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Nov 08, 2023

The 13 Best Bralettes of 2023

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Real Simple / Kristin Kempa

Discovering the perfect bralette can often seem like searching for a needle in a haystack, but once you find it, it’ll become a go-to silhouette you'll never want to be without. With tons of materials and styles to choose from, there's an ideal bralette for every person, whether you're a comfort-seeking homebody or a fitness enthusiast who’s always hitting the gym.

“A bralette is a type of lightweight, unstructured undergarment that provides a more natural shape and feel to the breasts,” says Kathryn Rambo, senior lingerie designer at Adore Me. “Bralette designs tend to err on the side of comfort and fashion, while traditional bras are for lift and support.” She deems them a “great alternative for those who want some coverage but prefer a more natural look and feel or prioritize comfort above all.”

To find the best bralettes, we spent hours researching the most popular choices on the market. We considered factors like price, materials, and size range to narrow our list to only the best options. In addition to Rambo, we also spoke to Colleen Leung, director of technical design and fit at Adore Me, for expert advice on choosing the best bralette for you.

Commando

This bralette is invisible under clothing.

There aren’t a lot of color options.

If you want a bralette that places comfort and function at the forefront, your search ends here with this soft and stretchy style from Commando. It offers a molded shape and removable padding, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a practical base layer that’s smooth and invisible under clothing. It’s also complete with a convenient back closure and adjustable straps for extra adjustability and comfort. We only wish this style came in more color options—right now it’s available in four neutral hues.

Price at time of publish: $78

Size Range: XS-XL (30A-38D) | Materials: Modal, elastane | Return Policy: 30 days

Gap

It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes.

The material is pretty thin and not very supportive.

Gap’s Seamless Scoop Bralette has earned must-have status. Crafted from lightweight fabric and offering light support, it gives you versatile-wear options, making it a favorite for sleeping, lounging, and everyday use. The thin material is comfortable, but we wish it were a bit thicker for added support and coverage.

The adjustable straps, hook-and-eye fastening, and inclusive size range make it easy to find your perfect fit. And you won’t be disappointed on the aesthetics front either: It comes in various colors and designs, allowing you to match your style perfectly.

Price at time of publish: $25

Size Range: XXS-XXL (30A-38DD) | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Return Policy: 30 days

Nordstrom

It comes with a double layered sling in sizes large and up.

It doesn’t have adjustable straps.

For those with a larger bust, finding a bralette that provides both support and comfort can be challenging. However, this particular bra from Harper Wilde rises to the challenge. It has no wires, cups, foam, or padding, but is still supportive thanks to the thicker band and smoothing sides. Plus, if you order a size large or above your bra will come with a double layered sling for even more support.

With no complicated closures, you can effortlessly slip it over your head for a fit like a glove. Although these features may not seem revolutionary at first glance, it’s not common to find a bra for larger busts that has next-level comfort and support without an underwire.

Price at time of publish: $45

Size Range: XS-4XL (30A-44H) | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Return Policy: 90 days

Girlfriend Collective

It’s double-lined to provide full coverage.

It sells out quickly, so we wish more inventory was available.

There are many reasons why this plus-size bralette consistently sells out. First, it boasts a unique cupless design, offering light support while ensuring complete coverage with its double lining. And similar to Girlfriend Collective’s famous leggings, it's made from a sustainably-minded blend of 80 percent recycled plastic bottles (RPET) and 20 percent spandex.

Finally, it caters to a diverse range of sizes in various earthy colors. These hues are also available in matching bottoms, which means you can treat yourself to a complementary pair of underwear or leggings to match.

Price at time of publish: $28

Size Range: XXS-6XL | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles (RPET), spandex | Return Policy: 30 days

Aerie

It has removable pads and can also be worn as a racerback.

It runs a tad small.

Those who want a bralette worth showing off should consider this standout design from Aerie. It has a plunge neckline, removable padding, and a convertible design, so you can wear it as a racerback if needed. It does have a hook closure, which could be a pro or a con depending on what you’re looking for, but that does give it a bit more support. The only thing to note is that this style tends to run small, so you might want to order two sizes to see which is best. Overall though, this is a great option if you want a bralette that you want to be a bit visible.

Price at time of publish: $40

Size Range: XXS-XXL (28B-40D) | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Return Policy: No time limit

Skims

It has a soft and weightless fit, and has one of the best size ranges available.

The band is prone to flipping up for some sizes.

Crafted from a lightweight jersey fabric that evokes the sensation of your softest T-shirt, this bralette offers unmatched comfort and a weightless fit. Designed with versatility in mind, it effortlessly lends itself to various styling options. Whether you layer it beneath your everyday clothing for a streamlined look or pair it with sweatpants to curate a relaxed and understated loungewear ensemble, this bralette embodies the perfect blend of style and ease.

