Lexie Sachsis the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie led a massive bra test in 2017 and wrote the shopping guide for this story. Bralettes and bramisoles (padded bust camisoles) are the most comfortable bras. They can be worn under any top at home while hosting a casual gathering or while attending business meetings online. They are also comfortable enough to wear to sleep. But they provide the bare minimum support and are not ideal for rigorous physical activities. We get quite excited when we walk into a lingerie store to buy intimates. It feels great to wear lingerie that is not only sensuous but also smooth on the skin. However, it is not all that rosy for everyone, especially for someone with big busts above DD. And disappointment is a regular part of shopping for some of us. We have to look for bras that give full coverage and support. The Anya bra comes in four sizes and seven colours. The moulded cups provide comfortable support without wires. The bra’s padding is removable, so the amount of lift and support is up to the wearer, and the band is wide and ribbed, providing support without tightness.

For those with fuller breasts, a full cup bra can provide optimal comfort. As the name suggests, a full cup bra completely covers the breast and reduces or eliminates the appearance of cleavage. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to avoid spillage while still getting the benefit of shaping. The Fantasie Envisage is a full cup bra with wide wires for extra comfort and support. The non-padded bra has a three-piece cup, including side support and hidden seams in the inner cup. It even includes a small metallic charm at the top centre. The extra support provided by the wings makes this a comfortable bra that can be worn all day without noticing.

No more frumpy or uncomfortable nursing bras. Our top picks are stylish and easy to wear, which means one less thing to worry about

It offers medium coverage to show off a bit of cleavage while still feeling secure and covered. It performed well in our Lab tests, with minimal changes in appearance or shrinkage after laundering. We appreciate this brand's inclusive size offerings up to a 54 band size and H cup size. Although nursing bras are not exactly synonymous with glamour (granted, this likely is not a priority for you at this time), that doesn’t mean that you have to wear something that you’re not particularly keen on. Contrary to popular belief, nursing bras can, in fact, be pretty as well as comfy and functional. Key specs – Band range: 34-44; Cup Range: B-H; Material: 44% cotton, 44% polyester, 6% polyamide, 6% elastane At an asking price that makes for good value, the Lindex Nursing Bra offers a good balance of support and comfort, with the more structured design providing an experience more akin to a regular bra than many others on the market.

From bralettes to balconettes, our women's bras lift, sculpt and enhance your shape. The key to a great bra is a great fit, a design that flatters and a style that works around your wardrobe – and we’ve hit the nail on the head with all three in our collection. Explore what’s new – including our super fresh colour palette – today. Your tees, but better Those who don’t need the structure and support of a standard bra may find that a bralette is the most comfortable choice. This type of bra is typically thin and lightweight, without the wires and padding of traditional bras. Unlike the seam-free bra, bralettes aren’t about creating a flawless silhouette. Instead, they are designed to be cute and fashionable.Bra sizing can change depending on the bra style and brand. Here’s a list of tell-tell signs your bra fits badly: This bra proves you don’t have to sacrifice support to go strapless. In fact, it had higher scores from our testers than many of the non-strapless styles we analyzed. It uses silicone strips along the top of the cup and on the band that help it stay in place as you move, and it features wide side panels with boning for more stability and smoothing benefits. Our testers said the bra was comfortable, but a few online reviewers noted that although the bra stayed put, the silicone strips and boning dug in.

You most likely have “the best nursing bra” on your to-buy list before the baby arrives, but if you don’t, put it on there pronto. It’s one of the most important items any expectant or brand-new mum could buy for herself and the baby. Underwire: While many people seem to be ditching underwire these days, it is not the enemy you may think it is. For those with larger breasts, the underwire provides much-needed support. With a proper bra size, an underwire shouldn’t dig into you or cause you discomfort. Then again, some people may just prefer to go for a non wired or wireless bra. Round: While most styles may work for your shape, try a wireless bra for days when you want light support or balconette style when you want an ultra-flattering fit. With f ull-coverage cups to avoid spillage, wide straps to reduce stress on shoulders and wide side panels that smooth to prevent bulges, this bra is your best bet if you're looking for all-over support. The cups are lightly lined so there's not too much padding, and the fabric feels smooth throughout and looks flattering under clothes. Cup shape: You know your cup size, but what cup shape works best for you? Full coverage and medium coverage cups offer comfort and support but may just be too much fabric for some people. Plunge bras with triangle cups may be your ideal fit, or they may not hold you up the way you need.

Most stores that sell bras offer fitting services, and many retailers offer virtual fitting options over video chat. What else do I have to consider when shopping for a bra? The underwire: Just because a bra doesn’t need wire to offer support doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a role to play. The underwire gives structure to bra cups, which helps with lifting and shaping. This bra has just enough stretch to make it a comfortable all-day, everyday piece. It has lace trim along the top of the cups and a small bow in the centre for an extra, feminine touch. The bra is available in three colours and comes in a wide range of sizes. The band should be level with your ribcage without riding up, and the center gore, the section of the bra that stretches between the two cups, should lie flat against your breastbone. Fabric: Do you have sensitive skin? Finding the right fabric might be the make or break point for you. A seamless bra, or one with a soft fabric like cotton or microfibre, can help anyone with particularly sensitive skin.