Getting home from work and taking your bra off is a feeling like no other, but when it comes to the best support bras, sometimes you barely even notice that you're wearing one. The best bra keeps 'the girls' in place while allowing you to feel comfortable and confident all day long.
Especially when it comes to a bigger bust, finding the right bra can be a challenge. But, it's so important for those with more up top to get a supportive bra with the right fit. Otherwise, a badly fitting bra can cause problems with your back and your posture later down the line.
Although cute bras for women with big boobs have always seemed to be a rarity, there are more options on the high street than ever. And, as a result, we've managed to select some prettier options among the nude-coloured everyday bras for a little bit more choice.
Best support bras at a glance:
Best support bra overall: Bravissimo Millie Bra, £39 on Bravissmo
Best support bra with the highest rating: Warner's Underwire Contour Bra Full Coverage, £20.52+ on Amazon
Best support bra with the most reviews: Vanity Fair Women's Bra, £34.73 on Amazon
And if you're looking for a bit of a lift? The best push-up bras will see to that, no problem. With that being said, here's our round-up of the best support bras that won't break the bank. Take a look at our pick of the best supportive bras below.
SHOP: The best support bras for under £50
Best support bra overall
www.bravissimo.com
As included in our best bra of all time round-up, the Millie Bra from Bravissimo is quite simply the dream bra. Making its way onto our shortlist as the best bra, not only does it look stunning and comes in nine colour choices, but it also runs all the way from a D cup to a K cup.
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
Best support bra with the highest rating
With the highest rating on Amazon, Warner's Underwire Contour Bra provides full coverage cups, adjustable straps and a nice thick band so you're fully supported. There are a few different colour options to choose from, but we love the versatility of neutrals like nude, white and, black. We've included it in our shortlist due to the high ratings it's received on Amazon, this one is definitely a contender.
Customer review: "This is the comfiest bra I have ever purchased fit is amazing and has extra cushioning before the wire if wires bother you! It barely feels like I’m wearing a bra at all and the girls are supported and lifted. Definitely recommend."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Nude, white and black are versatile neutrals
Cons
- Limited designs and sizes in stock
Best support bra with the most reviews
The Vanity Fair Beauty Back Strapless bra is finally the best strapless bra we've found in terms of ratings and comfort on Amazon. Who'd have thought a strapless bra could actually be comfortable? In neutral colours such as nude, black and white, it'll create a smooth and seamless silhouette under your clothing.
Customer review: "A comfortable strapless bra? Oh yeah, this one is! I spent forever searching for a strapless bra to wear with the latest summer fashion. I'm thrilled to say I found one that does that and way more! I am a 38DD and this is true to size, if not a tiny bit on the snug side. The silicone strips keep it in place, the wide band prevents any showing of rolls in the back and the cups go far enough over on the sides to hold the entire breast side to side."
Pros
- Creates a smoothing silhouette
- The strapless style is versatile
- Different neutral options available
Cons
- Only runs up to a DD cup
Best support bra with lift
And, if you're wanting to maximise the appearance of your bust then there's the WingsLove Push-Up Everyday T-Shirt Bra. It's a supportive fit that has padding which sits just right, creating a cleavage without causing any spillover. There are a few colours to choose from and the plunge shape is a popular style that's flattering on most. The best push-up bra on our list.
Customer review: "I purchased this bra along with several other brands. This is the only bra that I ended up keeping. This bra fits perfectly and is so comfortable. I have not worn an underwire bra in a very long time, and I was hesitant to purchase, however, this bra is exactly what I needed! I have ordered more in different colours I like the fit so well."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Adds lift and provides cleavage
- A few colours to select from
Cons
- Band may be slightly tighter fitting - you may want to size up
Best support bra with the most inclusive size range
If you have a fuller bust and you want to minimise the appearance and feel totally supported throughout the day, the Glamorise MagicLift Wirefree Minimizer Bra from Amazon has plenty of ratings to show it'll do just this. There are a few colours to choose from, and there are sizes stocked up to 50H. An extremely thick band and straps will keep the girls up without a hitch.
