When it comes to bras, it's easy to gravitate towards comfy T-shirt styles that make it feel like we're wearing nothing at all. But every once in a while when you're looking for a bit of a boost, you know it's time to break out the big guns: a push-up bra.
This sexy bra style is a wardrobe essential that every woman should own, but finding the right fit isn't always a walk in the park. So Shop TODAY consulted two bra experts to learn everything you need to know to help you find your perfect match.
What is a push-up bra? | Why should you wear a push-up bra? | How to get the perfect fit | Editor-approved push-up bras | Shopper-approved push-up bras | How we chose | Meet the experts
What is a push-up bra?
According to Soma's vice president of design Holly Wilson, push-up bras "typically have padding in the lower part of the cup to lift and push up, resulting in a fuller and more rounded appearance."
"Push-up bras use a combination of padding, underwire and carefully chosen materials to lift and enhance the cleavage, providing support and creating a flattering silhouette," adds Wilson.
"The size of the foam pad can range from a little pad for a gentle boost to a full-on huge pad that can increase your breast by two cup sizes," says brand director of Montelle Intimates Annette Smith.
Why should you wear a push-up bra?
Push-up bras are a little bit like the nude pump of the lingerie world: they lift you up and flatter your figure. And they have a way of boosting your confidence, too.
"Push-up bras can lift a woman’s bust and can also provide more support. Just as there are many types of busts, there are many different types of push-ups available — some that increase a woman’s bust a couple sizes and others that provide a more subtle lift," said Suzanne Macbale, CEO and founder of New York-based lingerie brand LoveSuze.
Her best advice? Finding one that makes you "feel comfortable and is the right fit for your body and lifestyle."
According to Bravissimo bra-fitting expert Mila Stojanovic, this style is ideal if you want to create a touch of cleavage with certain outfits. "A push-up bra is a plunge shape, so it pairs perfectly with plunging necklines," she noted.
How to get the perfect fit
Bra shopping can sometimes leave you with more questions than you started with. Different styles may require going up or down a size, so what should you do when it's time to buy a push-up bra?
Stojanovic recommends starting with a bra fitting in person or virtually. "A fit expert can double check your size in the push-up style to make sure it’s a perfect fit," she said.
Whether you've had a fitting or not, these are a few other features she says you should be looking for:
- The band should be firm but comfortable.
- The wires around the bottom of the cups should sit flat on your rib cage (not on your breast).
- Your breasts should be fully enclosed in the cups, even if it's a low-cut bra.
Every part of the bra should lay flat against your skin. If you turn to the side or look head-on into a mirror, you want to see a smooth line where your bra meets your skin so there’s no gaping, bulging or spilling out of the top of the bra.
When it comes to padding, it's important to be wary of how much the push-up you're opting for has versus how much you're actually comfortable with and what works best for your bust size.
"There is no secret formula to finding the perfect push-up. Everybody is different. You have to find what works for your body," Macbale says. "Some people like more padding, some like their breasts to be close together, some like lift and separation, some like wires, some like wireless, some like more support and others don’t require as much support or lift."
Editor-approved push-up bras
Luvlette Dream Curve Support+ T-Shirt Push-Up Bra
- Best for large cups
- Limited sizes
Size: 32DD - 44D | Colors: 3 | Material: 92% polyamide, 8% elastane
Shop TODAY intern Domonique Tolliver is a fan of this style for its comfort and gentle push.
"For me, push up bras can be hard to shop for because I have a small band and a large cup size. Luvlette is a brand dedicated to inclusive sizing for smaller and larger backs. This push-up bra is no exception. The thick straps and triple hooks make me feel supported all day. The bra cup sizing correctly accounts for larger sizes that need a push-up without spilling out," says Tolliver.
Neiwai Nude Shape Foundation Bra
- Gentle lift
- Feels very soft
- Limited sizes
Size: 32B - 38C | Colors: 3 | Material: 75% nylon, 25% spandex
"Neiwai is one of the most buttery-soft I've tried [Espinal] and this is, without a doubt, a great option if you're looking for a gentle lift. I own the Barely Zero style and it supports without constricting your breasts. Plus, the fabric feels soft and breathable throughout the day."
While the Foundation Bra is offered in limited sizes, customers agree that this bra offers a high-level of comfort without the underwire feature.
Shopper-approved push-up bras
Smart & Sexy Signature Lace Push-Up Bra
- Has a good amount of stretch
- A lot of padding
Size: 32A - 42DD | Colors: 18 | Material: 94% nylon, 6% spandex
Not sure if push-up bras are right for you? Test the waters with this affordable find that has 10,000+ verified five-star customer ratings. One reviewer called it “comfortable, sexy, dependable” and another said they love how it’s “true to size.”
The lacy style comes in 15 colors and a plethora of sizes. The sultry cutouts on the back band are particularly eye-catching.
FallSweet Padded Push-Up Lace Bra
- Provides gentle support
- Provides side coverage
- Lace can loosen up
Size: 34A — 46D | Colors: 7 | Material: Not specified
Sometimes a more structured style is what you need to achieve the optimal amount of lift, and this popular push-up seems to be a true lingerie wonder. It has nearly 7,700 verified five-star ratings from shoppers who appreciate the affordable price, the quality of the product and the impressive results. Sounds like a bra-wearer’s dream!
