We've been seeing unlined, non-padded bras receive much shine on the scene right now (they're also one of my personal favorite styles, so I can't hate them!), but let's take a moment to appreciate another classic: the padded bra. Lingerie trends come and go, but padded bras are one of those pieces that will always have a place in my lingerie drawer for a few reasons: you don't have to worry about showing through thinner materials like T-shirts, and the lift they provide is really unparalleled.
Don't think padded automatically means mounds of bulky cups or inserts—there are so many levels of cushioning that the amount of extra padding is entirely up to you. Looking for only lightweight coverage that's big on comfort? Try a lightly lined bralette. Wanting a bra that will lift and contour? You'll want to go for a push-up that's heavy on the padding. Either way, there are plenty of options to go around.
Like any savvy shopper, we headed to the reviews to figure out which bras and brands are worth every penny. They're all neatly compiled here for your easy viewing pleasure, so keep clicking below to see which padded bras the internet firmly stands behind.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I love this bra as it provides great support and some minimal padding for t-shirts. The mesh sides are angled together so you don't end up with back or side bulges."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I love this bra! It's extremely soft, comfortable, and remarkably supportive. I’ve tried other pull-on bras and either returned them or gotten rid of them. This bra is amazing! "—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 5 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "Took a risk to order online; It fits beautifully—I'm keeping this bra and returning the others of different brands. Soft and comfortable."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This bra is so pretty, and it doesn't feel huge or ungainly for my extra-large cup size–I went up a couple of sizes because I am pregnant–but it's super comfy and doesn't pop out on the sides or rub against my arms like some other bras that I have bought."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Review Highlight: "I purchase this bra in black a few months ago and love it so much I just purchased the animal print. I’m a 34DDD and this is the most comfortable but supportive bra I’ve found."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Review Highlight: "I bought this in the cinnamon color (this is my second, with the first in blush). I want these in every color: I am becoming one of those people–I am absolutely nuts about this product. The fit is just right, and it goes under absolutely everything. It is lacy and lovely but works beautifully as a T-shirt bra."—Natori reviewer
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I’m always looking for that perfect bra. You know the kind that doesn’t dig in anywhere, that doesn’t make you feel like your girls are at your neck and that doesn’t cut into your back fat. Well, I think this is the one. I’ve been wearing it ever since I got it and have already ordered a second one. It is so light and comfortable but gives me support without digging into my shoulders or ribcage. Try it!! True to size. I am a 38DDD, for reference in Natori."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "One of the most comfortable bras I’ve ever owned! Love this bra and how it feels almost like a bralette but still provides adequate support. I’ll definitely be ordering more!."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This is a great everyday bra. It's flattering, comfortable, and fits true to size. There is enough padding for coverage and a bit of a push-up. I have it in two different colors, but plan to purchase more in the future–I love this bra that much! The quality is fantastic!"—Amazon reviewer
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This bra was super comfy and made me feel confident when putting it on, I loved it! It makes you look great when you put it on with a tank top and really gives you that extra push of confidence."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I love, love, love the Evolution bra. I know this sounds excessive, but I feel like I've found the bra for me and don't need any others. It's supportive for me, (I'm a size 32B) attractive, and oh so comfy. It's also good for every possible scenario, including thin t-shirts, and worth every penny!"—Cosabella reviewer
Rating: 4.1 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This is my favorite comfy bra for when I'm not dressed up, but don't want to look like a bum either. Most bras without a wire leave boobs looking oddly shaped, or like a uni-boob. I've had children, and now I'm a saggy DD, and this bra gives a nice shape without being constricting at all. The straps stay in place. I had one already from a store and liked it so I came here to buy a couple more in case they stop making them!"—Amazon reviewer
