Ultimate Bra Guide: How to Find the Right Bra for You

Finding a bra that you like – let alone love – can be a serious chore. Far too often, bra shopping feels like a compromise. Either the bra looks nice but feels terrible, or it feels nice but isn’t something you’d be proud to let anyone else see. 

Here at Negative, we believe that there’s a perfect bra out there for everyone, and that finding their right one can be easy and even fun. Whether you are on the market for the best bras for small busts or bigger chests, we have exactly what you need to simplify the shopping experience. Check out our comprehensive bra guide below for tried-and-true tips and tricks.

The best bras for optimal support

Underwire bra

We know, we know – underwire bras get a bad rap, and a lot of the time it’s deserved, (who wants a pesky wire digging into their skin all day?). But when they’re made right and fit well, they don’t have to be uncomfortable and can offer just the right amount of support and shaping. Pro tip: Look for styles with ample cushioning around the wires, a band that sits comfortably snug when on the lowest hook, and straps that don’t dig. 

Balconette bra 

A balconette bra comes with wider-set straps and structured cups, two features that are perfect for support. If you want a lower neckline that shows off more of the décolletage but don’t want to compromise support, a balconette is a great option.

T-Shirt bra

T-Shirt bras typically come with molded cups and extra structure to help keep everything in place and symmetrically shaped. And, as the name suggests, they are an excellent choice for under form-fitting t-shirts due to their smooth silhouette.

Sports bra

For the ultimate support under pressure (AKA gravity), you can’t go wrong with a sports bra tops. Designed to compress your chest and keep everything in place, this style is ideal for higher intensive movement days.

The most comfortable bras for lounging

Bralette

Women’s bralettes often come unpadded (or very lightly padded), unwired, and are all around perfect for lounging. Pro tip: Choose a super-soft material like cotton or modal for the ultimate cozy experience. 

Wireless bra

A wireless bra typically offers a little more support than a bralette – but is still super comfortable. Some even come with molded cups for extra shaping and structure.

Seamless bra 

Made from stretchy, body-hugging fabric, seamless bras are typically over-the-head styles that omit any wires or hook and eye closures, eliminating potential causes of irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Sports bra

While you might associate higher-intensity workouts like running or jumping with sports bras,  styles built for lighter activity days can be a great bralette-esque option.

Best no-show bra styles

T-Shirt bra

As the name suggests, a t-shirt bra is a great style if you want to keep your bra hidden under your clothes. T-shirt bras are typically made with smoothing fabrics, molded cups, and neutral colors that look flattering and won’t make themselves known under clothing.

Wireless bra

Wireless bras are – surprise – unwired, which lends added comfort and less structure compared to a wired style. When made with smoothing nylons or supportive mesh fabrics, they can be sleek and invisible under clothes. 

Plunge bra

If you’re wearing a low-cut top, you might want to invest in a plunge bra, as they feature lower-cut necklines.

Bralette

Bralettes are great for under tanks or tees. These days, many are made with smooth and flat edges, giving them a seamless appearance.

Bandeau 

Also known as a strapless bra without a wire, often with an over-the-head construction, bandeau bras are ideal for under tube tops or strapless dresses. 

Best bras for a smaller chest

Bralette

Not only is a bralette optimal for lounging, but it’s also a great choice for anyone with a smaller chest. This style is light, comfortable, and wire-free, which are all good qualities if you aren’t in need of something with heavy support and structure.

Triangle bra

If you’re looking for a bra that provides great shape without adding bulk, consider triangle bras. This style is minimal, but with its stylish plunging neckline, it’s also super flattering.

Balconette bra

With its wider-set straps and structured cups, a balconette bra is another non-bulky but super flattering style. Its structured support helps keep things light while highlighting your natural shape.

Mesh bra

Mesh bras – like Negative’s bestselling Sieve Non-Wire – are the perfect blend of breathability and support. Their mesh fabric is easy on the skin, while also providing light, non-bulky structure for those with a smaller chest.

Best bras for a larger chest

Full-coverage bra

To state the obvious: full-coverage bras are different from regular bras because they offer full chest coverage. A higher neckline eliminates the risk of spillage and provides ample support. What’s more, these styles often include wider straps and stronger side support to keep everything securely in place.

Longline bra

A lesser-known bra style, a longline bra features an extended band for extra support. This option is comfortable, supportive, and smoothing. Due to their extra panel of fabric, longline bras are great for anyone with a larger chest. The structure of the bra helps distribute weight more evenly, easing pressure on your shoulders.

Non-wire bra

When you choose the right non-wire bra, it can be far more supportive than you might assume. If you’re looking for support in a wireless style, be on the lookout for things like: plush elastic underbands, inner side slings, wider straps, and stronger materials with less overall stretch. As an example, our Sieve Non-Wire Bra is made from resilient honeycomb micromesh and can support up to DDD/G cups.

Underwire bra

More often than not, underwire bras are uncomfortable – and sometimes they’re even painful. But if you look in the right places, you can find an underwire bra that provides support without discomfort. Pro tip: look for well-made partial wire styles, or styles with ample padding around the wires.

Best bras for a fashion statement 

Mesh bra

With their slightly-sheer appearance and smooth silhouette, mesh bras are a great option if you’re looking to make a fashion statement. If you’re looking for something that keeps you covered (but not all the way covered), a mesh bra is always a foolproof choice.

Colorful bra

Whatever the style, if you add a pop of color to your intimates, it can add a sense of fun and excitement to what you wear underneath – whether or not anyone else is lucky enough to know. Check out our Cherry and Orchid for the ultimate statement piece.

Cutout bra

With a thoughtfully-placed cutout in the center, cutout bras are the perfect blend of functional and a bit risqué.

Lace bra

A classically feminine style, lace bras come in all shapes and sizes. For lace-like fabric that won’t itch or irritate your skin, try our Eyelet Lace styles for a more modern look, or our Serpente styles for a sophisticated interpretation of snakeskin.

Things to consider when bra shopping

Size

While it might feel obvious that you should choose your bra based on your bra size, what you might not know is that your bra size can fluctuate throughout your life. That’s why it’s important to make sure that your bra doesn’t feel too tight or loose, and if it does, consider getting your bra size remeasured. For more easy tips, learn how to measure bra size at home to get the perfect sizing.

Activity level

The type of bra that’s right for you depends largely on what your day-to-day life looks like. Are you super active? Do you spend most days working from home on your couch? These factors – plus personal taste – will inform what kind of bra is right for you.

Fit and feel

It’s a given that your bra should feel good – but how do you actually make that happen? When shopping for a new bra, there are a few things to consider to ensure long-term comfort. First, make sure that the band is snug but not tight. You should also make sure that the cups fit your chest comfortably, and that there is no spilling or gaping. Finally, your adjustable straps should never dig into your shoulders.

Fabric

When it comes to the layers that sit closest to your skin, it’s vital to choose high quality fabrics that feel good. Look for breathable bra fabrics like cotton, modal, smooth nylon, or micromesh for all-day comfort.

Shop Negative’s bra collection

Here at Negative, we believe that what you wear under your clothes should make you look and feel your best. That’s why, when you browse our women’s bras collection, you’ll see that we refuse to compromise any aspect of our products. Whether you’re in the market for something more supportive, lounge-friendly, or out-of-the-box, we’ve got you covered. Start shopping now to find your perfect fit!