Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created by TIME Stamped, under TIME’s direction and produced in accordance with TIME’s editorial guidelines and overseen by TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.
You probably have a few bras in your wardrobe rotation—strapless, push-up, plunge, etc. Notice I didn’t say wireless bras—that’s because it can be challenging to find quality ones that actually provide the necessary support, especially for folks with larger busts. Contrary to popular belief, there are wireless bras that can be worn on a variety of occasions for individuals with both large and small busts. To help ease the process, we consulted with bra experts to learn more about the best bras on the market and how to go about finding the right size and fit.
As someone always on the hunt for a budget-friendly and more affordable bra, I was thrilled when I came across this wireless pullover bra. Made from a modal and spandex blend, this bra is super soft and stretchy yet supportive, with its wide straps and lightly lined cups. For reference, I generally wear a 44D. For this bra, I’m a size 2X and it fits perfectly. It feels like a sports bra, but provides a nice lift, making it ideal for everyday wear. The best part? It’s only $15 so it’s a great deal if you’re looking to stock up on a few bras for the holiday season and beyond.
Kindly Yours Women's Comfort Modal Lounge Pullover Bra is an affordable pick for those people not interested in spending upward of $50 on a single bra.
Maurices is one of the best places to buy dresses online, and also wireless bras. Made from a spandex and nylon blend, this bra offers wearers a comfortable fit without unwanted seams. There’s nothing worse than wearing a shirt and seeing the outline of the bra directly through it, but this seamless bra doesn’t present that problem. It comes in vintage blush, black, white, wine, and lilac so you’re destined to find a color that you’ll love and will match with the rest of your wardrobe too.
Maurice’s SmoothBliss Wireless Full Coverage Bra is a great choice for those who like to wear tight-fitting clothes and don’t want to see lumps and bumps generally caused by ill-fitting bras.
As someone with a large bust, it can be a challenge to find bras, let alone wireless bras with optimal support. Glamorise offers some of the best bras for those with larger busts in a variety of styles including wire bras, sports bras, front-closure bras, wide-strap bras, bralettes, and wireless bras.
This wireless bra is stylish and supportive with its MagicLift® design that shapes and has padded straps. I love how breathable and full coverage this bra is with its wide straps and smoothing hook and eye closure that provides a barely-there feel. It’s a great option for under t-shirts, dresses, and other everyday outfits where your bust needs some TLC.
The Glamorise MagicLift® Cotton Support Bra provides support and comfort to those with larger busts with its soft cotton material and breathable construction.
While shopping for bras in larger sizes can be hard, finding those in small sizes can be just as difficult. This wireless bra is available starting at 32A for smaller busts and extends through 42DDD. The bra provides a natural shape and finish while feeling like a second skin thanks to its soft nylon and spandex fabric. They’re available in a variety of colors from black to purple, so you can buy a few to match different outfits or pick one that goes with anything.
Soma Intimates Enbliss® Wireless Bra is the best choice for smaller busts, as it comes in sizes A to DDD and in a plethora of colors suitable for any wardrobe.
It’s rare to find a bra that’s both stylish and functional, but with this one from Intimissimi, you’ll get the best of both worlds. It has an intricate floral lace design that will make you feel sexy and cute while keeping your chest lifted with a microfiber underband for added support. It’s not as full coverage as some of the other bras listed above, but it’s a solid choice for one looking for a bra to wear around the house or in the bedroom.
Not only is Intimissimi one of the best lingerie brands, but they also have stylish wireless bras like the Pretty Flowers Lara Triangle that can be worn to provide light coverage and lift when needed.
One of the best sports bras I own is from ThirdLove so it’s no surprise this wireless bra is the most comfortable. This soft, stretchy bra provides moderate coverage and unmatched comfort with its built-in foam cups, adjustable straps, and stretchy fabric. It doesn’t dig into the sides and give that bulgy look by the armpits for a flattering look you’ll love and won’t want to take off.
ThirdLove’s Form 360™ Fit Wireless Bra is a safe bet for those looking for a comfortable, well-fitted everyday bra in a variety of colors and sizes.
As a plus-size person, wireless bras can be intimidating, as they generally appear to have less support than an underwire option. That said, Shapermint has comfortable and supportive wireless bras to support larger busts that actually live up to the expectations. The straps lift and support while preventing uncomfortable pressure, making it a go-to option for a wireless bra.
Shapermint’s Truekind™ Daily Comfort Wireless Shaper Bra provides plus size individuals with the construction necessary to lift and support without hassle and pain.
