We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Fashion Clothing Athleisure & Loungewear The 7 Best Bralettes of 2024, Tested by Real Women We loved Harper Wilde's The Bliss Bralette for its buttery soft feel and ability to become virtually undetectable under clothing By Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 23, 2024 05:24PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes FAQ Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Alli Waataja Bras aren’t always the most comfortable undergarments; however, if there’s one style that rarely feels restrictive, it’s the bralette. Known for its relaxed support, wire-free design, and comfortable material, bralettes are a must for every underwear drawer, whether you wear them under loungewear or out on the town. The More You Know Bralettes are commonly constructed with seamless microfiber and usually don't have underwire or hardwire that can dig into the body, according to Jené Luciani Sena, bra expert and author of The Bra Book. They also usually feature a pullover design, rather than a traditional clasp in the back. We set out to find the best bralettes available. We researched the extensive market and landed on 16 popular bralette options to put to the test. After two weeks of wearing and washing, we evaluated each bralette on its fit, support, comfort, adjustability, and overall quality. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette at Amazon $48 Jump to Review Best Everyday: SALE Calvin Klein Invisibles Comfort Lightly Lined Triangle Bralette at Amazon $44 $25 Jump to Review Best Lace: Wacoal Soft Sense Bralette at Amazon $46 Jump to Review Best for Small Busts: Kalon Demi Padded Bralette at Amazon $42 Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Lively The Busty Bralette at Wearlively.com Jump to Review Best for Large Busts: Commando Butter Soft Support Adjustable Bralette at Amazon $78 Jump to Review Best Seamless: Bombas Ribbed Seamless Bralette at Bombas.com $38 Jump to Review Best Overall Harper Wilde Bliss Bralette PHOTO: Nordstrom $48 at Amazon View on Harperwilde.com Star Qualities Buttery soft microfiber material is breathable and doesn’t show under clothing Thicker band allows for light support without uncomfortable wiring Excellent size range for alpha sizing Holds up really well in the wash, even after multiple dryer cycles Red Flags Not adjustable We had some trouble finding the correct size (so be sure to consult the size chart) This Harper Wilde bralette is constructed from a buttery soft microfiber material that smooths the surface of the skin and is undetectable under clothing. We love it because it has a thicker band under the breasts for lightweight support without the use of wires. Plus, its sports bra-like silhouette makes it all the more comfortable (though not adjustable), and the straps boast ample support without digging into the skin. Although it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that bras typically have for shaping and lifting, we found that it still felt comfortable and supportive, even on large breasts. The bra also held up nicely in the wash (even after tossing it in the dryer multiple times) which speaks to the overall quality of construction and material. While there's an excellent size range for alpha sizing, we did have some trouble figuring out which size would fit us best (and also found the sizing runs a bit small, which is good to keep in mind when ordering online). Size Range: XS-4XL | Material: 79% nylon, 21% elastane | Colors: 11 | Care: Machine wash warm on gentle cycle using wash bag People The 17 Best Shapewear of 2024, Tested by Real Women Best Everyday Calvin Klein Invisibles Comfort Lightly Lined Triangle Bralette PHOTO: Amazon $44 $25 at Amazon $20 at Macy's $44 at Kohls.com Star Qualities Comes in lots of different colors, some of which are available in a racerback style Adjustable straps offer a better fit Supports large and small busts well Padded cups are included for additional shaping Red Flags Straps are longer than others we tested which won't be ideal for everyone For a comfortable and supportive everyday bralette, try this Triangle Bralette Bra from Calvin Klein (which you can score on Amazon Prime for free and fast shipping). The bralette is constructed from a stretch nylon material that is buttery soft and holds up well in the wash. The bralette also features removable padded cups for additional shaping. When it comes to bralettes, it doesn't get more supportive than this. The straps are a little on the long side — which might work well for some — but they're also adjustable so you can achieve that perfect fit. The bra also comes in lots of different colors, and some colors even come in a racerback style. Most of all, we loved that the bra never felt too restricting or like it was digging into our sides or shoulders. Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane | Colors: 23 | Care: Machine wash People Best Lace Wacoal Soft Sense Bralette PHOTO: Wacoal $46 at Amazon $46 at Nordstrom $42 at Zappos Star Qualities Lace is made of a stretch nylon material Soft and comfortable liner Straps are adjustable for a more precise fit Red Flags Texture shows under tight-fitting tops Whether you prefer the look of lace or want something you can layer under loose-fitted tank tops, the Wacoal Soft Sense Bralette is a gorgeous lacey option. The lace material is constructed from a soft, breathable, and stretchy nylon blend, which is ideal for comfortable bralettes. After testing several options, we found this bra to be the best lace option because of its supreme comfort and bra-like features, including a hook and eye band and adjustable straps, which make it very easy to slip into. Despite its v-neckline, the bra still boasts lots of coverage which helps balance the lace detailing and looks gorgeous under clothing (though the textured material can show through more fitted styles). Size Range: S-2XL | Material: Front: 70% nylon, 30% spandex/elastane; Back: 68% nylon, 32% spandex/elastane | Colors: 7 | Care: Hand wash warm with like colors and line dry People Best for Small Busts Kalon Demi Padded Bralette PHOTO: Amazon $42 at Amazon Star Qualities Comes in several nude colors to match various skin tones Comes in a four-pack Adjustable straps, so you can customize the fit Red Flags Stretches out with regular use but shrinks back after washing Not enough support for larger busts The Kalon bralette comes in at under $10 a bralette, making it the least expensive option on our list. While we don’t recommend this bra for large busts, we found that the support and padding worked perfectly for smaller busts and provided long-lasting comfort throughout the day. We also loved that the straps are adjustable for a more custom fit and that the pack of four bralettes comes in so many different colors, including five skin tone options. We did find that, over time, the bralette stretches out a little bit; however, the washer and dryer remedied that and it was as good as new after a wash. Size Range: XS-XXL, S-L Plus | Material: 92% nylon, 8% spandex | Colors: 18 | Care: Machine wash PHOTO: People PHOTO: People Best Adjustable Lively The Busty Bralette PHOTO: Lively View on Wearlively.com Star Qualities Good coverage for an adjustable bralette Comes in a variety of nude tones plus some other fun colors Band is thick and provides good support Both the straps and band are adjustable so you can achieve a more custom fit Red Flags Brand has its own sizing, so be sure to check the size chart The Busty Bralette from Lively is our top pick for the best adjustable bralette because it features adjustable straps as well as an adjustable band that makes it easier to customize the fit. Additionally, the bra is lined so it provides light smoothing and shaping, too. Although the bra only comes in three sizes — and we recommend studying the size chart before selecting the best option for you — we found that it supported large busts well, especially since it’s so adjustable. Overall, we thought the bra was very versatile and would also be a close runner-up for the best everyday bra. Size Range: 1-3 | Material: 85% nylon, 15% spandex | Colors: 10 | Care: Hand wash recommended; line dry or lay flat People Best for Large Busts Commando Butter Soft Support Adjustable Bralette PHOTO: Commando $78 at Amazon View on Wearcommando.com $78 at Shopbop.com Star Qualities Provides ample coverage and support Hook and eye clasp instead of typical pullover design Light padding shapes and smooths Red Flags Only comes in black and nude tones Pricier than others we've tried If you're looking for a bra for large busts, the Commando bralette had more support compared to other bralettes we tried (and the straps felt super secure). We loved that the bralette has light padding for a shaping and smoothing effect and that it features a hook and eye clasp that is similar to traditional bras, making it easier to put on. Although the bra doesn’t come in many colors, we loved that it comes in three nude tones plus classic black. While the bra is a bit pricier compared to others we tested, we feel like the well-designed straps and quality construction make the cost well worth it. Size Range: XS-XL | Material: 79% modal, 21% elastane | Colors: 4 | Care: Machine wash cold, drip dry People Best Seamless Bombas Ribbed Seamless Bralette PHOTO: Bombas $38 at Bombas.com Star Qualities Feels like a comfortable sports bra Scoop neckline ensures good coverage Virtually undetectable under clothing Red Flags Style doesn’t work under all garments Doesn’t have any lining or padding Those who prefer a bralette that doesn’t show under clothing will love the Bombas Ribbed Seamless Bralette, which features a scoop neckline, good coverage, and an overall seamless design. We love this bra because it feels a lot like a comfy sports bra, making it a good choice for lounge and casual wear. For a bralette, the undergarment is supportive and comfortable, and the straps don’t dig into the skin, which we always appreciate. We do wish it had some padding or lining for light shaping, and the fuller coverage means it's not suited for plunging tops and dresses. But if you need a comfortable option to wear under casual outfits, this seamless option will not disappoint. Size Range: XS-2XL | Material: 53% nylon, 39% modal, 8% elastane | Colors: 7 | Care: Machine wash cold with like colors and tumble dry low People The Best Period Underwear of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE What to Know About Bralettes High-Quality Fabric Comfort is one of the key purposes of bralettes, so you want to ensure that the fabric meets your comfort needs. This often means materials that are lightweight, soft, breathable, and, in some cases, sweat-wicking, too. “A smooth quality nylon spandex (a.k.a. microfiber) will give you the best bang for your buck,” says Jené Luciani Sena, bra expert and author of The Bra Book. Our top pick for the best bralette, the Harper Wilde The Bliss Bralette, is constructed from a buttery soft microfiber material that is lightweight, breathable, and feels almost like a second skin. Size Just like other bra styles, it’s important that a bralette fits and fits well — otherwise, it won’t be comfortable. While some bralettes come in more traditional cup and band