Most comfortable bras UK: How to choose, which to buy

You deserve to love your bras. After all, you likely wear them daily, so it’s essential that they function and feel phenomenal. And dare we say… they should look nice, too.

If you’re ready to revamp your bra collection, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll learn five essential tips for choosing the best bra. Plus, you’ll find 16 editor-selected bras that you can shop online right now.

Browse the best comfort bras of 2022

Shop everyday bra styles that won't let you down

Ready to dive in and find the best comfortable bras, several of which we've tested out? From wireless bras to sports bras, pushup options and bralettes, it's all right here. Keep reading for our favourite ones available to shop online in the UK right now.

Cute, comfy wireless bras

Photo: Boux Avenue

Boux Avenue Ribbed Seamless Lounge Bralette

If you're like us, you want a stylish bralette that you can easily wear around the house… and while running errands, and while doing yoga. We tried out the Ribbed Seamless Lounge Bralette from Boux Avenue — and it easily ticked all of these boxes. What do we like about it? This wireless bra has removable padding, is made from 25% recycled fibres, available in four chic colours — and it's just as enjoyable to wear as it looks.

Photo: Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer Autograph Tivoli Mesh Non-Wired Bralette A-E

You save £6 (30%)£20

Looking for a sexy-meets-sporty wireless bra? This wireless triangle bralette has our vote. Made from a blended fabric that's machine washable, this silky smooth bra features mesh trims and stretch fabric for added comfort. Available in sizes A through E, this non-padded bra creates a lightweight, undetectable finish under clothing.

Photo: Lounge Underwear

Lounge Underwear Bare Bra & Thong Set

Monochromatic lingerie is having a moment. And to say we're on board with this trend would be an understatement. Available for shopping online via Lounge Underwear, this soft ribbed grey wireless bra and underwear pairing is one of the chicest we've come across. For those who prefer a bit more support, this set features plenty of coverage, light foam padding and wide straps.

Photo: Boux Avenue

Boux Avenue Lounge Bra

This non-wired bra from Boux Avenue has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from nearly 1,500 buyers. After trying it ourselves, we couldn't agree more with giving this bra top marks. One of our editors tested it out, and after several months of use, we can confirm that this is the perfect T-shirt bra. Our favourite part? Not only is this one of the comfiest, seamless bras we've ever tried, but it also has convertible straps that crisscross in the back for versatile styling and a little extra support.

Sports bras you'll happily wear outside the gym

Photo: Lululemon

Lululemon Like a Cloud Ribbed Longline Bra Light Support, B/C Cup

We tried this bra and can confirm, it's honestly amazing. (Can you tell, we're speechless?) From the incredibly soft fabric to the 'marshmallowy-soft' foam cups, it's a sports bra that's a step ahead of the rest. Intended for use during yoga, this bra is certainly a great choice for low-impact activity. But based on our trial run with this bra, it's one we can guarantee you'll want to wear all day long. With sweat-wicking, ribbed fabric and four-way stretch, this gentle bra offers a barely-there fit all women deserve.

Photo: Yvette

Yvette Shift Racerback Mesh Padded Gym Bra

What's got stretchy fabric, loads of support and sexy power mesh cutouts? This comfy sports bra does! Available to shop via Yvette, this stunning training bra features super-soft fabric, a smooth silhouette and works for gals with larger busts — thanks to its wide straps. This option comes in a wide size range — from XS to 2XL+ — and four stunning neutral colours.

Photo: ASOS

ASOS-Exclusive: TALA Skinluxe high neck medium support sports bra in mocha brown

This bra is one to snap up before it's gone. Available in an of-the-moment mocha brown hue — and in a mix-and-match set with shorts and a top — this fashion-forward sports bra is making us swoon. The rounded shape of the underband that runs beneath the bust creates a secure fit — while the stretchy polyester fabric sits smoothly against the body for a flattering natural shape. 

Sexy bralettes that are buttery soft 

Photo: PrettyLittleThing

PrettyLittleThing Charcoal Grey Ribbed Plunge Bralet

Available in six must-have colours, this triangle bralette is a major style steal. With a sexy plunge style and thin straps, it's the comfy little number to wear while at home — or out on the town. We love the idea of pairing it with a white button-up top, high-waist jeans and mules for a sultry going-out look. When rocking it around the house, you'll appreciate its comfortable fabric that's 95% polyester, which makes it a no-brainer to throw on for everyday wear.

