Women

7 Best Bra Inserts

After 15 hours of research evaluating 43 products, we picked Double Scoop Push Up Bra Pads as our top choice.

How many times have you wished your boobs had just a bit more lift – or were a little more even? How about looking at yourself in the mirror and thinking how much better that top would look if you just had a bit of cleavage to go with it?

You’re not alone.

Even grown women stuff their bras!

So many women have experienced the exact same troubles – and that’s before taking lumpectomies and the effects of radiation therapy or extreme weight loss into account. (We haven’t covered full prosthetic breasts here – as people requiring those have a completely different set of needs than those wanting bra pads, but you can definitely deal with some lumps and bumps here.)

Luckily, you don’t need to stuff your bra with toilet paper any longer. Bra inserts – also known as chicken cutlets or bra pads – are here to save the day.

Get serious cleavage!

Whether you’re after a serious boost or you just want a little extra padding to fill out that swim suit, you’re going to find the best of the best bra inserts here. And, you can use them time and time again – across all sorts of bras, so you don’t need to spend so much on all those pushup bras.

Best Bra Insert for Working Out

TopBine Yoga Bra Pad

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82 User Score

3.7 Editor Score

612 Bought

Why People Love it

High-quality and well-made
Good for large breasts
Excellent for active wear

82 User Score

3.7 Editor Score

612 Bought

ProsCons

100% cotton with firm stitching makes these an awesome option for working out. The price is also excellent and they do a reasonable job of supporting large breasts.

You aren’t going to get a big boost with these inserts – and you must pay close attention to the size of the inserts when ordering as some users have a bit of an issue.

Details

Okay, we know these bra inserts aren’t going to give you heaving cleavage, but if you want a little something extra while working out, these are the ones to go for. Why? The cotton is breathable which means your girls won’t cry while you get your exercise on.

While you’re only going to get a minimal boost breast wise, we love the availability of different shapes and colors. It means you can feel confident whatever you’re wearing and whatever exercise you undertake. And, as a real bonus, you can toss these bra pads in the washing machine – which is a quality you want in every workout piece.

And then there is the price. You really have to appreciate that. Plus – and this is something we found a little unexpected – these bra inserts do a fantastic job of smoothing out the results of lumpectomies and radiation therapy. Not bad, right?

Material: 100% cotton and foam sponge. It’s totally breathable.

Color: There are a couple of different options: white, black, and beige.

Sizing: You have a choice of an A/B cup or a C/D cup – though, not all shapes and colors are available in both sizes.

Shape: We totally appreciate the different shapes here; there’s a choice of round, triangular, and oblong. One size or another should fit into any of your sports bras or bikini tops.

Safe for water wear: Yes.

Number of pairs: There are different packs available, but the standard pack size is one pair.

Cost: Wow, some of these are an impressive $9, which makes them totally worth a try if you want a bit of a lift while working out. Other styles, sizes, and colors max out around $12.

Bottom line: Given that they have such an extraordinary sales price, you can easily pick up a couple of pairs of these bra pads to feel comfortable working out. We wish they added more boost, but we’ll take the breathability with the support and slight push up that they do have.

Learn more:TopBine Yoga Bra Pad »

Best Liquid Bra Insert

Braza Liquid Edge 2

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85 User Score

4.2 Editor Score

725 Bought

Why People Love it

Natural appearance
Great at evening out breast sizes or after lumpectomies
Adds fullness and lift

85 User Score

4.2 Editor Score

725 Bought

ProsCons

When they work, they look more natural than many other inserts on the market and do wonders for women with unevenly-sized boobs. Plus, the price is right.

These are hand wash only and although they can handle some activity, aren’t really designed for intense activities.

Details

The mineral oil in these bra inserts makes them move more naturally like breasts than foam (and even many silicone inserts) can do - which tends to make women more confident than they may feel with other cutlets. And, they tend to stay put once they’re in place.

One of the very best things about these bra pads is that the fluid helps to even out lumps and indents from lumpectomies and other issues left after reconstructive tissues. And, as long as you get the positioning right, they can balance out size differences between left and right boobs.

Additionally, the price is very reasonable. But, there is the issue of hand washing them. You have to do that with any liquid-filled bra pads or inserts, so it’s not a shock, but it’s still a hassle. Still, these tend to work for the majority of women that use them in a majority of “regular” bras. So, the washing struggle may well be worth it.

Material: Foam, polyester, and mineral oil.

Color: Beige (perhaps it’s good that we can’t see the oil, but a few more options would be nice).

Sizing: These are sized C/D, but there is also an A/B size for those that want it.

Shape: It’s a full, semi-rounded abalone with corners.

Safe for water wear: They can be.

Number of pairs: One pair per pack.

Cost: A pair is a rather affordable $13. Not bad, right?

