Style Shoes & Accessories Lingerie & Hosiery The 20 Best Places to Buy Bras of 2023 Our favorites include specialty bra brands, department stores, and everything in between. By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist is an experienced writer and editor specializing in health, wellness, fitness, fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content. You can find her work in Real Simple, VeryWell, SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, The Spruce, Byrdie, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 7, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Reviews How to Shop Take Our Word for It We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Real Simple / David Hattan Your bra can make or break your day-to-day experience. The wrong bra can leave you feeling uncomfortable and distracted, but the right bra will leave you feeling supported and confident. “The true value of a good bra cannot be measured,” Jené Luciani Sena, author of The Bra Book, says. “We can stand up a little taller and look better in literally everything [when we’re wearing] the right bra.” The problem? Shopping for undergarments can feel tedious, emotional, and frustrating—especially when there are so many places to buy bras. To simplify your search, we spent hours researching the best places to buy bras online. We considered dozens of standout bra brands, favoring those with inclusive size ranges, approachable price points, and great return policies. We also tapped three bra experts for advice on where to find a great bra and how to find one that fits properly. Keep scrolling to learn more about our favorites, including specialty bra brands, department stores, and everything in between. Knix Knix View On Knix What Stands Out It sells affordable, size-inclusive bras that are great for everyday wear. What Could Be Improved The brand-specific sizing can be a bit confusing. Knix is best known for its period-proof underwear, but it also has a great bra selection. These comfortable everyday bras come in an inclusive size range. While Knix’s sizes are brand-specific (0–8++), they loosely correlate to sizes between 28A and 42H. Need help converting your size into Knix-friendly terms? The brand offers a built-in tool that makes it easy to do so. And if you want personalized help, you can message the brand to get a one-on-one fit consultation. Knix gives you free shipping if you spend more than $75. It also offers free 30-day returns on most items, and shoppers are encouraged to wash and wear their bras to make sure they have the right fit. Our Picks: WingWoman Contour Bra ($62) LuxeLift Pullover Bra ($52) Evolution Bra ($56) Band Size Range: 28–42 | Cup Size Range: A–H | Bralette Size Range: XS–XXXXL | Price Range: $42–$89 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns Spanx Spanx View On Spanx What Stands Out The site has plenty of reasonably priced everyday bras in a range of sizes and shades. What Could Be Improved There aren't many push-up bras—most of its offerings are lightly lined or unlined. Spanx is a best-in-class shapewear brand that also sells really great bras. The store’s bra section is 29 products strong, and it’s filled with pieces you can wear every day. You’ll find low-profile bras you can sneak under clothing and supportive sports bras you can wear to the gym. And these bras come in a wide range of sizes—with band sizes from 30 to 42, cup sizes from A to G, and sports bra sizes from XS to 3X. We like that Spanx’s bras come in a range of colors—including several shades of nude—so it’s easy to find a bra that suits your skin tone. And since most of the brand’s bras cost between $48 and $68, you can find a go-to bra that doesn’t break the bank. But our favorite thing about Spanx? The brand’s shipping and return policies make online shopping stress-free. Spanx offers free standard shipping on all orders and accepts free 90-day returns on most items—even those without tags. Our Picks: Breast of Both Worlds Reversible Comfort Bra ($42) Bra-llelujah! Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra ($68) Up for Anything Strapless Bra ($74) Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cup Size Range: A–G | Bralette Size Range: XS–3X | Price Range: $42–$118 | Return Policy: Free 90-day returns Nordstrom View On Nordstrom What Stands Out The site has a wide variety of brands with a range of prices and styles. What Could Be Improved It can be hard to sift through all the options online if you're not sure what you're looking for. The experts we spoke to recommend heading to department stores, like Nordstrom, when you’re buying a new bra. “Those stores carry a wide selection of bra brands to choose from and have invested in the best-trained staff,” says Foster. With over 2,000 options at Nordstrom, you’ll find every style imaginable. The department store sells bras from a range of top-notch brands, including some of our other favorites, like Wacoal and Natori. And there are tons of colors, prints, and materials to sift through. Thanks to its diverse selection, Nordstrom boasts the most inclusive size range on our list: Its bras start at 28AA and end at 58K. And if you visit the store in person, a stylist can help you find a bra that fits perfectly. Nordstrom’s price range is just as diverse, and at any given moment, there are often 100+ items on sale. Nordstrom also offers some of the best shipping and return policies around: It gives you free standard shipping on most orders and offers free returns without a time limit. Our Picks: Nordstrom All Day Comfort Bralette ($24) Elomi Cate Underwire Bra (from $25) Bravado Designs Ballet Nursing Bra ($36) Band Size Range: 28–58 | Cup Size Range: AA–K | Bralette Size Range: XXS–6X | Price Range: $13–$650 | Return Policy: Free returns (no time limit) The 17 Best Wireless Bras of 2023 for All-Day Support and Comfort Amazon View On Amazon What Stands Out Many bras on Amazon come with free fast shipping. What Could Be Improved You won't be able to chat with a bra specialist for personalized advice. Amazon sells every kind of bra imaginable—and it can deliver bras to your doorstep in no time. There are over 20,000 bras on offer at the mega-retailer, so no matter what you’re looking for, you can probably find it. All that variety makes it easy to find a bra in your size. Many of the bras sold on Amazon come in band sizes from 30 to 42, cup sizes from A to G, and bralette sizes from XS to 3X. Most of them are relatively affordable, too. And if you’re a Prime member, the deal is even sweeter: You can enjoy free fast shipping (think: next-day and two-day delivery) and free 30-day returns on most items. Our Picks: Warner’s Easy Does It Wireless Lightly Lined Bra ($21) Calvin Klein Invisibles Seamless Bralette ($40) Bali Lace Desire Underwire Bra ($22) Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cup Size Range: A–G | Bralette Size Range: XS–3X | Price Range: $5–$248 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns Soma Soma View On Soma.com What Stands Out We love that Soma's bras are available in inclusive sizes. What Could Be Improved You need to spend at least $100 to get free shipping, which is at least two bras. Soma specializes in intimates that are size-inclusive and wallet-friendly. And the brand sells so many different bras (over 100 styles!) that it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. These include classics, like wireless and T-shirt bras, as well as specialty finds, like nursing and post-surgery bras. These bras come in several colors and a wide range of sizes—with band sizes from 32 to 44, cup sizes from A to I, and bralette sizes from XS to XXXL. The brand also makes it easy to shop at your desired price point. Plus, the store’s shipping and return policies are great. You get free shipping when you spend $100 or more, and there are free 60-day returns on most items. Our Picks: Bodify Perfect Coverage Bra ($68) Enbliss Wireless Stay Put Multi-Way Strapless Bra ($62) Unbelievable Lift Scoop Balconette ($60) Band Size Range: 32–44 | Cup Size Range: A–I | Bralette Size Range: XS–XXXL | Price Range: $32–$72 | Return Policy: Free 60-day returns 1,500 Real Customers Helped Make This Comfy Bra That Restored My Faith in Underwire Styles Harper Wilde Harper Wilde View On Harperwilde.com What Stands Out It has a simple selection of comfy and affordable bras, with multiple wireless styles to choose from. What Could Be Improved Shipping fees aren't refunded with returns. Looking for bras that are cozy but affordable? Harper Wilde has you covered. The brand specializes in extra-comfy bras, and it keeps its selection simple. It sells just 13 types of bras, most