To help you find the best bra for your needs, whether you have big or small busts, we spoke with experts to learn more about the top options for different breast sizes, budgets, and style preferences. With their suggestions in mind, we also combed through our extensive notes from years of testing the best (and worst) bras on the market to see which options are best for women with a few more decades under their belt. But, before we dive in, we’ll break down exactly what to think about before buying a new bra.
What to consider
Sizing and fit
Prioritize bras with adjustable bands and straps so you can customize the fit to your body shape, says Emma Butler, CEO of bra company Liberare. “A properly fitted band is key for support, so it’s important to get re-measured regularly as weight and breast shape can fluctuate as we age,” she says. To assess if a bra fits well, it should provide a good amount of support without digging into your skin or leaving marks.
Materials
When it comes to selecting a bra, materials play a big role in both comfort and durability. “Though each woman has her own preferences, many opt for soft, breathable materials in their bras,” says Maeve Gesualdi, bra specialist at Glamorise. “Bras made of cotton fabrics provide comfortable, breathable support throughout the day. There are also many bras made of moisture-wicking fabrics that help to wick away sweat for extra cooling comfort.” This comes in handy as it can help manage changes in body temperature that can occur with age, including those caused by menopause or hormonal fluctuations. What’s more, fabrics with some stretch can also help accommodate natural fluctuations in breast size and shape, giving you a more adaptable and comfortable fit. Choosing bras with seamless designs or smooth textures is important to avoid chafing, especially if you have sensitive skin or spend long hours in a bra.
Straps or closures
Wide, padded straps are often best since they help distribute weight more evenly across the shoulders. In terms of closures, there are a few great options on the market. “Newer magnetic closures are easier to manipulate,” explains Noa Arias and Dr. Shaula Yemini, co-founders of Bloomers Intimates. “In fact, any back closure is a struggle to manage, so bras and bralettes with front hook closures or clasps are a great solution.” Some bras even have cushioned closures that help prevent irritation, which makes them much more comfortable.
How we chose
For this article, we tapped fashion and bra experts to learn about their top recommendations for bras that will make older women feel comfortable, supported, and confident in their bodies. In addition, we combed through our own notes from the extensive bra testing we’ve done in order to solidify the ones that fit well, have comfortable materials, and are easy to put on and take off. We considered bras that are breathable and soft, have a wide cup and band range, and come in many different colorways.
Keep reading to see our top picks, and get ready to add a supportive and comfortable new bra to your collection.
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Best Bra for Older Women Overall
Playtex Women’s Ultimate Lift & Support Wireless Full-Coverage Bra
Pros
- Has higher sides, fuller cups, wider straps, and a smoother back than most bras
- Made of moisture-wicking fabric
- Cushioned straps provide no-slide shoulder comfort
Cons
- Must be hand-washed
For a bra that’s comfortable, well-fitting, and soft, there’s no better option than this Playtex pick. What makes this bra our overall favorite is its comfort-focused design. It’s designed with wire-free support, which means it won’t dig into your skin or cause discomfort under your breasts. The unique ‘Lift and Support’ design (which includes rounded cups) will give you a natural lift without the need for underwires, making it ideal for women who might deal with tenderness or sensitivity. Plus, the full-coverage cups make sure your bust is well-supported, which helps to reduce strain on the shoulders and back. It also has wide, cushioned straps that distribute weight more evenly.
In terms of comfort, it doesn’t disappoint. It’s made from soft, breathable fabric (nylon, polyester, spandex, and cotton), which means you won’t have to deal with your breasts getting too constricted and sweaty. As for the cherry on top, it has a no-bulge design (thanks to stretchy satin panels), meaning it looks good under clothes, and is ultra comfortable. The one thing to note is that this bra can only be hand-washed, so be sure not to toss it in the washing machine.
Read More: Best Strapless Bras For Large Breasts
| Material | Nylon, polyester, spandex, cotton |
|---|---|
| Cup range | A-G |
| Band range | 34-54 |
| Colorways | 17 |
Best Budget Bra for Older Women
Hanes Women’s Oh So Light Wireless T-Shirt Bra
Pros
- Fabric comfortably molds to breast size and shape
- Convertible straps
- Very light and breathable
Cons
- Nylon, spandex
Want a budget-friendly bra that doesn’t compromise on comfort and support? We’ve got just the one. This Hanes bra is made from a lightweight, breathable fabric (hello, nylon and spandex) that feels soft and light as a feather against the skin, making it perfect for all-day wear. (Since it’s a Hanes product, you can expect it to be super comfortable as the brand is known and loved for its cozy fabric.)
