There's no doubt about it, finding the best bras can be a challenge, especially when you're faced with so many different styles that you don't know where to start. You might be looking for a push-up bra to give 'the girls' a bit of a lift. You could even be trying to find the best backless bras to wear with that dress. Either way, it can be difficult to even know where to begin.
Sometimes it can seem wishful thinking to find cute bras that fit properly, are comfortable, and don't look like something Bridget Jones would wear. So, we've tried to make that choice easier by rounding up the best bras out there on the high street.
The best bras at a glance:
Editor's Choice: Millie Bra by Bravissimo, £39 on Bravissimo
The most affordable bra: Flexifit™ Wired Full-Cup T-Shirt Bra A-E in Topaz, £16 on Marks & Spencer
The best bra for reliability: Fantasie Illusion Underwired Side Support Balcony Bra, £35 on John Lewis
As well as being stylish, we've tried to find the best support bras, the most comfortable bras and the most affordable bras. It's also important that bra sizes are inclusive and offer a range for all shapes and sizes. No matter your bra size, we've got a bra for you.
With that in mind, why not strap yourself in and take a look at the best bras that we could find? Here's a list of some of our favourites from Bravissimo, Marks & Spencer, Boux Avenue and more. Our list of the best bras for under £40 will have you supported while also being stylish.
SHOP: The best bras that are both stylish and supportive
Editor's Choice
Bravissimowww.bravissimo.com
Description
A Bravissimo favourite, this gorgeous balconette has a reputation for being the most comfortable bra ever. The Millie Bra is the bra of all bras, in our opinion. Not only does it look stunning and come in nine colour choices, but it also runs all the way from a D cup to a K cup. That's why we've shortlisted it as the best bra overall.
Customer review: "The soft elastic moulds really well and gives a great shape. So pretty and very comfy. Lots of colours to choose from."
Pros
- The cup sizes run to a K-cup
- Side sling gives a natural shape
- Pretty lace detail
Cons
- A three-hook fastening would be preferred by most
The most affordable bra
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Description
If you're looking for the perfect everyday bra, the Flexifit ™ Wired Full-Cup T-Shirt Bra (another gem from M&S) is the one. In white, black and a variety of nude shades that cover all skin tones, we are loving the colour choices with this bra. Comfortable to wear, soft against the skin, and the best budget option on the list. You can't get better than that.
Customer review: "As usual Marks and Spencer's can be relied upon to make good quality bras. Always buy these t-shirt bras which are supportive and comfortable."
Pros
- Affordable price
- Great choice of colours
- Soft against the skin
Cons
- The cup sizes only run to an E cup
The best bra for reliability
john lewiswww.johnlewis.com
Description
It's no wonder sizes in this bra are quickly selling out at John Lewis. The Fantasie Illusion Underwired Side Support Bra is one of the site's bestsellers. A subtle yet sexy mesh detail makes it a fabulous everyday bra that you can wear with total confidence.
Customer review: "This is the best bra I have ever bought. So comfortable and gives you a beautiful shape. Premium quality without the price tag and very pretty."
Pros
- A three-piece cup offers good uplift
- Side support detail for proper support
- A good choice of colours
Cons
- Some sizes are out of stock
The best bra for design
pour moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
Description
If you're looking for a dainty, feminine bra that also fits a larger bust, then the Flora Lightly Padded Underwired Bra is the ideal option. Fitting cup sizes A to F, there are eight colours to choose from. We love a good natural colour, but we can't deny that a gorgeous soft pink, pearl, chocolate or navy are also fab options that can be worn as your everyday.
Customer review: "I don't usually buy padded bras as I feel that I do not need that extra padding (F Cup size). However seeing this bra looking lovely on a larger-sized model, I thought why not give it a try? I'm so glad I did. The bra looks really pretty, fits well, and is very comfortable to wear."
