A comfortable and supportive bra is even more important as we get older because the tissue and structure of our breasts change, and with the loss of skin elasticity they can begin to sag. Wearing a supportive bra not only provides comfort in keeping them secure, but also has the benefit of being aesthetically pleasing. Whilst we may not be as fortunate as we once were in having perky breasts, we can help ourselves by finding a bra that works by sculpting and lifting the area. I am a size 34C and go between a full cup bra for active days, an underwired bra when I need extra hold and a T-shirt bra because I don’t like the seams of a design to show through. I also love a pretty and colourful bra but for me comfort and support is more important and finding a bra that ticks all three is not always so easy.
According to stylist Louise Duncum, www.weizstyles.com, a former designer for Next and H&M, having a professional fitting before buying a bra is the best way to ensure you feel your best in your underwear and clothing. “As our bodies change so often, it is recommended to do this once a year to maintain the most flattering and comfortable support. Before shopping for a bra online make sure you get a free bra fitting from a variety of retailers, from M&S to Harrods so you do not need to break the bank when doing this important process.”
And as for the colour of bra you choose, Louise suggests opting for “nude or skin coloured ones when wearing sheer, patterned or colourful garments”, adding “red bras can be a great option to wear underneath white garments! A fun trick to test out when you next go bra shopping.”
How we tested these bras
I'm Suzanne Baum, a 51-year-old award-winning beauty and fashion editor and I have personally tested all the bras below. I've written about fashion and beauty for over 20 years, and regularly report on the latest beauty news; from trialling out new beauty innovations and aesthetic treatments to writing about the best products for women and men. With a keen interest in mature skincare, I've written extensively on everything from the best products to use during the menopause to how to protect your skin from the sun.
I sourced every bra on this list and tested them for an extended period of time. I then considered a number of factors including the comfort, look and feel of each bra. Also the level support it offers, how the bra looks under clothes and how sculpted my breasts looked in the bra.
All our reviews are honest and I have included both the positive and negative findings from testing these products.
Scroll down to find my pick of the best bras currently available on the market for older women
The best bras for older women 2024
Best bra for comfort for older women
www.marksandspencer.com
Get that no-bra feeling with this ZERO Feel Soft Bra, cut from ultra-light recycled microfibre with no wires, seams or labels. The clever dot-bonding technology gives a pinch-free fit and complete invisibility under clothing. Ideal for anyone who suffers with hot flushes the Activated Silk™ technology wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable and dry. Available in numerous sizes in an A to a D cup.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "Normally I can’t wait to take a bra off after a long day at work but this Sloggi one, available in six colours, is the most comfortable bra I have ever worn. It feels so soft against the skin, doesn’t show through a white T-shirt and holds my breasts perfectly, even though it is non-wired.
Cut from ultra-light recycled microfibre with no wires, seams or labels, the dot-bonding technology gives a pinch-free fit and makes it completely invisible under clothing.
With adjustable straps and a hook and eye fastening at the back, the material leaves no marks on the body, even when worn for 12 hours.
I also love the Activated Silk™ technology that works by removing moisture so even on a hot day I was left without any sweat marks."
Pros
- Super-soft but supportive
- Activated Silk™ technology wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable and dry
- Leaves no marks or redness on the skin
- No wires, no labels, no seams for a second skin feel
Cons
- Back fastening which will not suit those with mobility issues
Best bra for uplift for older women
www.johnlewis.com
The Triumph Lift Smart Padded Bra is said to give a flawless fit under any outfit. It features a smart combination of stretch lace, secret lift and push-in features that work together for a seamless look and natural shape.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "I mentioned above that I love a colourful bra but finding one that is comfortable and supportive is not so easy. This Triumph one is the answer! Firstly, I love the bright purple colour and pretty lace but if you prefer neutral shades, it does come in black and ecro white too. And secondly, although I often find push up bras uncomfortable due to the fact they are designed tighter than a normal one, this didn’t dig in to my skin at all. And the extra padding doesn’t show through clothes; in fact the look is seamless.
