Fashion

The Underrated Staple Your Lingerie Drawer Has Been Missing

by Lisa Fogarty
Amazon / Bustle

Is there anything that can make your breasts feel more like they're in prison than an underwire bra? Don't get me wrong: Underwire serves a purpose if you want additional lift and support, but the best wireless padded bras are a little-known lingerie alternative that can ramp things up in a major way without making you feel uncomfortable.

If you're unsure whether a wireless bra will provide enough support, today's wireless padded bras are designed with rigid, but soft fabrics and materials that cradle and lift in a comfortable way. The good ones are way more than just flimsy yoga bras — they might be just as comfortable, but they're easier to wear under outfits you won't be working out in, and most look like bras with wires.

Some wireless bras are so comfortable you can sleep in them — and the fact that they boast removable padding only enhances that quality. Others are structured to provide full coverage that makes them disappear under T-shirts. And then there are super va-va-voom plunge push-up wireless bras that create dramatic lift and cleavage. In other words, no two wireless padded bras are the same and they're definitely defying expectations.

These five amazing wireless padded bras and bralettes provide support, lift, and total comfort.

1

A Stretchy Bra With Light Padding For A Modest Lift

Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Lightly Lined Wire-Free Contour Bra (32A-34D), $22-38, Amazon

If you have A-D cups and want a lightly padded wireless bra that enhances your chest, but still looks natural, this is a comfortable, stretchy choice. It comes in three shades (black, sand dune, and French roast), has a hook-and-eye closure on the back, and is hailed by some reviewers as the "perfect T-shirt bra." Some of them love this soft bra so much, and insist it does such a stellar job of supporting your breasts, that they've even worn it in place of a nursing bra — and that's quite the endorsement.

2

A Bra With Medium-Padded Foam Cups And A Comfy Underband

Bali Women's Comfort Revolution Wire-Free Bra (34C-42DD), $13-55, Amazon

A snug, comfortable fabric underband takes the place of underwire and offers plenty of back and side support on this medium-padded wireless bra, which has foam cups and a hook-and-eye closure. This bra has a comfort-U back design that keeps shoulder strap from slipping and it comes in more than 20 colors, including orchid, teal, and seafoam. With more than 3,400 mostly positive reviews, this is one of the most popular wire-free padded bras out there, thanks to what one reviewer calls its "truly comfortable" fit and "nice natural shape."

3

A Full-Coverage T-Shirt Bra With Light Padding

Leading Lady Wireless Padded T-Shirt Bra (38B-50G), $5-56, Amazon

This full-coverage wireless padded bra is perfect to wear under thin shirts and T-shirts — it will keep you covered, while still providing lift and support, thanks to its leotard back design. Available in several neutral and vivid colors, as well as patterns like animal print, this bra has light padding, adjustable padded straps, and four rows of hook-and-eye closures for the ultimate comfortable fit.

4

A Plunge-Cut Wireless Bra With Extreme Push-Up Powers

NASSE Memory Foam Seamless Wireless Push-Up Bra (32B-38C), $19-39, Amazon

If you want maximum lift and push-up effect and aren't put off by heavier padding, this wireless and seamless padded bra is a good choice. It boasts a plunge-cut front that works with low-cut tops and dresses, and memory foam cups with a soft plastic ring to provide lift and support. Reviewers say this bra runs on the smaller side and recommend sizing up to find the best support for your body.

5

A Wire-Free Padded Sports Bra With Criss Cross Back Straps And Tons Of Support

Core 10 High Support Wire-Free Cross Back Front-Zip Sports Bra (30C-46G), $55, Amazon

This super stylish sports bra features a cross back design, zip-up front, and best of all, offers tons of support. Because it's wireless, made of a four-way stretch performance fabric, and has adjustable straps, it's a super comfortable option and is great for high-impact workouts that require a lot of movement. The best part is that it comes in a huge range of sizes.

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