Maidenform Your Lift Underwire Push-Up Bra
- Very comfortable
- Lace can show through
Size: 34B - 38D | Colors: 7 | Material: 64% nylon, 36% spandex
This gem offers the best of both worlds — the comfort of a T-shirt bra with the lift of a push-up — and comes in five colors, including several staple neutrals. The lacy bra offers light lift and support, and is a great everyday push-up when you don't want something too fussy.
Deyllo Push-Up Lace Bra
- Straps stay put
- Medium padding
Size: 32B-38DDD | Colors: 18 | Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane
With 9,000+ verified five-star ratings under its belt, this push-up comes well recommended from Amazon shoppers. “This bra does a great job pushing up, and fits great,” one reviewer wrote. Another commented, “These bras are magic.”
Shoppers say it offers just the right amount of padding without being over the top, and they also describe it as “comfortable,” “beautiful” and “flattering.”
Dobreva Push-Up Bra
- Very comfortable and supportive
- Bottom tends to roll up
Size: 32A — 40D | Colors: 24 | Material: 64% polyamide, 36% spandex
Craving major cleavage? Amazon customers say this push-up bra can make it happen. The style has almost 5,000 verified five-star ratings and one shopper even said, “I almost don’t want to leave such a good review because I want to buy all the rest for myself.” Another said it was the “best push-up bra” they’ve ever owned.
It has a thick band at the base and a plunging neckline with dainty lace trim. Other notable features include a soft fabric, a wire-free and convertible design and adjustable straps.
Wingslove Floral Lace Push-Up Bra
- Slight padding
- Feels smooth
- Shows a slight gap
Size: 32B — 38DDD | Colors: 7 | Material: 88% nylon, 12% elastane
Lovely in lace! Nearly 3,000 verified Amazon shoppers have bestowed a perfect rating on this style with a plunging neckline. “Finally a bra that fits and is comfortable,” one gushed. Another said, “It fit perfectly, and it doesn’t pinch or gap. Love the placement of the straps too!”
Aerie Sunnie Demi Push Up Bloom Lace Cross Dye Bra
- Washes well
- Give bust a gentle push
- Pink looks like neon
Size: 30A — 42DD | Colors: 3 | Material: 87% recycled nylon, 13% elastane
If all push-up bras looked the same, the world would be a rather boring place, so this stunning style is an immediate add-to-cart. With its strappy details and lovely lace, the bra stands out from the crowd. It also has adjustable straps that put a premium on comfort. The bra comes in three colors, including classic gray and a bold pink hue.
Lively The All-Day No-Wire Push-Up
- Feels lightweight
- Provides a good lift
- Band can feel tight
Size: 32A - 38DDD | Colors: 3 | Material: 94% rayon, 6% spandex
Speaking of neutrals, this wireless style from Lively comes in three staple colors everyone should have in their collection. It comes in gray, black and nude and also converts to a racerback style.
The supportive style has soft padded cups, extra foam padding at the base and a flexible wing that keeps you comfortable all day long. What more could you ask for?
B.Tempt’d by Wacoal Future Foundation Underwire Push-Up Bra
- Feels smooth
- Seamless under a white tee
- Tends to run small
Size: 32A — 38D | Colors: 2 | Material: 77% nylon, 23% spandex
Push-up bras don’t have to be bulky and heavy. Au contraire. Many styles are actually quite streamlined and feel nice and lightweight. Take this sleek style, for instance. It features foam cups and a thin band and straps, making it a practical option if you’re wearing it underneath a T-shirt or blouse.
Soma Embraceable Push-Up Bra
- Great support
- Less coverage than other styles
Size: 32A-42DDD | Colors: 10 | Material: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
This push-up from Soma checks off all the boxes with its padded cups, adjustable straps and soft fabric. It’s also available in six colors, including a stunning rosy pink. One five-star reviewer loved it so much after purchasing one that they immediately bought three more.
Montelle Intimates Allure Light Push-Up Bra
- Has a light push
- Fabric feels soft
- Limited sizes
Size: 30B - 38E | Colors: 5 | Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex
This comfy push-up bra comes with gradual padding and has an ultra-soft microfiber material that won't leave you feeling itchy (major bonus). The double layer side wings combine comfort and support. Plus, the adjustable, convertible straps are also pretty handy.
How we chose
We talked to experts to determine the features and materials you should consider for push-up bras. Also, we scoured numerous styles and opted for top-rated bras by customers and those favored by our editors.
We included brands that offer a range of size inclusivity and those made with comfortable materials.
Meet the experts
- Holly Wilson is the vice president of design for Soma, a brand offering intimates and sleepwear for women.
- Mila Stojanovic is a bra-fitting expert for Bravissimo.
- Suzanne Macbale is the CEO and founder of New York-based lingerie brand Lovesuze.
- Annette Smith is the brand director of Montelle Intimates.
