One of the most underrated ways to make any outfit look better isn't through adopting a few new trends or styling hacks (though that can help). Instead, it's all about investing in well-fitting undergarments. We often think about lingerie with the perspective that because the entire world doesn't see it, it's not worth splurging on. But that's not necessarily the right move. Sure, we're not all walking around naked, but improper underpinnings can cause some of the biggest wardrobe malfunctions, which makes buying good lingerie all the more imperative.
While there are a few undergarments worth investing in (think shapewear or seamless panties), the most transformative thing you can buy is a lifting bra. A well-made bra can make all your clothes fit better and help with back issues and even self-confidence. But you don't just have to take my word for it. In an effort to show how life-changing a great bra can be, I scoured the review sections of popular lingerie brands and retailers to identify the 26 best lifting bras.
Though finding the best bra for your needs will be based on what you like (e.g., if you prefer padding, wireless bras, or extra-boning for support), the bras listed below are all great options because I've taken into account what makes them truly the best: quality, size inclusivity, cost, stylishness, and real-life reviews. Without further ado, prepare to have your mind blown by these lifting bras.
Lifting Bras Under $65
Rating: 4.3/5
Review Highlight: "I just ran a six-mile trail race in this pushup bra (by accident). But it is so comfortable that I forgot to change into a sports bra and didn't even notice until I got home from the race! I am super impressed by the support and comfort." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.3/5
Review Highlight: "I was worried that this might not fit well as I wear a 2X, but I was very pleasantly surprised! Made of the softest material, and love the adjustable straps to get the perfect fit! Lifts me up very well, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with bigger boobs." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.1/5
Review Highlight: "Ladies, I have been trying to find a bra that is in my size and doesn't cost an arm and a leg—this is it! The support is boss-like; my girls stay in place without being suffocated. The padding isn't too thick; it's enough to ensure you don't experience fripple (frozen nipples) but not too much, so you get uncomfortable boob sweat if you briskly walk through Target. And I don't have the red marks of doom under my boobs or on my back from it being too small or the slipping straps of despair ruining an outfit because it's too loose or the straps and back are already deteriorating and losing their elasticity. Buy it." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.8/5
Review Highlight: "This wire-free bra is so very comfortable. I'm a 36 DD and got it in a large, and it seemed to fit very well. Great for when you want to wear plunge neck tops. Plus, it's easy to put on. I would highly recommend it." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.9/5
Review Highlight: "I wear a 40DDD and really struggle with finding a good-fitting bra. But this bra is SO comfortable, and it fits like a dream. It has full coverage, a lovely shape, zero spillage, and no digging under the arms. I liked it so much I bought one in every color. I wish the straps were a touch wider, but overall still a really good bra." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.4/5
Review Highlight: "I am repurchasing this bra after owning it for 2+ years. It has held up very well and still looks great. Last time, I bought the 28DDD since they don't sell a 28DDDD. The cups were a bit tight, and I had a little spillage, so this time I'm purchasing the 30DDD this time. It's thin material, unpadded, with great support, and I can wear it with any top. I have struggled to find bras my size with shoulder straps that shorten to fit me. All the other brand sizes are way too loose that my boobs get pinned under the wire as I move, but not with this bra." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.6/5
Review Highlight: "Love, love, love this bra! It feels like a little pillow for my girls; the fabric is comfortable and breathable. The wire is padded, and the shoulder and back straps have the right flex and thickness. My last bra lasted a year and a half, so it's worth the cost." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.8/5
Review Highlight: "Never thought I'd find a bra that could lift my tiny chest, but this one did it. I wear a 32B, and this fits perfectly and gives them some actual definition." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.5/5
Review Highlight: "I've been using this bra forever and cannot wear any other brand. I'm a 34G, and the strap is thick enough to support the weight of my chest, giving it a beautiful silhouette. Depending on your breast shape, I suggest either sizing up or size down." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.3/5
Review Highlight: "This bra gives just enough support and padding to look natural. It feels wonderful; I can wear it all day without pinching or pulling up on the straps. Excellent product!" — Reviewer
Rating: 4.6/5
Review Highlight: "I am usually a 34B or 32C. My breasts are side-set and cover a large surface area despite not protruding out much. This bra did a really good job of providing support to my side boob and pulled my armpit breast tissue in the place it should be. My band is actually between 32 and 34, but I went with 32 because the band is elastic." — Reviewer
Rating: 3.9/5
Review Highlight: "I really like this bra. It's very comfortable, and the front closure for me is a huge deal. Most other front closure bras I've bought in the past, I don't wear because they're uncomfortable or unsupportive, but that's not the case with this bra. It's been a long time since I've found a bra that is this good a compromise between comfort and support."— Amazon Reviewer
Rating: 4.4/5
Review Highlight: "I received this bra in the 36D, and it is an exact match to other Calvin Klein styles. It is not too high on the sides or in the middle; there is no gaping, and it's an exact fit. I love that this bra has three hooks in the back for the cups—other styles don't add an additional hook until you hit the DD+ mark. The most exciting about this bra is the wonderful shape—it's lightly lined with no padding, but it is a molded shape. This adds incredible lift and volume that gives me a much more rounded (youthful and cuter) shape than the 'seductive' bra does." — Amazon Reviewer
Lifting Bras to Invest In
Rating: 5/5
Review Highlight: "The embroidery and lace details create great accents. Love the vibrant color, love the silhouette the bra creates. May order more!" — Reviewer
Rating: 4.5/5
Review Highlight: "I love these 24/7 t-shirt bras. I own three. It's hard to find a comfortable underwire for 36F that is actually attractive—this is it! I forget I'm always wearing them. They're that comfortable." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.8/5
Review Highlight: "Okay, I was waiting to use the bra with a strapless dress I wore for my engagement photos last weekend, and this bra is amazing! It's better than any strapless bra I have ever used. I wear a 36C and have always had difficulty keeping my boobs up in a strapless bra until I wore this one. If you're unsure about whether you should try it or not, try it! You won't regret it. Everyone is different, sure, but this bra really works." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.7/5
Review Highlight: "This is a very comfortable and supportive bra. The band material is soft, as are the cups, yet it still manages to be supportive. It gives a nice natural shape under a tee. I have a few different Natori bras. They're all comfortable, and I find this one the most comfy. I would repurchase this in other colors." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.7/5
Review Highlight: "I have been wearing this bra for years (I wear a size 34J). I get amazing support. The bra is very comfortable. It minimizes the look of my voluptuous physique, and my clothes fit better." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.1/5
Review Highlight: "I love the scoop bra! I've tried so many brands, but Cuup is the best fitting and best looking. There is no gaping; the underwire is superb, it's supportive, and the fabric feels nice. The ocean blue is dark and gorgeous." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.3/5
Review Highlight: "I love how this brand's bras fit me, especially this bra. I like this bra because the foam adds additional support, and it's very comfortable. I wear a 36F, so that is important. What's great about this bra is that it does not have designs on the cups that show through a normal t-shirt." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.7/5
Review Highlight: "I had never tried one of the Negative bras before, so I was unsure what to expect! But love this bra; it's super comfortable, smooth under t-shirts, and supportive! I like that it is not a push-up bra; it's a great Monday-Friday bra." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.7/5
Review Highlight: "I love this bra so much! So soft and comfortable. It provides great separation, natural shaping, and light lift (pretty standard for Balconette style bras,) and it’s so pretty too. It's comfortable even when brand new, too, so there's no need for a break-in period. My ribs are small, but my boobs are not (I wear a 32F), and the underwire doesn’t dig at all or come up too high in my armpits like other brands I’ve tried. The only con is that I wish it was less expensive because I’d buy this bra in every color. But I understand why it’s so expensive—the lace and craftsmanship are truly exceptional!" — Reviewer
Rating: 4.9/5
Review Highlight: "I have several Prima Donna bras, and I love them! This is the first bra I've purchased that really lifts and separates. I'm a large-chested woman so this is a very important feature for me. I was hesitant at first to purchase this bra because of the price, but I'm so glad I took the plunge. This is the only bra I'll buy from now on!" — Reviewer
Rating: 4.4/5
Review Highlight: "I didn’t expect this to support my DDD chest, but it totally gets the job done. Plus, it’s super cute, which is a major win in my books." — Reviewer
Rating: 4.7/5
Review Highlight: "Some side-support bras are uncomfortable, however, the side "bones" are not as "tall" as so many on this bra. Which makes it far more comfortable and pleasant to wear all day. It is very attractive and gives good support and a nice shape. I am glad I bought it." — Reviewer
Rating: 5/5
Review Highlight: "This is the most comfortable bra I've ever worn! It is so hard to find bras in my size (42J). I'm so happy I came across this website. My breasts are fairly wide, so it's hard to find a good bra that doesn't cause spillage on the side under my armpits but isn't too loose on the front part of the cup, and this one definitely fits the bill! The underwire is the most comfortable underwire I've ever worn. I can barely tell it's there at all. One thing about other bras I own is the straps tend to loosen throughout the day and need to be readjusted every time I put the bra on again, but these ones don't loosen at all on their own. I will be purchasing all my bras from here in the future!" — Reviewer
Editor's note: Reviews have been lightly edited for clarity where necessary.
Next up, PSA: The Perfect Wireless Bras for Bigger Busts Do Exist
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