My Favorite Everyday T-Shirt Bras

Sizing notes: Since my breast reduction surgery in 2022, I’ve settled into a pretty reliable 34D bra size. I have more options than I used to, but good support is still non-negotiable for me. Because of that, many of the bras I recommend here are especially well suited for larger cup sizes, but most come in a wide range of sizes.

When it comes to everyday t-shirt bras, there’s really one style I reach for again and again. I’ve tried all of the bras below, and they’re all solid options depending on fit and personal preference, but I pretty much wear the same style every day.

Wacoal Embrace Lace T-Shirt Bra

at Wacoal // at Nordstrom // at Amazon

This is by far my most-worn everyday bra. It’s supportive, gives great lift and shaping, and the molded cups prevent any show-through under tees and knits. The lace detail makes it feel a little more special than a basic t-shirt bra, and it comes in a wide range of sizes.

The only drawbacks are that it’s a bit pricey and doesn’t come in a ton of colors—but for me, it’s worth it. I always keep at least two in beige and one in black in my rotation. Sizing ranges from approximately 30D/32C up to 38G/40DD.

Chantelle Basic Invisible Smooth Support T-Shirt Bra

at Nordstrom

This is a close second to the Wacoal in terms of shape and support, but with a sleeker, more minimal look. I like how the straps feel a little more finished if they’re visible under a tank or wide-neck top. Sizes range from 32B to 38E/40D. (Fit note: I sized up to a 34DD in this one.)

Freya Idol Moulded Balcony Bra

at Nordstrom

This was my everyday bra when I was at my largest. It offers more support than the Wacoal or Chantelle and gives a really nice, lifted shape without flattening. It also comes in several nude shades for darker skin tones and has an excellent size range, from 28D to 38G.

Wacoal Comfort First T-Shirt Bra

at Wacoal // at Nordstrom

This bra has memory-foam cups that conform to your shape and very smooth back straps that don’t dig in or leave lines. It’s soft and comfortable, but not quite as supportive as the styles above. Sizes range from 32A to 38DDD.

Soma Vanishing 360 Perfect Coverage Bra

at Soma

This bra is designed to smooth everything out, especially in the back and under the arms. I love the front-adjusting straps (I wish every bra had them), and it comes in a wide range of colors and sizes, from 32C/34B to 40G/42DDD.

Warners “This Is Not a Bra” Cushioned Underwire Bra

at Amazon

This is the most affordable bra I’ve found that still gives good coverage and support. The cushioned underwire helps prevent digging and poking, which makes it especially comfortable. Sizes are more limited, ranging from 34B to 40C/38D.

Maidenform One Fab Fit Racerback Bra

at Macy’s

This is the bra I reach for when I need a t-back. It gives a nice shape, doesn’t show lines under clothes, and the back design is actually pretty.

Beyond T-Shirt Bras: Pretty, Supportive Styles for Everyday Wear

Molded t-shirt bras are great for smooth coverage, but they’re not always the most flattering option — especially under softer knits, blouses, or dresses. These styles rely more on seams and structure than padding, which often creates a more natural, lifted shape. They also tend to be a little prettier, with lace or texture, while still being practical enough for everyday wear.

One of you dear readers (you know who you are!) suggested I try a few bras from Bravissimo, and after testing several styles, I landed on a couple of new favorites that have earned a permanent spot in my drawer.

Millie Bra

at Bravissimo

This one quickly became my most-worn bra in this category. It’s supportive without feeling stiff, and it has a side sling that helps create an uplifted, rounded shape that works beautifully under sweaters and blouses where molded cups can sometimes look too rigid. I have it in both a 34D and a 34E, and it’s honestly hard to say which fits better — so if you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up.

Coco Bra

at Bravissimo

The Coco is another great everyday option when I want support and shaping without a molded cup. Like the Millie, it features a side sling that helps create an uplifted, rounded shape and works especially well under dressier tops and knits when you want something a little more elevated than a basic t-shirt bra. The half-cup design has a lower, wider neckline that’s great with low-cut or square necklines. In this style, I definitely needed to size up to a 34E.

Simone Perele Comete Underwire Bra

at Nordstrom

I discovered this one last summer during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and it’s a great option when you want a more full-coverage style without padding. The stretch lace is comfortable and moves with you, while still providing natural shaping and good support.

My Favorite Strapless Bra

Wacoal Red Carpet Convertible Strapless Bra

at Wacoal // at Nordstrom // at Bloomingdale’s

There’s really no such thing as a truly comfortable strapless bra, but this one is about as good as it gets. I wore it when I was a 34DDD and could tolerate it for a few hours at dinner or an event. Now that I’m a 34D, I can comfortably wear it for much longer.

It creates a nice, lifted shape and has grippers along the band that help keep it in place—as long as it’s fastened snugly. The straps are removable and convertible, so you can wear it five ways: traditional, strapless, halter, crisscross back, or one-shoulder. It also comes in an excellent size range, from 30D/32C up to 44G.

My Favorite Sports Bra

Lindsey Sport Contour Underwire Bra

at Wacoal // at Zappos // at Amazon

I love how this bra shapes and separates, since I really detest the “uniboob” sports bra look. It offers great support and gives a more lifted, streamlined shape than most sports bras. The straps can be converted to a crisscross back for extra support and a better fit under racerback tops, although I usually wear it in the standard configuration because it’s easier to get on and off.

