I've spent the past eight months getting very comfortable being comfortable in my apartment. I passed on 2020's photo-worthy matching sweatsuits [1], confidently insisting my new daily uniform of flowy nap dresses [2]would always be more cosy (and chic) [3]than bunched-up sweatpants. But, when friends bragged about not wearing a "real bra" for months, my heart filled with longing for a bralette [4] of my own because, seriously, no one likes poky wires [5].
In the past, I'd never allow myself more than a passing glance at little lacy undergarments with triangles that wouldn't cover a soda-can top and straps the width of a straw. I already struggle to find pretty, everyday lingerie [6] or secure sports bras that fit my large-cup/small-band size since I'm bigger than the Ds (and DDs) at the top of most ranges. Not only did something without a hook-and-eye closure feel out of the question, traditional small, medium, and large sizes didn't help when my body is a small . . . but my breasts are XXL.
As others dove into closet reorganisation and raising sourdough babies [7], I decided to make it my personal mission to find a bralette that fit my frame and my breasts, now that I had nothing else to do. It started out with one order for two items and, before long, I needed to create a spreadsheet to track all my purchases . . . and returns. Come along on my journey and, spoiler, this story has a happy ending where I tried 35 and found not one but three that bring a smile to my face (and support that would practically make my shoulders grin as well). Plus, if you don't have the same blessings, each of these bralette styles also come in noncurvy alternatives, too.
Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Racie Racerback Bralette
Soon after receiving my first few bralettes, I noticed that the ones from Cosabella's curvy collection seemed to look — and fit — the best. Of all the ones I tried, the Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Racie Racerback Bralette [9] ($38-$75) is my absolute favourite because it actually lifts and separates with no dreaded uniboob situation.
The brand's curvy line starts at a 28-inch band width and goes up to an H cup, so there are plenty of options both smaller and larger than me (and the same version of the "Racie" bra in a noncurvy alternative [10]). My size overlaps with their suggested range for small and medium [11], and I preferred this in a small since its racerback style doesn't allow for strap tightening. I've since purchased it in a second colour and especially love how pretty it looks if I'm wearing something with a partially open back, too.
Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie Bralette
My second favourite is this Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie Bralette [12] ($28-$98). This bralette comes the closest to the lift of a regular bra but is at least 10 times more comfortable as it goes right over your head with no clasps. (If you prefer additional support, there's also the same exact one with a traditional closure found in this Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Sweetie Hook and Eye Bralette [13] ($25-$70) instead.)
Because the straps are adjustable, it tightens up to be even more supportive as needed, and I opted for the medium as it was just slightly looser around my ribs. As you can see, there's less definition here when compared to a bra with two separate cups, but it's still not shelflike as sports bras tend to be. It's easily become my favourite for lounging and (will be great for) long plane rides, too. Plus, like the racerback style, the "Sweetie" is available in a noncurvy version [14] as well.
Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Plungie Longline Bralette
I surprised myself when keeping this ruby red Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Plungie Longline Bralette [15] ($76-$79), but there are more colours (and prices) of the Cosabella Never Say Never Curvy Plungie Longline Bralette [16] ($34-$79) available, and a noncurvy version [17], too.
I'm including it here as a bralette yet I consider it more like a tank top. This one does have several hook-and-eye closures in the back, so I was able to adjust the small's width to fit me in a way I liked. Plus, since I'm only 5' 3", there's not as much visible stomach when I personally pair it with a blazer [18] and high-waisted jeans.
Much like I wouldn't — or couldn't — have normally have worn the bralettes I'd seen most often, I felt the same way about these types of tanks as I have no space for a bra under it (and no patience for body tape [19]). But, if this experiment has taught me anything, it's that these missions were very much not impossible after all.
And, how appropriate is the name "Never Say Never" for all three of my favourites?! I never thought I'd be able to fit my large cups and small band into a bralette but, well, never say never.