Customer review: "This is hands down the best bra I have ever purchased. Having lost a lot of weight, I struggle with sagging breasts and a lot of excess skin. I have searched for such a long time for a bra that will give my breasts some volume without digging in and having overspill of skin at the sides. This bra is it. Its amazing, comfortable and makes my breasts look perky!!! I LOVE it and will be purchasing more in the future. Buy one, you won't be disappointed."
Pros
- An inclusive size range
- Foam-lined bands provide comfort
- Thick straps and band for optimal support
Cons
- Some designs or sizes aren't in stock
Best support bra with the biggest cup size
Freya has some brilliant bras with a great size range, and this one is no exception. Going up to an impressive HH cup, this popular style balcony bra has thousands of glowing reviews. Not only is it versatile with nine colour options to choose from, but it's also comfortable and supportive.
Customer review: "I got this bra from the Bravissimo store and loved it so much I got this one from Amazon, it was £36 from the store so saved a few quid, the bra is so comfortable, it fits like a second skin, no digging in under the sides which happens a lot with underwire and the straps are nice and wide so no marks left on the shoulders! Brilliant."
Pros
- Moulded fit to contours of the body
- Different colour options
- Thick band at back for support
Cons
- Band may be slightly tighter fitting and cup may be slightly larger fitting
Best support bra with the smallest cup size
The unique foam underwire in the Maidenform Comfort Devotion Everyday Bra gives a natural lift and flattering shape without discomfort. We mean it when we say, this bra is a cult classic. It comes in neutrals like white. black and nude with pretty lace detail and multi-way straps that can be worn as a racerback if preferred. It runs from an A cup to a C cup.
Customer review: "This one is it! It is incredibly comfortable, flattering, doesn't show under clothing, and fits perfectly true to size. There is plenty of lift even without an underwire (which I hate because inevitably the wire is poking me and/or poking through almost immediately. And I get plenty of cleavage without the dreaded mono-breast. I now have three of these and expect to buy many more."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Comfortable foam underwire
- Pretty lace detailing
Cons
- Only runs to a C-cup
The best support bra with no wires
www.johnlewis.com
This Willow Non-Wired Bra creates a sleek silhouette due to its wireless design, and it's one of John Lewis' top trending bras. It comes in neutral shades of black, white and nude with sizes stocked up to a 36DD. Despite looking so incredibly expensive, it's also a ridiculously affordable option - and a supportive one at that.
Customer review: "I like the shape this bra gives to my bust. It's very comfortable, with reasonable support. It's smooth, so fine to wear with sheer clothing, or t-shirts etc. It's simple but modern. When I find a bra like this, it makes me wonder why I bothered with underwire all those years! I recommend."
Pros
- Affordable price point
- No uncomfortable underwires
- Smooth silhouette
Cons
- Only runs to a DD cup
Best support bra with convertible straps
The Playtex Love My Curves T-Shirt Bra is a pretty everyday bra that moulds to the fit of your body with a three-piece design in the front. A thick back band offers support and convertible padded straps can be changed into a racerback style that offers even more assistance. There's a lace design for something pretty or good neutral choices that go with everything.
Customer review: "if you are looking for a comfortable bra choose this. Unlike other bras you don't feel like you are wearing a bra, its the best bra I own, I have wasted so much money buying other brands, they are so uncomfortable. Definitely would recommend this style and brand name."
Pros
- Convertible padded straps
- Thick band for support
- Side smoothing for a polished look
Cons
- Only runs to an E-cup
Best support bra with minimising effect
uk.triumph.com
Another option if you're looking to minimise your bust, is the Triumph Urban Minimiser Bra which provides both support and comfort. Soft against the skin, it features innovative comfort wire so there's nothing poking into your sides. This bra will mean you'll look one cup size smaller and it can be worn seamlessly under light clothing.
