Who doesn’t love lounging around without the confines of tight clothing and restricting fabrics? While there’s definitely a time and place for sweatpants and old t-shirts, you’ve got options when it comes to undergarments. Perhaps the most versatile type of intimate on the market, bralettes offer the comfort we all crave while still being supportive and functional enough to be worn with almost everything—from sweat sets and athleisure to dresses and pantsuits.
Selecting a bralette requires a lot more thought than you might think, especially if you want it to fit well and serve you for years to come. Sapna Palep, CEO of the lingerie brand Journelle, explains that although bralettes are simpler than bras (they’re constructed sans molded cups, padding, underwire, and more) and feature more flexible sizing, the same rules apply. “The style of bralette you choose should flatter you, so it may require a few try-ons to find your perfect match,” she adds.
But, like all things, not all bralettes are created equal. So, we did extensive research, tapped experts, and even tried several options at home (and obviously wearing them for several days on end). We paid attention to how each one felt after several wears—taking note of whether or not the straps pinched, dug into the skin, or fell down—and considered how supportive the bralette was for various body types during a number of different activities. The result: This curated list of the best bralettes.
Best Overall
Commando Butter Soft
Support: Adjustable Bralette
Commando
Buy On Wearcommando.com Buy On Shopbop.com Buy On Neiman Marcus
Our Ratings
- Fit: 4.7/5
- Support: 4.5/5
- Quality: 4.9/5
- Comfort: 5/5
- Adjustability: 5/5
What We Like
- Four-way stretch
- Pilling resistant
- Adjustable back closure and straps
- Molded cups and removable padding
What We Don't Like
- No size options larger than D
- We can confirm that the Butter Soft-
Support: Adjustable Bralette from Commando does, in fact, feel like butter (thank you, luxuriously soft Austrian modal blend)— but it actually offers a whole lot more than that. We wore this bra while out and about, lounging, and even sleeping, and we were pleased with how comfortable and supported we felt, making this the most versatile of the bras we tested by far.
When it comes to size range, this bralette could be a bit larger, but everyone on our team was able to find the right fit (even those with larger D cups). Since the bralette is available in sizes XS through XL, it’s consistent with standard t-shirt sizing (though we do recommend checking out the brand’s size guide). Commerce editorial project manager Danielle Ransom, who falls between the sizes, says the fit was perfect when she followed the brand’s size guidelines. “My bralette isn’t too tight or too loose—it’s just right,” she says. “Plus, I like knowing I can adjust the straps if I want a tighter fit.”
Normally, several of our team members aren’t huge fans of removable pads since they get crinkled in the wash and can often get misplaced—but this bra changed our minds. It has cups that actually stay in place and even provide a really nice smooth shape.
As for the band, many of us felt that this was the only bralette that went totally undetectable while also offering great support, even for larger chests. It hugged everything perfectly without creating lumps, bumps, or being too tight. The back closure clasps together like a traditional bra, which, at first, we thought would be annoying, but we ended up appreciating that we didn’t need to pull it over our heads to put it on.
- Price at time of publish: $78
- Size Range: XS-XL
- Material: 79% Modal, 21% Elastane
- Seams: No
- Adjustable:Yes
- Color Options: 4
Best Seamless
Calvin Klein Invisibles
Comfort: Lightly Lined Triangle Bralette
Amazon
Buy On Amazon Buy On Walmart Buy On Macy's
What We Like
- Invisible under clothing
- Seamless
- Adjustable
- V-neck style
What We Don't Like
- Band could be more supportive
You know that feeling of not wanting to wear a bra, but you still want a tiny lift, some coverage, and that rounded, smoothed-out look? We found the perfect bra for that: Calvin Klein’s Invisibles Lightly Lined Triangle Bralette. It feels like you’re not wearing a bra at all—thanks to the lightly lined, seamless fabric—yet offers an invisible cloak of support. We’re not ignoring the fact that bralettes tend to offer less lift and under-the-breast support than a traditional bra or that seamless options tend to have less shape, but hear us out: this one cradles breasts and hugs them ever so slightly. The cups are round in all the right places, so we never experienced any overhang, side boob, or spillage. The smooth, microfiber material feels breathable and goes unnoticed underneath clothing, too. As for size, the bralette ranges from XS-XL and comes with adjustable straps. Several buuk.top team members are in between sizes and noted that given the recommendations from the brand, sizing up worked well—after all, the adjustable straps were helpful in securing a proper fit.
This is an excellent bra for lounging, traveling, or doing chores around the house. The V-neck pairs well with t-shirts and sweaters, but (unsurprisingly) it’s not ideal for certain tank tops, dresses, or for exercise. We found ourselves wishing it had a thicker band to really hold us in better, especially for light movement (like running down the stairs), but otherwise, we didn’t have any other complaints.