It’s a common misconception that wireless bras aren’t supportive, however, in many cases that’s far from the truth. Knix’s WingWoman Contour Bra has molded foam cups to hold and lift, while additional side fabric prevents unwanted spillage and sideboob. (And yes, that’s the same Knix that makes some of the best period panties around.) It’s available in extended band and cup sizes suitable for different busts and lots of colors so it’s hard to go wrong with this wireless bra.
Knix’s WingWoman Contour Bra provides folks with large and small busts the support and lift they need to feel confident and look their best with its comfortable straps and extensive side coverage.
Most bras come in the standard beige, white, and black so they can be worn under nearly every piece of clothing. That said, there are individuals (like myself) who love color and want a more fun and vibrant bra. This racerback bralette from Cosabella is not only supportive with its power mesh lining and band but also available in 63 colors—pink, purple, blue, green, etc.
The Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Racie Racerback Bralette is available in over 60 colors so you’re destined to find at least one wireless bra that matches with the rest of your wardrobe.
When you want a little extra cleavage, a push-up bra is the way to go. It provides lift with its adjustable straps and can be even more elevated using the back J-hook. Plus, since it’s wireless you won’t have to deal with the uncomfortable poking and prodding that generally accompanies push-up bras. If you’re between cup sizes, you’ll want to size down to ensure a comfortable fit.
The Lively No-Wire Push-Up bra boasts extra foam padding for a flattering lift for both small and large busts.
Plunge bras are great for those who want room for the chest to breathe and also show more skin. Unlike the other bras, this one has a front closure and is designed with accessibility in mind, meaning it can be put on overhead, by stepping into it, up and over, around the waist, and one handed. The velcro hook and loop closure makes it easy to take on and off while keeping it snug around the bust line for optimal support.
The Springrose Plunge Front Closure Bra is an accessible option for those who may not be able to put on a bra in the conventional way while still providing support and a stylish design.
To find the best wireless bras, we researched different brands on the market and analyzed each one based on user experience, first-person testing, and customer reviews. Additionally, we consulted with bra experts to get additional information about sizing, styling, and fit. Our list includes a variety of different wireless bras suitable for different bust sizes, style preferences, and materials.
A stereotype about wireless bras is that they don’t offer support, especially to those individuals with larger busts—but that’s not always the case. There are always a few bad apples, but with the right construction, a wireless bra can be just as supportive as an underwire one. “Always opt for adjustable straps or bands if you want something with a better fit for your body,” says Kimmay Caldwell, bra fit trainer and founder of The Fitters' Formula™. Other important qualities to look for include the cup sizes and pads to make sure it’s a good fit for your body.
Different types of coverage can be provided by a wireless bra. For example, you may want something that’s more full coverage with thick pads and larger cups. On the other hand, there’s also the opportunity to show more skin with a plunge neckline or push-up bra. You’ll want to consider the coverage that a wireless bra can give you.
Many individuals don’t know their actual bra size and that can be detrimental in the case of looking for a wireless bra. “Expert bra fitters can help determine the best size as well as the best style of wireless bra for your body,” says Mila Stojanovic, bra fit expert at Bravissimo.
Caldwell says that almost everyone can wear a wireless bra. That said, there are some individuals who may benefit more from wearing one—pregnant people, full figured individuals, elderly folks, and teenagers may all find that wireless bras are more comfortable and well suited to their needs and lifestyles.
Our bra experts advise against self-measuring to figure out your bra size. “I would recommend getting a professional fitting, especially if you haven’t had a bra fitting for over six months, as our boobs change more often than you think,” says Stojanovic. “The size should be very similar or the same to your underwired bra size—but a professional bra fitter can really help you narrow down what works best.”
The fit of a wireless bra depends on the type of bra and the brand as each differs slightly. “Wireless bras can be supportive and give the wearer lift. However there’s a higher chance that boobs will be less separated and the shape may feel a touch more flat than when wearing an underwired bra,” says Stojanovic.
According to Caldwell, many wireless bras these days can still deliver a great deal of support. As with any type of undergarments, you’ll want to make sure you have the correct size and try a few different types to see which works best for you.
The disadvantages of wireless bras vary, but Stojanovic says most of the disadvantages can stem in the overall fit, i.e. making boobs appear flatter and less separated. This isn’t necessarily a disadvantage, but something you’ll want to note.
Wireless bras are great to wear with anything because they’re usually comfortable, supportive, and provide coverage. That said, if you have an outfit like a dress or tank top, you might want to opt for a strapless bra.
Some wireless bras are machine washable, however, there are many that are not. You’ll want to check with the specific care instructions for the bra you have prior to drying it.
Generally, a bra rolls up under your breasts when you aren’t wearing the right size. “You still want your bust to fit into the cup,” says Caldwell. “If there is an underwire channel or a clear indication of the cup shape, use that as guidance.”
As mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with consulting a bra fit expert to determine your right size.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.