Cotton Bras to Get You Through Hot Summers
Cotton bras are not technically a fit issue, but finding one is a problem, especially if you have large breasts or are full-figured. Most of the bras that are available are limited to smaller sizes or nursing bras. It's extremely frustrating!
This has been a particular gripe of mine for years. I live in a place where summers are hot and sticky (we refer to the bad days as "3H" days: hazy, hot, and humid).
Wearing a standard non-breathable bra under these conditions is torturous. The new 3D and spacer bras do help (and are certainly better than their non-breathable cousins), but in my opinion, the very best option is cool, comfortable cotton.
I've organized these by figure type, with options for larger women, bras with no underwire, front closure bras, and a few designed for women with sensitive skin. I've also fit notes (of course). Don't want to stray too far away from the primary focus of this blog!
Glamorise Cotton Full Figure Wire Free Bra 1001
An excellent choice for women with large breasts. It goes up to a J cup!
Glamorise specializes in full figure bras, so they know how to engineer support, while still supplying good looks (check out the pretty sheer lace on the cups).
The engineering part comes from three places. First, there's an inner sling hidden inside the cups for more support.
Smoothing control fabric on the back and sides will minimize back fat and bulges and help you look slimmer.
Finally, inner bands connect to the straps; the Magic Lift design gives you extra support and lift even though there aren't any wires.
Since this bra is 54% cotton, it will be more comfortable on hot days than a standard bra.
And, there's no underwire to dig into your stomach or underarms.
This comes in pink or white in sizes 36B, C, D, DD, F; 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, B, C, D, DD, F, G, H, I, J; 52, 54, 56 C-J.
Delimira Women's Lace Plus Size Wire-Free Cotton Bra
Want comfort, no underwire, and pretty colors? This bra is made of 95% cotton, so you'll be cool and comfy, even in hot, sticky weather.
You don't have to settle for plain beige either (unless you want to). The lace detail is over the cups, so it won't touch or irritate your skin.
A wide back helps minimize bumps and the leotard shape keeps the straps on your shoulders.
Some say it runs a bit small, so you may want to size up.
Sizes 36-48 B, C, D, DD, and E in black, blue, fuchsia, gray, purple, white, beige, and pink.
Leading Lady Cotton No Underwire Latex Free Bra
Got sensitive skin? This bra is 100% cotton, with just a touch of spandex in the elastic.
Perfect if you have a latex allergy.
There are no underwires, but it does have a horizontal seam on the cups, which will give you better projection and support. The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set.
And, it comes in larger band/small cup sizes too.
White only in sizes 34A-C, 36 A-D, 38A-DD, 40 B-DD, and 42B-DD.
Glamorise 1908 Cotton Front Closure No Underwire Bra
Made of 60% soft, comfortable cotton, this bra is a great choice on hot days. The front is plain, but the back hides a surprise. It's got a lacy racerback for a bit of glam.
It's wirefree, so there's no underwire to rub against your skin or dig into your arms. It has a front closure, so it's easy to put on and take off without strain.
Perfect as a sleep bra or as an "I'm not leaving home today and I just want to be comfy" bra.
Note that the straps are not adjustable.
The sizes are grouped together (so b/c/d, dd/f, and g/h), with band sizes 34-48. Comes in pale turquoise, white, and beige.
Curvy Couture 1009 Cotton Blend Luxe Unlined Underwire T-shirt Bra
A plunge front and a sparkly charm make this bra both practical and fun. The cups and center are trimmed with lace.
This is a cotton blend, with 32% cotton.
Comes in black, beige, and white, sizes 36-44 C-H.
The bands are a bit stiff, so don't try to sister size down, as you'll be uncomfortable (and the whole point is comfort!).
If you hate wires, try the no wire version.
Playtex Secrets Natural Lift Bra 4415
Simple and uncluttered with no scratchy lace to irritate your skin. The jacquard fabric adds an elegant touch.