Pros
- Cups are padded for lift
- A good choice of colours
- Pretty lace detail
Cons
- A three-hook fastening would be preferred by most
The best bra with lift
boux avenuewww.bouxavenue.com
Description
With over 2,300 five-star reviews, the Mollie Padded Plunge Bra from Boux Avenue is a gorgeous everyday push-up bra with lace details, topped off with a little bow in the centre and decorated with a jewel stud. Although one apparently sells every seven minutes online, our writers managed to get their hands on some to try out...
Tried & Tested by Closer writer Ruby Barry: "The Mollie Padded Plunge Bra, in shade black, did the near impossible - it gave me cleavage. As a proud member of the itty bitty titty committee, I am honestly impressed with the lift the Molly Padded Plunge Bra gave me, but due to my very sensitive skin, the lace sometimes became itchy. However, for a night out, this is now my go-to bra for making a statement, so to say."
Tried & Tested Closer writer, Samantha Price: "I tested the highly-rated Mollie Padded Plunge Bra in the stunning strawberry shade. I noticed when I put it on, it made me look at least a cup size bigger. Personally, I would love to see thicker padding applied, not just to the bottom of the cup, but to the sides, which is the only way I've ever managed to look like I've had a cleavage before(!) Overall, it's a pretty, timeless bra with a range of sizes and colours to choose from - and absolutely loads of high ratings."
Pros
- The cup sizes run to an G cup
- Gives cleavage to smaller chests
- Cups are padded for lift
Cons
- Padding only on bottom of cup
The best plunge-style bra
pour moiwww.pourmoi.co.uk
Description
Who says sexy bras can't be comfortable? This satin plunge number from Pour Moi offers all of the support while still looking stylish. The Viva Luxe Underwired Bra creates a smooth silhouette with satin cups that skim your curves along with sexy mesh detail and six colour choices to choose from
Customer review "I've never had a bra so comfortable in my life. Doesn't even feel like I'm wearing a bra. The material is so soft, and it looks pretty."
Pros
- The cup sizes run to a J cup
- Satin cups create a smooth silhouette
- Full cups with mesh detail
Cons
- The sizing may run on the small side
The most luxurious bra
Bravissimowww.bravissimo.com
Description
The Panache Clara Bra from Bravissimo comes in nine different colour choices, from normal neutrals to cheeky colour combinations. Whichever one you choose, there's no doubt it'll be the most sophisticated-looking bra you own. We love the luxurious lace design and side sling support that gives a fabulous natural shape without any padding.
Customer review: "This bra is comfortable and provides good support, coming in several colours too. It is reasonably priced and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it for style and support.
Pros
- The cup sizes run to a J cup
- Lots of great colour choices
- All-over stretch lace moulds to your unique shape
Cons
- One customer suggested the cups should be cotton lined for extra comfort
How do I know my bra fits properly?
There are lots of ways you can tell if your bra fits you properly. First, you can check the fit of the band. It should fit snugly around your torso and not ride up or pull away easily. It also shouldn't dig in or feel tight and uncomfortable. However, you may need to size down on the band when selecting a strapless bra.
The centre of the bra, the piece that holds the cups together, should sit flat against your breastbone. If it doesn't, it might be the case that the cups are too small or the band is too large. You shouldn't be spilling out of the cups (even if you're wearing a push-up bra) and equally, you shouldn't be able to fit more than one finger between the cup and your bust.
How do I measure my bra size?
It's really easy to measure your bra size at home, and you can even read our guide of how to measure your bra size. However, if you want to work out your size manually, all you need is a soft tape measure. Here's how to measure your bra size at home:
First, use the tape measure to measure under your breasts and around your bustline in inches. If you get an odd number, then you should round up to the nearest even one. This is called your band size.
Then, use the tape measure to measure around the fullest part of your bust. Subtract your band size from your bust size, and the difference in inches will give you your cup size.
For example, a one-inch difference would be an A cup, two inches a B cup, three inches a C cup, and so on.
Louella Berryman is the audience development executive at Bauer Media, where she works in all things digital for Grazia, heat, Closer, Yours and Mother&Baby.