The 5 Bras Every Woman Needs, According To a Bra Fitting Expert

Bras are right up there with jeans as one of the most difficult items of clothing for women to shop for (speaking of, here's a hack for knowing if they'll fit without trying them on). 

That's why we're always pumped when expert bra fitter Kimmay Caldwell shares her bra knowledge — and her favorite bras to shop.

Even though Kimmay admits to owning around 200 (!!) bras, she says you don't actually need THAT many. Here, she shares the five types of bras every woman should own, plus her personal favorites in each category (and clever tips for how to properly store them!).

Kimmay is a paid spokesperson for all of the brands below.

1. T-Shirt Bra

Natori

"Most people need about two to three great basic bras that work with 70 percent of their wardrobe," Kimmay says. "For most people, that is a really great smooth t-shirt bra."

Her Pick: Natori Pure Luxe Full Fit Bra ($72)

Features a "smooth cup and seamless band in the back — and it has pretty straps that lay really flat."

2. Convertible or Strapless Bra

Le Mystere

"Another bra that most people need is a convertible or strapless bra," Kimmay says. "Convertible could just mean racerback or criss-cross straps, but a strapless bra really gives you the most options."

Her Pick: Le Mystere Clean Lines Strapless Bra ($65) 

"The back has this really yummy, soft material that's going to hug you at the back, plus four hooks to give you a really good fit. There are also these really cool silicone dots which give a nice grip and stay on the body," Kimmay says.

MORE: The Best Bras For Plunging Necklines, Low Backs + More

3. Sports Bra

Natori

"It is so important for you to have a bra that is specifically for exercise or higher-impact activity, because sweat will ruin your basic bras. And, you want to protect your bust."

Her Pick: Natori Gravity Sports Bra ($72)

See more of the best supportive sports bras from Kimmay here.

4. Cozy Casual Bra

Warner's

Her Pick: Warner's Easy Does It Wire-Free No Dig Bra ($38)

"It has an adjustable band and adjustable straps. The other cool thing about this bra is that it has a little bit of molding on the inside, so if you have to pop into a Zoom call you still have some modesty and shape and coverage," the bra expert says.

5. The "Hurray" Bra

Last but definitely not least, Kimmay says every woman should have a "hurray" bra, or "the bra that helps you feel like a million bucks."

"For some people that might be something really sassy, it could be something really lacy or it could be a really great basic bra in a super fun color," she says.

Here are some of her picks to check out: 

Empreinte

A pretty, supportive sports bra: Empreinte High Impact Underwire Sports Bra ($188-$202)

Fleur't Intimates

A cute lacy bralette: Fleur't Intimates Belle Époque Lace Bralette ($49)

Montelle Intimates

A bralette designed for fuller cup sizes that comes in fun colors: Montelle Intimates Cup-Sized Lace Bralette ($17-$48)

Prices listed are subject to change by the retailer.