14 Best Bras for Teens That Are Comfortable and Affordable
Finding a bra that fits, feels good, looks cute, and doesn't make you want to rip it off at the end of the day and throw it across the room is no small feat, which is probably why bra shopping tends to be at the bottom of the list of fun shopping activities.
Everyone's body is different, and the teen years are a time of significant body changes. The cotton bralette you wore as a tween may not cut it anymore, and your go-to sports bra isn't always the best option for everyday wear, as comfortable as it is.
Wearing a bra that fits you well can be a total game-changer, not just for your chest and your outfits, but for your mood and confidence too. “There are so many reasons a supportive bra is important and a lot of them ladder up to confidence, especially when you're a teen,” shares Ria Matthews, customer experience manager at Bravissimo. “Having a bra that fits means your clothes fit better and you'll feel so much more comfortable."
Kara Lacayo, vice president of design at Yitty, agrees. “The right support helps take the pressure off your back, shoulders, and neck, especially if you have a fuller chest," she says. “When you’re properly supported, you’re not constantly adjusting or feeling weighed down. That frees you up to move, breathe, and live your life without even thinking about how your bra fits. Confidence starts with comfort, and the right bra plays a big part in that.”
Ahead, we've tapped the experts to answer all your pressing questions about bras and also selected some of the best bras for teens available on the market at the moment, including bras for larger chests, sports bras, and wireless options.
Our top picks
- Best overall: Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit Lightly Lined Full Coverage Bra, $48.50
- Best bralette: Gap Organic Stretch Cotton Bralette, $24.50
- Best for larger busts: Bravissimo 365 T-Shirt Bra, $76
- Best for smaller busts: Pepper Limitless Wireless Scoop Bralette, $50
Bras FAQs
How do you find your bra size?
Finding your bra size is probably the most intimidating part of bra shopping, but it doesn't have to be scary. You can get fitted at a specialty store or in the bra department of a retailer like Nordstrom; this can also be a good way to try on a few different bra styles and sizes to see what feels best, as your size may vary from brand to brand or fit to fit.
At home, Lacayo recommends using a soft measuring tape to find your band and cup size. For the band, measure snugly around your ribcage, right under your bust. Then, measure around the fullest part of your chest to determine your cup size, she advises. Then, find an online fit calculator for a good starting point. “Just remember, sizing can vary between brands — especially when comparing stretchy styles to more structured ones," Lacayo says. “At the end of the day, it’s less about the number and more about the fit. If it feels good, supports you, and you’re not constantly adjusting, that’s your size.”
How do you know if your bra fits?
The key indicator here is comfort, says Matthews. “If your bra truly fits you it should feel as comfortable as a second skin! You'll have a back band that feels firm but comfortable and doesn't ride up, your boobs will be fully encased in your cups without any digging in at the sides or bulging at the top, and you'll find it stays in place throughout the day without needing to readjust,” she explains.
How do you know you're in the wrong size?
That “I want to throw this thing across the room” feeling is a sign you're not wearing the right bra for your body. “Nothing’s more uncomfortable than an ill-fitting bra and your body will let you know it,” says Lacayo. “If the band is riding up your back, it’s too loose. If your boobs are spilling out over the top, sides, or bottom, the cups are too small. If the cups are wrinkling or gaping, they’re too big.”
The straps are another clue. If they're digging into your shoulders or falling down, something isn't right, says Lacayo. In addition, the center piece of the bra should be lying flat against your chest; otherwise, it's not giving you adequate support.
How should you take care of your bra?
A well-made, supportive bra can be a bit of an investment, so you'll want to take good care of it. Matthews recommends hand-washing your bra every two weeks and letting it air dry; putting heat on a bra can damage the wires. “If you look after your bras, they will support you for so much longer!”
How many bras should you own?
This depends from person to person, says Matthews, but in general, Bravissimo recommends at least two “everyday” bras like a balconette or T-shirt bra, two sports bras, and a non-wired comfort bra. Additionally, you could consider adding a strapless bra and a convertible racerback bra to your rotation for occasion dressing.
Shop the best bras for teens below:
Best Overall:
This supportive yet lightweight everyday bra from Calvin Klein checks all the boxes of a great bra: full coverage, super-soft fabric, and tons of sizes. Even if you think you don't like underwire bras, give this one a chance and you may be surprised at how comfortable it is!
