Depending on who you ask, a bra is either a must-have, daily-wear item or something that’s never touched. Trust me, I understand the need to move around the world without an extra layer of fabric stuck to your skin. But sometimes, depending on the type of shirt you’re wearing, you just can’t skip wearing a bra.
However, these days, there are so many product innovations that allow shoppers to find the perfect bra suited to their needs. And if you don’t have many bras in your wardrobe, a must-have — stylists say — is a T-shirt bra. But what exactly differentiates this bra from other types of undergarments?
We tapped fashion experts and stylists to give the breakdown on what makes a T-shirt bra, and how to find the best one for your everyday needs.
What are T-shirt bras? | What to look for in T-shirt bras | Best T-shirt bras, according to experts | Best T-shirt bras, according to editors | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best budget, editor's pick$24.00$48.00
What are T-shirt bras?
According to Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe, fashion expert and designer, a T-shirt bra is all about “creating a smooth, polished look, perfect for wearing under T-shirts, blouses or any close-fitting tops.” This piece is specifically designed to be worn under form-fitting clothing.
[A T-shirt bra] is all about “creating a smooth, polished look, perfect for wearing under T-shirts, blouses or any close-fitting tops.”
You might think T-shirts are the boxy garments you get handed at free events, but with the invention of brands like Skims, form-fitting T-shirts are becoming more and more popular.
Fyffe continues, “Key features [of a T-shirt bra] include seamless cups, a smooth finish and minimal embellishments. The cups are usually lightly padded or molded to provide a natural, rounded shape without adding bulk."
What to look for in T-shirt bras
Again, Fyffe says the type of cup and fabric of the bra are both key factors to consider, as well as the following:
- Design: A T-shirt bra should be seamless, Fyffe says, so it has an invisible look under the shirt.
- Contoured cups: Look for “lightly padded or molded cups that offer a smooth silhouette and prevent any show-through,” says Fyffe.
- Comfort: Of course, comfort levels will depend on whoever is wearing the bra, but in general, the bra should be made from soft, breathable materials like cotton or jersey, offers Fyffe. Straps should be supportive as needed, but still feel comfortable.
- Fit: “Proper fit is vital,” explains Fyffe. “Ensure the band is snug but not too tight, and the cups fully encase the breasts without any spillage.”
Best T-shirt bras, according to experts
Flexible fabric: Wacoal How Perfect Wire Free T-Shirt Bra
- Very soft material
- Bands doesn't dig
- Boning on sides are thick
Sizes: 34A-36DDD | Colors: 10 | Material: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
“The splendid bra is made from a spandex and nylon blend, making it flexible and long-lasting,” explains fashion expert and designer Peter Martinez. This option is also wire-free and seam-free with side boning for extra support that never feels like it’s digging into you.
“Also, the leotard-style back and adjustable straps ensure a smooth, comfortable and bulge-free fit which makes your t-shirt or top look way better,” adds Martinez.
Most breathable: Skims T-Shirt Bra
- Breathable fabric
- Not see-through
- Cup lining is not as thick
Sizes: 30A-46H | Colors: 10 | Material: 90% cotton / 10% elastane, Powermesh lining; 85% nylon, 15% elastane
Fyffe loves this option from Skims for his clients. “They offer seamless coverage, are incredibly comfortable, and have a smooth, contoured fit that disappears under clothes,” he says. What really stands out here is the cotton jersey blend fabric that makes wearing the bra all day long feel breathable. The adjustable straps help provide a customized fit.
Suitable for small cups: Pepper Ultimate Contour T-Shirt Bra
- Well-constructed
- Breathable fabric
- Ideal for smaller breasts
Sizes: 30AA-42B | Colors: 10 | Material: 75% polyamide, 25% elastane
Stylist and co-founder at Fytted, Olivia Dicopoulos, recommends this bra for anyone with a smaller bust. “It’s highly rated, has multiple shades to blend into a variety of skin tones and [is] beyond comfy,” she says.
Pepper bras are meant to eliminate the “gap” that occurs when smaller chested women wear regular sized bras, and we think they hit the mark with this style.
Neutral color range: Intimissimi Adele Wireless Boost Triangle Bra in Ultralight Microfiber
- Great comfort level
- Thick padding
Sizes: 32B-38D | Colors: 6 | Material: Italian microfiber
Stylist and designer Juanita Carmet says this Intimissimi bra is her go-to. She also notes that part of making a T-shirt bra invisible is having it match to your skin tone, and this one comes in an impressive range of neutrals.
