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Expert-approved styles guaranteed to give you a boost. Lace Shapewear
More than just a cleavage enhancer, a push-up bra can provide lift, create a fuller or rounder look and even lend much-needed support for those with small and large breasts. Plus, the shaping and smoothing benefits of wearing a good push-up bra can help boost your confidence. There's no one perfect push-up bra for everyone, though, and there are tons of options to choose from, whether you are looking for something that gives you just a little bit of lift for everyday wear or you want to try something with more padding for that extra va-va-voom.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test intimate apparel and bras of all different styles including plunge, wireless, strapless, convertible, t-shirt and push-up bras. We evaluate them in our Textiles Lab, analyzing properties like stretch recovery, washability and construction. Most importantly, we share them with consumer testers with different body types and breast sizes who try the bras for themselves before rating them for fit, appearance, comfort and more. In our most recent bra test, we assessed more than 60 different bras, collecting over 4,500 data points for review. We referenced that data and used our categorical expertise when choosing our top push-up bras.
Keep reading for a helpful shopping guide with tips on how to find your perfect bra, but first, here are our picks for the best push-up bras.
This Victoria's Secret bra with a deep plunge neckline is ideal for wearing under a low-cut top or dress. It has padding along the sides of the cups for a more natural-looking lift, and you can convert the bra to a racerback style for even more cleavage. Our bra testers said it stayed securely in place throughout the day without shifting or peeking out of their clothes. Testers appreciated the smooth and stretchy material, and one 38C tester shared that it was so soft and comfortable that she barely noticed it was on.
Although testers liked the look of the metal "v" embellishment, some said it occasionally dug into their chests and felt uncomfortable. When we repeatedly machine-washed this bra in the Textiles Lab, we were impressed by how well the bra held up without major changes in appearance, but the brand recommends hand-washing for longevity.
Band sizes: 32-44 | Cup sizes: A-DDD(F) | Material: Recycled polyamide and elastane blend with recycled polyester lining
A top-performing brand in our most recent round of tests, Maidenform carries a selection of high-quality bras for affordable prices. This demi-cup push-up bra offers a natural lift with moderate coverage, and the straps are adjustable and can be converted to a racerback style for extra oomph. Some online reviewers had problems with the convertible straps coming unhooked, but most reviewers said the bra felt secure and supportive.
We didn't test this particular style, but other bras from Maidenform received high scores in our Textiles Lab and consumer tests, beating out higher-priced bras from popular retailers. Testers with cup sizes A through D gave the brand's bras top marks for comfort and fit and shared that the bras stayed in place all day without poking, prodding or digging in. We also appreciate the smooth material, which looks and feels great under clothes.
Band sizes: 32-40 | Cup sizes: A-D | Material: Nylon and spandex blend
The Fits Everybody Push-Up Bra may be a newer style from Kim Kardashian's well-loved Skims brand, but after going viral on social media, it has quickly become a best-seller, with online reviewers leaving comments like "best bra I've ever owned." We're impressed by the inclusive range of "nude" shades with ten colors to choose from for a more natural, camouflaged look under clothing. We and our testers love the smooth material, which felt breathable and didn't cause irritation during wear tests.
The bra cups plunge in the front but extend higher up and farther back on the sides, which testers appreciated, saying that the bra provided the support and lift they were looking for. However, there were some testers who said the high cut of the bra caused it to dig into their underarms. We haven't tested this bra for washability in the Textiles Lab, but testers said it held up well without changes in appearance or shrinkage after being laundered.
Band sizes: 30-38 | Cup sizes: A-H | Material: Polyamide and elastane blend
With band sizes through 46 and cup sizes through H, this push-up bra from Curvy Couture is designed specifically for those with larger chests. Wide-set straps provide the support larger chests need, and the straps are thick, which keeps them from digging into your shoulders and causing irritation. The sides of the bra band are made of a breathable "power mesh" material for a smoothing effect, and the u-shaped design helps prevent the bra from riding up your back.
We haven't tested bras from this brand yet, but this style is a favorite of Amazon reviewers who say it has the perfect amount of padding to create cleavage without unwanted bulging or bouncing. Because the bra features lace detailing with rhinestone embellishments, it may be difficult to conceal the bra completely under clothes, but the brand carries less-embellished options as well.
Band sizes: 32-46 | Cup sizes: C-H | Material: Nylon and spandex blend with nylon, spandex and polyester blend embellishments
Pepper designs its bras exclusively for small chests, including those with AA, A and B cups with band sizes 30 to 42. Our testers who tried bras from Pepper were happy to find a style that fit their chests without gapping or slippage. We haven't evaluated the brand's push-up bra, but our testers were blown away by how great their chests looked in Pepper's fan-favorite t-shirt bra, which finally provided the support they needed, even without the extra padding push-up of this featured style. One tester explained, "The cups make my breasts look rounder and fuller at the top."