Lastly, those who appreciate coordinated ensembles will be thrilled to hear this bralette's color offerings extend to other styles within the collection so that you can mix and match. The options are practically endless given that it’s available in nine colors, including off-white, hot pink, and more. Just keep in mind that the band might be prone to flipping up for some people.

Price at time of publish: $32

Size Range: XXS-4X (30A-44H) | Materials: Cotton, spandex | Return Policy: 30 days

Harper Wilde

It offers better support than most mesh bralettes.

It’s only available in three skin tone hues (but does come in more limited edition colors too).

This mesh bralette checks all the boxes: It’s breathable, lightweight, and undeniably sexy. The fabric is made of nylon and spandex, a combination that lends itself to a silky-smooth, weightless feel. We appreciate the brand's attention to detail in sizing, particularly in large sizes that feature a thoughtful design enhancement, including a "double-layered sling" and band for extra support. The existing hook and eye closure could be even better if more rows were added for comfort.

As for colors, you’ve got options. The brand offers three core neutrals that are available year-round (black, pearl, and taupe) and a rotating lineup of limited-edition colors to covet when they’re available. Right now, we’re crushing on the fire engine red color called “Wild,” and a lovely lavender hue named “Opal.” For the ultimate mesh look, you can even pair your bralette with the label’s high-waist style brief for fuller coverage or a thong for a cheekier look.

Price at time of publish: $55

Size Range: XS-3XL (30A-44H) | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Return Policy: 90 days

Macy's

It has a statement lace racerback design.

The size range is pretty limited.

This bralette embodies the saying "business up front, party in the back" with its timeless V-neck front and alluring laced back. It’s fully lined with removable pads and slim straps that make sure the pretty back detail remains the star of the show. The pads are slightly visible through the bra’s fabric, but not in a way that detracts from the bralette’s overall sleek and seamless appearance.

When purchasing directly from the brand's website, you have three delightful options to choose from, including light pink, light beige, and classic black. The size range is limited though, which is disappointing.

Price at time of publish: $52

Size Range: XS-XL (32A-40C) | Materials: Nylon, elastane | Return Policy: 45 days

Parade

The material is cooling and stretchy.

It’s not very supportive for larger busts.

This plunge bralette is super sleek and lightweight, so it feels barely there. What's more, if you tend to run hot, you'll be delighted to know that the fabric is cooling and breathable, ensuring your comfort throughout the day. We also love how affordable it is, and the fact that it comes in a range of colors and sizes.

One design note: It’s not very supportive for larger busts, but that’s not unexpected for such a plunging neckline. On the other hand, DD-F cup sizes come with a few extra features that other bralettes don’t have, like a high center gore and an extra clasp.

Price at time of publish: $20

Size Range: XS-3XL (44D); 0+-3+ (30D-40F) | Materials: Recycled nylon, spandex | Return Policy: 30 days

Bombas

It has an incredibly versatile style that can be worn under a variety of tops.

It runs small, so consider ordering a size up.

One of the standout details of this ribbed seamless bralette is that its straps are convertible, meaning you can transform it from a traditional-shaped style into a racerback in seconds. This convenient conversion enables you to wear it under various types of shirts and get lots of use out of it.

The fit is intentionally tighter around the sides and in the center to help create support, and the material is a buttery-soft combination of modal, elastane, and elastane. It does run small, so you may want to order one size up. If you fall in love, you can scoop up the matching Ribbed Seamless Bikini for a coordinated ensemble—or perhaps order another bralette in one (or a few) of its eight colors.

Price at time of publish: $38

Size Range: XS/S-2X (30A-42F) | Materials: Modal, nylon, elastane | Return Policy: 30 days

Knickey

The wide underbust band prevents unwanted underboob.

It feels more like a lounge bra, so the back clasp might be disappointing for some people.

When choosing a cut-out bralette, you don't have to sacrifice support. Look no further than this option from Knickey, an organic underwear brand. It seamlessly combines style and functionality with its thoughtful details, like adjustable straps, a four-row hook and eye closure for a personalized fit, and a wide underbust band and darted cups that offer structure without compromising comfort. Depending on the thickness of the shirt or top, the seams of the bralette may show through.

Price at time of publish: $48

Size Range: XXS-XXXL (28A-42DD) | Materials: Organic cotton, elastane | Return Policy: 30 days

Free People

It has a soft and stretchy fit that’s actually comfortable.

It runs pretty small.