of which are everyday bras and bralettes that come in an inclusive range of sizes. Harper Wilde offers bras in band sizes from 32 to 42, cup sizes from A to F, and standard sizes from XS to 4XL. Its bras are made of stretchy-soft fabrics, like nylon, spandex, and elastane. Harper Wilde also sells some of the most wallet-friendly bras around. Plus, you get free shipping if you spend more than $75. The brand gives you 90 days to return items for a full refund (though it won’t refund any of the money you spent on shipping). Our Picks: The Bliss ($45) The Base ($40) Lounge Scoop ($40) Band Size Range: 32–42 | Cup Size Range: A–F | Bralette Size Range: XS–4XL | Price Range: $42–$118 | Return Policy: Free 90-day returns Natori View On Natori.com What Stands Out This expert-recommended bra brand has plenty of comfortable yet elegant styles. What Could Be Improved The size range for bralettes is much more limited. Natori is an upscale clothing and lingerie brand, and its bras come recommended by two of our experts. The store’s bra selection is curated, but varied. It sells more than 50 kinds of bras—including everyday bras, sports bras, and lingerie bras. Our experts love that Natori’s bras look elegant while feeling soft and comfortable. The bras come in a small range of colors, including several shades of nude, and they’re available in an inclusive size range—with band sizes from 30 to 42 and cup sizes from A to H. (That said, its bralettes are limited to XS through XL.) Natori’s prices vary a lot, but you can expect to spend about $50 to $70 on a quality bra there. The site also offers free standard shipping on all orders. But note that it does charge a $5 return shipping fee, unless you spent more than $300 on your order. Our Picks: Bliss Perfection Contour Underwire Bra ($70) Feathers Bra ($72) Understated Bra ($70) Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cup Size Range: A–H | Bralette Size Range: XS–XL | Price Range: $13–$207 | Return Policy: 30-day returns, $5 fee (waived on orders over $300) Cuup Cuup View On Shopcuup.com What Stands Out The quiz and virtual fittings make it easy to find the right size and style for you. What Could Be Improved We like that the bra selection is so curated, but we wish the brand offered a style with light padding or lining. Shopping at Cuup is easy. The brand only has four bra styles—plunge, scoop, balconette, and demi—so it’s easy to pick a favorite. And once you do, you’ll have dozens of colors to choose from, including plenty of neutrals and limited-edition hues. We also like that the brand has an equally curated selection of matching underwear. Just keep in mind that all of Cuup’s bras are unlined, so you won’t find any push-up bras here. These bras also come in an inclusive range of sizes, with band sizes from 30 to 44 and cup sizes from A to H. And if you need help finding your size, you can measure yourself at home with a quiz or schedule a virtual fitting with one of Cuup’s experts. (A former Real Simple writer tried this service and found out she’d been wearing the wrong bra size for years.) Our Picks: The Scoop Micro Bra ($78) The Plunge Mesh Bra ($68) The Essential Bra Pack ($245) Band Size Range: 30–44 | Cup Size Range: A–H | Bralette Size Range: N/A | Price Range: $42–$118 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns Bare Necessities Bare Necessities View On Barenecessities.com What Stands Out There's a variety of bra styles, sizes, and price points available. What Could Be Improved The site doesn't offer free returns. Bare Necessities is a well-known name in the lingerie space, so it makes sense that it has one of the best bra selections around. There are over 1,000 bras on offer, including everyday bras, lingerie bras, mastectomy bras, and more. These bras are made by dozens of different brands (including some of our other favorites), so they come at various price points. And at any given time, you’ll find hundreds of bras on sale. The bras at Bare Necessities come in an inclusive range of sizes, from 28A to 58J. And if you need help finding your size, you can take the brand’s Bra Finder quiz or get a free virtual fitting. The store offers free shipping when you spend more than $70. But its return policy is a little unusual: You have 60 days to return items for a refund, and up to 120 days to return items for a