Although this is not a full cup design and I am often conscious in push up bras of the top of my breasts looking a bit squashed, it really does hold them in place. Super comfortable. Goes from an A to an F cup."
Pros
- Supportive and adjustable straps
- Adapts to all body shapes
Cons
- Features extra padding so might not be suitable for larger sizes
Best lacy bra for older women
www.shopunderstatement.com
This bestselling bralette with triangle lace cups is said to be both supportive and delicate. It features thin, double shoulder straps with metal adjusters and a soft silicone care label so there's no itchy tags.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "Although a bralette has no underwire or bonding, and is normally designed to be pulled over the head with no back fastening, don’t let that put you off if you think they are only suited to young girls. This bralette is my go to for evening wear and it has an adjustable hook & eye closure at the back, which when pulled tight, creates a clean silhouette.
The buttery-soft fabric feels gorgeous on the skin and the triangle-shape of the bra makes it ideal for wearing beneath a V-neck. The full scalloped-lace cups and under band, plus the slightly see-through material, give it a sexy edge. I also found the thinness of the straps meant they didn’t dig in to my skin. Available in 12 colours, this bralette covers both small and large busts, but involves you working out your fit through body measurements, instead of cup sizes."
Pros
- Fastening at the back so no need to pull over your head
- Perfect for evening wear
- Sexy yet comfortable
Cons
- Might not be enough support for very large sizes
- Moderate nipple coverage
- You'll need to work out your size as comes in XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL
Best for smaller busts
stripeandstare.com
If you want to buy a bra that gives back to the environment then you can't go wrong with this one. Not only is it made from 95% trees but Stripe & Stare plant a new tree for every bra ordered.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "This is one of the best underwear brands on the market; known for its sustainability credentials. Although this bra range – which comes in a vast range of colours and patterns – is one of my all-time favourites, I would recommend it to smaller busted ladies only. It does not give as much support as the other bras mentioned here, but when it comes to comfort and design, I love it.
Made from 95% biodegradable TENCEL™ Modal x Micro (aka trees!), it is proven to be more than twice as soft as cotton and feels gorgeous against the skin. I’m not a huge fan of sexy bras but this hits the mark as the pretty lace trimming makes it very feminine. It goes on clothes size, rather than a bra cup, and fits like a glove. I love it so much, I have bought it in green, black and brown."
Pros
- Great sustainable choice
- Wide choice of colours
- Non-wired with adjustable straps and hook & eye fastening
- Fabric proven to be more than twice as soft as cotton
Cons
- Not suited to those with larger bust sizes
Best bra for support for older women
www.marksandspencer.com
This wired, full-cup, non-padded design gives you the shape you want and the support you need. The floral-lace style is designed with added stretch for all-day comfort.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "If you like full coverage, this M&S bra gives a secure fit for bust sizes A through to E. It comes in eight colours and it actually looks and feels a lot more expensive than it is. The wired, non-padded design offers excellent support and comfort, with the floral pattern adding a pretty finishing touch. This bra fits true to size and the thickness of the side and back strap stops fat from bulging out.
I often find wired bras don’t return to their original shape when washed but I’ve put mine in the wash and tumble dryer numerous times and it always comes out looking brand new."
Pros
- Retains shape after washing
- No padding
- Good support
- Lacy detail but with nipple coverage
Cons
- Some may find lace itchy
Best bra for shape for older women
www.debenhams.com
Florilege’s Moulded Spacer Bra in a classic Black shade is ideal for everyday and occasionwear. Sumptuously soft and smooth spacer contour cups offer a natural rounded shape, while soft touch supportive elastics ensure the garment stays in place for all-day wear. Showcasing delicate floral lace in the centre front for a luxurious finish.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "This is the perfect everyday bra that gives full coverage, and is smooth enough to fit well underneath a T-shirt, without showing any bumps. The contour cups help give breasts a rounded shape and the mould hugs them so there is no room for jiggle. The pretty lace trimming adds a pretty addition, to what is otherwise a plain but practical bra. Available in four different colours and from a 30B cup up to a 40F cup, it really does run true to size. The supportive elastic that holds the bra cups do not dig in to the skin and the adjustable shoulder straps and back fastening make it easy to secure in place. It feels invisible but does a perfect job."
