The best bras for every occasion

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There is no one size fits all approach to the perfect bra — though some companies have certainly attempted. For many women, bras are an annoyance, but we may succumb to wearing one because it can be uncomfortable not to. Fortunately, bras can be quite beautiful and it turns out — quite comfortable too.

Our team tried a variety of bras to find the perfect fit for varying body types, then we tested each bra underneath shirts with different materials and all kinds of necklines. Our goal was to find comfortable yet sexy options that suited most body types. For those with large (E+) breasts, look for the options marked large or high support. For those smaller-chested women (A), we’ve included options for you too (marked small, light support).

Wireless plunging neck: Bali Comfort Revolution Modern Seamless Wireless Bra Barely there: Vogue’s Secret Women’s Sheer Mesh See-Through Bra Sexy full coverage: Knix Lace Deep-V Bra Mega push-up: Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Push-up Bra Bra top: Girlfriend Collective Topanga Halter Bra  Light-support sports bra: lululemon Like a Cloud Bra High-support sports bra: Athleta Invincible Bra Small chested: Pepper Classic All You Bra Large chested: Dream Wire-Free Bra Backless and strapless:  Gatherall Bra Breastfeeding: Knix BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Bra 

Wireless plunging neck: Bali Comfort Revolution Modern Seamless Wireless Bra

This bra’s plunging neck makes it the perfect pick for those deep-V t-shirts or dresses. The straps are fairly thick, so don’t try to wear it with a spaghetti strap tank top, but the added support they provide makes this wireless option a no-brainer if you’re looking for comfort. The straps are convertible and the bra features removable foam cups for more (or less) shaping and support. Wicking fabric will keep you comfortable all day long.

Materials: Nylon, spandex Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Hand wash (we’ve gotten away with machine washing, but assume it won’t last as long) Price: $43 Where to buy: Amazon

Barely there: Vogue’s Secret Women’s Sheer Mesh See-Through Bra 

If you’re looking for sexy and affordable, you’ve come to the right place. This bra is gorgeous in both the black and beige options and is surprisingly supportive, given that it’s made from mesh. Expect a padless, free-the-nipple experience that’s still supportive thanks to underwire. “Great fit. Sexy and high functioning. I want more of them in every colour,” say the women of Amazon.

Materials: Lace, mesh Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Hand wash Price: $28 Where to buy: Amazon

Sexy full coverage: Knix Lace Deep-V Bra

This full-coverage beauty is excellent for mid to large-breasted women looking for a light-support, sexy and comfortable option. We love the soft lace detail and colour options but be warned, the lace does show through certain t-shirts. This makes our list because of how beautiful it is while remaining supportive and wire-free. The built-in foam cups and underband add comfort.

Materials: Nylon, spandex, lace Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Machine wash gentle Price: $49 Where to buy: Knix

Mega push-up: Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Lace Push-up Bra

We can’t have the best bra list without a Victoria’s Secret option. If you’ve ever seen a Victoria’s Secret fashion show, you’re well aware of Victoria’s Secret models. Picture sky-high breasts, sitting just below the perfectly powdered and ultra-defined clavicle. You too can get that pushed-up, mega-cleavage look that looks amazing in low-cut tops. Why not flaunt your beautiful body?

Materials: Recycled polyamide, polyamide, elastane Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Hand wash Price: $87 Where to buy: Victoria’s Secret

Bra top: Girlfriend Collective Topanga Halter Bra 

This bra was designed to be worn for yoga or other low-impact activities, but we found ourselves keeping it on long after our morning stretch. The high neck and criss-cross back are stylish and keep everything in place. We love Girlfriend Collective because of their commitment to sustainability, with this top made from 79 per cent recycled plastic bottles.

Materials: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex Closure: None Washing: Machine wash Price: $46 USD ($77 CAD on Amazon) Where to buy: Girlfriend Collective | Amazon

Light-support sports bra: lululemon Like a Cloud Bra

This dreamy bra is ultra-lightweight and buttery soft to the touch. Another bra that can easily be worn from the gym or studio to your office (or work-from-home station). It’s designed for low-impact activities, so enjoy sweat-wicking, quick-drying fabric with four-way stretch and the high quality we have come to expect from lululemon.

Materials:  Nylon, elastane, polyurethane Closure: None Washing: Machine wash cold Price: $64 Where to buy: lululemon

High-support sports bra: Athleta Invincible Bra

We’ve heard from our large-breasted friends how difficult it is to find a supportive, comfortable sports bra that works for high-impact workouts. This particular bra was specifically designed for large chests, with a size range up to DD. Enjoy running, training and HIIT classes without the fear of getting a black eye. The fabric is compressive for additional support, and moulds to the body while retaining its shape and eliminating bounce. Both the straps and the band are fully adjustable to ensure the correct fit. Material is sweat-wicking and quick drying.

Materials: Nylon, spandex, polyester Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Machine wash Price: $79 Where to buy: Athleta

Small chested: Pepper Classic All You Bra

Pepper has built its brand on being one of the best out there for us small-chested gals. If you’ve ever experienced a bra gap — that awkward space between your chest and your bra that your boobs are meant to fill out but just don’t quite succeed — look no further for a solution. This bra is comfy, sleek and designed for small chests. Pepper also considers the environment in their production process. For example, the brand cleans and reuses 50 per cent of the water used in the fabric-dying process. 

Materials: Polyamide, elastane (made sustainably in Colombia) Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Machine wash cold Price: $84 Where to buy: Pepper

Large chested: Dream Wire-Free Bra

The brand uses the words “life-changing” to describe this bra for larger-breasted women, and the reviewers agree. Get ready to ditch the underwire that always seems to dig in and prepare for a supportive, lightly-lined, back-smoothing, bra-wearing experience. Featuring a wide band and a patented 360 Back Smoothing technology to both sculpt and support. 

Materials: Nylon, spandex Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Hand wash Price: $63 Where to buy: Torrid

Backless and strapless: Gatherall Bra 

The website says it best: “strapless, backless, wireless, washable, reusable and flexible support.” This silicone bra is the world’s answer to nipple covers that provide a little lift. We love that this bra is completely hidden underneath most articles of clothing, yet adds shape and support. The adhesive is powerful, withstanding hot and humid summer temperatures without the doomed slippage we’ve experienced with some nipple covers.

Materials: Adhesive silicone Closure: None Washing: Hand wash (we suggest using the Gatherall antibacterial soap roll) Price: $94 Where to buy: Gatherall

Breastfeeding: Knix BlissFit Leakproof Nursing Bra 

Knix is a godsend for many women during pregnancy and postpartum. They offer super stretchy, leakproof, wireless options that are supportive and grow with your changing body. This bra is seamless, very comfortable and features leakproof removable pads and clip clasps that can actually be opened with one hand. Plus, Knix donates $1 from every sale to NOURISH, a postpartum Doula training program aimed to meet the needs of Black birthing families.

Materials: Polyamide, spandex Closure: Hook and eye Washing: Machine wash cold Price: $58 Where to buy: Knix

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