My Favorite Wireless Bralette

My Favorite Shapewear

Moving on to shapewear. I like to think of shapewear in three categories: smoothing, shaping, and sculpting.

• Smoothing shapewear offers light control to help clothes skim the body more smoothly. These pieces are typically lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear.
• Shaping pieces provide medium control and help smooth the appearance of lumps and bumps.
• Sculpting shapewear offers the most compression and is designed to provide more structure and definition under fitted styles.

I don’t wear shapewear every day, but I almost always wear something under dresses—and occasionally with pants or jeans—when an outfit needs a little extra smoothing or shaping.

Fit tip: If your shapewear is rolling down at the waist, riding up at the legs, or creating more lumps and bumps than you started with, it’s usually a sizing issue. I almost always size up one (sometimes two) sizes in shapewear. It shouldn’t feel constricting—if it fits properly, you should be able to wear it comfortably all day.

Wacoal Body Base Shorty

at Wacoal // at Amazon // at Macy’s

These lightweight smoothing shorts are my go-to under white pants and jeans, and I also wear them under casual dresses that don’t need extra support. The waistband stays put, the legs don’t ride up, and the free-cut hem doesn’t create a visible line under denim. I recommend sizing up; I currently take a large in these.

SPANX OnCore Mid-Thigh Short 

at SPANX // at Nordstrom // at Bloomies

These are the shorts I reach for when I want the most sculpting, especially under fitted dresses or jumpsuits. They offer Spanx’s most powerful compression, with booty-enhancing pockets, fully bonded front panels for a smooth, flat front, and edge-bonded side panels that slim without digging in. There’s also a high-waist version available, but I haven’t tried it. I wear these in a size medium.

Thigh Society The Cooling

at Thigh Society

I love these for anti-chafing when you don’t need compression. I wore them under all of my dresses while touring Italy in 100-degree heat, and they were the perfect solution. They come in several lengths and a wide range of colors and sizes.

You can wear them with or without underwear underneath. I usually wore them over my underwear so I could re-wear them without washing, though they’re easy to rinse in the sink and dry in just a couple of hours. As with most thigh shorts, I recommend sizing up to prevent rolling. I prefer the M/L in the 5″ length.

SPANX OnCore Open Bust Mid Thigh Shaper Bodysuit

at SPANX // at Nordstrom

When I want all-over smoothing and sculpting under a body-con dress, this is the piece I reach for—though I’ll admit it’s reserved for rare occasions. Most of the time, I can get by with shaping shorts and a slip (see below), but this is a good option to have on hand when you really need maximum support and structure. I recommend sizing up an extra size in this style; I wear a large.

Commando Fitted Slip

at Nordstrom // at Shopbop // at Bloomies

This isn’t technically shapewear, but I include it here because it’s something I wear constantly. I layer it under nearly all of my knit and jersey dresses—especially those that aren’t lined—and it’s also perfect over sweater dresses in the winter. It doesn’t provide shaping, but it allows dresses to skim the body smoothly without clinging. I also own the Mini Cami Slip for shorter dresses or styles with a slit, and I wear both in a size M/L.

My Favorite Underwear

We’re in the home stretch! This section isn’t nearly as long as the others, but I wanted to share a few underwear styles I consistently reach for and find myself reordering over and over again.

Hanky Panky Original Rise Thong

at Bloomies // at Amazon

I detest VPL (visible panty lines), and these are the most comfortable thongs I’ve found. I wear them under almost all of my pants and jeans. The exception is white pants, in which case I usually opt for the Wacoal Body Base Shorty instead.

Shopping tip: Hanky Panky is often included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July, which is when I like to stock up. They’re also one size fits all, which makes reordering easy.

Soma High-Leg Panty with Enchanting Lace

at Soma

When I want more coverage than a thong but don’t want to wear shaping shorts, these are my go-to. They provide a smooth, seamless look without riding up, and the lace detail keeps them from feeling like full-on granny panties. I also wear these under leggings sometimes, and they don’t show through. I’ve recently started buying them in a size large for a little extra comfort, so if they feel snug at all, I’d recommend sizing up.

Natori Bliss Cotton Blend Briefs 

at Nordstrom // at Amazon

When I want regular cotton underwear, these are my first choice. They’re comfortable, easy, and breathable, which makes them great for sleeping. These also come in a full-brief option if you prefer more coverage. They’re often included in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and I wear a size medium.

How to Properly Care for your Foundation Garments

It is important to take good care of your foundation garments, so they provide you the best support and shape for as long as possible. Here are a few tips for caring for your undies.

1. Wash gently. Hand-washing is ideal, but I use the delicate cycle with cold water for all of my bras and shapewear. I always place bras in a lingerie bag, and keep them separate from the rest of my laundry to prevent snags.
2. Fasten hooks and adjust straps. Before washing, fasten bra hooks so they don’t catch on anything, and shorten the straps to help prevent unnecessary stretching.
3. Rotate your bras. Try not to wear the same bra two days in a row. Giving it a day to “rest” allows the elastic to recover, which helps extend the life of the band.
4. Skip the dryer. Always hang bras and shapewear to dry. Heat breaks down elastane over time, which means you’ll need to replace them sooner. (I do put underwear in the dryer — just not bras or shapewear.)
5. Store bras properly. Avoid folding one molded cup into the other, which can crease the cups and warp the underwire. Instead, stack or cascade bras upright so they hold their shape and stay organized.

That about covers it! If you have any favorite foundation garments you love, feel free to share them in the comments — I’m always open to new recommendations.

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