This version has an underwire for good separation, though it also comes in a wireless version that still proved to be supportive in our tests. And though the panels are stretchy, the bra still kept its shape well after we put it through the wringer in our stretch recovery and laundering evaluations.

Luciani adds, "Obvious signs of wear and tear such as crushed cups, bent underwire, stretched out straps, broken or bent clasps and when the material loses its elasticity — all good signs it’s time to toss. Other signs that are maybe not so obvious are if it suddenly seems big or it’s not holding you up the way it should be! That may mean it’s time to replace." Lexie Sachsis the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Fiber Science from Cornell University and more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry, including merchandising and product development fields. Lexie led a massive bra test in 2017 and wrote the shopping guide for this story.

We washed this bra five times in the Lab and noticed minimal changes in appearance, though the brand recommends hand washing this style for best results over time. In our stretch recovery tests, the bottom band of this bra did stretch out a bit. Refresh your everyday lingerie drawer with our fantastic collection of bras. A must-have in every woman's wardrobe, they’re the perfect combo of style and comfort. Whether you’re looking for bras to wear under your tee or a strapless bra to pair with your gorgeous dresses, we have a cohesive range in a plethora of colours and designs. Bras for working out Making sure a nursing bra is the right fit is important. This may mean being fitted regularly to ensure you’re wearing the right size. Some shops offer this service in their stores, with other brands having online virtual fitting services for their customers. If you’re unsure or cannot get to a fitting, measure yourself at home and use the brand’s online size guide before purchasing.

Because many people with smaller chests are forced to wear bras not properly designed for them, many testers were unsure of their proper size and had to try a few to find their best fit. This style earned the top spot in our tests and our panel, including those with both small and large cup sizes, rated it the most comfortable bra of the bunch. On top of that, it proved to be durable in our Lab testing; it washed well and retained its shape even after we stretched it out. In fact, it's the bra our own experts have preferred to wear for years, even after trying dozens of styles on the market. You can start by measuring your bra size at home or with a consultant in a store. Even then, you should still try on a few different sizes to see what fits and feels best. Freno urges you to focus on what feels good instead of getting caught up on a specific size, especially because fit varies between brands. It may help to go up and down a few band or cup sizes if the fit doesn’t feel right. Just like with clothing, each brand will fit you differently. With f ull-coverage cups to avoid spillage, wide straps to reduce stress on shoulders and wide side panels that smooth to prevent bulges, this bra is your best bet if you're looking for all-over support. The cups are lightly lined so there's not too much padding, and the fabric feels smooth throughout and looks flattering under clothes. You should fill out the cups without any gaping (which means the cup is too big) or overflow (a sign the cup is too small).

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The band should be level with your ribcage without riding up, and the center gore, the section of the bra that stretches between the two cups, should lie flat against your breastbone. The thoughtful design offers support yet still works with most clothing because the cut isn't too high and the straps aren't too wide. It's adjustable and has an underwire for good separation, plus soft cups for a rounded shape. Although our testers found it to fit nicely, some online reviewers share that it runs on the smaller side, so be sure to review the size chart before buying, especially since it's offered in UK cup sizing.