store credit voucher. And you’ll have to pay a $7 shipping fee on most returns. Our Picks: Glamorise WonderWire Front-Close Bra ($59) Bali Passion for Comfort Minimizer Bra ($48) Fantasie Fusion Side Support Bra ($59) Band Size Range: 28–58 | Cup Size Range: A–J Bralette Size Range: N/A | Price Range: $6–$240 | Return Policy: 60–120 day returns, $7 return shipping fee Pepper View On Wearpepper.com What Stands Out It's one of the few bra brands that specialize in smaller cup sizes. What Could Be Improved The size range only goes up to 40A. Pepper specializes in bras for small boobs—making it easy to stock up on hard-to-find sizes, like 40AA. At Pepper, you’ll find 20 kinds of everyday bras. They come in a small range of colors (including several shades of nude). Plus, they’re sold at wallet-friendly prices—and you can even get a bigger discount by purchasing multi-packs. But where Pepper really shines is its size selection. Many brands pair small cup sizes with small band sizes, making it hard to shop if you wear a 38AA or a 40A. But Pepper offers small cup sizes (AA, A, and B) in band sizes from 30 to 40, letting you mix and match to find your perfect fit. The brand also offers a handy Fit Guide you can use to find your size. And it gives you a standard 30 days to make returns and exchanges. Our Picks: Classic All You Bra ($55) MVP Multiway Strapless Bra ($60) FeelGood Wire-Free T-Shirt Bra ($55) Band Size Range: 30–40 | Cup Size Range: AA–B | Bralette Size Range: XXS-XL | Price Range: $45–$153 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns Lively Lively View On Wearlively.com What Stands Out These cozy, budget-friendly bras come in lots of colors and cup sizes. What Could Be Improved The bralette sizing isn't as inclusive as we'd like. Lively pioneered the leisurée movement—a trend that blends the support of lingerie with the comfort of athleisure—so it’s the perfect place to turn when you want a cozy bra. The brand sells more than 100 kinds of bras. And while most of those are everyday bras and bralettes, you’ll also find sports bras and nursing bras. They come in several colors and a range of sizes—with bands from 32 to 40 and cups from A to G. We just wish its bralette sizing was more inclusive, as Lively’s bralettes start at XS and end at XL, with no plus sizes available. One thing we love about Lively? Its pricing model is straightforward. Individual bras cost $45. Two-packs cost between $50 and $70, while three-packs cost $90. This makes it easy to shop at a price point that works for you. We also like that the brand offers free shipping on orders over $50—and free 30-day returns on most items. Our Picks: The Busty Bralette ($45) The Ultimate Starter Trio ($90) The Deep V No-Wire Push-Up ($45) Band Size Range: 32–40 | Cup Size Range: A–G | Bralette Size Range: XS–XL | Price Range: $45–$90 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns Thirdlove Thirdlove View On Thirdlove.com What Stands Out The site sells everyday bras in a range of sizes—including half sizes. What Could Be Improved We wish the half sizes extended beyond E½. ThirdLove isn’t like other bra retailers. We love that this brand makes its bras in standard sizes and half sizes—making it even easier to find your perfect fit. There are only 15 types of bras on ThirdLove’s site, but they come in a bunch of colors and an inclusive range of sizes. Its band sizes range from 32 to 44, and its cup sizes run from AA to I—with half sizes available from A to E. So if you’ve ever lamented that a C feels too small and a D feels too big, you can score a bra that’s size C½. If this unique sizing sounds tough to navigate, don’t worry: There’s an Online Fitting Room quiz that helps you find the right fit. (But you’ll have to sign up for ThirdLove’s emails to get your results.) The brand also offers free 60-day returns, and it gives you free standard shipping on orders over $100. Our Picks: 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra ($72) Lace Contour Plunge Bra (from $59) 24/7 Perfect Coverage Bra ($72) Band Size Range: 32–44 | Cup Size Range: AA–I | Bralette Size Range: N/A | Price Range: $10–$182 | Return Policy: Free 60-day returns Aerie View On Ae.com What Stands Out The site has plenty of everyday bras and bralettes that don’t break the bank. What Could Be Improved The biggest cup size offered is