This bra also has a little mesh cutout between the breasts that provides much-needed airflow, meaning sweaty boobs are a thing of the past. Additionally, we really like the wireless design since it’s much more comfortable than bras with underwire. What’s more, since it doesn’t have a wire, it’s able to adapt to the body’s contours, meaning you get a personalized fit.
And, despite its budget-friendly price point, this Hanes favorite doesn’t skimp on functionality. The adjustable, convertible straps are easy to adjust, and the lightly lined foam cups gently shape and support breasts. We will note that the cups can get crinkled inside the inserts if you wash them, so be sure to flatten them out before putting the bra on.
| Material | Nylon, spandex |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Colorways | 4 |
Most Comfortable Bra for Older Women
Wacoal Basic Beauty Spacer Underwire T-Shirt Bra
Pros
- Hidden sling in cups for added support and shaping
- Close-set back straps prevent slipping
- Back adjustable straps for a customized fit
Cons
- Can be too big for small busts
It’s a fact: There’s nothing better than a truly comfortable bra. Luckily, this Wacoal t-shirt bra is all that and more. Featuring a lightweight spacer foam that provides great support while still remaining breathable (which is often hard to find), this bra effortlessly molds to the body without being too tight. Additionally, the smooth cups and seamless design make it ideal for layering under clothes, meaning you can pair this bra with a range of different outfits. “The camisole straps stay in place, preventing any slipping throughout the day on sloping shoulders, and the underwire design offers reliable support for women who want a bit more structure without sacrificing comfort,” adds Butler. Plus, it comes in a ton of sizes and colors. As for its one downfall, it runs a bit big, meaning it might not fit well for those with small busts and, for those with larger busts, you may need to size it down.
| Material | Nylon, spandex |
|---|---|
| Cup range | 30-46 |
| Band range | A-G |
| Colorways | 6 |
Best Plus-Size Bra for Older Women
Evelyn & Bobbie Defy Bra
Pros
- Ergonomic design in order to reduce shoulder and neck pain
- Can customize with the help of removable cups
- Wide, comfortable straps distribute weight evenly
Cons
- Must be pulled on, so not ideal for people with limited mobility
Designed with the needs of fuller busts in mind, this bra has a special construction that offers a great amount of support without sacrificing comfort. The design includes wide, adjustable straps that help distribute weight evenly, which minimizes strain on the shoulders and neck. On top of that, the bra’s flexible cups adapt to the natural shape of the bust, giving you a secure, cozy fit.
“The Defy Bra from Evelyn & Bobbie is a great choice for women over 50, offering exceptional support and all-day comfort,” says Butler. She says that its full-coverage design ensures a smooth, flattering shape without any spillage, while the thick, seamless straps stay in place even as shoulders naturally slope with age. And, best of all, there’s no digging into sensitive underbust tissue, making it a perfect blend of comfort and support.
This bra is super unique with its pullover design, meaning you don’t have to worry about securing any clasps. However, this can be hard if you have limited mobility, so be sure to consider if you can comfortably put this bra on before purchasing. Another quality we like? This bra has antimicrobial protection and moisture-wicking properties that keep it clean. But, when it does get dirty, feel free to toss it in the washing machine and lay it flat to dry.
| Material | Polyamide, elastane |
|---|---|
| Sizes | S-3XL |
| Colorways | 17 |
Most Stylish Bra for Older Women
Chantelle Révèle Moi Perfect Fit Underwire Bra
Pros
- Unlined underwire cups give natural lift without the added padding
- U-shaped back helps to take weight off shoulders
- Double-lined mesh band subtly smooths back and sides
Cons
- It’s best to avoid wearing this bra more than twice between washings, which means you might wash it more often than other bras
If there’s one thing we love, it’s a bra that makes us look and feel good. “As women age, their needs change, but women should not need to sacrifice style for a comfortable and supportive bra that makes them feel good,” says Gesualdi. As for the bra that achieves this? The Chantelle Révèle Moi Perfect Fit Underwire Bra. We find that this lightweight, semi-sheer lace bra is both feminine and functional, giving you the best of both worlds. It features four-part cups that’ll give you a natural shape and comfortable lift, all while ensuring you have full coverage. “Under a tailored outfit, we’ve found Chantelle Revele Moi’s bra to be a good compromise between comfort and style,” adds Arias and Yemini.
| Material | Polyamide, spandex |
|---|---|
| Cup range | B-H |
| Band range | 30-42 |
| Colrways | 3 |
Lauren Harano is a New York-based writer, editor, and journalist covering commerce, beauty, travel, food, and lifestyle topics. She has been in the industry for over 7 years, and her work can be found in various publications including Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Harper’s Bazaar, Hotels Above Par, Editorialist, Esquire, and InStyle. When she’s not writing or interviewing sources, Lauren can be found testing the latest beauty products, planning her next vacation, and buying clothes she definitely does not need.
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