They say beauty is pain, but why did we ever accept that as the standard? Since quarantine began, we have begun to put ourselves and our comfort at the forefront of our priorities. We hope to never wear a pokey bra, too tight pair of jeans or outrageously high heels ever again.
True comfort can start with the stuff you wear under your clothing, meaning your intimates. “The type of intimates one chooses can completely alter the way an undergarment fits, and most importantly, affect one’s overall comfort,” explains celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman. “My biggest tip is to keep in mind that it’s not a crime to invest in high design or luxury designer underwear that offer high-quality craftsmanship and style. Though no one will see them, it will serve as a reminder that you get what you pay for.”
Because we’re shopping primarily online nowadays, it can seem pretty intimidating to buy new bras and panties without seeing them in person first, especially if your body has gone through changes over the past year or so. Freeman recommends going to get sized at your local lingerie shop before buying, measuring yourself or sticking to the size you normally go with.
With this in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite brands to shop for bralettes and underwear that are ultra comfortable — so much so that you forget you’re wearing anything at all.
Skims
Kim Kardashian’s Skims has long been a favorite of ours for lounge- and shapewear, so it should come as no surprise that it tops our list for comfy bralettes and underwear options — especially if you’re looking for options to wear to an event of some sort.
Skims Fits Everybody Crossover Bralette ($32; skims.com
Available in size XXS to 3X, the Skims Fits Everybody Crossover Bralette is designed for everyday wear and unmatched comfort — featuring adjustable straps, a hook-and-eye closure and power mesh lining for impeccable coverage. One reviewer shares that “these bras are the softest, comfiest, prettiest bralettes I’ve ever owned.”
Skims Fits Everybody Thong ($18; skims.com
We tested the brand’s Fits Everybody collection earlier this year and thought it was the most comfortable underwear we’ve ever worn, most notably this thong that’s lightweight, soft and doesn’t dig at all.
ThirdLove
ThirdLove tops our list of brands that make intimates that suit every body, meaning you should definitely read our rave review here. We found that the bras are incredibly comfortable, fit perfectly and provide great support no matter your size.
ThirdLove Adjustable Strap Wireless Bra ($39; thirdlove.com
Although not a traditional bralette, this is a wireless, pullover design bra that works just the same. It is made with minimal stitching and smooth seams, along with adjustable straps and removable cups that’s meant to work for most breast shapes.
ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Bikini ($15; thirdlove.com
For a praise-worthy panty by ThirdLove, we’d recommend its Comfort Stretch Bikini. Made of nylon and spandex, this no-show bikini will feel silky soft and almost like a second skin. It’s available in XS to 3X in a wide variety of colors to suit your vibe.
Old Navy
We were pleasantly surprised at how amazing Old Navy intimates are, simply because the styles are so affordable without sacrificing quality. If you’re looking for comfortable underwear and bralettes to lounge around the house in, consider Old Navy your one-stop shop along with wardrobe staples for the entire family.
Old Navy Jersey Bralette ($14.99; oldnavy.com
This is for sure our new go-to bralette, especially for only $15. Available in sizes XS to XXL, this jersey number is super soft and has nice stretch that provides support without excess fabric or cup gaping. We’ll take one in every color.
Old Navy Jersey Bikini Underwear ($6.99; oldnavy.com
“Comfortable, true to size, stays in place and doesn’t shrink in the wash,” writes one reviewer of Old Navy’s Jersey Bikini Underwear. Others note that they’re soft, flexible and move with your body. What more could you want from an everyday panty?
Cuup
If you aren’t familiar with Cuup’s intimates, you should totally check out our full review here because the pieces are worth every penny. After seeing the bras all over our social feeds, we decided to test the collection out and found that each style is not only comfortable as ever but also sexy and supportive. The styles seriously made us eager to put on a bra again. The brand is also a favorite of celebrity stylist Philippe Uter’s.
