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December 29, 2024

Zoe Vanderwiede/NYT Wirecutter

	By Zoe Vanderweide Zoe Vanderweide is a writer focused on style and accessories. She has personally tested nearly 500 bags, jeans, bras, shoes, and more.

It’s been a long year. So as 2024 comes to a close, I’m thinking about ways we can all be a little more gracious to ourselves in the next one. For starters? I’m getting rid of all the bras I hate.

I’m no self-care expert. And I’m certainly not suggesting that buying comfier underwear can solve any of life’s major problems. But as a style writer for Wirecutter, I do try a lot of bras—I’ve tested upwards of 30 this year alone—and ditching the underwired Büstenhalter (that’s an unforgiving German word for bra, and yes, it means “bust-holder”) is one of the kindest things I’ve ever done for myself.

Finding the perfect bra is easier said than done. I should know—I went through scores of ill-fitting, unsupportive, boob-pancaking let-downs in my search for the best bras. But I finally found my holy grail.

Marvelously smooth and stretchy, this is the only bra I’ve ever worn that actually feels like a treat. This pull-over style has a wide, snug band that keeps me feeling supported, and a fetching triangular cut that works with lots of necklines.

This wireless, unstructured bra may not be substantial enough for venturing out-and-about if you have larger, heavier breasts. (If that’s you, consider another staff favorite soft bra—the big-boob-friendly Soma Embraceable.) But for me, this indulgently comfy bralette gave me all the resolve I needed to cut the wires (ha!) out of my top drawer rotation. Instead of counting down the minutes until I can rip off my dreadful bust-holder, I forget I’m even wearing the thing and get on with my day.

Sure, in the grand scheme of things, it’s a small upgrade. But sometimes the small things are what we have the most control over. And a bra that feels like a warm hug is a pretty nice place to start in setting yourself up for a kinder, gentler new year.

I test bras for a living. This is the only one I actually wear→

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Negative, Cuup

After researching hundreds of bras and testing 43 of them in person, we’ve found seven that suit a slew of moods, bodies, and style preferences. They include a versatile everyday bra, a full-coverage T-shirt bra, a barely there sheer mesh bralette, and a smoothing minimizer.

The best, most comfortable bras→

Get yourself a gift The best gifts to buy yourself, according to our experts. Including a cotton nightgown and fancy chocolates→

Wrap yourself in a robe After testing over 50 of them, we have nine soft, stylish, and practical favorites that feel truly special→

Our favorite teas Pour yourself a cuppa→

Lounge under a heated blanket After testing dozens of heated mattress pads and blankets over the years, we found the best ones to keep you cozy at night→

Rozette Rago/NYT Wirecutter

A sneaker that’s just as stylish as it is comfortable—and versatile enough to go with practically anything in your closet—is another wardrobe holy grail.

Zoe wore these trendy sneakers every day for a week, logging nearly 20 miles walking around New York City. Her verdict? “The hype is real.” They are instantly comfy, ultra-flattering, and the kind of trend-proof workhorses that last for years to come.

Absolutely no break-in period→

Thanks for reading.

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

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