Size: 30-40 band, A-G cup
Coverage: Full
Support Level: Moderate
Colors: 8
Material: 72% nylon, 28% elastane
Customer Review: “Favorite bra. I have this one in about 15 different colors. I know that it fits well and holds up for years.”Best for Larger Busts:
Larger chests require specific, targeted support to reduce back and shoulder pain and sagging. Emily Andrew, lingerie buyer at Bravissimo, recommends this classic T-shirt bra from Panache for people with bigger busts as it's super supportive but also comfortable and easy to wear every day. The balconette style offers excellent coverage.
Size: 28-40 (band), D-H (cup)
Coverage: Full
Support Level: High
Colors: 2
Material: 55% polyamide, 32% polyester, 13% elastane
Customer Review: “I bought the first one and was cautiously optimistic. It came in and could not possibly have fit better or been more comfortable. I immediately bought two more. I’m so excited to have bras that fit perfectly."
Best for Small Busts:
Just as larger busts require specific support and fit, so do small busts. The brand Pepper specializes in bras for smaller chests, so they know what they're talking about! Their wireless scoop bralette is designed for AA to B cups in a variety of band sizes, so you can find your perfect fit with no gaping or excess padding.
Size: XXS-XL (for AA-B cup)
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Light
Colors: 6
Material: 75% elastane, 25% polyamide
Customer Review: “It fits so well, snug and comfy and supportive. It makes the girls happy!"Best T-Shirt Bra:
Skims hasn't been around long, but the company has made a major name for itself in the bra world. It Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra is a great example of Skims' bra skills: there are so many different band and cup sizes, and the bra comes in a variety of skin tone shades. However, Skims sizing is a bit different than other bra brands, so you may want to try on in person or order a few sizes.
Size: 30-46 (band), A-H (cup)
Coverage: Demi
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 8
Material: 76% polyamide, 24% elastane
Customer Review: “I am absolutely obsessed with this bra. It is honestly the most comfortable yet supportive bra I have tried. I love how comfortable it is and the way that it seamlessly blends under shirts."
Best Everyday Bra:
The most important thing about an everyday bra is that it feels good; after all, you're going to be wearing it all day, every day, so you've got to enjoy it! Aerie's SMOOTHEZ Full Coverage Lightly Lined Bra is made with buttery soft and smooth fabric and a flexible underwire that moves with you, not against you, and the wider straps add extra support.
Size: 30-42 (band), A-DD (cup)
Coverage: Full
Support Level: High
Colors: 5
Material: 80% nylon, 20% elastane
Customer Review: “Very supportive and fits perfectly. Best bra I’ve ever had."Best Wireless:
Underwires aren't for everyone, so if you prefer a wire-free style, try this popular pick from ThirdLove, which is made with smooth, silky microfiber fabric for the ultimate in comfort. You can also customize your fit with removable cups and convertible straps.
Size: XS-XXXL
Coverage: Full
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 5
Material: 76% nylon, 24% spandex
Customer Review: “I bought two more of these after I tried this one on. It’s a bralette that makes your boobs look good. The material is comfortable, and I reach for it all the time."
Best Bralette:
Bralettes are just the best, aren't they? They're soft, comfy, and easy to throw on and wear all day long. You can wear them on your low-key loungey days or as your regular, day-to-day bra. This organic cotton style from Gap is a fan favorite due to its breathable material, lightly supportive fit, and range of sizes.
Size: XXS-XXL
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Light
Colors: 4
Material: 92% cotton, 8% elastane
Customer Review: “Perfect cotton bralette. It's soft and pleasant on skin. Recommend to anyone who doesn't need tons of support."Best Lounge Bra:
A low-key day needs a bra to match, and this scoop-neck style is both comfy and cute thanks to the seamless fabric and sweet lace trim. If gingham's not your thing, it also comes in colorful pointelle or nude, pink, and black rib. The thicker straps are lightly supportive, and the unlined, wireless silhouette means you'll never want to take it off.
Size: XS-XXL
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Light
Colors: 7
Material: 57% polyamide, 37% polyester, 6% elastane
Customer Review: “I’m not a fan of heavy bras, for me less is more. This is perfect for everyday life, I often forget I’m even wearing it!"
