Lingerie

9 best bras for 2026 and beyond

Sexy and supportive.
Best Bra 2026
LOUNGE

Featured in this article

Best plunge bra
Barely There Plunge Bra
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Best bra for bigger busts
Smoothing Intimates Unlined Minimizer Bra
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Best multiway bra
Strapless Microfibre Multiway Bra
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Bra FAQs, answered by experts:

What are the different types of bras?

Most of us tend to have a few good bras to rotate between: a push-up bra when we need a little boost, a strapless bra for off-the-shoulder or bandeau necklines, a sleep bra to (you guessed it) snooze in, a couple of the best shapewear bras for extra contouring, and a sports bra for when raising your heart rate.

T-shirt bras are probably the most common for everyday wear, but if you're wearing something backless, you'll definitely need a few of the best sticky bras, backless bras, and/or nipple covers, too. And if you're breastfeeding, new mums have confirmed these nursing bras are game-changing.

But unsure which will suit you best? If you have smaller boobs (anything up to a C cup), bra fit expert and confidence cheerleader, Katie Weir, says: “For a little more projection, smaller boobs may like a moulded plunge bra or moulded balcony to sit flush against the top cup. But it is still as important to get the correct fit and have a firm back band as smaller boob don’t necessarily need as much construction in a bra to hold up the breast tissue.”

For larger chests (anything upwards from a D cup), she adds: “If you are fuller busted and looking for more lift, look out for balcony bra shapes or half cup bra shapes as this really helps to lift the breast tissue towards your collar bones and feature side support as this helps to lift and forward project a heavier bust.

“Thicker straps and a wide back band can also offer more support and comfort for everyday bras, especially if you are above a DD cup. The back band support is essential at any size, as this is where 80% of the lift comes from.”

How do I know my correct bra size?

“A well-fitted bra should feel comfortable to wear all day,” says Emily Mackay, Customer Experience Manager at Bravissimo. "The under band should be firm and shouldn’t pull more than 1 to 1.5 inches away from the side of your body — this is where most of the support comes from. 

She continues: “Your boobs should be fully enclosed, without any spilling or fabric wrinkling, so you feel totally secure and supported. If your bra isn't fitting like this, then it may be time to pop in for a fitting.”

Can I measure my bra size at home?

We've got an entire guide if you're wondering how to measure your bra size yourself. A reminder that wearing the wrong bra size can actually cause some genuine physical problems, but it can be rectified in minutes, so I'd recommend you check out our tips or go for an IRL bra fitting, pronto.

What type of bra is best for everyday wear?

Personally, I'd prioritise comfort and then support — and it seems Emily agrees, too. “Most women prefer to go for a style they feel most comfortable in, and this can be different for every person. A great starting point is to go for bras that have been designed with soft fabrics and comfort features like our Ultimate Comfort Plunge Bra with a cross-front design that eases pressure from the centre of your chest for all-day comfort."

Which bra is best for large breasts?

“The best bra is a bra that fits,” says Emily. “That's why we recommend starting with a bra fitting where our fitters can help you find the best fit and style for your shape. Our best-selling style for D cups and above, though, is our Millie Bra (we sell one every 6 minutes!), so this is a great option for comfort and support for bigger boobs.”

How many bras should I own?

You'll need a few everyday bras that you can wear on rotation, plus a few ‘special’ bras: stick-on bras for backless outfits, sexy lingerie for date nights, and tonnes of nursing bras if you're breastfeeding. However, there's no exact number to adhere to.

How often should I replace my bra?

“We always recommend swapping out your bras every 6 to 12 months to make sure that they provide you with the best support,” urges Emily. “We also recommend treating yourself to a fitting every 6 months, as our bodies can change, and so does the support that we need.”


Meet the experts:

Katie WeirBra fit expert and confidence cheerleader, known @weirwonderful.
Emily MackayCustomer experience manager at Bravissimo.

How I test the best bras:

It really is as simple as wearing each bra multiple times and under various tops over the course of a month — AKA at various points in my cycle, considering this impacts both my size and shape — to see how they fare. This includes wearing them under close-fitting t-shirts, white shirts, and summer dresses to see whether they provide a flattering lift.

For all styles, from t-shirt bras to various styles of wireless bras and sticky bras, I scored them against the following criteria:

FunctionalityDid the bra stay put, provide some support and give me the desired shape? Did I have any issues in terms of slipping, twisting or irritation?
DesignIs the bra aesthetic and comfortable? How many options do I have in terms of colour and pattern? And what was each bra made of — is the material sustainable and breathable?
Price pointWould I be willing to spend that much again? Is it good quality?
DeliveryHow quickly did the bra arrive, and what were the associated costs?

And, because we're all different in terms of our chest shape, size and desired support, I also asked my fellow Glamour editors to weigh in on which brands and cuts they love, which also influenced which styles I tested for myself.

Unsurprisingly, only the chest supports that impressed made it into this edit. However, I also tried the following, which sadly didn't meet my standards:

In terms of what I'm currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:

Why you can trust me:

I've been reviewing underwear, shapewear, activewear, and wellness products, including cotton underwear, sports bras, and period pants, for almost three years — that's one year at Women's Health and 18 months at Glamour. During that time, I've seen countless trends and advancements, as well as a boom in our options.

To ensure I am an authority on functional fashion, I regularly attend press launches and interview clothing designers and brand founders, asking for their insight and shopping tips.

I also personally review as many new releases as possible. Ahead of my summer holidays, I've been reviewing bras from the likes of Boux Avenue, Lounge, H&M and Marks & Spencer to see which supports my 34DD chest best — and have even worn them for a full work day in the office and to weddings, praying and hoping they hold up for hours spent toasting and dancing.