Adidas just launched a more inclusive sports bra line designed by an all-woman team. And as part of the campaign, the brand tweeted 25 different pairs of breasts in a variety of shapes and sizes instead of sharing photos of the newly engineered sports bras.

“We believe women’s breasts in all shapes and sizes deserve support and comfort,” Adidas said in the tweet posted from its official Twitter account. “Which is why our new sports bra range contains 43 styles, so everyone can find the right fit for them.”

You can see the tweet below:

“Over 90% of women are wearing the wrong size sports bra and aren’t getting the support they need,” Adidas said on its website. “Designed for every fit and move, our inclusive new sports bra collection changes the game—cocreated with real women and tested by athletes in studio sports, training, and running. So, no matter your size or sport, we have you covered. Support is everything. If you are not completely satisfied with your bra, for any reason, we’ll offer you a free return or exchange within 30 days of purchase.”

The line is intended to better reflect people’s different shapes, styles, and preferences. (I, for one, stan racerbacks.) The collection consists of 43 new styles and is available in a more inclusive size range than the past to help more women find support for a variety of activities, from lounging to running and high-impact exercise. 

“There is a sizable data gap when it comes to sports bra development, so we worked with experts in breast health [at] University of Portsmouth to challenge ourselves and drive forward our innovation to better meet the needs of our female athletic community,” said Amy Charlton, senior director of product at Adidas, per AdWeek. “It was a significant undertaking with an all-female team of designers, testers, and experts, and we hope this collection will help more sports bra wearers experience the benefits of added support and a better fit, and not be held back when doing the sports they love.”

The new collection will become available worldwide on February 14. 

As for the triangle bra, the material is extremely soft, the color is gorgeous, and the fit is flexible. It’s made of a nylon-spandex blend that has an almost brushed-cotton feel to it, with back-straps that are thin (but don’t pinch!). I’m shocked at how much I love—and routinely wear—this bra. It’s unlined, I normally hate triangle cups, and my boobs are in flux at the moment (C – DD) so I rarely feel truly supported in bralettes. Not! The case! Here! It has ample coverage, especially along the side-boob. I wear this for days on end and only swap for my other Skims bra (the Maternity Sculpting Bra). I already own a few items from Skims—a unitard, thong, baby tee, and hipster briefs—and would rebuy all my Skims bras and tops in a heartbeat. Overall I’d say Skims’ stuff is well worth the hype, but be open to returning items and reordering to get your size right (or ordering multiples for you to try on). Once you find your fit, you’ll be instantly hooked. 

Talia Abbas, associate commerce editor

I’ve tried some of Skims’ lounge- and shapewear in the past, but most of the pieces didn’t fit me right to fall in love with on the spot. That wasn’t the case though with the bras I picked: the Fits Everybody bandeau and the Cotton plunge bralette. I sized up for a more comfortable fit and to avoid a potential return situation—I’m a 34B and went with a size S for both—and immediately realized why people are so obsessed with these bras. 

For starters, the bandeau molds to your body without awkwardly flattening your chest. It’s a seamless design that doesn’t slip down, and feels incredibly supportive despite not having any underwire or straps. I tend to wear a lot of slip dresses in the fall, and this bandeau is versatile enough to solve many of my outfit dilemmas since I hate peeking straps with a fiery passion. 

As for the plunge bralette, I see why this bra is *the* must-own piece: You feel hot wearing it. (That and the fact that’s also legit comfy and makes the girls look ~very~ good.) The ribbed cotton feels like nothing on, and the plunge hits right above my sternum so it stays hidden underneath my low-cut tops and dresses. Final thoughts? Some pieces are hyped up because they are that good, which is how honestly I feel about my Skims bras. I don’t have to fuss to get either of these pieces on, and the cuts work seamlessly with pretty much everything in my wardrobe. Worth it!

Bella Cacciatore, beauty writer

I am by no means a Kardashian stan (not a hater either), so I wasn’t eager to buy anything from Skims, but after hearing so many rave reviews—and fine, being sucked in by their killer branding—I made my first purchase a few months ago. I bought a nude underwire bra and black triangle bralette, and the underwire has quickly become my go-to bra. For this review, I ordered the same in black plus a scoop-neck bralette, which fits much better than the triangle. To say that I am obsessed would be an understatement. 

