In the depths of pregnancy and desperate to find comfy, non-wired bras with support for a larger bust, Fashion Lead Zoe took to her group chat to ask for advice…
There are many things I got pre-warned about before getting pregnant – morning sickness, tiredness, general hatred for loud breathers – but one I wasn’t quite prepared for was magically doubling, perhaps even tripling, in cup size basically overnight. As someone who has been lucky enough to wear relatively unsupportive bralettes without needing much support, this came as quite a shock.
So, in the depths of my second trimester and desperate for intel on whether there’s a ‘magic’ bra out there that doesn’t have a constraining underwire, doesn’t have straps that dig into the shoulder, and ultimately will stop my larger bust from resting on my stomach for support, I turned to the one source I knew would have more information than the whole of Google: the girls’ group chat.
“Girls, I need your help,” I pleaded on Thursday morning. “Give me your best comfy bra recommendations.”
First to respond was my best friend, a mum-of-two, who told me she threw out all her bras for M&S ones. Next, a fellow journalist– who, might I add, has been blessed with a larger bust since teenhood – followed suit. M&S. Three more replies followed quickly – two more M&S votes and one SKIMS. The final answer was somewhat less helpful and definitely not printable.
The group chat had spoken, and the answer was definitive: Marks & Spencer is the unrivalled brand of choice for supportive and affordable bras, especially for soon-to-be mums. But, having just launched its BODY by M&S, featuring 300 pieces of underwear, I needed a bit more steering. Here are the styles we’re all wearing on repeat…
Body Invisibles Non Wired Crop Top
Shop it for £22
Princess Kate’s favourite Boden knit is back in stock with a spring update
The verdict: Ideal if comfort is top of your list. It has a seamless, pull-on design with a flattering V-neck, light removable padding and soft non-wired support that feels smooth under T-shirts and knitwear. It comes in five colourways, with sizes ranging from 8-22. Great for under t-shirts.
Body Invisibles Non Wired Full Cup Bra
Shop it for £22
The verdict: A great everyday option if you want a little more coverage without sacrificing comfort. It has a second-skin feel, soft support and a discreet finish under clothes. In band sizes 30-42 and cup sizes A-E, you can choose from seven shades, with options to match all skin tones. The girls say this is a great SKIMS ‘dupe’.
Flexifit Non Wired Full Cup Bra A-E
Shop it for £22
The verdict: The flexible stretch fabric moves with you, while the fuller cup shape gives reassuring support without any digging or pinching. It’s basically a typical bra shape, but it doesn’t have underwire, and it’s non-padded. It comes in black, white or a neutral tone, with the same cup and band sizes to support up to a 42E bust.
Body Invisibles Wired Minimiser Bra
Shop it for £22
The verdict: Though most of my friends preferred the non-wired options for comfort, this suggestion got called “the best” wired one that actually doesn’t feel tight or constraining. It’s designed to gently redistribute the bust for a smoother silhouette – music to my ears. It’s ideal for when you want to wear tops that have a tendency to bunch up over large boobs. This style goes up to a 44H size.
Oh, and before we finish, if your budget stretches to SKIMS pricing and you’re interested in the bra recommendation my friend had for them, it’s the Sculpting scoop-neck stretch-woven bra, £48. According to her, it’s “so good”, she only buys that one style now.
