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These 15 Bras Under $30 Actually Look & Feel Amazing, By Some Miracle

by Grace Gallagher

While I love the freedom and joy of going braless, I recognize that there’s a time and place for bras — mainly while running down the stairs in the days leading up to my period. A well-fitting, supportive bra can feel like a hug for your girls. Thankfully, the best affordable bras for under $30 aren't too hard to find... and once you discover the perfect bra for you, your life will change forever.

There used to be a time when I’d shell out legitimately one-eighth of my rent (which granted was just $400 at the time) for a scratchy, wire-filled boob contraption. Those days came to an end once I found an affordable, wildly comfortable tank top bra from one on my favorite retailers (more on that later, promise).

Some days I opt for a sports bra, other times I need to make sure my nipples won’t randomly greet the day (free the nipple, yes, but maybe not like, at dinner with my in-laws) some people need maternity bras, and on very rare occasions a strapless bra is a necessary evil. The right underwear can really pull an outfit together and wearing cute undergarments may boost body confidence, as The Huffington Post reported, or just make you feel, simply stated, really sexy. Bless the internet (and the consumers who asked for affordable bras) because there are now plenty of cute, comfy bras that cost $30 or less.

1Calvin Klein Bralette

If you've ever had the urge to look like a Kardashian/ Jenner sister for less than $30 (be honest, you have), then this Calvin Klein bralette is the answer. The full coverage, lightly lined style looks seamless under a shirt (that is, if you can manage to cover it up) and the thick elastic band helps it stay in place even when you're on-the-go.

2Forever 21 Microfiber T-Shirt Bra

I'm decidedly more forever 31 at this point in my life, but the fast fashion mecca does have some bomb underwear choices. This microfiber bra is a fabulous soft, lightweight choice with just a small amount of padding to smooth everything out.

3Jockey Seamfree Molded Cup Bralette

This seamfree bralette is perfect for long days in freezing offices; it's comfy enough to wear for hours, but the molded cups make sure your nips won't come out when they're unwanted. The wide band won't bunch or roll on you (can we talk about how annoying it is when elastic bands roll up?) and with eight colors to choose from you can find a match for almost every outfit.

4Mae Women’s Uplift Plunge T-shirt Bra

Mae by Amazon is a true gem of the underwear world. The line offers ton of affordable bra styles, including this plunge bra perfect for under a V-neck. Not to stray too far from the topic, but I need to tell you that their loungewear is also out of this world.

5Deyllo Women’s Strapless Bra

Visible bra straps can look sort of cool when you're going for a certain casual look, a slouchy tank with a sports bra, maybe. Other times, in the famous words of my grandmother, "Your bra straps are ruining that dress." She wasn't wrong. Strapless bras don't have to totally suck; this one comes in sizes up to H, has anti-slip silicone strips (gamechanger), and also comes with removable straps.

6Colsie™ Plus Size Lace Triangle Bralette

Finding a plus-sized bra in a pretty lace can be a challenge. Fortunately the folks at Colsie (by Target) have created a sexy, slightly sheer lace bra in sizes 1X-3X. The navy and black is a classic option perfect for layering under dark clothes, but I personally love the bright, summery marigold and maroon bralette that's just begging to be seen.

7H&M 2-Pack Nursing Bras

No one wants to shell out big bucks for a maternity bra that will inevitably get stained with milk and worn out in a few months. It's a good idea to stock up on the two-pack of simple nursing bras; they unhook from the front for easy breastfeeding, and the shoulder straps are set slightly wider than an average bra to accommodate your changing body. Plus the organic cotton wears like a dream.

8Auden Women's Plus Size Superstar Lightly Lined T-Shirt Bra

Fact: Everyone should own a leopard print bra. There's nothing like doing something difficult or uncomfortable (asking for a raise, going to the dentist) knowing you have a secret pop of leopard holding your girls up proud. Now you can give the instant confidence booster a try for the cost of a sad desk salad and an iced coffee.

9Lou & Grey Richer Poorer Bralette

I would shout about this bra from the rooftops but there are no accessible rooftops near me. The Lou & Grey soft cup bralette is made of modal cotton and is shrink-resistant (for real.) It comes in inclusive sizing, and is made by a female co-founded company. I'm not sure why the style is called Richer Poorer, but if I were richer, I'd still buy this bra.

10Snailify Women's Sports Bra

This is one of those items that I get asked about constantly when I wear it to yoga and people are always shocked to hear it's from Amazon. Even when the most strenuous activity I do all day is watch Real Housewives I may still be wearing this bra because it's just so damn comfy. The wide straps are supportive (even when running or jumping) and the unique design, sweat-wicking fabric, and removable, washable cups seem worth far more than $18.

11Hanes® Women's Wirefree Bra

This wireless bra combines the support of an underwire with the ease and comfort of a bralette. The stretch fabric blend moves with you and offers support and coverage without compromising on comfort. This one just may become your everyday bra and you won't feel bad grabbing one in every color.

12Coobie Seamless Lace Back Scoop Bra

A very wise and lovely woman once told me that I thought all lace was itchy because I had never worn nice lace. So, I bought a nicer (read: ridiculously expensive) bra, and shocker, it was still itchy… and also final sale. This Coobie lace back bra is a true game-changer though, it really isn't scratchy or rough. Comfortable enough for everyday wear, it offers a playful pop of sexy under a sheer or low-back shirt.

13Free People Prism Strappy Bra

Usually within an hour of putting one on, I'm daydreaming about the moment I can take off my bra. Not so with this Free People option. I've actually fallen asleep with this one on which is unheard of in the lingerie-wearing community.

14Yianna Strappy Sports Bra

Another supportive sports bra option that looks more expensive than it is. The strappy back looks fun peeking out from a workout top, and the "moisture-management" technology helps wick sweat away from the skin (ideal for hot yoga or outdoor runs.) This is one sports bra you won't feel bad stocking up on.

15Everlane Triangle Bralette

Here it is, the one I promised; the tank top bra of my dreams, the bra that changed everything. It's doubled layered for less visible nip, and the scoop back makes it easy to wear under any kind of shirt. I love the color options too, which include soft neutrals like pale pink, grey, and white, and now also a bright orange for days when you want your undies to be poppin.