Fashion

The 8 Best Bras For Lift & Side Support

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by Jen Fiegel
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Amazon/Bustle

Whether you want it to be a fun accent that adds a pop or totally seamless and undetectable, you shouldn't have to suffer through wearing bras that don't provide all the support you need. That's where the best bras for lift and side support come in. These best side support bras bras feature well-positioned fabrics to help keep them looking smart and smooth around your sides and back — so you can command a room with aplomb.

Which Features Make For A Great Side Support Bra?

The first step to finding the best bra for lift and side support is to zero in on styles that have higher sides and wide bands around the ribs. Finding bras with a bit of stretch will also help as these will more likely lay flat against your skin while remaining comfortable. While not necessary, a longline bra can help you feel more supported, too.

Next, you'll need to decide if you want an underwire bra or not. Those looking for additional support might appreciate the extra boost, especially since the pokey underwires of the past have been replaced by styles wrapped in layers of breathable, comfortable fabric so you can hardly feel them. But those who would still like to avoid them have plenty of supportive choices, too.

Shop The Best Bras For Side Support And Lift

In a hurry? Here are the best bras that are supportive, smoothing, and comfortable.

  1. The Overall Best Bra For Lift & Side Support: Warner's No Side Effects Full Coverage Underwire Bra
  2. A Smooth Wireless Bra For Lift & Side Support: Warner's No Side Effects Wire-Free Contour Bra
  3. A Lacy Wireless Bra For Serious Lift & Side Support: Playtex 18-Hour Original Comfort Strap Full Coverage Bra
  4. A Plunge Bralette For Lift & Side Support: Intimate Portal Gemma Padded Bralette
  5. A Supportive Bra For Lift & Side Support Up To Size 48H: Glamorise Full Figure Front Close Lace T-Back Wonderwire Bra
  6. The Best Strapless Bra For Lift & Side Support: Vanity Fair Beauty Back Strapless Full Figure Underwire Bra
  7. A Cult-Favorite Full-Coverage Bra With High Sides: Olga Women's No Side Effects Underwire Contour Bra
  8. The Best Sports Bra For Lift & Side Support: Glamorise Women's MagicLift Seamless Sports Bra

1The Overall Best Bra For Lift & Side Support

This underwire bra with innovative extra-high side panels provides extra support while staying comfortable thanks to the 80 percent nylon, 20 percent elastane material that breathes and moves with you. There are even thoughtful details like making the straps adjustable from the front. This fan-favorite with more than 1,100 five-star reviews even comes in more than 15 colors and prints from classic black to a pretty polka-dotted pink. It's recommended that this be washed by hand.

According to a fan: "Finding a bra is such a frustrating ordeal, but this bra is as perfect as I have worn in a long time. The fit is true to size; a comfortable wire, and sides that don’t bulge! This bra is quite affordable ~ so I bought several !!!! Plan to get the rest of the colors available!”

  • Available sizes: 34B - 44DD

2A Smooth Wireless Bra For Lift & Side Support

If you'd rather skip the underwire, this wireless bra that's super similar to the first choice has a 4.3-star overall rating after more than 14,000 reviews with fans raving about how it manages to be comfortable and supportive, all at once. With extra-high side panels and comfortable lightly padded cups for support, it comes in more than 10 colors to suit most styles. While this can go into the wash on cold, the manufacturer recommends line drying it.

According to a fan: "The most comfortable bra ever. I switched to wearing wireless bra a few years ago and Warner's No side effect is my most favorite. It gives great support and look great! My other wire free bra tend to loose its shape after several washes, this bra remain the same. I love it so much that I have it in all different colors. The price on Amazon is also unbeatable.”

  • Available sizes: 34A - 40DD

3A Lacy Wireless Bra For Serious Lift & Side Support

If you need a little extra support but still want to stay wire-free, consider this best-seller from Playtex. With wide straps and a full-coverage front, it offers plenty of lift without the underwire. It also features smoothing high sides and a wide band for stability and no-digging comfort. However, this is hand-wash only.

According to a fan: "I’ve tried some of the other styles of Playtex bras and always go back To this one as my ‘go to’ can do anything in it bra. No bulging at top or sides or flipping out of cups. Wide sturdy back strap [with four] hooks and [four] rows to adjust. Wider Padded straps at pressure point on shoulders. Good coverage..good support without twisty/poky uncomfortable underwire. Good value.”

  • Available sizes: 34D - 54DDD

4A Plunge Bralette For Lift & Side Support

For those who aren't seeking a ton of support and prefer a plunge shape, this bralette style still features high side while being light and free of wires. A smooth blend of nylon and spandex and seamless stretchy back keeps the bra from showing through your clothes, while the lightly padded cups offer coverage. However, because it doesn't offer tons of support, this is best suited for A and B cups. Machine wash cold in a mesh bag or hand wash, and be sure not to throw this bra in the dryer.

According to a fan: "I was skeptical about these but I don't mind admitting that I was wrong. [...] No movement at all so far in terms of rolling fabric and sits beautifully on the back and shoulders with no cutting or lumpiness. Very probably the best bra I ever bought.”

  • Available sizes: 32 A/B - 44 A/B

5A Supportive Bra For Lift & Side Support Up To Size 48H

For plenty of support and a large range of sizes, this front-closure underwire bra features a well-cushioned wire and wide straps impressive comfort. A supportive band also extends through the cups and high up the sides. The biggest drawback might be that it's hand-wash only.

According to a fan: "When I say this is the most comfortable bra I've ever worn.. I'm so serious. I'm a 40DD and usually lace bras are always so itchy and fits odd. This is perfect (to me). First of all, it's sexy, snaps in the front, smoothens my love rolls and my husband LOVES it. And the most important factor of it all...when I get home, taking my bra off is not the first thing on my mind anymore.”

  • Available sizes: 34B - 48H

6The Best Strapless Bra For Lift & Side Support

With a 4.2-star rating overall from more than 9,300 reviewers, this strapless bra is the antidote to those uncomfortable styles of the past. The high sides and wide band help support the area around the ribs while the round cups comfortably hold them. But unfortunately, this style is hand-wash only.

According to a fan: "I’m a DD, best bra ever. [...] after you wear it the once or twice and you break into it, it is AMAZING. So comfortable, doesn’t slip off, SO supportive. I love it so much, I’m buying the beige for sure. I’ve tried many overpriced strapless bras in my life & nothing compares to this one.”

  • Available sizes: 34B - 44DD

7A Cult-Favorite Full-Coverage Bra With High Sides

With an underwire and high side panels, this wildly popular bra will lift and support your boobs when you wear it. The side and the back are designed to look seamless under clothes, and it has adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure so you can easily find the right fit for you. And there’s a style for everyone: This full-coverage bra comes in a range of neutral and pale colors.

According to a fan: “Purchased a 38D and it fits perfectly. The underwire doesn’t dig, but lifts and separates. The side panels provide smooth lines.”

  • Available sizes: 36C - 44DD

8The Best Sports Bra For Lift & Side Support

This sports bra is beloved by reviewers, and has thick straps and and wide band to lift and support you. While this is wirefree, Glamorise designed this side-support bra with “MagicLift” technology designed to create structured cups that hold your boobs up when you wear it. While this is technically a sports bra, many reviewers love it for everyday wear. It also has adjustable straps and a hook-and-eye closure. It comes in five colors you can choose from.

According to a fan: “Have been wearing Glamorise sports bras for years. Good looking and very comfortable bra with built in support on the side. Straps are adjustable and wide. Best part - no underwire, but good support. Various colors and sizes available. Yes, I highly recommend for workout and daily wear.”

  • Available sizes: 34B - 50I

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