Photo: Stripe & Star

Stripe and Stare Lace Bralette

This non-wired style of bralette not only provides excellent comfort, but it's also better for the environment. Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, Stripe & Stare created this bra using Beechwood, a natural fibre which is 'proven to be more than twice as soft as cotton.' So you’ll feel as good wearing the bra as you do about purchasing it. Oh, and did we mention it'll arrive to you packaged in a cute recycled gift box? 

Photo: Amazon

Calvin Klein Women's Lightly Lined Bralette Pad

You save £11.45 (35.78%)£32

Big fan of classic fashion brands? Then, you'll like this attractive design from Calvin Klein. A lightly lined bralette, this sporty number is a classic T-shirt bra we can get behind. With adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye fastening clasp in the back, it's a wonderful hybrid style that combines everything you love about a regular bra and a more casual bralette.

Pleasant push-up bras for everyday wear

Photo: Hollister

Gilly Hicks by Hollister Bare Comfort Wireless Push-up Plunge Bra

When you hear the words 'push-up bra,' our guess is comfort isn't the first thing that comes to mind. Well, all that changes with this memory foam pushup bra from Gilly Hicks by Hollister. Available in six neutral colours, this bra was designed to provide you with a barely-there feel with noticeable lift — and it's got zero wires. Comfort guaranteed.

Photo: New Look

New Look Two-Pack White and Black Floral Push-Up Bras

If your bra collection really needs a revamp, we say go for this two-pack of push-up bras from New Look. You'll get one all-white bra, which is perfect for wearing every day — plus, a cute floral push-up bra that'll make you feel extra cute. What do we like most? Both bras are made from Nylon for extra comfort and are machine washable, making them easy to maintain.

Photo: Pour Moi

Pour Moi Reflection Non-Wired Padded Push-Up Bra

You save £9.60 (40%)£24

What we love most about this full-coverage bra is that it's completely wireless — and still sexy at the same time. In addition to being totally comfy, this push-up bra by New Look has a sultry lace overlay and provides a noticeable lift to enhance your bust area. What a win.

Plus-size comfort bras

Photo: Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer Lace Non-Padded Bralette (Cup size: F through H)

With 4.6 out of 5-stars from nearly 700 buyers, this non-padded lace bralette is a winner among larger busted gals. Not only is the design super sultry, but its wide straps and the high-coverage bust area also offer ample support — which is not always easy to come by in a bralette! 

Available in sizes 32F to 42G, this bra is the perfect style for everyday wear — and it comes in three must-have colours. Snap it up before it sells out and tell your friends about it because, clearly, this bra is in a league all its own.

Photo: New Look

New Look Curves Brown Leopard Print Satin Plunge Push-Up Bra

Every girl deserves a sexy bra for special occasions. We vote for this leopard print push-up bra by New Look as your new just-for-fun bra. Available in sizes 40C up to 44DD, this bra features adjustable straps, lace trim, underwire and plunge push-up cups to give your breasts a noticeable lift.

Photo: Simply Be

Simply Be. Glamorise Plus Size MagicLift Seamless Sports Bra 1006

When you’re working out, you need a bra that ticks all of the boxes. Comfort, support, lift, style… the list goes on. After searching the web for the best sports bras for busty ladies, we landed on this fabulous option from Simply Be. It boasts moisture-wicking technology, seamless cups and design, hook-and-eye closure at the back and a cushioned band that 'lifts, shapes and supports' wire-free. Yes, please.

5 keys to choosing an ultra-comfortable bra

Bra shopping is more complicated than we often think. In fact, a whopping 90% of UK adult women wear the wrong bra size, according to a 2019 study from Nudea. So that you don't end up in this group of women not wearing the right bra size, our editors researched the top five key factors to consider before choosing your next bra.

1. The right bra size for optimal comfort

Bras come in a wide range of sizes, which can make it challenging to find the right one for you. Luckily, to get it right, you just need to understand two things: Cup size and band size.