The fabric on both pieces is really luxurious and unique, the cotton of the bralette is thick yet soft, and the mesh is smooth and strong. I ordered my usual size (32D, small) in both, and they fit perfectly—though I would recommend sizing up in the triangle. I have a larger chest for my frame, so I like bras that have plenty of support without adding any bulk. The mesh is the perfect everyday bra—it’s so comfortable it feels like I’m not wearing anything, yet keeps everything lifted and covered. The straps are wide enough to not show under tops, and there’s zero risk of a nip slip. Despite the lack of padding, it shapes and lifts the girls very nicely. The scoop bralette is just as comfortable, but isn’t quite as flattering to wear outside the house—though it definitely has enough support to wear as a real bra, which is a rare feat. Overall, I’m super happy I took the plunge, and can’t wait to get my hands on some of the loungewear.

Rebecca Brown, commerce editor

Looking at the two bras next to one another, I thought for sure I’d be a bigger fan of the Fits Everybody collection—it’s buttery-soft to the touch, it has no clasp, and I  was able to slip it on over my head just like a sports bra. But then came the shocker: It gave me a major cleavage moment. Usually I can only get those with underwire or padding (this bra has neither of those things). It appeared to be a great everyday bra until I bent down to pick something up and my boobs—which aren’t that big (I’m a 34C)—came spilling out. Maybe user error? A lesson for me to stop cleaning? It’s a good bra if you don’t mind a hint of…danger?

So are consumers done dropping money on it? We are not. A July report from Allied Market Research predicted that the global lingerie market will grow by more than one and a half times by 2028. In the U.S. the lingerie market grew more during the pandemic than in previous years, and is forecast to surpass a value of $10 billion in the next three years.

“There has never been a better time than right now to be interested in intimate apparel and lingerie,” says Harrington. “There have never been more brands, never been more sizes, never been easier access to buying these brands and sizes, never been more price points.”

Harrington, who has made a name as the preeminent lingerie critic of the day, makes the case for valuing lingerie. Investing in undergarments and loungewear, she argues, is not about capitulating to male desire or to a culture of consumption. “We all have certain ways we are expected to look in public,” she says. “For some people it’s a literal uniform like scrubs or a military uniform. Everyone from a bank teller, to a grocery store clerk to a homemaker or even a parent [has this].” The power of intimate apparel, she says, is that it is the one place where the wearer has total freedom. “Because it is hidden, it allows you to express your truest self,” Harrington says. It can be a pure expression of your own identity.

Is your truest self out there, in some configuration of lace, micro-modal, or antigravity tech? If there have been so many changes in the industry, why does bra shopping still feel like running a marathon through quicksand?

The issue, Harrington says, is that the more great options there are, the more consumers have to wade through. “The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor that there is somebody out there making something for you,” she says. “You just probably won’t be able to find it in your local Macy’s.”

Let’s break down the major trends in the new world of lingerie.

Comfort first.

Remember the time before bralettes? A single, damp Band-Aid-looking boob holder could bankrupt you. The rise of the often cuter, more affordable bralette, as well as wireless bras, came in conjunction with a changing beauty standard that deprioritized high, pushed-up breasts. Victoria’s Secret has launched a campaign for its Infinity Flex Bra, which boasts a “gel wire.” Natori, another classic brand, has seen growing online fandom for its Feathers Underwire Contour bra, which is beloved for being comfortable.

Bras are “feats of engineering,” as Lewis puts it. They hold, lift, smooth, contain, sculpt, cradle. Bralettes are simple pieces of fabric—easier to produce and buy. And as athleisure has become not just a trend but a sartorial religion, the bralette’s techier cousin, the sports bra, has also soared. Catering exclusively to small-breasted women is less and less acceptable: Cosabella introduced a luxurious “curvy collection” this summer, and Lewis is partial to the larger models at Evelyn & Bobbie.

Underwear, too, changed. In the early 2010s any number of women you know spent the day with plasticky fibers cleaving to their butt cracks, like medieval hair shirts. The rise of wellness made strong claims for the power of breathable cotton and feather-light bamboo fibers. Turning on a podcast means hearing the word modal repeated hypnotically. 

