Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadioFinding a bra that fits well can feel like an impossible combination of measurements, brands, cup sizes, and personal preferences. Even knowing your usual size doesn't guarantee that a bra will feel comfortable or provide the support you need.This episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Zoe Vanderweide breaks down what a bra is actually supposed to do, and how to tell when one fits properly. After testing more than 35 bras, she explains why the band matters more than the straps for support, why bra sizes aren't standardized across brands, and how to shop when your breasts don't fit neatly into a standard size. Plus, how to make your bras last longer.This episode coversWhy the right bra can do much more than provide support. Bras can change the shape of your breasts, provide nipple coverage, smooth asymmetry, make clothes fit better, or minimize a larger bust.Why you should know your measurements—and then try multiple sizes. Zoe recommends measuring yourself, checking a brand's size chart, and ordering a couple sizes because there's no substitute for actually trying a bra on.Why you shouldn't wear the same bra two days in a row. Letting the elastane in a bra's band rest between wears helps it regain its shape and prevents it from stretching out prematurely.How to wash a bra without destroying it. You don't need to wash a bra after every wear; when you do, use a gentle wash cycle in a mesh bag and air-dry.Products we recommendBest underwire bra for precise cup sizing ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge BraThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge BraThis versatile bra offers outstanding comfort and a subtle push-up, and the deep plunge works with many necklines. It comes in cup sizes AA to H — including half-cups, for a fine-tuned fit. But it might not provide enough support for larger busts.Buying options: DEAL, original price $74, sale price $45 from ThirdLove, opens in a new tabUse promo code WCLABORDAY (deal on rose dust or topaz)$74 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$74 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tabBest supportive wireless bralette for cup sizes C to K Evelyn Bobbie Defy BraEvelyn Bobbie Defy BraThis smooth, stretchy bralette achieves something bordering on the miraculous: It comfortably supports large breasts without the use of any metal parts — wires, clasps, sliders, you name it. Just be aware that pulling it on, over your head, isn’t the easiest undertaking.Buying options: $98 from Evelyn Bobbie, opens in a new tab$98 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tabBest luxe and lacy underwire bra for band sizes 30 to 36 Journelle Anais Plunge BraJournelle Anais Plunge BraWrapped in delicately scalloped floral lace, this exquisite bra is sexy and surprisingly comfortable. Since the band sizing tops out at 36 inches, it’s ideal for those with smaller frames.Buying options: $128 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$128 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tabBest lacy underwire bra for cup sizes D to M Panache Allure Full Cup BraPanache Allure Full Cup BraAs sexy as it is supportive, this lacy, unlined bra lifts and centers larger breasts. Its intricate design and texture might be visible under some fabrics, so you’ll have to choose your outfits accordingly.Buying options: $68 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$80 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tabBest sheer wireless bralette for small to medium breasts Negative Sieve Non-Wire BraNegative Sieve Non-Wire BraThis sexy, sophisticated wireless bralette is made of a fine, peekaboo mesh that’s soft and stretchy. It has an adjustable band and straps, so you can fine-tune the fit, and it’s designed to fit cup sizes A to G — though it provides only light support.Buying options: $70 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$70 from Negative, opens in a new tabBest wireless lounge bralette for small to medium breasts Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle BraletteHarper Wilde Bliss Triangle BraletteConstructed of smooth, pleasantly stretchy material, this cute and comfy wire-free bralette is made for relaxing. It’s made to fit cup sizes A to F, but the medium support may not feel like enough for heavier breasts.Buying options: DEAL, original price $45, sale price $28 from Harper Wilde, opens in a new tabPromo code WCLABORDAY applies automatically (deal on cinnamon, tan, dill, limited sizes)$46 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$46 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tabBest smoothing underwire bra for cup sizes C to H Wacoal Back Appeal Underwire BraWacoal Back Appeal Underwire BraThis sleek, lightweight T-shirt bra provides exceptional support for larger breasts, and its wide, firm band smooths out lumps and bumps. It may not be the cutest bra out there, but it’s the one our large-busted testers kept reaching for.Buying options: $74 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$74 from Wacoal, opens in a new tabBest budget-friendly underwire T-shirt bra for cup sizes A to F Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt BraHarper Wilde Base T-Shirt BraThis well-priced bra creates a smooth, defined silhouette, and it comfortably supports breasts through whatever the day throws at you. The cups are deep and generous — a plus for fuller busts — but sizing doesn’t go beyond an F cup.Buying options: DEAL, original price $48, sale price $28 from Harper Wilde, opens in a new tabPromo code WCLABORDAY applies automatically (deal on rose, eggplant, or picot trim)$48 from Nordstrom, opens in a new tabZoe loves her new diamond art kit