Pros
- Smooth spacer contour cups for a natural rounded shape
- Pretty lace trimming at the bottom
- Runs true to size
- Underwires vary in strength across sizes to offer a customised level of support and shape
Cons
- Hand wash recommended only
Best bra for fuller breasts
www.marksandspencer.com
Bring a hint of romance to your underwear collection, with the Devote side support plunge bra by Fantasie. Crafted from floral lace, its non-wired cups are structured with side boning to offer optimum lift and support for fuller busts. A delicate trinket highlight on the centre front adds eye-catching detail. For extra coverage and a custom fit, the bra is fitted with smoothing wings and features adjustable straps.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "The semi sheer fabric makes this a breathable choice, and adds a sexy edge to this bra, which has a subtle leaf print sewn in to give it an even more feminine look. As a plunge bra this works well for creating a nice shape to the cleavage, without pushing the skin together too much. The cups of the bra give a natural lift to the breasts, whilst cradling them at the same time. I find this to be a very supportive bra that doesn’t add bulk."
Pros
- Plunge shape for lower neckline
- Semi sheer fabric through cups for lighter feel, whilst maintaining modesty
- Three piece cup with side support for great uplift and forward projection
Cons
- Recommended hand wash only
Best bra for enhancing breasts
www.marksandspencer.com
The printed mesh lends a modern feel to this bra from the M&S Autograph range. This plunge style effortlessly creates a feminine silhouette and enhances your natural cleavage. The cups are padded and underwired for a smooth and supportive shape.
Our tester Suzanne Baum (51), says: "The thing I love about M&S bras is that they fit true to size and this is a great choice if you have saggy breasts as it really lifts and shapes them beautifully. Printed mesh is very on trend right now and this just feels so pretty against the skin and creates a really lovely feminine silhouette. The underwired and padded effect will enhance smaller sized breasts and the light material is perfect for when the weather is hot. Finally, the straps feel so secure that you don’t need to worry about them slipping."
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Great for uplift
- Enhances smaller busts
Cons
- Busy design could be seen under light coloured clothes
Best bra for comfortable support
www.selfridges.com
With its T-shirt silhouette and moulded cups, this Sensual bralette is perfect for wearing under low-cut tops. The layered-cup design provides support without being restrictive. It's also fitted with adjustable shoulder straps and signed off with scalloped trims for a romantic look.
"I absolutely love this bra and even though it is quite expensive, it feels super luxurious to wear. Available in silk green and champagne colour (in sizes small to extra-large), it is an all lace bra that is a bit see-through across the nipple area. The bra may be non-wired but the wide under band beneath it works in a similar way, keeping everything intact. The V-neck bra has thick shoulder straps which provide extra support and stretch lace back panels that stop any extra skin from falling out. This bra is so comfortable, doesn’t ride up or slip. Only problem is, due to being lace, it is hand-wash only."
Pros
- Non-wired but supportive
- Inner side sling in super soft spacer fabric for comfort and side support
- Soft touch elastics with a wide elastic underband for support and comfort
- Wide shoulder straps for added support
Cons
- Hand-wash only
- Green colour may not be all tastes
We spoke to Janice who has been a fitting specialist for over 34 years and is the founder Janice Rose Lingerie - a team that helps young girls looking for their first bra to women navigating post-surgery bra fittings. “Focus on comfort and support above all else. Your ideal bra should feel comfortable throughout the day while providing adequate support for your unique shape," she says.
“Be open to trying different styles, as what worked in the past may not be the best option now. Remember, our bodies change over time, so it's worth reassessing your bra needs annually,” she adds.