The American Eagle intimate-wear offshoot Aerie has tripled its market share since 2015, Forbes notes. Hanky Panky, around since the ’70s, is sexy in a way that prioritizes comfort. Harrington has been wearing Chantelle, a legacy lingerie brand, but one that has put out a comfort line, and Knickey, which uses organic cotton. Even La Perla, the ultimate brand for you-give-us-a-thousand-dollars-and-we’ll-give-you-a-fancy-string, put out a comfort collection this summer.

Sex still sells (if men aren’t the only target).

“​​It’s not for his eyes,” says Lewis, articulating what she sees as the prevailing new attitude toward lingerie. “It’s for my eyes. If it happens to appeal the other way, so be it.” Harrington agrees: “The idea that if a partner wouldn’t appreciate it, then you shouldn’t wear it—I reject that. If you like it, then the presence or absence of an audience shouldn’t matter.”

One silver lining of the pandemic is that people had an opportunity to re-evaluate what they need in life. Family? Yes. A bra? Maybe not! Gillian Anderson, star of The Crown, The Fall, The X-Files, literal icon and goddess, is absolutely over the garment, and I don’t blame her at all.

In a recent interview with fans on Instagram Live, FBI Agent Dana Scully herself said, “I don’t wear a bra anymore. I don’t wear a bra. I can’t wear a bra. I can’t, no. I can’t,” in response to a question about her lockdown wardrobe, per People.

And if sag happens, well, sag happens.  “I’m sorry, but I don’t care if I reach my belly button, my breasts reach my belly button. I’m not wearing a bra anymore. It’s just too fucking uncomfortable,” she said. Seriously! Gravity is not the enemy. If bras make you feel bad, don’t wear one. 

She also mentioned that, if given her preference, she’d wear a “comfortable” uniform of black track pants and a black hoodie, calling herself “so lazy.” Hey, Steve Jobs wore the same comfy black outfit every day, and people didn’t call him lazy for it. They called him a genius. Anderson’s just thinking different.

Besides, her actual work is acting, and she’s certainly not lazy at that. In fact, for her portrayal of controversial British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher on the most recent season of Netflix’s The Crown, Anderson was just nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Gillian Anderson has never been shy about taking the steps she needs to live life comfortably as both a woman and person.  She called menopause “a rite of passage” and even published a self-esteem manifesto for young women. We can only imagine what she’s capable of once freed from her bra.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Over the course of adulthood, I’ve worn three different bra band sizes and more than six cup sizes. This isn’t a unique experience, but it’s one that has made me grow to hate bras. I think this stems mostly from having not found one that fits me properly or comfortably. I also grew up playing sports and loved the support and ease of a sports bra—something I never get from a “real” everyday bra. And though I can appreciate beautiful lace and intricate craftsmanship as much as the next person, more traditional lingerie just doesn’t do it for me.

Eventually I did what most experts tell you to do: get a professional bra fitting. The person doing it explained how life changes, from pregnancy or weight gain or loss (even as little as five pounds), could translate to a difference in your sizing. I, someone who has been buying the same bra size that I wore in college, clearly needed an update—and was even shocked when she told me I should wear a 34F. That meant that I needed support for my big bust but also must be comfortable at all times. (I can’t think straight when I’m wearing something remotely bothersome and have been known to change into the slippers given to models on the sets of photo shoots in order to think more clearly. So, yes, it’s important.)

The bra fitter recommended getting fitted professionally every six months to a year, to ensure the most accurate sizing. But, to be honest, I could hardly see myself keeping up with that schedule—or adding anything to the adulting list, which includes doctor checkups, teeth cleanings, vet visits…. I could maybe deal with my bra not fitting quite right.

Then I remembered a sample I had tried a few months before that. True & Co. had just debuted its line of seamless, wireless bras, which are meant to “look damn near invisible under clothes,” and had sent me a handful to try out for a True & Co. bra review. Because they’re made with this stretchy, nylon-elastane fabric and measured in sizes XS through XL (and with options for full cups too, if you want more support), I figured this could be a good solve for my reluctance toward a biannual bra-size checkup.

