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From a light lift to a super boost – we’ve got you covered
There’s no doubt that more relaxed bralettes are super comfy, strapless styles work for fashion-forward fits and sports bras offer unparalleled support when runnin or doing any form of exercise. But, for some of us, there’s also place in our underwear drawers for a push-up bra that helps create cleavage and, in turn, sometimes confidence.
If that sounds like you, then a good push-up bra could be a wardrobe essential. It can be nothing short of a miracle worker for those who desire some extra lift to make the most of what they have (or even boost to a bigger cup size or two).
Whether you love a push-up for its support or how it makes you feel, it’s undeniably great for creating that enhanced shape. Although it’s important to remember when searching for the perfect push-up bra that it’s not one size or style, fits all.
The effects can range from subtle to extreme and, depending on your preferences, you’ll want to consider whether you want light padding or wireless options for increased comfort, or more significant stuffing and support for some serious lift. And it’s important to work out whether you’re best off with a smooth surface that’s best for sitting under T-shirts, or pretty lace detailing for that extra feel-good factor.
So, if you’re still undecided, or are simply looking for some tried and tested recommendations, keep scrolling below to see what our team of experts have to say, with options for every body and budget.
Finding a perfectly fitting bra of any sort requires a lot of trial and error – and although every body is different, here we’ve done a lot of the trialling for you. Of course, we tried the classics that have a reputation for a reason, like Wonderbra and Victoria’s Secret. But we also found some interesting lesser-known options along the way, making sure we catered for all budgets and bra sizes. So whatever you’re looking for in your push-up bra, keep scrolling to find your new, most supportive style in our picks below.
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Boux Avenue’s Mollie bra has received so much attention that we did a full IndyBest feature on it earlier this year, and it’s safe to say our expert was impressed. With over 2,000 five-star reviews from customers, this bra is without a doubt one of our favourite finds so far. Its soft fabric couples with fully adjustable straps and three hook and eye fastenings to ensure you get the perfect fit and the padding is also removable, meaning you can tailor the look to how you best like it. Once everything’s in place, you’ll have a lifted, fuller-looking chest and the bra alone is also rather beautiful with its lacey fabric and scalloped edges. And it comes in a huge range of sizes too, meaning a wide range of chest sizes can shop.
For bigger busts, you most likely want a push-up bra with particularly good lift. Luckily, Tutti Rouge has a huge range of options designed specifically for D-cups and above, and there are no ugly shades, too-thick straps or XXL fastenings in sight. The EZ-T bra is one of the brand’s bestsellers, available in a range of shades, and after a week of use, it was easy to see why.
It’s incredibly comfortable thanks to a microfiber lining, a generously sized back strap and thickly padded hook and eye area. As it’s not necessarily padding you’re after when you have a bigger bust, there’s only a small amount around the outer edge of each cup to help create a smoother, fuller cleavage without adding too much volume, and the main focus really is on shape and support.
Wonderbra has consistently produced some of the best push-up bras on the market since the nineties, so of course, we had to include the brand in this list. This everyday style is perhaps the perfect padded T-shirt bra– super-soft, seamless and actually wireless too, meaning it creates a really nice natural lift without any discomfort. With other wireless styles, it’s easy to lose some of the “push-up” quality in favour of comfort but here, Wonderbra seems to have perfected both. We’d say this added at least a cup size so if you’re here for a serious boost, don’t overlook this one.
As with all of the brand’s products, you can tell a lot of thought has gone into the technical design and quality and it certainly feels like this one would last for years of washes. As someone with a smaller chest who usually errs on the side of a non-padded bralette, our tester was well and truly swayed into buying this style to keep – which says it all really.
Calvin Klein certainly knows how to design great lingerie. This pretty style combines the brand’s famed comfort with technicality that makes for an excellent push-up bra. The super-smooth microfiber jersey not only creates a seamless look underneath clothes, according to our tester, it meant this style was comfortable to wear all day. If it’s a more natural lift you’re after, we’d recommend this style first as the cups are only lightly padded and not too restrictive.