The cups are stretchy and have elastic edges for a better, more custom fit. An inner sling gives you better support, and helps with sagging breasts, while the molded cups provide shaping.
The high sides and back smooth out lumps and bulges and reduce the appearance of back fat.
The cups and straps are 52% cotton and lined with a 55% cotton blend for more comfort against your skin.
Comes in white, beige, and gray in sizes 36-44 C, D, and DD.
Warners Invisible Bliss Cotton Bra
Super soft comfort with no wires and no overheating. It's completely smooth with no lace or seams to show under summer t-shirts and clingy tops.
It's a plunge style, so the neckline won't show under low-cut shirts. The wide panel is best if you are wider-set. As a bonus, the sides and back are smoothing to keep back and side bulges under control.
The wide center panel is also arched so it won't dig into your stomach. There's also no band (which can also be a problem for larger tummies).
And, it's nearly entirely cotton (90%) with just a bit of elastene for stretch.
It's a push-up style (there's a padded bump in the bottom of the cup) so you will get more oomph and lift.
Comes in dark gray, light gray, light cheetah, toasted almond, white/gray dots, and white/navy dots in US sizes 34A-c, 36A-D, 38B-D, and 40B-C.
Hanro 1357 Cotton Sensation Underwire Bra
Made from super soft mercerized Pima cotton (78%) so it's comfortable, smooth, and won't show through your t-shirts.
There is some elastene, so be aware if you're allergic. No band in front, so it's a good option if you're short.
Sizes 32B, 34B and C, 36B and C, 38 B and C.
Black, beige, and white.
Fruit of the Loom Extreme Comfort Cotton Bra
No seams and no lace (unless you want it) make this bra soft, smooth and comfortable.
Since it's also tagless, there's nothing to itch, scratch, or irritate your skin. The center panel is arched, and its bandless so it's a good option if you are short or have a larger stomach. It's lined for modesty but not extra size.
This comes in gray, black, red, pink, sand, and blue. Some of the colors have two versions; one with lace and one plain.
US sizes 34B-DD, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40C-DD, and 42C-DD. Not every size in every color.
Curvy Couture 1125 Cotton Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra
Made from 32% cotton, plus a special fabric that pulls moisture away from your skin.
It features a leotard back and a bandless front, so it's ideal if you're short or your stomach is high. The center panel is wide, so it's best if you have wide-spaced breasts.
Black, pink, or natural (undyed look), sizes 32D-DDD, and then 34-40 D-H.
Hanro 1393 Cotton Sensation Full Busted Soft Cup Bra
This bra is soft, soft, soft. It's 78% cotton and has no underwire. It does have side slings for better support.
The bra is molded (meaning it's shaped), but there's no padding and no seams to show under your clothing. It's sleek, simple, and polished.
Sizes 32B-38DD and available in black, white, and beige.
Le Mystere Energie Sports Underwire Bra
A sports bra that's cleverly disguised as a t-shirt bra. The outside of the bra is largely polyester, but the side next to your skin is 84% cotton. The straps are cushioned (for a workout) and can be worn traditionally or criss-crossed.
It is full cut, so unlike most Le Mystere bras it will run a bit big instead of small.
Comes in beige only, sizes 32, 34, 36, 38 B-G and 40C-G.
Calvin Klein Cotton Triangle Bra
Made with 92% cotton to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. Calvin Klein runs small and this bra is small too. Not so good if you are a D, but just fine for an A cup.
The band (under the cups) on this one is wide (there's also a narrower version, which is better if you are short, or your stomach is large).
Comes in black, gray heather, or lemon. All colors feature the Calvin Klein logo on the band.
Sizes are XS-XL.
Lula Lu Petites Delilah Wireless Bra
If you need a smaller cup size, this bra is just the thing. It's available in AAA and AA cup sizes. There is padding, but you can remove it if you want (just make sure to press it back into shape when you wash it).
There are no wires or lace, it's just a smooth, comfy cotton knit with a low-cut neckline that won't show under plunging tops.