DDD. Aerie is a beloved clothing and lingerie store where you’ll find hundreds of reasonably priced bras—including everyday bras, cozy bralettes, sports bras, and adaptive bras. These bras come in a range of colors and sizes, with band sizes from 30 to 42 and cup sizes from AA to DDD. And the brand’s bralettes come in sizes XXS through XXL—with D and DD options for sizes S through XL on select styles. This variety makes it easy to find a bra you love—and Aerie’s budget-friendly prices only sweeten the deal. The brand’s bras range from $30 to $60, and its marked-down bras cost as little as $15. The store also gives you free shipping when you spend $75 or more. And it offers free returns without a time limit—granting returns in the form of a gift card, even when you’ve lost your receipt. Our Picks: Aerie Seamless Strappy Padded Bralette ($30) Smoothez Full Coverage Lightly Lined Bra ($40) Aerie Satin Stretch Bandeau ($40) Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cup Size Range: A–DDD | Bralette Size Range: XXS–XXL (SD–LD, SDD–XLDD) | Price Range: $30–$60 | Return Policy: Free returns (no time limit) Chantelle Chantelle View On Chantelle.com What Stands Out Its high-quality bras come in gorgeous colors and styles. What Could Be Improved Sifting through so many similar styles could be overwhelming. Another place our experts recommend for a top-quality bra that’s worth the price is Chantelle. At this lingerie store, you’ll find hundreds of different bras in inclusive sizes, with band sizes from 30 to 44, cup sizes from A to I, and bralette sizes from XS to 2XL. Plus, they’re available in a range of pretty colors and prints. But our favorite thing about Chantelle? Its bras don’t cost a fortune. So even though the store is full of investment pieces, you won’t have to break the bank to buy them. Chantelle’s shipping and return policies are just as great: The store offers free shipping on orders over $95, and free 60-day returns on most items. Our Picks: Fleurs Demi Bra ($108) Norah Comfort Underwire Bra ($78) Chantelle One Bralette ($62) Band Size Range: 30–44 | Cup Size Range: A–I | Bralette Size Range: XS–2XL | Price Range: $44–$155 | Return Policy: Free 60-day returns SKIMS View On Skims.com What Stands Out It offers minimalist bras in a wide range of sizes and nude shades. What Could Be Improved You only have 30 days for returns, and fees apply. Finding a bra that matches your skin tone can be tough—but Skims makes it easy. The shapewear brand sells dozens of cozy bras and bralettes. And while most of these are everyday basics, Skims has some lingerie bras and sports bras, too. They come in an inclusive size range, with band sizes from 30 to 46, cup sizes from A to H, and bralette sizes from XXS to 5X (with DD options from S to L). And we love that these bras come in a bunch of colors—including eight shades of nude. While the brand's prices range from $24 to $98, most of its bras cost between $48 and $58. That said, we wish its return policy was more generous: Skims gives you 30 days to return unwanted items, but it charges a $6 fee on all returns. Our Picks: Naked Scoop Bra ($44) Ultra-Fine Mesh Underwire Scoop Bra ($52) Cotton Plunge Bralette ($36) Band Size Range: 30–46 | Cup Size Range: A–H | Bralette Size Range: XXS–5X, SDD–LDD | Price Range: $24–$98 | Return Policy: 30-day returns, $6 fee Wacoal Wacoal View On Wacoal-america.com What Stands Out These long-lasting bras are available to try on in person at many department stores. What Could Be Improved The brand doesn't allow exchanges, so if you buy the wrong size, you have to return the original item before placing a new order. Bourne, one of the experts we spoke to, highly recommends Wacoal bras. Why? The brand’s bras fit well, hold up in the wash, and don’t break the bank. Wacoal sells more than 100 types of bras—including everyday picks, lingerie, sports bras, and more. These bras come in a range of colors (including several shades of nude). They’re available in inclusive sizes, too. Wacoal offers band sizes from 28 to 48 and cup sizes from AA to K. One of the best things about Wacoal’s bras? You can find them at local department stores (like Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Macy’s), which means you can try them on before you buy them. And you can often score them at great prices. Keep in mind that