Cuup The Plunge ($68; shopcuup.com
Although Cuup doesn’t offer a “bralette” per se, The Plunge is the closest thing to one. The brand describes it as “exceptional comfort and support — without losing that effortless simplicity you look for in a bralette.” We found this bra, which has no padding, particularly great to lounge around in or pair with your favorite casual tee. Uter says that “they are very comfy yet still super discreet, almost invisible, so the perfect combo” to wear out and about.
Cuup The Bikini ($18; shopcuup.com
The Bikini is the kind of panty we’d reach for without thinking. It’s really versatile, meaning it can be worn on your waist or hips, and is made from a light, moisture-wicking material that’s optimal for summer. Grab a pair in this vibrant, limited-edition Sun colorway.
Savage x Fenty
“If you’re going to show off your bra, make it fashionable,” says celebrity stylist Tyler Minor. “I like to put my clients in Savage x Fenty bralettes and undies. They are affordable, fashionable and super comfortable.” Rihanna’s iconic intimates brand is known in the industry for its inclusivity, eye-catching designs and larger-than-life fashion shows, so it’s to be expected that fashion insiders like Minor and Freeman recommend the brand.
Savage x Fenty Flocked Logo Bralette ($32.95; savagex.com
“Pair the bralette with shorts and combat boots,” says Minor. “If you’re looking for more coverage, throw on an oversized tank. This still allows you to show off a little of what’s underneath.” Available in seven colors in sizes XS to 3X, this sheer mesh unlined bralette is one of Rihanna’s picks from the brand.
Aerie
If you’re like us, you think Aerie is synonymous with movement and comfort — from activewear to swimwear, and of course intimates. We know we can count on the brand for products that are made with real people in mind, suitable for any activity.
Aerie Real Free Padded Bralette ($27.96, originally $39.95; ae.com
“This is probably the best bralette I own. Super comfortable and soft yet still supportive,” writes one reviewer of the Aerie Real Free Padded Bralette. Available in size XXS to XXL along with sizes for wider, reinforced straps, this bralette is made from a smooth nylon blend fabric in nine colors that feels like skin.
Aerie Real Me Boybrief Underwear ($8.95; ae.com
This isn’t your typical pair of undies, and that’s because it’s made in Aerie’s lightweight, buttery soft Real Me fabric. These have quickly become one of our favorites for casual wear.
Girlfriend Collective
Girlfriend Collective is the cool-girl activewear brand of our dreams, due to the stylish designs and thoughtful production from the materials to the manufacturers. In fact, it even made our list of our favorite sustainable fashion brands.
Girlfriend Collective Scoop Bralette ($24; girlfriend.com
Imagine your favorite sports bra but comfier for all-day wear: It’s the Girlfriend Collective Scoop Bralette. Available in four colors in sizes XXS to 6X, this bra is designed for light support, featuring a breathable stretchy fabric, no cups and soft elastic under the bust.
Girlfriend Collective High-Rise Brief ($14; girlfriend.com
The right high-rise brief panty feels like a special level of comfort — almost like a hug keeping you covered and secure. Made from 80% recycled plastic bottles, this is designed to hit right below the belly button with a bonded waistband that shouldn’t move around.
Commando
For any type of red carpet or public appearance, celebrity stylist Andrew Gelwicks’ go-to intimates brand is Commando. “They have quite a few different styles and color options,” he explains. “All the girls say the pieces are so comfy and seamless.”
Commando Butter Bralette ($64; wearcommando.com
The ideal bralette is buttery soft, so you need to consider Commando’s number as your bralette of choice. It’s double-lined and constructed with adjustable straps, making it sleek enough to wear on its own or as part of your outfit.
Commando Butter Hipster ($28; wearcommando.com
One reviewer describes the Commando Butter Hipster as the “perfect amount of coverage under sheer summer fabrics.” This panty is lightweight and breathable, and dries quickly — a helpful quality to consider if you tend to sweat.
Pepper
Pepper was founded to provide better-fitting bras for small-chested women, particuarly sizes AA, A or B, who are oftentimes overlooked in the intimates market. The goal is to help you feel confident in not only your boobs but your entire body. In fact, it’s one of our favorite Asian-owned brands to shop from.