First impression: They’re not the most aesthetically pleasing bras on the block. They’re pretty plain—almost like the training bras you got when you were just hitting puberty. But when I put it on, I get the incredibly supportive comfort of my best sports bras, only without the dreaded uniboob look.

The True Body bra comes in a range of styles: scoop-neck, racer-back, triangle, push-up, and lace trim. The V-neck is my go-to—I wear it almost every day now, either in black or beige.

The material is supersoft but doesn’t stretch out throughout the day. Plus, as someone who dislikes any sort of underwire or padding, I liked that these came with removable pads, so you have the choice of wearing your bra with or without them. (I even keep the padding in most of the time, since I like the oh-so-subtle shape it gives me. Every single True & Co. bra review I read wasn’t lying: This bra has truly changed me.)

It’s gotten to the point that, if I can’t find my True Body in my drawer, which is full of other bras, in the morning when I’m getting dressed, I’ll have a bit of a panic—and that’s how I know I can’t live without it.

This article was first published on December 11, 2018. It has been updated since. 

While Amazon has nearly everything you might want to shop, all in one place, there’s just one downside: Trying to sort through the best Amazon products can be seriously overwhelming (looking at you, Amazon Prime Day). And that’s especially true when it comes to clothes.

But the hunt can be worth the effort, as the retailer has some seriously hidden gems that pay off handsomely in terms of wear and comfort—and, not surprisingly, our Glamour readers know it. To get the best buys out there straight to your screen (and into your cart), we’ve rounded up the picks most loved by some of the most discerning people we know, i.e., you.

Most Popular Bras

Whether you’re in the market for a lacy push-up or an everyday bralette, you’re in luck: Some of the best Amazon products in the lingerie department are waiting to be scooped up. The Deyllo bra is a reader favorite, and our editors are also big fans of True & Co.’s convertible style, which can crisscross in the back if you need more support, with plenty of colors to choose from. This Natori Feathers bra is another wildly popular style that one reviewer describes as “absolutely the sexiest, most comfortable, and most flattering bra I’ve ever worn.”

Most Popular Nipple Covers

Nipple covers might not be high on your list of must-haves…until you need a pair. Summertime calls for sheer, wispy fabric and skin-baring cuts, and sometimes a bra just doesn’t cut it—something our Glamour readers know all too well. Enter these saviors.

Most Popular Underwear

Amazon is a great source for basics, and its underwear selection is no exception. You’ll find soft, breathable cotton options, as well as thongs and seamless underwear for when you’re trying to avoid a visible panty line (the worst) but still want to feel your most comfortable.

Most Popular Tees

You can never have enough basic tees: That’s a motto we live by, and Amazon has some affordable options that will fit right in with your usual rotation. Whether plain white, boatneck, V-neck, flowy, or fitted, you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

Most Popular Leggings

Last year involved a lot of athleisure—no gym needed, thanks—and while these days we’re all about dressing up and going out, a new pair of leggings is always welcome in our house. Upgrade your collection of do-it-all leggings with some new options for running errands, meeting a friend at a barre class, chilling on your couch, or all of the above.

Most Popular Dresses

Surprise! Amazon has a lot of cute dresses. You have to sift through to find the gems, but, as our readers have discovered, they definitely exist. Maybe you want a formfitting number that’s perfect for summer nights out, or a sweet floral minidress that’s just as good for a casual dinner worn with sneakers as it is paired with comfy heels for a wedding. Either way, you’ve got options.

Of all the things you could possibly want (or need) these days, the best nipple covers might not rank high on your wish list. But hot summer days call for clothes with the least amount of fabric (hi, linen dresses), and while going braless can be truly freeing, not everyone may feel comfortable with nipples peeking out—or a potential nip slip. 

Thanks to the endless possibilities of the internet, we found a ton of smart, affordable solutions that make it possible to wear pretty much anything these days. So if you need some guidance, keep scrolling for a handy checklist of the best bra alternatives to stock up on. From adhesive bras to silicone nipple covers and reusable pasties, each one can solve a number of tricky top and dress situations—and are all easy to put on and remove. Temps are only getting hotter, so shop the 14 best nipple covers to wear with all your skin-baring summer looks. 