while the site offers free 60-day returns, you can't make an exchange—you'll have to return the original item and then place a new order. Our Picks: How Perfect Wire-Free T-Shirt Bra ($68) Elevated Allure Underwire Bra ($70) Body by Wacoal Racerback Underwire Bra ($48) Band Size Range: 28–48 | Cup Size Range: AA–K | Bralette Size Range: XS–3XL | Price Range: $12–$125 | Return Policy: Free 60-day returns True & Co Amazon View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Target What Stands Out The brand specializes in wireless and unlined bras that are extremely comfortable. What Could Be Improved You can't purchase these bras directly from the brand's site. If you want bras that are so comfortable they could pass as pajamas, True & Co is the place to shop. The brand sells 33 different bras, and all of them are cozy enough to wear every day or sleep in at night. These bras come in a bunch of different colors and sizes, with band sizes from 30 to 44, cup sizes from A to DDD, and bralette sizes from XS to 3X. True & Co’s bras are very reasonably priced, but its online store is a little unusual. The brand doesn’t sell products directly, so you’ll have to buy its bras through Amazon, Nordstrom, or Target. If you score the bras on Amazon, you can enjoy perks like two-day shipping and 30-day returns. And if you find the bras at Nordstrom or Target, you can even choose to try them on in person before buying. Our Picks: True Body Lift V-Neck Bra ($58) True Body Lift Mesh Triangle Bra ($64) True Body Boost Scoop Neck Adjustable Strap Bra ($52) Band Size Range: 30–44 | Cup Size Range: A–DDD | Bralette Size Range: XS–3X | Price Range: $42–$118 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns (through Amazon) This Supportive Bra Is So Lightweight, You'll Barely Remember You're Wearing It Richer Poorer Richer Poorer View On Richer-poorer.com What Stands Out It offers best-in-class bralettes at budget-friendly prices. What Could Be Improved The bralettes aren't available in plus sizes. Richer Poorer doesn’t sell regular bras. The brand only does bralettes, but it does bralettes really well. When the Classic Bralette sold out a few years ago, it immediately attracted a waitlist of over 1,000 people. There are five different bralette styles, and all of them are made of ultra-soft fabrics, like cotton, modal, Tencel lyocell, and spandex. These bras come in dozens of different colors, including several shades of nude, and we especially love how affordable they are. Richer Poorer also makes it easy to save on shipping and returns. The brand gives you free shipping when you spend more than $50, and it offers free 30-day returns on most items. Our only complaint? Richer Poorer’s bralettes are so great that we wish they came in more sizes. (Right now, you can only score them in XS through XL.) Our Picks: Cotton Modal Classic Bralette ($35) Soft Stretch Modal High Cut Bralette ($34) Stretch Lyocell Racerback Bralette ($46) Band Size Range: N/A | Cup Size Range: N/A | Bralette Size Range: XS–XL | Price Range: $10–$46 | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns La Perla View On Laperla.com What Stands Out Though expensive, this luxurious lingerie store pays attention to details and materials. What Could Be Improved You won't find affordable or everyday bras here. No well-rounded bra drawer is complete without a little lingerie. And when it comes to splurge-worthy intimates, La Perla can’t be beat. The store sells more than 150 types of bras. And while it specializes in lingerie, it sells everyday bras and sports bras, too. These bras come in band sizes from 30 to 40 and cup sizes from A to E. The best part is that they’re all beautiful. La Perla’s bras are covered with lace, lined with embroidery, and dressed up with macrame detailing. And since they’re made of luxe fabrics, like silk and tulle, they justify the brand’s splurge-worthy price point. To make your shopping process easier, La Perla offers free 28-day returns. It also covers the cost of standard shipping on all orders. Our Picks: Maison Contouring Bralette ($220) Zephyr Bandeau Bra With Embroidered Tulle ($300) Maison Silk Triangle Bra With Frastaglio ($440) Band Size Range: 30–40 | Cup Size Range: A–E | Bralette Size Range: XS–L | Price Range: $135–$650 | Return Policy: Free 28-day returns Lulalu Lulalu View On Lulalu.com