sizing, most come in alpha sizing. Because of this, consulting the size chart on a brand’s website is essential for finding the right size, especially since sizes might vary across different brands. It’s also worth reviewing any product reviews for real-world insight into how true to sizing a bra really is. Support Bralettes aren’t known for their support, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t find it. Luciani Sena says to ask yourself how supportive you want and need a bralette to be and keep in mind that bralettes don’t usually have wires, so fabric and design are key. “Those with larger busts will want to look for a higher spandex content for more support,” says Luciani Sena, adding that spandex offers support while nylon offers softness. She recommends looking at the tags and product descriptions for detailed information on how much stretch a material has (we also included this information for all our winners above). Versatility When shopping for bralettes, Annette Bourne, a bra expert with over 20 years of experience, says to look for options with versatility for styling purposes. “Depending on the style, bralettes may also be worn as layering pieces under sheer blouses and shirts,” she explains. With this in mind, lace options such as the Wacoal Soft Sense Bralette are nice to have on hand since they provide that bralette comfort with elevated style. Options with subtle details like the Lively The Busty Bralette are also excellent for layering. People Behind the Scenes When searching for the best bralettes, we researched dozens of bestselling styles and landed on 16 bralettes to put to the test. We evaluated each bralette against the following testing attributes over the course of two weeks. Fit: We evaluated how well the bralettes fit, if they were true to size and matched our typical bra sizing or if the online size chart didn't align with its true measurements. We also considered each product's size range and how many variations it offered for those of different bust and band sizes.Support: We wore the bralettes throughout the day, noting how much support they offered throughout our day-to-day routines. We compared their support to traditional wired bras, as well as other bralettes we've tried in the past.Comfort: We also kept comfort top of mind. We noted if we experienced any discomfort, such as if the straps or band dug into our skin.Adjustability: Adjustability in the straps and band is important for securing a more perfect fit, especially for those with larger busts. We noted which bralettes offered any adjustability so our readers can take that into account if buying a bralette online.Quality: We looked into the quality of each bralette tested and examined how they fared after washing according to the manufacturer's instructions. We also looked closely at the details, noting which bras felt high-quality and if we thought they would hold up well over time. After the washing cycles, we observed any difference in shape, size, or material (like pilling). At the end of the testing period, we rated each bra on a 1 to 5 scale, 5 being the best. The products that received the highest average scores earned a spot on this PEOPLE Tested list of the best bralettes. Frequently Asked Questions Is a bralette better than a bra? For some, the answer is yes, while others — such as those who prefer more support, lift, and shape — the answer is not so much. “It’s really a matter of preference, but I personally love a bralette as long as it has a high spandex content so it offers support, and some built-in or removable thin cups for shaping,” says Luciani Sena. With that said, Bourne says that a bralette is not meant to replace your regular bra, but instead is an addition to your undergarment wardrobe, offering you more variety, depending on what you’re wearing, the occasion, and how comfortable you want to feel. Should you size up or down in bralettes? “Bralettes typically run alpha sizing [small, medium, large, etc.] so you essentially will size up or down,” says Luciani Sena. As far as which way to go, she says it really depends on the bra design and the brand, since not every brand has exactly the same sizing.For a more snug fit, sizing down might offer the best support, however, make sure that the straps are adjustable so that you can slide them to the correct size and they don’t end up digging into your shoulders. What is the best bralette fabric? According to Luciani Sena, the best bralette fabric is a high-quality nylon and spandex blend, which usually means microfiber. “Microfiber is what’s most often used because it’s really the most advanced fabric to give you the most comfort and support,” she explains.In addition to microfiber, many bralettes are constructed from lace and mesh which, while pretty, might not give you enough support depending on your bust size. Why Trust PEOPLE? Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best bralettes, Jessie thoroughly reviewed the insights from our PEOPLE Tested team’s experiences, carefully considering the material, comfort level, support level, and versatility. She also reached out to bra experts to learn more about what makes a bralette the best, plus what to look for when shopping for bralettes. As a result, she put together this list of the best bralettes based on real-world testing. Meet Our Experts Jené Luciani Sena is a bra expert and author of The Bra Book. Annette Bourne is a stylist and lingerie fit specialist. What Is PEOPLE Tested? We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs. But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square. In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.