The adhesive bra

What it’s good for: Backless or super-low-cut dresses and tops.

It’s easy to wear your comfiest bra (or nothing at all) when you’re at home in sweats, but those one-shoulder numbers and backless dresses require a little extra forethought. Sometimes you can get away with just a strapless bra, but if you want shape and definition without a war against gravity, adhesive styles are the way to go. 

Celebrity stylist Anita Patrickson told Glamour she prefers the NuBra (shown below) over a traditional strapless style since it’s so much better at staying hidden. (This invisible bra comes in sizes A to E, and has a wide range of nude colors compared with some other brands on the market.) The proper way to put it on? “Bend over, stick one cup toward the outside of your breast, put the other one on your other breast, and clip them together,” Patrickson says. “It’ll help give you some cleavage and is the best way I’ve found to put it on.”

If you have a fuller bust, consider brands like Fashion Forms and Nordstrom Lingerie that make adhesive bras up to G cups. The options below stick well to your side and provide lift underneath clothes with low necklines and open backs. 

The silicone nipple covers

What they’re good for: Thin or semisheer fabrics, plunging necklines, and swimwear.

Self-adhesive nipple covers (or silicone pasties) are especially great to wear when it’s hot out because they’re lightweight and practically invisible. These options are typically circular in shape, stretching beyond the nipple to cover the entire areola, and most brands offer them in a range of skin tones. You can even get them in a waterproof style to wear underneath your bikinis and one-piece swimsuits. 

Because of their thickness, nipple concealers tend to do a better job than mesh bralettes or sports bras at masking erect nipples. Plus, the majority of adhesive silicone covers are made from medical-grade or hypoallergenic silicone, so if you plan on adding them to your daily rotation, they should be kinder on your skin. 

The pasties

What they’re good for: Sheer fabrics, V-necks, and loose-fitting tops and T-shirts.

Similar to reusable nipple covers, pasties offer subtle coverage when wearing sheer clothing, summer whites, and basic white tank tops. They function much like stickers and are usually flatter than reusable silicone nipple covers—but be aware: They may pucker if not applied flush to your boobs. 

Pasties are often reusable, if not washable, and like the nipple covers above, most of the time you need only a touch of mild soap and water to reactivate the adhesive on the back.

Breast petals (pasties shaped like flowers) are a popular option, but ICYMI, pasties come in a kaleidoscope of playful designs (hearts, stars, or crosses) and fabrics (lace, satin, and sequins) that are great for everyday wear or special occasions. We know, we know—sequined nipple covers don’t exactly scream comfy (or safe for work), but most have latex-free or hypoallergenic silicone adhesive backings, meaning even the rhinestone ones won’t irritate or chafe after wearing them for hours on end. (P.S. Some come with test patches too so you can spot-try the product on a less sensitive part of your skin beforehand.)

If you’re thinking of breastfeeding, you’ll need (1) a lot of patience and (2) the essentials—starting with the best nursing bras. Aside from accommodating your ever-changing breasts, a supportive and comfortable nursing bra can help provide easy access, catch leaking breast milk, and just help you feel more like yourself. 

Whether you’re nursing your first baby or your third, breastfeeding is anything but easy—or comfortable. But there are plenty of regular and plus-size options—moisture-wicking sports bras that you can pull down, lace bralettes with detachable nursing clips, and T-shirt bras with removable pads, to name a few—that can help you (and your boobs) make the transition.

We know too much choice can be overwhelming, especially if all of it is new to you. So we went to women who have been there—15 moms (slash designers, writers, bloggers, podcast hosts, and chefs)—to find out which brands and bra styles worked best for them during breastfeeding. (They also shared their favorite maternity underwear in case you’re looking for other intimate upgrades.) 

Ahead, shop the 16 best maternity and nursing bras—and in the meantime, learn more about what to look for in nursing bras, when exactly to buy them, and how they can make life much easier for breastfeeding mamas.

Why should I buy a nursing bra?

If you’re thinking about breastfeeding, it’s important to have a bra that fits well, protects you from potential leakage, and allows for easy nursing access. New York-based doula and Motherfigure advisor Robin Douthit, explains that a good nursing bra has twofold appeal: It can provide support “[when] breasts become heavier from colostrum (baby’s first milk), increased blood volume, and breast tissue plump with increased body fluids” as well as easy access to your boobs.

