Photo: Soma

It was sometime in the mid- to late-2010s when senior staff writer Rose Maura Lorre found herself near tears in a fitting room trying on bras. She was surrounded by countless options already rejected for their punitive underwires, gratuitous padding, ostentatious frills, or sky-high price tags.

“We do have this one bra,” the saleswoman ventured sympathetically. “It’s very simple. I call it ‘the ugly bra.’”

A decade later, Rose can attest that whatever this bra lacks in style, it more than makes up for in what she calls “salvation.” It provides a comfortable fit, prevents side-boob spillage and back bulges, and is extremely adaptable for all-day wear. Which is well-worth any dowdiness in her book.

Ugly? Perhaps. Indispensable? Yes→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Photo: Negative, Cuup

Whether you prefer a barely there bralette or a full-coverage T-shirt bra, any one you wear should be comfortable and well constructed, and make you feel confident and supported. We tested 43 bras to find the best ones that tick all of those boxes.

One of those winners? A (currently on-sale!) bralette with the best combination of comfort, versatility, style, and quality that we’ve ever found. It’s ideal for lounging, but also supportive enough to wear when you’re out and about. Use promo code WIRECUTTER to get it for $27 right now.

Get the deal→

The best new iOS 18 features Here’s everything our experts are excited about, including the new built-in password manager→

Our favorite bedside lamps Including a cheap and reliable one we love and a paper lantern→

How to get rid of ants, mice, and other pests There are a few inexpensive steps you can take before calling the exterminator→

Photos: Brooklyn White, Savage X Fenty

Though Rihanna’s brand, Savage X Fenty, may be better known for their ultra-sexy underwear and fashion-show-slash-concert extravaganzas, they also make nursing bras. And senior staff writer Brooklyn White, who “swooned over Rihanna’s chic pregnancy style,” was eager to give them a try.

She was originally skeptical—after all, there is no such thing as a perfect nursing bra. But after testing it, she found herself pleasantly surprised by its four flexible hook-and-eye closures, ultra-soft cotton construction, and wireless design. Says Brooklyn: “The months following a birth need tiny pockets of ease wherever they can be found or created. A bra has a chance to be one—and this model is.”

A nursing bra we love→

Plus: The comfiest boxer briefs we’ve ever tested.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Recommendation from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request.

Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app

Connect with us on:

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018