The name of this bralette couldn't be more fitting, all thanks to its seamless design and—you guessed it—distinct clean lines. Crafted from a blend of nylon and spandex, it's easy to see why people adore the soft and stretchy fabric. This bralette feels tailored to you and won’t irritate the back of your neck after a long day of wear. With a wide array of color options available, you have the freedom to wear it as a standalone top, as a base layer, or as underwear. We only wish that it came in bold designs or different textures for more versatility, and that it was better suited for larger busts.

Price at time of publish: $28

Size Range: XS/S-L/XL (32A-36D) | Materials: Nylon, spandex | Return Policy: 30 days

Alo Yoga

It has a ribbed texture and a versatile scoop neckline.

It doesn’t have adjustable straps.

You're probably already familiar with the hype around Alo Yoga leggings, but that doesn't mean you should overlook the brand’s equally compelling sports bras. This particular one stands out with its ribbed texture and stylish yet functional scoop neckline and back design. Delivering medium support, this bra is durable and ideal for Pilates, yoga, and even long runs. We just wish the straps were adjustable for even more support. It comes in an enticing array of colors, including four core neutrals (black, white, ivory, and gray) and several limited-edition hues.

Price at time of publish: $68

Size Range: XS-XL (28A-40D) | Materials: Polyester, tencel, lyocell, spandex | Return Policy: 30 days

Our top recommendation for those seeking impressive comfort and practicality in their everyday bralette is the Commando Butter Soft-Support Adjustable Bralette. With its exceptional comfort and availability in discreet neutral shades, it ensures a seamless look under shirts. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, we recommend the Gap Seamless Scoop Bralette, which stands out for its softness and variety of color options.

According to Colleen Leung, director of technical design and fit at Adore Me, bralettes are offered in two sizing options: alpha (such as XS-4X) or alphanumeric (bra-sized). If the sizing is alphanumeric, you can easily order your regular bra size.

However, when it comes to alpha-sized bralettes, the reality is that the "sizing is less specific." In such cases, one important thing to consider, per Leung, is that most bralettes are sized to fit B/C/D cups. "If you're above or below that cup size range, you may need to size up or down," she explains. "For example, if you are a 34DDD and medium in the top, a medium bralette would give you underbust support, but would lack in bust coverage," whereas "a large bralette would offer more coverage in the cup, but the bottom band would fit more loosely and lack in support." To combat this problem, she recommends "looking for bralettes with adjustable band closures and shoulder straps" for a more custom fit.

“Bralettes come in various shapes and styles, such as triangle cups, racerback, longline, and lacy or seamless styles, often made of stretchy and lightweight fabrics with a pull-on design,” says Kathryn Rambo, senior lingerie designer at Adore Me. “Bralettes can also offer a lot of wear-to-be-seen options for layering under a variety of outfits.” If you want a bralette that you want to show off, the Aerie Show Off Eyelash Lace Padded Plunge Bralette has a lacy design that deserves to be seen.

"Generally, bralettes offer less support compared to traditional bras, but that doesn't mean bralettes don't provide support," says Leung. Important things to consider when shopping for a more supportive bralette, per the experts, are double-lined cups, wide straps, and a wide underbust or bottom band elastic.

Simply put, "wireless bras usually have molded, built cup padded cups, and feature similar engineering to a regular bra to give support without the wire," explains Rambo. Conversely, compared to traditional bras, bralettes "have no wire, but don't always have pads, or could have removable padding, and just an elastic underband." She adds that "compared to wireless bras, bralettes are less structured for an easy, comfy fit."

According to Rambo, the answer to this question is a definite “absolutely!" She advises looking “for styles lined with mesh or featuring boning at the side seam for extra support,” along with “bralettes with a wider bottom elastic.” Another tip? “If you want even more adjustability, go for bralettes with hook and eye backs.” Wider straps are also great to offer more support for larger busts. The Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette checks all those boxes, with wide straps and a double-layered sling.

“The lifespan of a bralette varies depending on the material it's made of and how well you take care of it,” Rambo explains. She uses nylon as an example, noting that it tends to “last longer and hold up better over time compared to cotton.”

To extend the lifespan of your bralette and keep it in tip-top shape, “hand wash it in cool water with a gentle detergent and let it air dry,” says Rambo. “Also, keep an eye on how a bralette fits over time. If you notice that the fabric is starting to stretch out or the elastic is no longer as supportive, it may be time to consider replacing it.”

This article was written by Marisa Petrarca, a contributing writer for Real Simple. She has over five years of editorial experience, and her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, SELF, and more. To find the best bralettes, she considered factors like price, materials, and size range. For expert advice on choosing the best bralettes, she spoke with Kathryn Rambo, senior lingerie designer, and Colleen Leung, director of technical design and fit, of Adore Me.