These Are the Push-Up Bras Racking Up Good Reviews for That Extra Oomph (2024)

Modern push-up bras are a far cry from the toilet-paper stuffed version hauting our middle school memories. And whether you wear a push-up bra solely for special occasions (while wearing a low-cut dress, perhaps) or as an everyday undergarment is up to you—it deserves a spot in your bra wardrobe.

"Push-up bras can be multi-purpose," says Colleen Leung, Director of Technical Design at Adore Me. "They provide lift, shaping, extra volume, a nice swell at the top, and great cleavage."

With Leung's expertise in mind, we extensively researched the best push-up bras out there, evaluating each based on style, coverage, padding, material, size range, and available colors. We also tested several of the top contenders ourselves to see how they held up (literally). We then narrowed down our picks to designs most worthy of a front-and-center spot in your lingerie drawer.

Our Top Picks

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Material: 94% rayon, 6% spandex | Sizes: 32A–38DDD | Colors: Toasted Almond, Heather Gray, Jet Black

The name says it all. Lively's All-Day No-Wire Push-Up takes the top spot here because it provides just the right amount od lift without an uncomfortable, pokey underwire. Flaunting a soft-to-the-touch fabric and adjustable hook-and-eye closure, the super-comfy, wire-free design promises not to dig into your sides and includes just enough foam padding for a bit of oomph that's not excessive. We'd say it'll make you look about a half-cup size bigger.

You truly can wear this bra all day, from your 8 a.m. commute to well past happy hour. We've done it on multiple occasions and never felt the least bit uncomfortable (although, if you're really slouching you might notice the band start tucking underneath the cups). This bra comes in a wide range of sizes, from 32A to 38DDD, and three neutral hues.

Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane | Sizes: 30–38; A–H | Colors: 23

Whatever nude means to you, Skims likely carries a color that matches your skin. From sand to umber to onyx, Kim Kardashian's fan-favorite brand features nine shades of nude to blend with (or at least complement) various skin tones. With its buttery-smooth fabric that molds to your body, this T-shirt push-up bra is a staple for your lingerie drawer. The integrated padding enhances your cleavage no matter your cup size while the comfortable design seamlessly shapes your bust, even under your thinnest of tees.

  • These Are the Push-Up Bras Racking Up Good Reviews for That Extra Oomph (6)

  • These Are the Push-Up Bras Racking Up Good Reviews for That Extra Oomph (7)

Material: Polyamide, elastane, polyester | Sizes: 30A–42G | Colors: Pastel Lavender, Kir, Marzipan, Toffee, Black, Caramel+more

For just a hint of lift that will look natural under any shirt, add this longtime favorite from Victoria's Secret to your cart. The soft, full-coverage cups feature plush padding for both comfort and lift—and you won't have to worry about spilling out or bra lines showing through your top. Good luck choosing a color, though. This design comes in over 40 shades, including numerous neutrals and bright hues, as well as various finishes, like smooth, soft cotton, and lace.

  • These Are the Push-Up Bras Racking Up Good Reviews for That Extra Oomph (9)

  • These Are the Push-Up Bras Racking Up Good Reviews for That Extra Oomph (10)

Material: 89% nylon, 11% spandex | Sizes: 32B–34DD | Colors: Wild Sage, Purple Petunia with Iris, Retro Daisy Outlined +more

Not sure how much you'll wear a push-up bra? Try an inexpensive one to see if you like the style before dropping serious cash. Our favorite wallet-friendly option is this No Boundaries bra, which comes in various pretty designs (like floral lace options and pink plaid) and provides a subtle lift. We love that the convertible, adjustable straps can be worn straight or in a criss-cross design across the back. And at just $11, the price is unbeatable.

Material: 75% polyamide, 25% elastane | Sizes: 32AA–40B | Colors: 13

Small-chested ladies, rejoice! There's finally a push-up bra that creates cleavage without giving you that annoying gap. Made specifically with small breasts in mind, Pepper's Lift Up Bra comes in sizes 32AA to 40B. It lifts what you naturally have in a smooth and comfortable way. Unlike some push-up bras, this one ensures you'll still look like yourself—just with slightly perkier boobs, thanks to the gradual lift cup. We also love how this design comes in several shades of nude.

Material: 83% nylon, 17% spandex | Sizes: 30C–38G | Colors: Black, Almond

We love the Le Mystere Infinite Possibilities Bra. It's designed for full busts (from sizes 30C to 38G)to provide a natural and comfortable lift. Lightweight foam at the sides of the cups creates serious cleavage without digging at your sides. The bra also gives you many different options on how to wear it, and you'll feel supported no matter how you position the straps, whether straight, criss-cross, or halter-style.

Material: 78% recycled nylon, 25% elastane | Sizes: 30A–46DDD | Colors: Black, Beige, Purple

We're big fans of this high-shine microfiber bra that's both comfortable and seductive (thanks, Rihanna). With its breathable fabric and hook-and-eye back closure, it shapes your top while also providing a cooling effect that feels nice against the skin, especially if you've been running around all day.

Material: 80% nylon, 20% spandex | Sizes: 30A–36DD | Colors: Au Natural, Coneflower, Lilac Grey, Slate Rose, Orchid Mist +more

Break out your deepest V-necks and tank tops. This bra is the perfect match for clothes that are trickiest to pair with a bra, thanks to its versatile straps and plunging neckline. Its push-up padding gives your cleavage a lift while staying seamlessly hidden under all kinds of outfits. Take it from us—or take it from reviewer after reviewer— this bra is not only comfortable but well-made too so it'll (hopefully) last you years.