What Stands Out Designed for small chests, this bra brand makes hard-to-find sizes like 42AAA. What Could Be Improved The bras don't come in a range of nude shades. If you’re looking for classic bras in small cup sizes, Foster recommends shopping at Lulalu. The brand sells just 10 kinds of bras, and all of them are perfect for everyday wear. These include push-up bras, strapless bras, and cozy bralettes—all of which are small-chest-friendly. Its bras come in band sizes from 30 to 42 and cup sizes from AAA to A. So you can score sizes that are hard to find elsewhere—like 42AAA. And if you need help finding your size, you can use the brand’s Bra Fitting tool (though you’ll have to sign up for emails to get your results). Lulalu also makes it easy to shop without spending a fortune. And the brand offers free shipping on most orders—and free 60-day returns on most items. Just keep in mind that there’s a very small range of colors, with very few nude shades. Our Picks: Delilah Cotton Wireless T-Shirt Bra ($58) Callie Wireless Lace Bra ($59) Chloe Essential Microfiber T-Shirt Bra ($58) Band Size Range: 30–42 | Cup Size Range: AAA–A | Bralette Size Range: N/A | Price Range: $58–$64 | Return Policy: Free 60-day returns How to Shop for Bras Like a Pro Size and Fit The best bra is one that fits you right. “Check for fit and comfort,” Bourne says. “A good bra doesn’t have to be pricey, but it should adhere to proper fitting standards.” When you’re wearing the right bra, the band shouldn’t ride up, the cups shouldn’t gape or bulge, and the underwire should stay in place when you lift your arms. You may also want to consider your breast shape when shopping for a bra. “When a bra is new, there should only be two fingers [of] room between the bra and a woman’s body,” Foster says. “And it should be worn on the loosest hook, so it can be tightened as the elastic stretches.” Getting fitted in person is a great way to check your bra size. But you can also measure yourself at home with some measuring tape. Just remember that bra sizes vary from brand to brand, according to Foster, who adds that “a letter and number are only half the equation.” The key is to find a bra in a size and a style that’s comfortable enough to wear every day and doesn't make you want to stop wearing one. Bra Style Bras come in a range of styles. And according to Foster, there are three essential bra styles everyone should stock up on. “[You need] a T-shirt bra—a bra with smooth cups that wears invisibly under tops,” she says. “[You need] a racerback to wear under sleeveless tops and dresses. [And you need] a plunge cup style to wear with lower-cut [necklines and] button-downs.” “You have to evaluate your lifestyle and what you’ll reach for most often,” adds Luciani Sena. So depending on what you typically wear, you might also want a sports bra or a strapless bra to your collection. And if you want something super comfortable with minimal padding, consider looking for a bralette instead of a traditional bra. You’ll probably want to buy your go-to bras in neutral or skin-toned colors. “[But] after the essentials are covered, have fun,” Foster says. A few fun colors, details, or prints will diversify your bra drawer—and they’re fun to whip out on special occasions. Return Policy When you’re shopping online, it’s always a good idea to check the retailer’s shipping and return policies. That budget-friendly bra you found might cost just $10, but an $8 shipping fee could nearly double your total. And if you can’t try on bras before buying, you might not get the right size. So a generous return policy—that gives you time to mail returns and doesn't charge an outrageous return shipping fee—can make the online bra shopping process much easier. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lindsey Lanquist, a contributing writer for Real Simple with seven years of experience writing fashion and lifestyle content. Lindsey spent hours researching the best places to buy bras—assessing stores based on size range, price point, and return policy. For professional advice on where to find great bras, Lindsey turned to three experts: The Bra Book author Jené Luciani Sena, petite style coach Angela Foster, and lingerie fit specialist Annette Bourne. The Best Shapewear of 2023 for Every Style Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit