8 best T-shirt bras
If you don't notice a T-shirt bra, then you know it's doing its job. But that doesn’t mean what you wear underneath a T-shirt, shirt or dress needs to be dull and uninspiring. The best T-shirt bras aren’t noticeable under clothing, give the bust a smooth shape while offering support, and are beautifully designed.
But before you buy a bra, make sure it’s the right fit, as the size of your breasts can fluctuate due to hormone levels. A trained salesperson in a lingerie store can help you out, but this can also be done at home with a tape measure. If your breasts are spilling out of the cup or aren’t filling it, then it’s time for a new bra.
1. M&S Sumptuously Soft Ultimate Comfort T-Shirt Bra: £20, M&S
There's a reason one in three British women wear M&S bras - they're excellent. This one was without a doubt the most soft and comfortable bra we tried. The subtle, striped design and bow is just the right amount of pretty detailing to make you feel feminine, without being too fussy. The soft foam material not only provides the utmost comfort but gives a smooth shape and remains hidden under clothes.
2. Beija Flor For Keeps Y Bra: £50, Beija Flor
Beija Flor was founded in 2016 by two sisters who wanted to create go-to bras without compromising on style. We love this modern-looking bra, which is all about the details. It’s made from two pieces of material sewn together. The foam cotton triangles offer a little support, but create a natural look, rather than a “plunge” effect. And sewn over these is a soft, dark blue Italian mesh which also makes up the back strap, and extends to form thin shoulder straps. The fastenings and clasps - including a J hook which clips the two straps together to create a racer back - are a pretty rose gold colour. For those with a bigger bust, there’s also a For Keeps Z model which comes with underbra wiring and more structured cups.
3. Urban Outfitters Out From Under Ayden Scallop Triangle Bra: £22, Urban Outfitters
This bra is made from a combination of nylon and spandex, giving it a flexible, stretchy quality similar to that of a swimming costume. There are no clips at the back, but it pulls easily over the head. The scalloped edge is not only playful and stylish, but flattering because of how it embellishes the chest. The fabric is delicate and thin though, so it doesn’t give a great deal of support and may not be suitable for those with a larger chest size. But its feminine pattern makes it the ideal bra for wearing under a loose summer dress, or a top where it will peep out the sides.
4. Spanx Pillow Cup Signature Full Coverage Bra: £56, Amazon
This one is a best-seller for Spanx and it’s clear to see why. It’s almost entirely seamless, with barely visible stitches securing the highly comfortable straps to the cup. The cup is lightly padded, but offers a little lift to the cleavage with the help of the underwire. Extra support is given by the wide back and thick shoulder straps - it's so sturdy it almost feels like a secure sports bra. It’s a good option for those with a larger chest. Available in black and nude.
5. H&M 2-Pack T-Shirt Bras: £12.99, H&M
Considering the price, these bras are brilliant value. Perhaps they don’t quite offer the rock-solid support of higher end bras but they do create a smooth breast shape under clothing and are comfortable enough to wear all day. It’s a no-frills design but this bra does the job whether you’re wearing a work shirt or a skinny-fit T-shirt. Available in two different colour combos.
6. Rigby & Peller Marie Jo Avero Padded Black Bra: £75.95, Rigby & Peller
If a bra is good enough for the Queen, it's good enough for us too. Her Majesty has reportedly been wearing Rigby & Peller bras her whole life, and this one certainly feels high quality - and you'd expect it for the price. With pretty daisy detailing on the straps, this bra is great for someone who wants something that isn’t obvious under your clothing but also isn't plain or boring. It's comfortable, fits well and certainly feels like it'll last longer than most high street bras. Available in a variety of colours and up to an F cup.
7. Aerie Bridget Push Up Bra: £26.95, American Eagle Outfitters
With a little push-up and padding for extra lift, this bra is great for giving you a slight boost. The lace trim and straps are beautiful, but could potentially limit what you can wear over the top. That said, showing a little lacy strap can - in the right circumstances - look chic and just a little bit sexy. With a little tassel on the bridge, this bra has more going on than most T-shirt bras but still lies smooth under clothing. Double-hooks at the back make you feel secure too. Available in four colours.
8. Boux Avenue Multiway Boost Plunge Bra: £24, Boux Avenue
Although it’s plain in design, this silky smooth bra is seamless and very comfortable. It's slightly push-up, so great for providing some extra oomph to your cleavage and comes in three different colours. But what's most useful about this bra is the adaptable straps - they can easily be crossed over to fit under racer back tops or turned into a halterneck.
The Verdict: T-shirt bras
For its incredible comfort and classic but pretty design, not to mention its affordability, the M&S bra takes first place. We recommend getting one in every colour.