Pepper Everyday Lace Bralette ($38; wearpepper.com
“I’m so glad I found this — it’s the first bralette that actually fits,” writes one reviewer. “Usually, they’re always made for large-chested folks, but I finally found the one for me!” If you read further, you’ll see purchasers rave at how comfortable and sexy the bralette is, even noting that it’s perfect for trans bodies too. Available in three colors and sizes XXS to XL, this unpadded triangle bralette features a wide elastic band and won’t bunch in the cups.
Mindd
Do you have D+ boobs and can’t seem to find a wirefree bra that suits your body? Try out Mindd, a brand founded by a woman who was fed up with the intimates options for bustier women.
Mindd Deep V Wirefree Unlined Bra ($68; minddbra.com
If you’re looking for an unlined bra that will still offer supreme support, the Mindd Deep V Wirefree Unlined Bra is for you. It’s also great to wear with plunging necklines because of the deep V design.
Mindd Super-Soft Seamless Full-Coverage Brief ($12; minddbra.com
What should you pair with the unlined bra? The answer is the brand’s Seamless Full-Coverage Brief that’ll be the last of your worries on each wear.
Harper Wilde
Woman-owned intimates brand Harper Wilde was founded to create intimates that aren’t oversexualized, wildly expensive or catered to men. What happens when women design intimates for women, you ask? A collection of undergarments that are practical, comfortable and accessible to anyone. The brand is one of our favorites for sure.
Harper Wilde The Lounge Bralette ($40; harperwilde.com
If we had to pick a bralette to wear as a top, it would probably be Harper Wilde’s The Lounge Bralette. It’s a ribbed, scoop-neck number that feels impeccably soft, as it’s lined with a silky soft jersey fabric. Available in white or clay in sizes XS to 3X, this supports up to a DDD/F cup yet looks like a crop top.
Knix
Knix intimates are meant to help you feel comfortable in your own skin. It’s nearly impossible not to support a brand that puts your comfort first, with designs ranging from period underwear to maternity and postpartum options.
Knix Evolution Bra ($55; knix.com
Available in three cool colors, the Evolution Bra is wirefree, reversible and unpadded in sizes that should fit for up to a 42E. Even better: It’s designed for everyday, working out and even pregnancy.
Knix Essential Boyshort ($25; knix.com
We love wearing a seamless boyshort when we know the day ahead calls for cozy undies that won’t pinch or bind. One reviewer shares that these “are without a doubt the most comfortable underwear [they’ve] ever owned.”
Summersalt
Is there anything Summersalt can’t do? We already can’t imagine living without its iconic swimwear, and now we can confidently say the same about its intimates. After all, the brand is all about fashion and function.
Summersalt The Feel Free Adjustable Bralette ($18; summersalt.com
Summersalt’s Feel Free Adjustable Bralette literally feels like you’re wearing nothing because of the super-soft micro-mesh lace fabric that’s made from recycled plastic water bottles. Because it’s so lightweight, it’s great to layer this summer as a substitute for a real bra.
Summersalt The Feel Free Thong Underwear ($15; summersalt.com
Part of the same Feel Free collection as the bralette is this lightweight thong. Available in sizes XS to 2X, this is designed with a soft elastic waistband made from the semi-sheer, silky fabric that feels like a dream.
Lively
Lively’s pieces are designed to “blur the aesthetic lines of lingerie, active and swim” through high style and comfort made for every woman. We can count on this brand for intimates we know will work with us, not against us.
Lively The Stripe Mesh Bralette ($35; wearlively.com
Introducing the sleekest bralette: Lively’s The Stripe Mesh Bralette that is made from a soft stretchy mesh fabric designed with a longlined band for added support. If you’re a size D or up, try out The Busty Stripe Mesh Bralette that’s the same style but designed for bigger busts.
Lively All-Day Brief ($10; wearlively.com
“These are so incredibly soft and comfortable, and they’ve also held up really well with regular use and washing,” writes one reviewer, meaning you can spend your money on these with zero regrets.