• Cup size: Contrary to popular belief, your cup size doesn't equal boob size. Instead, it's a measurement of the distance between your rib cage and your bust. It represents how much bigger the breasts are compared to the rib cage. Cup size is measured by letters, such as A, B, C, D, DD, E, F, etc.

• Band size: Your band size equals the distance around your rib cage. To measure, simply place a tape measurer around your rib cage, laying flat, directly under your breast — where the band of your bra would sit.

When trying to find your perfect fit, it’s important to remember:

• If you need a smaller band, make sure you increase the cup size.

• If you need a larger band, go down a cup size.

Why? According to Katherine Hamilton, a popular lingerie brand, ‘bra sizes that are the same in volume are often referred to as “sister sizes”’. An example? If the band of a 34B bra is too loose, opt for a 32C instead.

Photo: Pexels

For more information, here is a bra-fitting guide to help you find your perfect fit.

2. Bra material for maximising comfort level

For most women, bras made from cotton and microfibre are a good choice — especially if you have sensitive skin — because this material is breathable and lightweight. Otherwise, we've found that bras made from lace, nylon and polyester also feel pleasant on the skin — and are commonly used in the making of comfort and sleep bras.

3. Underwire that supports without hindering comfort

Not everyone likes (or even needs) underwire in their bra. This really comes down to preference and how much support you'd prefer.

That said, before you ditch underwire, we'd recommend getting fitted by a specialist, so you can see what a difference it can make — especially for those with larger breasts.

The key here is, the underwire shouldn't be digging into your skin or causing discomfort. If it is, you likely need a different size.

4. The right cup shape for a noticeable difference

Did you know one in four adult women has uneven or asymmetric breasts? That's why finding your perfect cup shape is somewhat of an individual journey. But, once you find what works best for you, it's oh-so-satisfying — and makes bra shopping so much easier. 

If you have asymmetric breasts, bra specialists will fit you based on your larger breast, according to Pour Moi, a UK-based lingerie brand. Why? Because it's easier to hide gaps in the bra around the smaller one — versus the alternative of having a bra that's digging in on one side. (Ouch!)

While there are many different breast shapes and bra styles, one telltale sign that a bra isn't fitting is if the centre point of the bra, or the 'gore,' that sits between your breasts isn't laying flat against your sternum, according to Bustle. If this isn't sitting snugly, your breasts will shift about in the cups, which frankly, nobody wants. 

Want to know which breast shape you have and what this means in terms of choosing the perfect bra? Check out this guide to the best bras depending on breast shape.

5. Adjustable straps for support and extra comfort

If the girls need a bit of extra support, there's a simple solution: Thicker, adjustable straps. While this bra feature isn't necessary for everyone, it's often a must-have for those with larger cup sizes.

Not only will having wide straps provide the support and comfort needed, but they also prevent shoulder pain sometimes experienced as a result of too-thin straps that dig in and cause discomfort. On a positive note, there are many chic bras with wide straps available to shop online, so you won't have to compromise on style to get the support you need.

Photo: Unsplash

Which ultimate comfort bras do we like best?

If you find it difficult to choose from the list above, we don't blame you. We've fallen for all of these bras — due to their superbly innovative technology, impressive ratings, stellar performance and beautiful designs. 

But, if we had to choose, the following deserve a bit of added recognition:

• Boux Avenue Lounge Bra: At an affordable price point and a design that's truly intended for everyday use, this T-shirt bra is a no-brainer to add to your bra collection. 

• New Look Two-Pack White and Black Floral Push-Up Bras: Since this list is all about comfort, we couldn't pass on this budget-friendly two-pack of push-up bras. Made from 100% Nylon, this set is easy to wear daily without discomfort — and they look great.

• Lululemon Like a Cloud Ribbed Longline Bra Light Support, B/C Cup: After trying out this sports bra, we aren't going back. It's truly one of the softest we've ever worn and the design and fit are next level. Highly recommend.

• Marks and Spencer Lace Non-Padded Bralette (F to H): As mentioned above, bralettes rarely offer proper support to large-busted ladies — but this one does! This combined with the affordable price point makes this a bra worth buying.

There you have it. These are our favourite comfy bras broken down by type. Every bra in this list is shoppable in the UK — but they'll likely sell out quickly. So, don't stall on adding one (or several!) of these to your undergarment collection.