Don’t get us wrong though, there’s still plenty there to create a seriously flattering and enhanced shape, with a perky but not unnatural cleavage. The delicate lace trim kept it feeling more feminine than Calvin Klein’s usual everyday pieces, and there’s also the option to cross the straps or wear as a halter for added versatility.
Victoria’s Secret is famous for being sexy, and this bra is the perfect example of why. Across the thick straps are silver and back diamantes which spell out the brand name on both sides. This, for some, is sure to stand out as a must-have style. But what makes the dynamic design even more impressive is the fact it’s actually comfortable too.
The straps are thicker than any other option on this list, making them more supportive, and the fabric is soft and silky, adding to the comfort level. In terms of padding, the key element of the bra, there is a generous amount built-in to the cups. It’s soft, squishy and feels quite close to a natural boob when touched, so you won’t be able to tell where the bra ends and your chest begins – well, almost. The brand claims it adds one cup size, but our tester would lean more towards two, and it sculpts the breasts up and in to create more cleavage too.
If it’s a beautiful bra you’re after, look no further than this Intimissimi option. In a dainty design focused on flowers, it truly is a treat-yourself purchase that’s sure to put a smile on your face every day. Crafted from stretchy lace with contrasting colours, its intricate designs look as good as they feel.
Aside from looks, the shape is also incredibly impressive, living up to its claim of adding two cup sizes as soon as it’s pulled on. Of course, this means it is quite heavily padded, so may be best for those with smaller chests over bigger busts, and there’s no underwire, making it more comfortable yet not quite as supportive as some of these other options too. Although on aesthetics alone, it certainly was our favourite.
This bra was named the best in our strapless bra guide, so, of course, it has to feature here too as our tester is still equally as impressed. Named the ultimate bra, it has a lot to live up to, and trust us when we say it truly does, becoming a perfect example of how Wonderbra became so famous. As well as being strapless, the bra features hand-shaped polycarbonate padding, giving it a real natural lift as if you were holding up your chest with your hands. Silicone dots then hold it in place without the need for straps, so there’s no slipping, tugging or drooping at all.
If you’re looking for a lot of bang for your buck, Boux Avenue’s classic Ultra Boost Bra shouldn’t be missed – it’s a budget-friendly option that quite literally boosts your cups by at least two sizes. There’s a flattering plunge shape for max cleavage (if you’ve suddenly got it, you’re going to want to flaunt it, right?), and it’s a great balance of super-soft microfibre material on the cups with pretty lacing panels and detailing on the back.
The double foam padding is quite intense, making it perfect for more petite cup sizes looking for serious enhancement. If you’re already bigger than a C though, you might want to size up for extra comfort. With over 600 five-star reviews online, and most reviewers saying they bought the black version too, we agree that this is a pretty safe bet for a classic push-up.
If you’re looking for a bra for every ocassion, it’s worth trying Gossard’s Superboost plunge bra. While removable padding may not seem like a necessity, it actually plays a very important role when tailoring the look to exactly how you like it. Luckily, this option allows you to play around with easily removable padding that transforms the bra from a standard everyday shape to a fuller push-up style. While there’s not a lot of support from the straps, the size range is pretty impressive although we aren’t too confident that a D cup or above would get the desired support, so this may be another one best suited to smaller chests.
If you’re after a bargain buy, then take a look at this Peacocks pick. While it certainly isn’t as soft or supple as some of the other options in this list, it’s actually one of the most padded, truly giving that push-up effect. While some will love the rigidness of it’s fit, which truly does sculpt your chest into it’s smooth, rounded cups, our tester did find it quite restricting, so this certainly isn’t one for exercising in. Although, coming in at just £10, it really is a bargain buy that does what it says on the tin.
Picking the best overall push-up bra was no easy feat, every body and bust is different, after all. But, coupling our own review with that of 2,000 others, Boux Avenue’s Mollie bra had to be named our best buy, and there’s a wide range of shades and sizes to suit all tastes.
For bigger busts, the Tutti Rouge EZ-T lace bra incredibly impressed with its strong support and seamless design, while smaller chests will benefit from both a boost in size and comfort with the Wonderbra ultimate silhouette wireless T-shirt bra. And, if going off looks alone, the Intimissimi pretty flowers Gioia super push-up bra was by far the prettiest piece we’d tried so far.
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