Made of 91% organic cotton in beige or black. Sizes are 32, 34, 26 AAA, AA, and A; 38AA, and A.
This has been a particular gripe of mine for years. I live in a place where summers are hot and sticky (we refer to the bad days as "3H" days: hazy, hot, and humid).
Wearing a standard non-breathable bra under these conditions is torturous. The new 3D and spacer bras do help (and are certainly better than their non-breathable cousins), but in my opinion, the very best option is cool, comfortable cotton.
I've organized these by figure type, with options for larger women, bras with no underwire, front closure bras, and a few designed for women with sensitive skin. I've also fit notes (of course). Don't want to stray too far away from the primary focus of this blog!
Cotton and Cotton Blend No Underwire Bras for Large Breasts
An excellent choice for women with large breasts. It goes up to a J cup!
Glamorise specializes in full figure bras, so they know how to engineer support, while still supplying good looks (check out the pretty sheer lace on the cups).
The engineering part comes from three places. First, there's an inner sling hidden inside the cups for more support.
Smoothing control fabric on the back and sides will minimize back fat and bulges and help you look slimmer.
Finally, inner bands connect to the straps; the Magic Lift design gives you extra support and lift even though there aren't any wires.
Since this bra is 54% cotton, it will be more comfortable on hot days than a standard bra.
And, there's no underwire to dig into your stomach or underarms.
This comes in pink or white in sizes 36B, C, D, DD, F; 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, B, C, D, DD, F, G, H, I, J; 52, 54, 56 C-J.
Delimira Women's Lace Plus Size Wire-Free Cotton Bra
Want comfort, no underwire, and pretty colors? This bra is made of 95% cotton, so you'll be cool and comfy, even in hot, sticky weather.
You don't have to settle for plain beige either (unless you want to). The lace detail is over the cups, so it won't touch or irritate your skin.
A wide back helps minimize bumps and the leotard shape keeps the straps on your shoulders.
Some say it runs a bit small, so you may want to size up.
Sizes 36-48 B, C, D, DD, and E in black, blue, fuchsia, gray, purple, white, beige, and pink.
Leading Lady Cotton No Underwire Latex Free BraGot sensitive skin? This bra is 100% cotton, with just a touch of spandex in the elastic.
Perfect if you have a latex allergy.
There are no underwires, but it does have a horizontal seam on the cups, which will give you better projection and support. The center is wide, so it's best if you are wide-set.
And, it comes in larger band/small cup sizes too.
White only in sizes 34A-C, 36 A-D, 38A-DD, 40 B-DD, and 42B-DD.
Glamorise 1908 Cotton Front Closure No Underwire Bra
Made of 60% soft, comfortable cotton, this bra is a great choice on hot days. The front is plain, but the back hides a surprise. It's got a lacy racerback for a bit of glam.
It's wirefree, so there's no underwire to rub against your skin or dig into your arms. It has a front closure, so it's easy to put on and take off without strain.
Perfect as a sleep bra or as an "I'm not leaving home today and I just want to be comfy" bra.
Note that the straps are not adjustable.
The sizes are grouped together (so b/c/d, dd/f, and g/h), with band sizes 34-48. Comes in pale turquoise, white, and beige.
Cotton and Cotton Blend Full Figure Underwire Bras
Curvy Couture 1009 Cotton Blend Luxe Unlined Underwire T-shirt Bra
A plunge front and a sparkly charm make this bra both practical and fun. The cups and center are trimmed with lace.
This is a cotton blend, with 32% cotton.
Comes in black, beige, and white, sizes 36-44 C-H.
The bands are a bit stiff, so don't try to sister size down, as you'll be uncomfortable (and the whole point is comfort!).
If you hate wires, try the no wire version.
Simple and uncluttered with no scratchy lace to irritate your skin. The jacquard fabric adds an elegant touch.
The cups are stretchy and have elastic edges for a better, more custom fit. An inner sling gives you better support, and helps with sagging breasts, while the molded cups provide shaping.