A few testers struggled to find their proper size because they weren't used to shopping for properly fitted bras, so be sure to review the size guide before buying instead of just sticking with your typical size. The bras performed well in our stretch recovery test and washability test. We thought the bras looked great with no major signs of wear, but some testers noted issues with the material fraying after laundering. If you prefer a bra without an underwire, Pepper recently launched a wireless version with push-up padding that online reviewers love.
Band sizes: 30-42 | Cup sizes: AA-B | Material: Polyamide and elastane blend
If you're searching for maximum lift and a bombshell effect, look no further than this Victoria's Secret bra. This ultra-padded push-up bra adds up to two cup sizes of fullness to your chest for a more extreme look. Although we didn't formally test this bra in the Textiles Lab, we did evaluate other bras from the brand, and this style was recommended by several GH analysts who say it lives up to its boosting claims. One expert who has owned several shared, "I'm so impressed by the amount of lift I get from this bra," and added, "I was surprised by how supportive and comfortable it is."
We also appreciate the silky smooth material that doesn't cling to your clothes and the plunging neckline, which looks great under low-cut tops. We do want to point out that the bra is designed with thinner straps and a narrow band that could dig into your shoulders and back, especially if you have a larger chest.
Band sizes: 32-38 | Cup sizes: A-DDD (additional sizes on the brand's site) | Material: Polyamide and elastane blend
Not all padded push-up bras have to be structured with an underwire, like this wire-free style from Aerie's Sunnie collection. The bra has molded cups, a four-row hook and eye closure and adjustable straps, so it's still supportive but doesn't dig in. One GH analyst who exclusively buys bras from the Sunnie collection raved about this bra, sharing, "I've never owned a more comfortable bra, push-up or otherwise," and emphasized that she barely notices it's on thanks to the "buttery smooth" material.
When we've evaluated other bras from the brand, the wireless styles and bralettes have stood out, and testers have given them high scores for comfort, appearance and overall satisfaction. While we haven't evaluated this bra for washability, one analyst who has laundered hers dozens of times says the edges of the cup start to curl with extended use and washing, so it becomes more noticeable under clothes.
Band sizes: 30-38 | Cup sizes: AA-DDD | Material: Recycled nylon and spandex blend
Strapless bras are notorious for sitting lower on the chest and not providing the boost wearers want, but this push-up style strapless bra from Victoria's Secret Pink fights sagging. The padded cups provide extra lift, and testers said the structured underwire gave them the support they needed. We and our testers also appreciate the silicone-lined band, which has a gripping effect to keep the bra securely in place without slipping down or shifting around.
According to one 34D tester, this strapless style has beat out all of the others she's tried over the years, emphasizing that the bra is "both comfortable and supportive." This tester also appreciated the versatility of the removable straps, which allow you to customize the bra to be worn as a strapless, one-shoulder, racerback, standard or halter style. Some of our testers said the bra ran a bit small and recommended sizing up, but through years of testing, we've found that strapless bras should feel a little snug for the best lift and support. This style recovered nicely in Textiles Lab stretch tests and only experienced minor shrinkage in washability tests.
Band sizes: 32-40 | Cup sizes: A-DD (additional sizes on the brand's site) | Material: Recycled nylon and spandex blend
One of our top lingerie brands, Cosabella is known for its lacy underwear, bralettes and bras. Our testers tried this balconette bra without the push-up padding and loved the feminine look. Many of them shared that they felt "confident" and "sexy" while wearing the bra and others gushed over details like the delicate scalloped trim. You're able to remove the padding from the inner cups for a subtler lift, as well. And it comes in fifteen flirty shades including icy blue, pink, purple and neutrals like black and beige.
The underwire of this bra is stiff, which some testers found to be uncomfortable, explaining that it dug into their underarms, but other testers appreciated the structured support. Though we haven't tested this exact bra in the Textiles Lab, other bras from the Never Say Never line performed well. In tests for washability, we didn't note any major changes in appearance after laundering one bra for five cycles, and it returned to its original shape in stretch recovery tests.
Band sizes: 28-38 | Cup sizes: A-DD(E) | Material: Cotton and elastane blend cup with polyamide and elastane blend lining and lace
ThirdLove's bras are some of the most searched-for bras on the internet and for good reason. The high-quality bras, including this style with a plunge design, regularly perform well in Textiles Lab evaluations and are favorites of our consumer testers. We love that the bra features removable memory foam padding for a customizable lift: Leave the inserts in for a more pronounced look, or take them out for an easy everyday style. According to our testers, the material is smooth and lightweight, with one describing it as "airy."