“This bra is made from ultrafine microfiber, which makes it feel almost undetectable on the skin,” she says. “It is one of those bras that you can wear all day comfortably, constructed without underwire.” However, she notes, the rounded cup design and boning on the sides offer the perfect amount of support.
Best T-shirt bras, according to editors
Compliments galore: Maidenform Dreamwire Back Smoothing Underwire Bra
- Not restrictive
- Silky-soft
- Wide side panels
- Limited sizing
Product Specs:
Sizes: 34A-40D | Colors: 5 | Material: 94% modal, 6% spandex
Shop TODAY editor Vivien Moon says this bra "is so seamless and invisible under a tee" and that she has "gotten compliments on the tee shirts I wear because of how good the bra makes them look."
Moon continues, "It’s not restrictive and so smooth so it fits under any tee (even lightweight white tees) without notice."
Functional straps: Maidenform Everyday Luxe Wireless T-Shirt Bra
- Straps can be worn crisscross
- Adjustable straps
- Very soft
- Hook is hard to reach
Product Specs:
Sizes: 34A-40D | Colors: 5 | Material: 94% modal, 6% spandex
Jannely Espinal, a writer at Shop TODAY, said this bra is one of her "most trusted undergarments for its soft material and strap functionality."
Espinal continued, "The straps are the main player offering a convertible option to wear it crisscross. It’s a great feature that offers wardrobe versatility and the ability to hide the straps when wearing tank tops or sleeveless tops."
- Has a hook to crisscross
- Underwire might bother
Author favorite: Maidenform Everyday Luxe Full Coverage Underwire T-Shirt BraProduct Specs
Sizes: 34A-40D | Colors: 6 | Material: 94% modal, 6% spandex
I never wear bras, and when I have to, this is the only one I’ll touch. My favorite part is the seamless design that extends over the outline of the bra. Fabric drapes over the ends of the bra instead of being stitched down. The material itself is so soft to the touch, and feels like a T-shirt itself, making me forget that I’m even wearing a bra. Plus, it’s super easy to shop since the bras are true to size.
Editors approve: Bali Breathe Wireless T-Shirt Bra
- Convertible straps
- Very soft
- Full coverage
- Non-traditional sizes
- Cups are thin
Product Specs:
Sizes: S-3XL | Colors: 6 | Material: 48% cotton, 4% modal, 4% spandex
Two staff members at Shop TODAY own and recommend this Bali T-Shirt bra. Shannon Garlin, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, says, "This was my first introduction to Bali bras, and I’m sold. The fabric is incredibly soft, flexible — even with the lace design. I normally wear this around the house because it doesn’t have much molding to the cups, but it’s so comfortable and feels like I’m wearing a sports bra."
Audrey Ekman, a production associate on the team, is also a fan. She previously said, "I kind of hate wearing a bra, especially in summer, because I usually find underwires restrictive and pokey. I just got this full-coverage bra and I am so impressed."
Mom-recommended: Embraceable Perfect Coverage Bra
- Molded cups
- Perfect fit
- Very soft
- Mixed reviews on straps
Product Specs:
Sizes: 32B-42DDD | Colors: 15 | Material: 81% nylon, 19% spandex
Garlin also recommends this T-shirt bra from Soma. She says, "I always thought bras were just uncomfortable and ill-fitting until I started wearing this one, which came recommended from my mom! It’s incredibly soft, has the perfect fit and I love that the cups are molded. The coverage is perfect all-around. I only have it two in colors but I need it in more because I wear these almost everyday."
How we chose
The curated list of the T-shirt bras above were chosen by a mix of style experts and Shop TODAY editors. The stylists and designers we interviewed also provided advice on what to look for while shopping for the best T-shirt bra.
Meet the experts
- Olivia Dicopoulos is a stylist and the co-founder and chief creative officer at Fytted.
- Kadeem Alphanso Fyffe is a fashion designer and expert and author of "Threading the Needle: A Fashion Designer’s Guide to Successfully Launching Your First Collection."
- Juanita Carmet is a fashion expert and stylist who consults for Dona Jo.
- Peter Martinez is a stylist and designer at Leather Skin.