Customer review: "Fantastic fit, good look achieved for days when you need that extra support, feminine too, first one I've found x"
Pros
- Runs to an F-cup
- Smooth silhouette
- Different neutral options available
Cons
- Low in stock
Best support bra with back smoothing effect
www.leonisa.com
This bra from Leonisa is a Back Smoothing Bra with Soft Full Coverage Cups. It's made from a breathable, flexible material that contours to your body. The three-piece design means the cups provide a natural lift and illusion of cleavage. There are a few colour options to choose from here, but we love the thick banding for support.
Customer review: Love love love this bra! Everything I was looking for - support, lift, coverage, and hides the back rolls."
Pros
- Provides a natural lift
- Different colour options
- Thick band at back for support
Cons
- Band may be slightly tighter fitting - you may want to size up
Best support bra with a classic shape
uk.triumph.com
With pretty lace detail and offering a classic retro-inspired shape, the Delicate Doreen Non-Wired bra from Triumph has a fab range of sizes, from a B cup all the way to a J cup. A bestseller for Triumph, it offers support in the thick straps and band. It comes in versatile neutrals such as white, nude and black.
Customer review: "I chose this because it is available in my size, 48DD! A great bra, very comfy with excellent support. Would definitely buy again. Perhaps more colours though please like pale pink or blue."
Pros
- Runs to a J cup
- Non-wired
- Pretty lace detailing
Cons
- Cup size can come up a little big - you may want to size down.
Best support bra for comfort
www.marksandspencer.com
The ultimate comfort support bra, the SLOGGI Zero Feel Ultra Non-Wired Bralette from M&S can be trusted to give lift and support in areas you need it without compromising on comfort (even with thinner straps). You can barely feel it on, and without any underwires, it adapts seamlessly against your skin.
Our review: "Genuinely one of the comfiest bras we've tried and we'd recommend for A-C sizes. Bigger busts might not find enough support without a moulded fit. However, we love this M&S bra."
Pros
- A trending choice
- Removable cups can be worn without padding
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- More 'nude' skin tones would be much more inclusive
FAQs
When should I replace my bra?
You should replace your bras when they start to stretch and you no longer feel supported. It's also important to check how your bra fits regularly, as your size may change with weight loss or gain. The more you wash and wear your bra, the quicker you'll have to replace it. Investing in the best sweatproof bra can minimise how much you're sweating day to day and they're a bit hardier than a regular bra. Ideally, you should look at replacing your bra around every 6 months to a year.
How can I find my bra size?
You can measure your bra size at home, or in-store with a consultant. To measure at home, use a tape measure wrapped across your bustline to get your band size in inches. Then, measure around the fullest part of your bust. Be sure to write these two measurements down so you can refer back to them. The difference between the two measurements will tell you your cup size. For example, a one-inch difference is an A cup, a two-inch difference is a B cup, a three-inch difference is a C cup, and so on. There are special bra size calculators online that can help you with this.
How do I shop for a comfortable bra?
It's important to try on a few different styles and sizes in order to get a support bra that fits comfortably. Then, consider buying the same bra in a few different colours once you've found the bra of your dreams. However, if you struggle with getting the correct size, speak with a shop assistant in your favourite lingerie shop to help you with fitting. And no - this shouldn't just be reserved for special occasions like Valentine's Day lingerie shopping, but for your everyday bras too!
How do I know if a bra fits properly?
You should fill out the cup with no gaps, but also not be spilling out of the cup and creating a 'double boob' effect. The band shouldn't ride up or be too loose, and the front of the bra should sit flat against your breastbone. The straps should fit comfortably on your shoulders without digging in or not supporting you correctly. When it comes to strapless bras, you may need to size down with your band size in order to get the correct fit.
Louella Berryman is the audience development executive at Bauer Media, where she works in all things digital for Grazia, heat, Closer, Yours & Mother&Baby.