- Price at time of publish: $52
- Size Range: XS-XL
- Material: 77% Nylon, 23% Elastane
- Seams: No
- Adjustable: Yes
- Color Options: 15
Best
Support:
Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette
Nordstrom
Our Ratings
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4.8/5
- Quality: 4.4/5
- Comfort: 4.1/5
- Adjustability: 3/5
What We Like
- Lift without discomfort
- Breathable, microfiber fabric
- Soft to the touch
- Great size range
What We Don't Like
- Thick band not for everyone
- Uni-boob
Great for every day, this bralette from Harper Wilde is so soft, you might forget you’re wearing it. What makes this one stand out from the rest is its thick, slightly compressive band and the fact that it’s made without cups, wires, or padding. Normally, those of us with larger breasts wouldn’t step foot outside without some type of lift, but we can vouch for the fact that despite the lack of padding or cups, we loved wearing this option while being active. It’s actually very similar to a sports bra; it sucks you in yet feels very lightweight and supportive. That being said, we know this bra isn’t for everyone, especially those that choose to wear a bralette to avoid the feeling of a more compressive band. This one doesn’t feel that intense, but it’s definitely more noticeable than some of the other options on this list.
The breathable, microfiber fabric is smoothing and undetectable through most tops—though it depends on what exactly you’re wearing. During testing, we noticed that the bralette worked wonderfully on its own as a cropped tank top or with sweaters and sweatshirts because of how seamless it is. However, with more form-fitting shirts, we experienced a flat, oblong look (a classic uni-boob, if you will), that wasn’t very flattering.
We also loved that the bra is available in sizes XS through 4X in a number of colors, including four core shades—beige, tan, brown, and black—plus limited-edition options like opal, sea glass, sedona, steel, and more.
- Price at time of publish: $45
- Size Range: XS-4X
- Material: 79% Nylon, 21% Elastane
- Seams: Yes
- Adjustable: No
- Color Options: 11
Best for Large Busts
Wacoal Soft Sense Bralette
Wacoal
Buy On Amazon Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Wacoal-america.com
Our Ratings
- Fit: 4/5
- Support: 4/5
- Quality: 4.7/5
- Comfort: 4.4/5
- Adjustability: 5/5
What We Like
- Full-busted coverage
- Soft stretch lace
- Designed for D/DD cup
- Hook-and-eye back closure
What We Don't Like
- Texture can peek through clothing
Ideal for a fuller bust, this bralette from Wacoal flatters your natural shape while providing light support and total comfort. By nature of being a bralette with no padding or underwire, it provides less support than a traditional bra, but in no way did that bother us during testing. It’s more comfortable than a classic bra, and with a soft lace design, it got major points for feel and aesthetic appeal, too. We appreciated that the V-shape offers a decent amount of coverage (so our breasts weren’t bulging out of the sides), and even has a seam in the middle of each cup to provide nipple coverage. Since sizing is consistent with traditional bras, we appreciated how easy it was to find a proper fit. (If you’re unsure of which size is right for you, we recommend checking out the brand’s size chart.) We also love that it’s held together by a hook-and-eye closure in the back, which Palep explained is especially important for those with larger busts, as it offers a bit more support and security.
The only caveat: The textured lace peeks through tight-fitted tops. If you like the look of a bralette showing under a tank or t-shirt, this is a really cute option. But, if you’d rather keep it under wraps, this one might not be for you. We noticed that the lace (although really pretty) gave bodysuits a bumpy texture but remained undetectable underneath sweaters, sweatshirts, and thicker tops.
Price at time of publish: $46
- Size Range: S-2X
- Material: 70% Nylon, 30% Elastane
- Seams: Yes
- Adjustable: Yes
- Color Options: 5
Best V-Neck
Lively The Busty Bralette
Lively
Buy On Amazon Buy On Target Buy On Wearlively.com
Our Ratings
- Fit: 3.3/5
- Support: 4/5
- Quality: 4.5/5
- Comfort: 3.5/5
- Adjustability: 5/5
What We Like
- Adjustable straps and band
- 3 hook-and-eye closures
- Deep V-neckline for easy styling
What We Don't Like
- Sizing can be confusing
Bralettes don’t always work with the outfit you’re wearing, particularly if your top has an intricate neckline or you’re blessed with larger breasts. This deep-V bralette from Lively is a great choice, as it keeps the girls secure, even in more revealing situations. Similar to a triangle bikini top, this bralette provides a little less coverage than a normal bra, but since we weren’t expecting it to perform like one, we didn’t mind. It comes with a lining on the inside for ample nipple coverage and can be secured by three adjustable hook-and-eye clasps located on the back of the band. During the testing period, we wore the bralette with a few different tops—turtlenecks, tank tops, and t-shirts—and liked the support it provided, although it wasn’t as comfortable as some of the other options on the list. The band is made of a thick elastic material that supports the breasts well, but some of us found it to be a little uncomfortable if you get too small a size.
Sizing was ultimately the only thing we didn’t love about this bralette. While it is designed for larger breasts, we would have appreciated more diversity in size options. You see, this bralette comes in only three sizes. Size 1 is ideal for sizes 30DD, 30DDD, 32D, 32DD, 32DDD; size 2 is better for those with bra sizes 34D, 34DD, 34DDD, 36D, 36DD; and size 3 is best for bra sizes 36DDD, 38D, 38DD, 38DDD, 40D, 40DD. The brand’s experts say if you’re in between sizes, size up, which we found to be true. Once you get your right size, though, the bralette is fantastic. Plus, the straps are adjustable, too, so you’re able to customize the fit of your bra if it’s a little loose.
