Cotton On Ultimate Comfort T-Shirt Bra review
It’s one of the most important items in our wardrobe and one of the hardest to get right. Allow us to introduce you to the bra women are raving about.
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Removing your bra at the end of a long day is one of womankind’s universal pleasures.
While they’re a necessary part of getting dressed for many women, finding a bra that doesn’t dig cruelly into your back or require constant adjusting throughout the day can prove difficult.
More laborious still is finding a bra that’s supportive, looks good and doesn’t empty your bank balance.
So when I spied that an affordable Cotton On bra had been sold to more than 127,289 happy women - 83,746 of them Australian - naturally I had to try it for myself.
Enter: Cotton On’s Ultimate Comfort T-Shirt Bra that will set you back $29.99 and is available in several different colourways. It features four-way stretch fabric that moves with your body, contoured, smooth cups and plush shoulder straps.
“We offer it all year round so customers can always get one when they need it,” Cotton On’s Intimates Buyer Courtney Shergold tells news.com.au.
WHERE TO SHOP THE COTTON ON ULTIMATE COMFORT T-SHIRT BRA, $29.99
THE TEST DRIVE
While I was excited to join the staggering fan club of 127,289 women who own this Cotton On bra, I was a little dubious about its powers. I mean, how good could it really be? But upon clipping it up and setting about my day I was struck by one thing: how incredibly comfy it was. It felt like my boobs were being cradled in a soft yet supportive cloud. Thanks to its smoothness and microfibre fabric, it was undetectable under my clothing. Pleasantly, its high level of comfort wasn’t offset by a lacklustre look. While it’s no work of art (does a bra have to be?) it looks good and I certainly wouldn’t be ashamed to wear it in a gym change room, which I can’t say about some of the other medieval bras in my collection.
Sure, I loved the bra, but as someone with a small bust, my support needs are pretty low. To see how the bra stacks up for bigger busted women, I called on my colleagues for assistance.
“As someone with 10D boobs, I wasn’t sure how I was going to go with a bra that promises ‘comfort’ first,” says Jessica.
“Normally, I resort to underwire-heavy bras that give a lot of support but also leave me with the odd red mark and general ‘strapped in’ feeling.”
“I was, however, pleasantly surprised with this T-shirt option from Cotton On. The fit was super flattering, I liked the simple but sexy design (I’m vain, so sue me), my boobs felt perfectly nestled and I couldn’t even feel the bra during the day, which isn’t an easy feat.”
Similarly, Riah, felt that the bra somewhat changed her mind about usually uncomfortable underwire.
“I made a vow to myself about three years ago that I would ditch underwired bras - no longer would I put my boobs in an uncomfortable prison. But trying out the Cotton On Ultimate Comfort T-Shirt Bra I realised that maybe all underwire isn’t bad,” says Riah.
“The wire feels flexible while the material is soft enough to stop it digging in. Overall this bra is comfy and a great option for day-to-day use. It’s an affordable bra that you can just chuck on and forget that you’re wearing - no glamour required.”
THE VERDICT
4 / 5
A bra that looks good, doesn’t cost the world and feels like you’re wearing nothing at all? Enough said.
SIMILAR OPTIONS TO TRY
Calvin Klein Perfectly Fit T-Shirt Bra, $89.95
A minimalist T-shirt bra, this Calvin Klein option has full coverage memory foam cups and an elasticised band under bust.
Best & Less Women’s Organic Cotton T-Shirt Bra, $10
A budget-friendly T-shirt bra with breathable, comfy cotton fabric and full moulded cups.
What is a T-shirt bra?
Put simply, T-shirt bras are bras you can wear under a thin item, like a T-shirt, without showing. “T-shirt bras have a smooth finish so they don’t catch on your clothing,” says Courtney. “Contoured and lightly lined to give a nice even cup shape. With full coverage and sweetheart neckline they sit low enough to wear comfortably under almost any top.”
How can women find out what bra size they are?
Head to a specialty bra retailer that provides bra fitting for the most accurate result. Otherwise, Courtney says there are two measurements that allow you to figure out what size is right for you. “You need two measurements to work out your bra size using our Bra Size Guide - these being the ‘bust’ and ‘under bust’,” says Courtney. “For the bust, measure the circumference at the fullest part of your bust. Keep the tape level. For under the bust, measure the circumference of your body directly under your bust, keeping the tape level. Pull the tape measure tightly for a firm fit.” This will allow you to find the cup and width you require.
How can I tell if I’m wearing the wrong bra size?
Never been fitted for a bra and worried you might be wearing the incorrect size? Your breasts should fit into the cup without any spillage over or to the sides and the bra’s band should rest below your shoulder blades. If you find that the straps are digging into you painfully, you have irritation or pain under your breasts or feel restricted, it’s probably time to see a professional bra fitter.
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