The high sides and back smooth out lumps and bulges and reduce the appearance of back fat.
The cups and straps are 52% cotton and lined with a 55% cotton blend for more comfort against your skin.
Comes in white, beige, and gray in sizes 36-44 C, D, and DD.
Average Cup Cotton and Cotton Blend Bras
Warners Invisible Bliss Cotton Bra
Super soft comfort with no wires and no overheating. It's completely smooth with no lace or seams to show under summer t-shirts and clingy tops.
It's a plunge style, so the neckline won't show under low-cut shirts. The wide panel is best if you are wider-set. As a bonus, the sides and back are smoothing to keep back and side bulges under control.
The wide center panel is also arched so it won't dig into your stomach. There's also no band (which can also be a problem for larger tummies).
And, it's nearly entirely cotton (90%) with just a bit of elastene for stretch.
It's a push-up style (there's a padded bump in the bottom of the cup) so you will get more oomph and lift.
Hanro 1357 Cotton Sensation Underwire Bra
Made from super soft mercerized Pima cotton (78%) so it's comfortable, smooth, and won't show through your t-shirts.
There is some elastene, so be aware if you're allergic. No band in front, so it's a good option if you're short.
Sizes 32B, 34B and C, 36B and C, 38 B and C.
Black, beige, and white.
Fruit of the Loom Extreme Comfort Cotton Bra
No seams and no lace (unless you want it) make this bra soft, smooth and comfortable.
Since it's also tagless, there's nothing to itch, scratch, or irritate your skin. The center panel is arched, and its bandless so it's a good option if you are short or have a larger stomach. It's lined for modesty but not extra size.
This comes in gray, black, red, pink, sand, and blue. Some of the colors have two versions; one with lace and one plain.
US sizes 34B-DD, 36B-DD, 38B-DD, 40C-DD, and 42C-DD. Not every size in every color.
Full Bust Cotton Bras
Curvy Couture 1125 Cotton Luxe Underwire T-Shirt Bra
Made from 32% cotton, plus a special fabric that pulls moisture away from your skin.
It features a leotard back and a bandless front, so it's ideal if you're short or your stomach is high. The center panel is wide, so it's best if you have wide-spaced breasts.
Black, pink, or natural (undyed look), sizes 32D-DDD, and then 34-40 D-H.
Hanro 1393 Cotton Sensation Full Busted Soft Cup Bra
This bra is soft, soft, soft. It's 78% cotton and has no underwire. It does have side slings for better support.
The bra is molded (meaning it's shaped), but there's no padding and no seams to show under your clothing. It's sleek, simple, and polished.
Sizes 32B-38DD and available in black, white, and beige.
A sports bra that's cleverly disguised as a t-shirt bra. The outside of the bra is largely polyester, but the side next to your skin is 84% cotton. The straps are cushioned (for a workout) and can be worn traditionally or criss-crossed.
It is full cut, so unlike most Le Mystere bras it will run a bit big instead of small.
Comes in beige only, sizes 32, 34, 36, 38 B-G and 40C-G.
Cotton Bras for Small Cups
Calvin Klein Cotton Triangle BraMade with 92% cotton to keep you cool and comfortable on hot days. Calvin Klein runs small and this bra is small too. Not so good if you are a D, but just fine for an A cup.
The band (under the cups) on this one is wide (there's also a narrower version, which is better if you are short, or your stomach is large).
Comes in black, gray heather, or lemon. All colors feature the Calvin Klein logo on the band.
Sizes are XS-XL.
Lula Lu Petites Delilah Wireless Bra
If you need a smaller cup size, this bra is just the thing. It's available in AAA and AA cup sizes. There is padding, but you can remove it if you want (just make sure to press it back into shape when you wash it).
There are no wires or lace, it's just a smooth, comfy cotton knit with a low-cut neckline that won't show under plunging tops.
Made of 91% organic cotton in beige or black. Sizes are 32, 34, 26 AAA, AA, and A; 38AA, and A.
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