The Most Comfortable Everyday Bra.
I feel like a broken record talking about this, but the Natori Contours bra (part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale) is my absolute favorite undergarment. It is supremely comfortable and supremely pretty — I own it in multiple colors and wear daily. In my 20s, I wore only Victoria’s Secret clearance section bras or La Perla investment pieces. Then I tried Natori and realized how uncomfortable I’d been for a full decade of my life — it was the first underwired bra I ever wore without feeling like I was wearing a metal cage around my chest! It moves and it breathes. God bless it.
I know that not everyone wants/needs padding in an everyday bra, and have heard many women rave about this convertible style from True&Co. (Target carries their diffusion line for about half the price!) I would 100% try that brand if my undergarment needs were different.
And for lounge, I love these throwback Calvin Klein bralettes. (Speaking of lounge: really great pajamas and nightgowns. I also need this waffle knit henley night shirt for winter!)
I have not yet ever ever ever in my life worn a comfortable strapless bra (torture devices, all), so I am intrigued by the strong reviews of this no-wire (!!) Lively bra that I just ordered. Will report back!
The Most Comfortable Nursing Bra.
For nursing, I swore by Bravado. I tried probably six or eight brands while nursing my two children and these were always my absolute favorites–to the degree that I’d actually look forward to pulling them out of the wash! “It’s a Bravado day!”
The Most Comfortable Underwear.
For underwear, I have been a longtime devotee of Hanky Panky (so soft and absolutely no visible panty lines!) during the day and Cosabella hot pants or these unfussy Amazon brand ones in black (6 for $13.50 — I would say to size up if you are between sizes as they run just a tiny bit snug) at night. However, I tumbled down a rabbit hole in search of some replacement options for nighttime and ordered several highly-reviewed pairs to test: these $9 boyshorts from Parade, this expensive pair from Negative, and these French cut briefs from Natori. I am here to let you know that Natori is yet again the winner in this category: I am in love. So incredibly soft and non-restricting!
And if you are pregnant or post-partum (especially after a c-section), PLEASE consider these insanely soft and stretchy ones from Kindred Bravely. To be honest, I had to forcibly remove them from my underwear drawer a few months after giving birth to Hill — I did not need them anymore but they were so, so comfortable.
P.S. The secret to my organized underwear drawer.
P.P.S. I always launder my delicates in these mesh bags with The Laundress Delicates wash.
P.P.P.S. 9 things that surprised me about having a c-section and stunning everyday jewelry.
I got rid of all my Natori underwires in favor of True & Co. a few years ago and it was such a joy. Love them, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back. Those Natori briefs are the.best., I stock up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I was also pleasantly surprised by Pact undies for nighttime. I got a pack of 3 at Whole Foods (of all places) during a work trip and they’re really comfortable. My current fixation is a cotton camisole with lace at the top, for wearing beneath sweaters this winter… if it ever gets cool again in TX.
I’ve heard such good things about True & Co — thanks for the reminder! And I’d not heard of Pact. Always fun when happenstance nudge you to try something new and it turns out great!
xx
I am 15 weeks pregnant with my first (eeeeek!), so am hanging on your every pregnancy / postpartum suggestions. Thank you for continuing to make them!
Also, if you haven’t tried it already, I am a huge fan of the super popular wacoal red carpet strapless bra. It’s outstanding!
Oo had not heard about the Wacoal! Looking into that immediately.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! I know there are a lot of readers who are expecting right now; I’ll be mindful of including options in future posts!! For starters, this kimono dress looks SO comfortable:
https://bit.ly/3g4VU4L
xx
I swear, I must be the only woman in the world who doesn’t like the Natori feathers bra. I’ve tried it in multiple sizes, colors, etc. over the years (each time I read someone raving about it, I get inspired to try again) and it just does NOT do it for me. Love the look of the true and co ones – I’ve been wearing free people lacy/no underwire ones for the majority of quarantine, and it is SO nice. Not sure how I’ll go back when I’m forced to look professional again (… some day?).
Hi! You know, another reader mentioned this below but getting fitted is probably the name of the game when it comes to undergarment comfort. I suppose I was lucky and they just WORK for me! True & Co looks amazingggg as an alternative.
xx
I wear an uncommon bra size (very small ribcage + large breasts) so I decided to get fitted for a bra at Town Shop on the UWS many years ago. I cannot recommend it enough- the woman didn’t even use a measuring tape and yet got me the perfect fit. She just looked at me topless from several angles (yes you have to get topless with them, but it’s worth it!) and then brought several bras for me to try on. Actually I didn’t try them on, SHE put them on me and adjusted them. I ended up with the Fantasie Smoothing Seamless Balcony Bra. It’s underwired, with pretty firm molded cups, but it is super comfy and looks perfectly smooth under tight shirts. Highly recommend getting a formal bra fitting!
WOW! I’m simultaneously impressed and scared at that thought — brave of you! But also I do agree that getting properly fitted is probably the key to comfort here.
xx
After having surgery from BC I only wore sport bras. I just got the natori feathers style from anniversary sale to try out. I really like it, it’s comfy and gives me a nice shape and no uniboob like some sports bras do. If I didn’t read it in your post I would not have known about it! I plan on getting other colors. Xo
Yay! I’m so happy to hear this, Carleen! And congrats on your recovery from BC! I can imagine it would be nice to treat yourself to something special in the lingerie category after all you’ve been through. xxx
I don’t think I own any underwire bras anymore (!) — my favorites are the Eberjey Pima Goddess Plunge and this sportier (?) style from Shopbop, called the Prop Top Bralette by Top Secret. I will say that the latter is a bit more visible under certain tops, which, depending on the look you’re going for, is not so great. I’ve been looking for a convertible or racerback bra, and this option from True & Co. looks amazing, AND it’s on sale! Thank you for the tip!
xx
Oo YES I just added an Eberjey pima plunge to my Amazon cart. Going to give that a try although I personally prefer an underwire for everyday. Is that so weird? I feel like I’m taking the women’s movement back two decades with that admission somehow. But I’m open to considering…
xx
Let me know what you think of the Eberjey! I’m wearing it right now … so comfy, and I find it plenty supportive (even though I’m a C/D cup).
I ordered 2 of the True & Co. bras and they’re already en route … really excited & will keep you posted as to how I like them!
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Yay!! Please do! xx
P.S. — you are totally fine in preferring underwire, and I don’t think it’s any less feminist to admit that! To me, it’s entirely a matter of personal comfort 🙂
Hi again! Thought I would give an update on the True & Co. convertible bras now that I’ve had them for a couple of weeks — I LOVE THEM. The fabric is soooo soft and smooth, I personally love that the pads are removable (padded bras are not generally my thing), and the convertible aspect has been amazing to have, esp. with “cutaway” tanks.
A++ buy! Thank you for recommending this style!
xx
Ooh so good to know! Thanks for the report back MK!