Best Sleep Bras: What Are They And Should You Be Wearing One?

Yep, it's a thing. Here's the best for comfort and support all night long.

the best sleep bras - what are sleep bras

by Natalie Hammond |
Updated on

Whether or not you've been religiously going bra-less for years, or tried going free for a few weeks before realising that the back pain simply wasn't worth it, you might have heard the noise around sleep bras and wondered, what's all the fuss about?

Believe it or not, there are certain benefits to wearing a sleep bra. Whether it's alleviating back pain or offering support around the bust, these bras can improve quality of sleep for some. And, while the idea of wearing a bra to bed might sound uncomfortable, there are actually a few lingerie brands that specialise in bras designed for sleeping in.

Grazia's Best Sleep Bras, At A Glance:

Best sleep bra: Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette, £34 on SKIMS

Best highly rated sleep bra: Full Bust Wireless Bra, £24.95 on Boody

Best bestselling sleep bra: Anya Padded Seam Free Bra, £18 on John Lewis

These wireless bras offer non-restrictive support for those with big boobs, often resulting in a better night's sleep for those with a larger bust. Also popular with breastfeeding mums due to increased sensitivity, sleep bras are gentle against the skin for less friction as you move throughout the night. Usually made from breathable fabrics to keep you cool, it makes them ideal for night-time wear.

Here are the best options we've found; try them and see how you sleep.

SHOP: The Best Sleep Bras 2024

Best sleep bra

Fits Everybody Scoop BraletteSKIMS

SKIMS have been at the forefront of lingerie for some time now, and the bestselling Fits Everybody Bralette is one of many of its lounge bras suitable for sleeping in. The bra comes in a range of inclusive nude tones, along with buttery fabric that feels like a second skin. Thousands of reviewers praise the versatility, comfort and style of the bra, so, this one should definitely be on your radar.

Pros

  • A bestselling design at SKIMS
  • Buttery soft fabric for comfort

Cons

  • Band may be a snug fit for some

Best highly rated sleep bra

Boody, Full Bust Wireless BraBoody

Boody's Full Bust Wireless Bra wears a bit like a sports bra, with no hooks and no fuss. Simply slip it over your head for medium seamless and wireless support as you sleep. As well as a sleep bra, this bra from Boody doubles up as the perfect everyday bra for those who could go without hooks and wires. With its high amount of ratings, it's clear to see this bra is worthy of attention, with its range of sizes and seamfree, double-layered design for supportive coverage.

Pros

  • A range of sizes from XS to 3XL
  • Specifically crafted for up to a G-cup

Cons

  • May not be suitable as an everyday bra for bigger busts

Best bestselling sleep bra

Designed with removable padding, this is the perfect lingerie piece to keep you supported without restriction. There are various colours to select from, with each design offering wireless support with a non-restrictive feel. This bestselling design has the reviews to boast, with fans of the bra saying it's a game changer, and not to mention, totally comfortable.

Pros

  • A bestselling design at John Lewis
  • Five colourways to select from

Cons

  • It's recommended to size up

Best sleep bra for big boobs

This Bravissimo sleep bra is non-padded, and has a regular bra back so it's as easy to put on as your normal bra. It comes in a grey marl and black colourway, and its straps have extra padding to keep you comfortable. Renowned for bigger busts, this Bravissimo sleep bra is by far the best option for bigger boobs. The brand also has the Nursing Sleep Bra, £38 available for new mums.

Pros

  • Features extra padding on the shoulder straps for comfort
  • Sizes run to a size K-cup

Cons

  • Some band sizes are out of stock

Best sleep bra for nursing

Designed for new mothers with ease of use and comfort in mind. The Medela sleep bra offers seamless support as you sleep, for night-time comfort when pregnant or breastfeeding - and even long after. A cross-over wrap style front grants easy access when nursing. And, the design features a racerback design and quick dry technology to keep you cool during warmer nights, which reviewers agree is very comfortable to sleep in.

Pros

  • Features quick dry technology
  • Easy nursing access with wrap over front design

Cons

  • The price points differ depending on size

Best supportive sleep bra

This non-padded and non-wired style from Figleaves offers maximum comfort while the soft, thick straps offers light support for those with a bigger bust. This bralette is also crafted from modal and cotton which makes is extra soft while keeping you cool as you sleep, with one reviewer stating that it's a wonderful bra that is comfortable to sleep in.

Pros

  • Made with modal cotton for breathability
  • Has thick shoulder straps for support

Cons

  • Fastenings at the back could be irritating for back sleepers

Best seamless sleep bra

UNIQLO, Ultra Relax Wireless BraUNIQLO

A go-to for basics, UNIQLO have this Ultra Relax Wireless Bra which is ideal for lounging. Crafted from an ultra-thin stretch fabric, this bra moulds to you. It offers gentle support through it's power netting mesh and thick, soft shoulder straps. Plus, cups are removable depending on your preference. Customers loved the seamless quality of the design that looked invisible under clothes.

Pros

  • Features removable cups
  • Soft, ultra-thin stretch fabric for comfort

Cons

  • It's recommended to size up

Best everyday sleep bra

Made from super soft grey marl, this everyday bra has lightweight foam cups and an elasticated under band. Although it's not an official sleep bra, it's almost certainly comfortable enough for sleeping in. It's made from a breathable cotton blend with elastic details for stretch, comfort and style. With one reviewer claiming it was 'easy to sleep in'. We're sold.

Pros

  • Features lightweight foam cups
  • Elasticated under band for support

Cons

  • It is hand wash only

Best comfortable sleep bra

This M&S crop top offers gentle support without wires, meaning that you could comfortably wear it to bed. Its Flexifit™ technology allows the fabric to move with you, with silky soft material that feels seamless against your skin. Reviewers can't recommend the 'lovely material' enough. What's more, M&S' lingerie range features inclusive nude shades with up to five to browse.

Pros

  • Features removable cups
  • Flexifit™ technology for flexibility

Cons

  • Removable cups are prone to falling out

What Is A Sleep Bra?

Most sleep bras look similar to sports bras or non-wired crop tops, and come in padded and non-padded options depending on preference. You can also get sleep bras for breast-feeding and new mothers, with handy fastenings for easy access and extra padding for comfort.

Is It Good To Sleep In A Bra?

If you're wondering whether to wear a bra from home, according to Bravissimo, there is no 'should' when it comes to sleep bras. It's more a question of comfort. Especially if you have bigger boobs, it might just feel nicer to have some support as you settle down to sleep.

So, What Are The Benefits To A Sleep Bra?

• Helping alleviate back pain - if you find that your breasts hurt your back, then for some women, particularly those with larger busts, a bad back from the result of a heavy bust can also impact their sleep. If that sounds like you, try a sleep bra to adjust the position of your breasts at bedtime.

• Giving support - again, mainly an issue for those with a larger bust, strain can be put on your breasts during the night if they aren't supported. A sleep bra will help to cradle them in place all night long.

• Removing sensitivity - if you find different positions in bed (when sleeping!) can irritate your breasts and nipples, a sleep bra is the perfect barrier between your delicate skin and PJs.

Natalie Hammond is Grazia’s Senior Fashion News Editor. She loves winter, hates summer and can often be found writing about the weather (and what on earth to wear).

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us