What are the benefits of wearing a nursing bra?

“There are so many different benefits you can get from wearing a nursing bra,” the experts at Hatch tell Glamour. For starters, they explain, you’ll be able to breastfeed without having to entirely take off your bra, because most lingerie pieces for nursing moms come with unique features you won’t typically find in nonmaternity styles. Think wire-free racerbacks, extra hook and eye closures, adjustable straps, space for extra nursing pads, clip-down cups (or drop-down cups), and soft seamless fabrics you can easily pull aside.  

Having the freedom to whip out a breast at a moment’s notice to feed a baby is obviously very important, but so is remembering that your breast size will change throughout the day as you build up and release milk supply. Hatch’s experts also point out that buying a bra that can stretch without losing shape is key to accommodate those fluctuations.

What’s up with pumping bras? 

Not every parent has the ability to nurse a tiny human from their breasts around the clock, and pumping bras can be a great solution for lactating mothers who like to keep extra breast milk on deck. They differ from nursing bras in that pumping bras are “designed to accommodate the pumps themselves with inserts or flaps that you can place, hold in, and pump hands-free,” the experts at Hatch say.

Most pumping bras resemble tight bandeaus with slits at the nipples where you insert the breast pumps, so unless you buy a convertible bra, you may need to alternate between your nursing and pumping bras. What pumping bras may lack in style (except if your Rachel McAdams), they make up in convenience by freeing your hands to do other things, like text, type, or take selfies with your little one. 

What to look for in a nursing bra…

Like pretty much everything in this world, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what nursing bra will (or won’t) work for you. That said, there are a few things women should consider when shopping for nursing bras. 

1. Comfort: The appeal of a nursing bra is first and foremost comfort. Unlike with maternity bras and regular bras where you concentrate on support, ob-gyn and PH-D Feminine Health adviser Ruth Arumala, D.O., says you’ll want to be at ease for long periods of time in your nursing bra. Think of it this way: If it’s good enough for napping, it’s definitely good enough for nursing.
2. Padding: Next up is padding, which Arumala says can help absorb any leaking breast milk. A long-line bralette with foam cups or a strapless nursing bra with molded cups that unhook in front are both solid options if you want to feel free but also supported.
3. Bra extenders: The number of hooks is also key, Arumala says, “which can expand the bra size to accommodate your breasts as they grow.” Bra extenders, which can give your bra band a few extra inches (and yourself some wiggle room), can help you avoid having to purchase another bra if your cup size stays the same.
4. Breathable fabric: Pregnant and lactating mamas can experience hot flashes due to fluctuating hormones, so Douthit recommends keeping an eye out for breathable, natural materials like cotton to help you stay cool (and be more gentle on sensitive nipples).
5. Wireless bras: It all depends on what feels good to you, but most women prefer wireless over underwire nursing bras. Douthit warns underwire “can pinch or compress breast tissue and possibly cause a clogged milk duct or even worse, mastitis [breast infection].”
6. Alternative bra styles: A.k.a sports bras and nighttime bras. Arumala specifically vouches for nighttime bras (or nursing sleep bras), which can absorb leaky breast milk while you snooze and be easily pulled aside for feeding thanks to the soft, stretchy fabric. Board-certified perinatal R.N. Tanya Singleton also recommends considering styles that are supportive and flexible for daytime use, like a spandex sports bra with wide shoulder straps that won’t dig into the shoulders.

When should you buy a nursing bra? 

While nursing tank tops or bras can be purchased during various stages of pregnancy, Singleton suggests holding off on buying a nursing bra until the very end to get an accurate sense of your new cup sizes and band sizes. “Breasts change so much in the first two to six weeks after birth [and] what’s comfortable during pregnancy might not be during that early transition,” she explains. 

Douthit echoes this sentiment and says that “fit is everything.” She too recommends waiting to add to a nursing bra to cart until the mature milk has come in and your breasts have reached their most “swollen-with-milk size.” With that, read up on 16 recommended nursing bras from the women who swear by them.