May dig into sides
Materials: Nylon, Pima cotton, spandex
If you're expecting, don't expect your regular bras to support you. This nursing bra will inspire you to continue building your baby's room in comfort. The bra comes with ultra-thin memory foam cups, drop-down cups for easy nursing and is made with the softest Pima cotton material.
Editor Picks
Victoria's Secret Balconette Bra
- Adjustable straps
- Excellent quality
- Lots of fabric options
- Can see lace through shirt
Colorways: 22 | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil swears by this bra and even owns it in four different colors. "I have a DDD bust, and I’ve been wearing bras from the Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels line for years," says Cocchi Zabloudil. This gorgeous bra features adjustable straps, underwire and back hook-and-eye closure.
"I personally hate even light padding, so I love the unlined styles (but it also comes in smooth fabric options if preferred). And something about the balconette shape provides a subtle push-up effect without adding any extra bulk. It’s sort of magical," raves Cocchi Zabloudil.
Etam Bra No. 5- The Lightly Lined Plunge Bra
- Impressive size range
- Super high quality
- Really comfortable
- Ships from Europe
Colorways: Four | Materials: Polyamide, elastane
Production associate Audrey Ekman is an avid fan of this French lingerie brand. "I’ve struggled to find a bra that fits me properly because I have an unusual size (30DD) and have had to get sister sizes from US brands for years. Enter: this bra," says Ekman.
"I was so shocked by how comfortable and supported I felt — no wires digging or uncomfortable band riding up, and my chest actually felt lifted and supported, rather than suppressed or spilling over in the cups. I finally found a bra that fits!" Ekman says.
How we chose the best bras
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best bras with lift and support using a few methods: enlisting the recommendations of undergarment experts, filtering our searches for top-rated products and reading a multitude of customer reviews. We also chose a couple options that our editors love as well.
Meet the experts
- Zainab Akbari was the customer service team lead for Bare Necessities, an online retailer focused on lingerie, swimwear and loungewear products.
- Marissa Renelt is the assistant merchant at Bare Necessities.
- Kimmay Caldwell is an undergarment educator and bra expert with more than 17 years of experience in the lingerie business. She previously discussed bra dilemmas on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna.
- Jeni Hulick is the director of retention marketing for Bare Necessities.
