The Best Support Bras Ranked by Support Level

When you think about bras, you think “support.” But sometimes you’re looking for a little support, and sometimes you want quite a bit. We're explaining, once and for all, where each bra style falls on the support scale.

That's why we've created this ultimate guide to the best support bras, ranked by support level. Whether you're seeking light, medium, or maximum support, we've got you covered with expert advice to help you find your perfect match.

Light Support Bras: Ideal for smaller busts and everyday wear

Bralettes

Bralettes offer a lightweight, wire-free design that prioritizes comfort for all-day wear. Their soft, stretchy fabrics gently hug your curves without digging or constraining. Bralettes are a great choice for those with a smaller chest size seeking light support, a bit of coverage, and a relaxed fit.

Bandeau Bras

Bandeau bras feature a strapless, tube-like design that offers light support and coverage. They're perfect for pairing with off-the-shoulder or strapless tops and dresses. Bandeau bras work best for smaller busts that don't require extensive lift or shaping.

Self-adhesive bras

Self-adhesive bras stick directly to the skin, providing light support without straps or a back band. Boob tape is another example of an adhesive bra option. These bras are excellent for clothing that has thin or no straps or an open or low back. However, while they can provide some support and coverage, they definitely fall into the light support category.

Medium Support Bras: Versatile options for most bust sizes

Underwire T-Shirt Bras

T-shirt bras are a wardrobe staple, thanks to their seamless cups that create a smooth silhouette under clingy fabrics. Underwire options offer added lift and shaping for a flattering, natural look. T-shirt bras typically feature a demi cup, which means more breast tissue is exposed than a perfect coverage or full coverage cup, placing this style in the medium support category.

Balconette Bras

Balconette bras feature a horizontal cup design with wide-set straps, offering uplifting support with less coverage than a full-cup style. This silhouette is flattering for most bust sizes, creating a lifted, centered look that pairs perfectly with square or sweetheart necklines.

Strapless Bras

Twenty percent of a bra's support comes from its straps, so a strapless bra will naturally have less support than its traditional counterparts. However, strapless bras with sturdy foam cups, a thick underwire, and wide side and back wings can still be a moderately supportive option for anyone looking to hide their bra straps.

High Support Bras: High lift and shaping for larger busts

Perfect Coverage Underwire Bras

Perfect coverage bras are slightly less revealing than a demi cup, but they don't offer quite the same coverage as a full coverage cup, placing them in the high support category.

Longline Bras

A longline bra features an extended bra band that hits lower on your torso. The bra band could range from a couple of inches long, or it could hit as far down as your waistline. The extended band can add additional support, comfort, and even waistline slimming. 

Most Supportive Bras: Maximum support and lift

Full Coverage Underwire Bras

Full coverage bras encapsulate the entire breast for unparalleled support and containment. Underwire and sturdy cups work together to lift, shape, and distribute weight evenly. Full coverage underwire bras are an essential style for DD+ cups seeking maximum support and a smooth, secure fit.

Minimizer Bras

Minimizer bras are designed to reduce the appearance of bust size without distorting the natural shape of your breasts. By redistributing breast tissue across a wider surface area, minimizer bras create a streamlined look that's perfect for layering under fitted clothing. They're an excellent choice for DD+ cups seeking a slimmer profile and maximum support.

Sports Bras

High-impact sports bras are great for anyone with an active lifestyle or someone seeking heavy duty day-to-day support. These bras offer maximum lift and bounce control, often relying on tension, compressive fabrics, and high coverage to take support to the highest possible level.

At Honeylove, we're committed to helping you find the perfect support bra that makes you feel confident, comfortable, and truly supported. Explore our collection of thoughtfully designed bras for every body type and breast shape, and let us guide you on your journey to your best possible fit.