It received near-perfect scores for appearance, thanks to the cleavage-enhancing neckline and mesh detail. Referring to the mesh material, one tester shared, "It made it more than just your average everyday full-coverage bra and felt a little sexy!" Testers also gave it high ratings for support, noting that the straps stayed put without sliding down and that the band wasn't restrictive. When we washed and dried this bra in the Textiles Lab, we reported noticeable shrinkage, so it's important to follow the brand's recommendations of hand washing the bra and laying it out to dry to keep it in tip-top shape.
Band sizes: 32-44 | Cup sizes: AA-H | Material: Nylon and spandex blend
This bra from Wacoal's Shape Revelation collection is specifically designed for those with shallow breasts and is meant to restore fullness. Even if you don't have shallow breasts (rounder at the bottom with less volume up top), you can still try this bra for a more natural lift. Padding lining the sides and bottom of the cups acts as a shelf to push the breasts up and slightly toward the center of the chest for subtle cleavage. Several GH analysts who own this bra say it's one of their favorites. One claimed it was her "new go-to style," while another shared that it offers "superior support."
A mesh overlay fully covers the cups and extends to the bra band for a breathable, comfortable feel that we love. While we haven't tested this style for washability, we have evaluated many other styles from the brand, and the bras all performed well without noticeable shrinkage or major wear in the wash. However, online reviewers and our experts say the straps on this bra are prone to sliding down and need regular re-adjustment for a secure fit.
Band sizes: 32-40 | Cup sizes: B-G | Material: Nylon and spandex blend
Natori has received the top spot as our best bra brand for its comfortable, high-quality styles that earn high scores in Textiles Lab evaluations and with consumer testers. Balconette bras like this one are designed with wider-set straps to provide more lift, resulting in more fullness, and Natori's version has padded cups for even more noticeable cleavage. We love the unique straps, which can be adjusted from the front, so you don't have to reach behind your back or take your bra off to achieve the perfect fit. Plus, the bra can be converted to a racerback style for extra support and boost.
We haven't tested this particular bra, but we have evaluated many balconette styles, and one common complaint from testers with larger cup sizes is slippage and bouncing. However, testers with smaller cup sizes gave balconette styles higher ratings for support, and the shallow cups prevent the bra from peeking out of scoop or square-neck tops.
Band sizes: 30-36 | Cup sizes: A-DDD | Material: Nylon and elastane blend with polyester lining
Push-up bras don't have to have revealing cups and plunge necklines to be effective. This style from Calvin Klein combines push-up padding with full-coverage cups for a more supportive lift for everyday wear. According to online reviewers, the bra lies flat without gapping or bulging for a seamless look under t-shirts and blouses. Online reviewers also say bras from this collection are some of the softest, most comfortable styles they own thanks to the microfiber material. One writes, "You barely feel like you're wearing a bra."
This style has wider straps than some other push-up picks, which can prevent them from digging into your shoulders, especially if you have larger breasts, but some online reviewers have experienced trouble with the straps sliding down.
Band sizes: 32-36 | Cup sizes: A-DD | Material: Nylon and elastane blend
When you're shopping for a new push-up bra, here are a few things to consider:
✔️ Style: The style of bra you choose can impact the coverage and look of your bra under your clothes. A balconette bra has shallower cups, which show off more cleavage and create fullness at the top of your chest, while plunge bras are cut with narrower cups that push the breasts together and look great under a v-neck style top. T-shirt push-up bras typically utilize demi- or full-coverage cups, making them a great option for everyday wear. Strapless styles provide a subtler lift and are often worn for special occasions when you don't want your bra to peek out of your top or dress.
✔️ Padding: Some push-up bras are lightly padded for minimal lift, while others are heavily padded to provide a more extreme boost, comparable to additional cup sizes of fullness. Most push-up styles fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum to create the cleavage you want from a push-up bra without feeling too unnatural.
While most push-up bras are designed with foam padding built into the cups, some styles feature removable pads that slide into small pockets inside the cups. You're able to keep them in for more oomph or pull them out for a lighter lift.
✔️ Fit: We recommend trying on a bra before buying if possible to ensure it fits properly. If your bra fits correctly, your breasts should fill the cups without overflowing (the cups are too small) or gaping (too large). The band should be level with your ribcage without riding up, and the gore (material between the cups) should lie flat against your chest. Lastly, the straps should sit on your shoulders without sliding down or digging in.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has worked extensively on intimate apparel content, including lingerie, underwear and bras. Specifically, she has written about bralettes and bralettes for large busts, bras for large busts, bras for small busts and boob tape. Amanda used her relative expertise when choosing the best push-up bras and referred to data from recent bra testing performed by Textiles Lab intern Aidan Collins.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
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