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This bra is amazing as push-ups go! There's not too much padding as most of the padding is at the bottom of the cup. I prefer this push-up to any I have purchased from Victoria's Secret. For me, this bra is more comfortable and provides a more realistic natural lift. The fabric is also unbeatable! So soft and buttery. The straps are very comfortable as well and I actually don't rush to take it off! I purchased both the Onyx and the Sienna colors. Even my girlfriends complimented my cleavage and the hubby loved it as well!"—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This is one of the skims bra styles I recently ordered to try out and let me tell you- so worth it! Out of the 5 bras that I ordered this is my fave style. I almost wish I wouldn't have taken the tags off my other ones so I could exchange for more of this style. I'll be buying more of this specific style once more colors are available."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I love Elomi bras, and this one takes the cake! So many of their other styles have lace, seams, etc. that show through silky, jersey, or otherwise tight-fitting tops. This one doesn't show, which makes it my ideal everyday bra, but it still manages to be fun with the lace side panels and keyhole detail. I'm picking it up in multiple colors."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I'm petite with a full bust, and this bra is my new best friend! I ordered the 30E in this brand and it's perfect. "Lift & separate" is my preferred look and this bra does that. It also holds me in place, no jiggle!!! The straps are so cute that you won't mind if they happen to show– plus it's a convertible bra and the clip that holds the straps together are so unique. I can't say enough things about this bra!"—Bare Necessities reviewer
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Review Highlight: "Bra is pretty, comfortable and true to size. The price is EXCELLENT. I have not paid under $60.00 for a quality, attractive bra since the 1980's. This bra offers support without binding. Introduced my adult daughter to the bra and she has also made a purchase of a different style, which I will order as well within the upcoming weeks."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I bought a bunch of strapless bras and ultimately this was the one I kept. It fits nicely, doesn't have padding inside that pushes you out of the bra and gives you lumpy, armpit fat. Padded just enough but not too thick. Nice and tight, has rubber on the back strap."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This bra is perfect for T-shirts and light clothes and fits true to size. It's also the most luxurious feeling bra I've ever had. The fabric is incredibly soft."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This is the sixth time that I have purchased this Natori style. I wear a size 34G bra and it is difficult to find a comfortable one that fits well. This is my favorite! I keep coming back to it and so will you. Buy it, you won’t regret it."—Natori reviewer
Rating: 4.4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This is the best strapless bra there is (although you can wear it with straps too). It stays in place no matter what the activity and gives great support whilst allowing you to wear strapless tops."—Curvy Kate reviewer
Rating: 4 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I've been on the hunt for the perfect strapless bra for 12+ years, and I think this one is it. My concerns are that past bras don't provide enough support, and the constant pulling up motion. For this one, I almost forgot I had it on, and it stayed where it needed to be during a hot summer visit to a biergarten and then some dancing afterwards."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I'll be the first to admit that I hate wearing bras and only wear them when leaving the house! Luckily, this one is super comfortable and I don't find myself counting down the hours until I can take it off. This has been my go-to bra for a couple of years now, and I've always ordered them online."—Amazon reviewer
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Review Highlight: "I am a 42G. Yes, you read that right. This is the bralette that holds up to the standard and holds them up, hah. I am totally comfortable running errands in this, sleeping, cleaning the house… you get the idea. It keeps them totally contained while keeping them UP. One thing about bralettes and being my cup size is that they never stay in, stay up, stay apart or they move around too much. This one is it for larger cups. So happy to have found this bralette."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "This was the first time I’ve worn this brand of bra. It’s a nice fit with full coverage. The straps stay in place and aren’t too thick."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I’ve ordered several bras on Amazon with great reviews and had to send them all back. As a smaller chested woman with a B cup, it’s hard to find a good fitting bra that actually flatters my size instead of making me look even smaller. This bra is super comfy and gently lifts, making me look slightly bigger. If you’re smaller chested like me, you’ll love this bra!"—Amazon reviewer
Rating: 5 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "Very comfortable while walking and light weight."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I usually wear the more heavy-duty industrial style of Chantelle bras but having recently lost weight and some breast size, I decided to take a chance on a less "sturdy" bra. Chantelle's Memory Foam T-Shirt Bra was a great purchase—it truly is "whisper soft" and the foam is thin enough that it doesn't add size (for those of us who do not want to add size) but does the job with covering up the headlights when a breeze comes through the room. Chantelle is a fabulous brand of bra for women with large breasts or implants and they are always worth the money."—Nordstrom reviewer
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsReview Highlight: "I loved it so much I bought two. I only wear lace bras and this is one of the more durable and flattering bras I’ve purchased."—Nordstrom reviewer
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