Most comfortable bra 2022: Bralettes, crop tops and more

Best: Decorative bra

Rating: 8/10

Not only is this Pretty Polly lace bra beautiful – a rarity when it comes to comfortable bras – it’s actually extremely supportive. With large cups that cover the whole boob and a lace overlay for an extra inch of coverage, this is definitely one for those who like to keep their boobs close to their chest. The thick, shiny band also adds to the support while giving just a bit of added lift. If you’re after a comfortable bra that’s still sexy, look no further.

Best: For larger chests

Rating: 9/10

Independent underwear brand Freedom is quickly making its mark as a go-to for D+ sizes. Stocking from 28D to 40HH, it’s one of the largest runs we’ve seen and with only two styles – the freedom bra or sports bra – they’ve clearly nailed each design.

We are one of the smallest sizes within this range, but the mechanics of this bra were not lost. Again, there’s no underwire, meaning it’s soft enough to sleep in while still having enough support to rival a wired option. With thicker straps, three hook and eyes compared and a wrap-over front cup design, if you’d ruled out comfortable bras for a larger chest, it’s time to think again.

Best: For sleeping

Rating: 9/10

A pull-on bralette with no hook and eye at the back, no shoulder adjustment on the straps, or any bows, metal logos or fancy details – if we had to pick a bra for sleeping, or to spend a long-haul flight in, it would be this one. Part of the lounge collection, it literally has been made for comfort. Ribbed on the outside but smooth on the inside, with removable pads in each cup, the simple design does exactly what it needs to do: nothing more, nothing less.

Best: Underwired bra

Rating: 8/10

We know we’ve gone on about how all of these other bras are comfortable because they don’t have a wire, but for some people, it’s a necessity, so of course we had to include an underwired option. This Intimissi Greta cotton balconette bra is the comfiest we tried. The wire is nicely padded and sits right against the breastbone, so there’s no poking, and it’s barely visible when on. The front strap is all in one piece with the cups, so no seams are there to rub, and you can’t really go wrong with the minimalist design. But be warned – without any padding, it may show nipple outlines on a particularly cold day.

Best: Crop top

Rating: 7/10

After a bra that doubles up as a crop top? This is your answer. Simple in its design with a modern straight cut, it looks more like a Kendall Jenner-esque crop top than your everyday bra. Support wise, we wouldn’t go running a 5k in it, but as an everyday summer throw on, it’s perfect. It did come up a little bit wider than shown in this image, but personally we’d still wear an overshirt too – we’re not that brave yet!

Best: Multi-buy bras

Rating: 8/10

Working out at just over £4 per bra, this set of bralettes is perfect for anybody just starting to wear bras, anyone in need of a full lingerie refresh, or savvy savers who can spot a great deal. Of course, there’s a no-frills approach to these bras – there’s no fancy pattern, lace, ribbing, or little details – but they get the job done (and rather well, we must add). The sweetheart cut gives a nice touch of visible cleavage and works under V-neck tops easily. And, since they’re made from 94 per cent cotton, they’re lovely and soft too.

Best: For vest tops

Rating: 9/10

You may have spotted Les Girls Les Boys across your Instagram feed. It’s cool, to say the least. The founder of the brand knows a thing or two about underwear, as they created none other than luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur back in the Nineties. Now it makes non-gender-conforming clothing and also, of course, great bras. We’ve dubbed this one as best for vest tops, owing to its super-slim, double-layered straps that aren’t seen on any of our other picks. Of course it’s also very comfortable, and the standout logo is sure to score you some serious cool points.

Best: Budget bra

Rating: 8/10

For under a tenner, this bra is quite a steal. And, even better, it’s part of H&M’s conscious collection, meaning it’s made from a good percentage of recycled materials. The khaki colour was a standout for us in the blacks, whites and pinks we usually see. It’s ribbed, which is a nice design feature but one that doesn’t fare too well under a tight-fitting T-shirt. But, unlike our other pullover options, it does have adjustable straps. The inner cup pads are removable and the overall shape is rather flattering too.

Best: Supportive bra

Rating: 9/10

If support and comfort are the aim of the game, Pour Moi has smashed it with this bra. Padded all over for a sculpted feel, everything about it has been designed to keep your chest in one position. The cups reach well under the armpit and join in the middle of the breastbone for full coverage while also leaving room for some cleavage to be on show. Completely smooth with no lumps or bumps, this would work great under even the thinnest of tops or vests, thanks to a handy little hook to turn it into a racerback. And now that it’s on sale at half price, it’s looking even better.

Best: Environmentally friendly bra

Rating: 9/10

You may remember this brand made headlines a few years ago for making underwear out of seaweed. Yes, you read that right. Using only seaweed (Seacell) and wood pulp (Tencel), this brand is a gamechanger when it comes to sustainable clothing. Carbon neutral, biodegradable, and responsibly sourced so as to not deplete resources, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Oh, but it does. The seaweed actually contains iron and iodine and vitamins A, C, E and B12, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness. And, of course, the packaging is compostable, and the information card even has wildflower seeds in it so you can grow your own mini meadow.

Over to the bra, and, we’re impressed. It’s one of the softest options we tried, with a great simple cut and barely-there feel, although there’s no padding, so nipple outlines are visible. The only downside is that this brand sells out pretty instantly, but thankfully there’s stock available right now.