Material: 89% polyester, 11% elastane | Sizes: 32A–36D | Colors: Bare, Black

Calvin Klein has a long history of designing comfortable bras, and this plunging push-up style is no different. Checking all the boxes, it's easy to wear all day, creates a desirable amount of fullness (while still looking natural), and can be seamlessly worn under a variety of looks, from date night dresses to your favorite tee. One reviewer called this bra "life-changing" so we definitely think it's worth a try. The fact that it costs about $20 is the cherry on top.

Material: Nylon, spandex | Sizes: 32AA–44H | Colors: Black, Rose Dust, Taupe, Graystone, Daydream, Fuchsia Pink +more

Thirdlove makes our favorite plunge-style push-up for several reasons. Just the thing for low-cut tops and deep-V necklines, this one features a flexible underwire and thin memory foam cups that mold to the shape of your body. You can also remove the pads to customize your cleavage or balance out an asymmetrical chest. We also like how the smoothing, no-show design doesn't dig into the sides or back.

Material: Recycled polyamide, polyamide, elastane, recycled polyester | Sizes: 30AA–38F | Colors: Sexy Leopard, Praline, Toffee, Marzipan, Evening Tide, Purple Shock +more

As the name suggests, the Very Sexy Bombshell Bra makes it look like your breasts are up to two sizes larger than your actual cup size. It boasts extra-thick, contoured padding to lift your chest to new heights without sacrificing comfort. The padding isn't removable, as the design is pretty serious about adding fullness, but you can adjust the shoulder and back straps. The straps are nice and thick to help accommodate the lift effect.

Material: Nylon, spandex, polyester | Sizes: 30A–34DDD | Colors: Café, Black

If you're not really into thick padding (which can sometimes feel bulky) but still want a boost, we think Natori's Minimal Push-Up Bra is your best bet. It has lightweight "air foam padding" that provides a subtle lift without unnecessary bulk. It feels almost cloud-like on. We also appreciate the soft, stretchy cup fabric and easily convertible straps.

Material: Nylon, elastane | Sizes: 32A–40DD | Colors: 6

A strapless push-up bra sounds like something you'd release yourself from as soon as you return home, but this one from Skims (which comes with removable, convertible straps) is remarkably comfortable. It's lightweight with tapered foam cups that create cleavage without spillage. An elastic wing with advanced smoothing technology stops the bra helps the bra stay put and seamless under clothes.

Material: 85% polyamide, 15% elastane | Sizes: 28A–38C | Colors: Black, Sette, Zaadi Purple, Himalayan Sky +more

This beautiful balconette style looks great under see-through tops (talk about a confidence booster). You can wear the soft, stretchy, scalloped lace design with the padding when you want a cleavage boost or remove the cups for a more natural look.

Material: 64% polyamide, 36% spandex| Sizes: 32A–40D | Colors: Cerise, Purple, Pink, Blue, Gentle Rose, Glitter Pink +more

This bra's longline design—with its plunging, dramatically curved neckline, and lace overlay—is a beautiful thing to behold. And the fact that it also provides lift for your cleavage? What more could we ask for? This wire-free bralette has adjustable straps and snaps in the back for versatile wear options, including the classic and sporty racerback.

What to Look for in Push-Up Bras

  • Shape and Coverage: The shape and coverage of a push-up bra may affect what you can wear over it, so it's a good idea to consider that before you buy. Leung says plunge bras are best for deep-V necklines, while balconettes offer "a swelled, lifted-bust shape." A T-shirt bra is great for everyday wear.
  • Breast size: Those with smaller breasts, will want to look for bras designed for smaller breasts to prevent gapping. People with larger breasts might want to consider a bra with more coverage and supportive features like thick straps and a wide band.
  • Removable Padding: Removable padding gives greater versatility to a push-up bra, allowing you to choose the level of your lift each time you wear it. "It's very common for people to have one breast larger than the other," adds Leung. If that's the case for you, here's a hack: you can remove the padding from your larger breast or place the padding from both sides into the smaller side.
  • Material: The material matters, too as it affects both your comfort and how the bra looks underneath clothes. Do you want to wear it under a thin top or a form-fitting dress? Leung suggests getting a T-shirt bra with a micro fabric for a smooth look. If that's not a concern, you can opt for a push-up bra with textured details, like mesh or lace.

FAQ

  • How do you find your size in a push-up bra?

    When shopping for a push-up bra, select the same size you would for any other bra. Keep in mind, though, that sizing can vary among brands. We recommend checking the size chart and measuring your chest to ensure the right fit.

  • How are push-up bras supposed to fit?

    Since push-up bras still provide support, they should check all the same fit must-haves as any bra. Make sure the band fits snugly around your ribcage and doesn't ride up in the back—the bottom of the band should be parallel to the floor.

    The cups should support your breasts without spilling over (which would mean they're too small) or gapping (when the cups are too big or the band is too loose). There should be a smooth transition from the cups to your bust along the neckline edge. Additionally, the shoulder straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders without digging into your skin or slipping off.

Why Trust Byrdie

Full-time freelance writer Megan McCarty has been writing about the best of the best of fashion and design for over 15 years, and her work can be seen in InStyle, Domino, Architectural Digest, Bustle, and more. This story was updated with additional product recommendations and insights by Theresa Holland, a freelance commerce writer specializing in apparel, lifestyle, and beauty. For this story, we spoke to the following expert:

  • Colleen Leung is the Director of Technical Design at Adore Me, an accessible intimates brand with inclusive sizing.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough push-up bras from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

These Are the Push-Up Bras Racking Up Good Reviews for That Extra Oomph (2024)
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