- Price at time of publish: $45
- Size Range: 3 universal sizes for D, DD, and DDD
- Material: 85% Nylon, 15% Elastane
- Seams: Yes
- Adjustable: Yes
- Color Options: 6
Best Adjustable
Bombas Womens Ribbed Seamless Bralette
Bombas
Our Ratings
- Fit: 4.1/5
- Support: 3.9/5
- Quality: 4.7/5
- Comfort: 4.3/5
- Adjustability: 4/5
What We Like
- Breathable fabric
- Soft, stretchy feel
- Tag- and wire-free
- Flexible, adjustable straps
What We Don't Like
- Not the most flattering
Less support than a traditional bra, but that’s not to say it wasn’t supportive. It did a pretty good job of holding the ladies up and tight so we could go about our day. It has a soft, stretchy feel, and thanks to its wire- and tag-free construction, there’s nothing digging into your sides or midsection. In fact, once we put it on, we forgot about it. It offers pretty great coverage, too; it’s not too short on the sides or too deep in the front. The straps stay in place (love that for us), and the band doesn’t roll up or move around.
The only thing we didn’t love about this one is its lack of versatility. Since it’s ribbed and very thin, we only felt comfortable wearing this at home or underneath baggy clothes. It’s pretty visible under tight clothes and doesn’t offer a ton of shape, so it’s not the most flattering. But because of how comfortable and stretchy it is, you can bet we’ll be wearing this one underneath a fuzzy sweatshirt while working from home or running errands.
- Price at time of publish: $38
- Size Range: XS/S-2X
- Material: 53% Nylon, 39% Modal, 8% Elastane
- Seams: No
- Adjustable: Yes
- Color Options: 6
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a quality bralette, you can’t go wrong with the Commando Butter Soft-
Support: Adjustable Bralette. This option was a unanimous favorite during testing because it checked off all of our boxes. Not only is the coverage and support of the Commando bralette pretty comparable to a traditional bra, the construction has just enough compression to help us feel secure, but not so much that we were uncomfortable or fidgeting in it. The adjustable straps were also a big hit across the team as they provided support and a little bit of a lift when tightened, and the scoop neckline wore nicely under clothes—both loose and tight-fitting. Those looking for extra support will love the Harper Wilde The Bliss Bralette, an insanely comfortable bralette made from a durable microfiber fabric. It comes in sizes XS through 4X and is available in four core colors—black, beige, tan, and brown—though you can often find limited edition shades like succulent, sea glass, and more.
How We Tested
buuk.top editors extensively researched popular bralettes, taking expert recommendations and consumer reviews into account before choosing 15 to test out first-hand. Each tester considered each bralette’s material, comfort, and style before deciding on a rating from one to five. Those with the highest scores made the list.
What to Look for in a Bralette
Construction
Not every bralette is made the same. Look for quality materials and features, supportive styling, and a good fit, Palep suggests. “If you have larger breasts, you should look for a bralette with a hook-and-eye closure, vertical support seaming, full coverage, a longer band, power mesh lining, and adjustable straps.” The Wacoal Soft Sense Bralette is our favorite for larger breasts, as it features a full-busted design complete with full-coverage cups, all-over soft stretch lace, and a hook-and-eye back closure.
Style
When shopping for a bralette, it’s important to consider the style. Palep recommends thinking about how you’ll use your bralette (as a layering piece, as loungewear, or as sleepwear, for example), whether or not you’ll wear it every day, and what colors will work best under items in your existing wardrobe. “When you put your bralette on, you should love how it feels, love how it fits, and love the level of support it gives you,” Palep says. “The fit should make you want to wear it, and the style and color should flatter you.” We love the LIVELY The Busty Bralette, a V-neck bra that works well with fancier tops, especially ones that have drop necklines. The Calvin Klein Invisibles Lightly Lined Triangle Bralette, on the other hand, is ideal for more chill activities like lounging around or running errands as it has a seamless, more flexible design.
Sizing
Bralettes are generally sized for their band size (you’ll typically see sizes run XS through 4X, like normal tops) rather than like a traditional bra with band and cup size, like 32B (32 being the band and B being the cup). “The key to a bralette fit is the band size; if you don’t have the correct size, your bralette will not support you properly,” Palep explains. “There are some brands that offer wireless bralettes in bra sizing, and in that case, you should order your same size as a bra.” Do keep in mind that bra sizes do not always equate across brands, she warns, so it is best to get professionally fit or measure yourself before choosing a wireless bralette. The Bombas Ribbed Seamless Bralettes is a great pick because it’s adjustable and gives you the power to create the perfect fit for yourself.
FAQ
What are the benefits of bralettes?
Since bralettes offer comfort and effortlessness, they make ideal layering pieces. “You might opt for a bralette instead of a bra if you’re looking for something to layer with, a pull-on style, or something lightweight,” Palep says.
Are bralettes good for large breasts?
“Bralettes have come a long way in recent years, and some brands have designed bralettes specifically for large breasts,” Pale