Best Lace:
Sometimes you just want to wear a pretty, lacy bra! Free People's bralettes are gorgeous and surprisingly supportive for how comfortable they are. Plus, this halter style offers tons of styling opportunities; it looks cute peeking out of a dress, T-shirt, or tank top and comes in lots of colors, from nudes to dark red. One important thing to note is that this bralette runs large, so you may want to size down.
Size: XS-XL
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Light
Colors: 10
Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex
Customer Review: “Absolutely love this halter bralette! As a 36DD, I went with a medium, and the fit is perfect—supportive yet comfortable. The side boning is a game-changer, keeping the band in place without rolling up. I also appreciate the longer length, which allows for a natural, flattering shape without feeling restrictive."Best Strapless Bra:
Specific outfits and occasions require a strapless bra, but the good news is that the strapless bras of today aren't going to slide down or bug you all night long. Victoria's Secret nailed the fit and feel with this strapless style, which will hold you up and stay in place so you aren't constantly fussing with it. It also adds a bit of lift, which can be helpful if you're wearing a strapless dress or prom gown.
Size: 32-44 (band), A-G (cup)
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 5
Material: 71% polyamide, 29% elastane
Customer Review: “This bra fits like a dream! It’s both flattering and supportive, and the design is so pretty. It makes me feel confident and comfortable all day. No slipping straps or weird gaps—just a perfect, true-to-size fit!"
Best Budget Bra:
No wires, no problem. This T-shirt bra has over 36,000 reviews on Amazon, with customers praising its super-comfortable and stretchy fit, soft, cooling fabric, and quality. The thicker straps and band mean the bra stays in place and won't roll or ride up as you wear it. While many wireless bras pull on over your head, this one has hook closure for an adjustable fit.
Size: S-XXXL
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 3
Material: Polyester, spandex
Customer Review: “I've been wearing this style bra for many years now and will never wear another. They are silky, stretchy, form fitting, and oh-so-comfortable! The support is great too."Best Pretty Bra:
Get the comfort and ease of a T-shirt bra with the most beautiful prints and patterns! Parade's silky mesh fabric is exactly what it sounds like—cooling, breathable, and silky—and the flutter straps and prints are so pretty and unexpected, including this tattoo floral design and a colorful plaid. Add the matching undies for a sweet set.
Size: 32-42 (band), A-G (cup)
Coverage: Medium
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 6
Material: 88% recycled nylon, 12% spandex
Best Sports Bra:
A good sports bra is worth every penny, and this medium-support style from Lululemon is perfect for medium-intensity activities like yoga, walking, dancing, and weightlifting. The Energy Bra pulls over your head and has cute-yet-supportive criss-cross straps, and the soft, frictionless fabric feels cool on sweaty skin.
Size: 2-14 (B-D cups)
Coverage: Full
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 11
Material: 77% nylon, 23% elastane
Customer Review: “I have purchased about a dozen Energy bras over the years, and they are still my go-to running bra. Comfortable, supportive, great colors."Expert Pick:
“[This bra] is that perfect blend of super comfortable and super sexy, which is basically the dream when it comes to a bralette. Crafted from ultra-soft, 95% Organic GOTS Certified cotton, it’s breathable and feels amazing on your skin,” says Lacayo. “Plus, the straps are adjustable and convertible, so you can wear it classically or switch it into a racerback, depending on your mood (or your outfit). What’s special about this bralette is that we engineered two different versions of it to meet the needs of every size in our range.” It's available in XS-6X, and sizes above XL feature a hook-and-eye back closure and thicker straps for more support. “All that care and attention to detail is what makes the Snug Cotton Triangle Bralette one of those essentials you’ll want to live in and own in every color. You can feel confident wearing it under anything, or even just on its own. It’s easy, it’s flattering, sleek, and elevated, never basic.”
Size: XS-6X
Coverage: Full
Support Level: Medium
Colors: 11
Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
Customer Review: “Best bralette! I've been looking for bras without underwire! Perfect option! Nice all-day wear, whether it's a work day or a relaxing one. Definitely going to have to order a few more and maybe some different colors!"