Everyone's needs will be different when it comes to finding their 'perfect' bra, be it shaping bras for a smooth back or plus-size bras for comfort. From low support bralettes to full-cup supportive bras, we've taken into consideration everything you may need in a bra.
FAQs
What is the expert recommended way to measure and find the right bra size?
"The most accurate way to determine your bra size involves a comprehensive assessment of your breast shape, size, and position. This goes beyond simple tape measurements, which can be misleading," Janice says.
"Factors like breast fullness, body changes, and variations between brands all play crucial roles in finding the right fit. For the most precise results, consider having an in-person fitting with someone trained. Don’t shy away from seeking expert advice if you're unsure – a tailored approach can make a world of difference. They can guide you through the wide range of sizes and styles available, ensuring you find options that truly suit your body."
"In order to find your most comfortable and supportive fit, we believe that fitting by eye is the only way to ensure the best possible bit for every unique shape. Using a tape measure isn’t always accurate as it doesn’t account for the shape of your boobs, especially as your body changes as you get older," the fitting team at Bravissimo adds.
What should older women look for while choosing bras?
When selecting bras, older women should prioritise several key factors and Janice lists out a few:
Comfort: Pay attention to how the bra feels and fits throughout the day, not just when you first put it on. Your bra should feel good throughout the day. Size is really important, it can make or break how you wear or feel in a bra, and the last thing you want is to feel as though your bra is restricting you. An instruction guide would help while shopping for bras online and to understand how in-person bra fittings work.
Support: Your bra should provide adequate lift and shaping for your specific needs.
Coverage: From full cups to bralettes, there are lots on offer in the world of bras and considering the coverage you need and want is important. While bralettes are great for smaller-breasted women, they will not offer the support bigger-busted women need and this can lead to more back pain.
"We find lots of older women prefer full cup styles to keep them feeling super secure throughout the day as these styles keep your boobs fully encased in the cups," says Minnie, a Bravissimo Fitter.
Strap width: Wider straps can distribute weight more evenly, especially for fuller busts. "A wider back band offers a smoothing look at the back that a lot of women find flattering and it also provides extra support. Ensuring the back band is nice and firm also gives a great uplift,” says Nat, a Bravissimo Fitter.
Fastenings: Look for bras with adjustable features to accommodate size fluctuations. Consider ease of use based on your mobility.
Material: Consider bras with softer, more flexible materials that adapt to body changes.
Style: You can choose between wired or non-wired options based on personal preference.
Wires and seams: Wired bras are recommended if you want to lift your breasts and stop them from sagging, they offer much more support than non-wired bras, but are not always the most comfortable. Non-wired bras offer a lot more comfort to the user and are great for everyday wear, they will still give you some lift.
Seam-free bras offer the most comfort, so they're great for post-surgery as they won't irritate any delicate scars. Seams are usually the reason you'll find discomfort with your bras as they can be itchy and irritating.
Your personalised needs: Everyone has different needs and you should consider your lifestyle, budget and physical condition when choosing the best bras as older women.
If you like to hike and exercise, a great sports bra is what you should be looking for. If you love to lounge, you're not going to need much support at home, so you'll find your perfect bra may be a bralette or a specific sleep and leisure bra. Those with arthritis or limited mobility would much prefer a bra with a front-closure as it makes it easier to put on and take off. Your physical condition and your body's needs are super important, so finding a bra that works with these needs will keep you comfortable and supported all day.
Suzanne Baum is an award-winning beauty editor, with columns across numerous outlets, including the Metro, Women's Fitness, the Independent and Yahoo.
Having written about beauty for over 20 years, Suzanne regularly reports on the latest beauty news; from trialling out new beauty innovations and aesthetic treatments to writing on the best products for women and men. With a keen interest in mature skincare, Suzanne has written extensively on everything from the best products to use during the menopause to how to protect your skin from the sun. Having established an excellent working relationship with PR's and beauty experts, Suzanne is often the first to know about new innovations on the market and to report on them.