Bottom line: We like them a lot, we do find that they’re not right for every woman all the time. In general, we’d reserve these for evening boobs and regular bras. But, these bra inserts do those things so well that we think they're worth it for every woman to have a set lying around.

Learn more:Braza Liquid Edge 2 »

Best Silicone Bra Insert

Valentina L.A. Womens Silicone Bra Inserts

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Save: $36 (48% OFF)

80 User Score

4.2 Editor Score

799 Bought

Why People Love it

Amazing customer service
Wonderfully comfortable (you’ll forget they’re there)
Natural looking, yet comfortable

80 User Score

4.2 Editor Score

799 Bought

ProsCons

These truly do push your boobs into natural-looking cleavage while remaining completely comfortable. Expect plenty of fullness – and for customer service to answer any questions you may have.

When it’s really hot out, you’ll sweat. And, the price is prohibitive.

Details

We love these large bra inserts. They really do add plenty of fullness and boost to just about any breast size. And, they move quite naturally, so you should get a very natural-looking cleavage with them – though, of course, you should remember that they don’t work in every bra or bathing suit (no bra insert can).

You should expect a 2-cup-size enhancement with these bra pads, which should tell you that these are on the heavy side. That said, they’re not really heavier than natural breast tissue would be. (Small breasted women should rejoice that they can take their boobs off at the end of the day.) And, users become accustomed to wearing them quickly. Since they don’t move around, it’s easy to forget they’re there.

Now, just a few things you need to note about these bra pads – as they are silicone, you are likely to experience some sweating which means you need to do a decent job of washing them between uses. And then there’s the price – it’s not out of line with a good padded bra… but then, the cutest bras often fall down on the padding side.

Material: 100% soft silicone.

Color: Transparent

Sizing: It’s a one size fits all situation, but you should expect your boobs to appear two cup sizes larger.

Shape: Rounded, almost half moon shape (it’s called “abalone”).

Safe for water wear: Yes

Number of pairs: Only one.

Cost: The MSRP is $75. You can usually find these on Amazon for closer to $40. That’s one of the more expensive bra inserts out there (before moving into the prosthetic ranges).

Bottom line: All in, we love these for the comfort and serious lift they provide. Everything usually looks natural and full, though you shouldn’t expect the same results in every bra. If they had more options to accommodate more bras, you can bet the faithful would flock to them, despite the price.

Learn more:Valentina L.A. Womens Silicone Bra Inserts »

Best Bra Insert for Swimming

Braza Swim Shaper

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84 User Score

3.7 Editor Score

757 Bought

Why People Love it

Amazing with swimsuits (both bikinis and one-pieces)
Definite push up and cleavage
Great fit – especially for smaller boobs

84 User Score

3.7 Editor Score

757 Bought

ProsCons

Not only are these great for sewing or inserting into bathing suits, but they add plenty of boost for sexy swimwear cleavage. And, the price is right.

These are too stiff for inserting into regular bras – and probably for many sports bras. Additionally, the padding is quite thick, so they don’t work with every swimsuit; sometimes it’s obvious that they’re there.

Details

If you’re small breasted, you’ve probably stuffed your bra at some point – whether it was toilet paper in high school or double bra-ing it (yes, that’s a thing). But, what are you supposed to do when you want some boost in a swimsuit? And, you know, you want it to look rather natural? The answer is here.

Now, we do need to remind you that these can’t possibly work for every bikini or one-piece because some cuts are just not conducive to adding a thick, bust-boosting layer of foam. But, the bra inserts do work across a range of suits – and given the price, it is totally worth the try.

We will say that these bra pads aren’t going to do much to support or perk up larger breasts, but if you’ve got smaller (anywhere from A to C) boobs, you’re probably going to benefit from these bra inserts. They hold up surprisingly well in the water too, so as long as your suit can manage it, you should be good to go.

Material: A combination of foam and polyester.

Color: Beige (and that’s all – it would be nice if more manufacturers realized that everyone isn’t the same shade of peach).

Sizing: There are just two sizes: A/B and C/D. And, it’s important to note that they do run a little small. You may want to opt for the bigger size if you’re on the fence; but if you’re worried about the size of your bikini top, take out a tape measure.

Shape: These are a full triangle shape, with rounded edges but definite points.

Safe for water wear: Yes, obviously.

Number of pairs: Just the one.

Cost: These are amazingly priced at $12. What’s not to like about that?

Bottom line: We absolutely love these bra pads for the cleavage that even small-breasted women can achieve in a swim suit. And we like the price too. We know they’re not right for every suit, but women who are conscious about their small breasts in revealing clothing already battle to find suits they like.

Learn more:Braza Swim Shaper »

Best Budget Bra Insert

Nimiah Bra Pads

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Save: $7 (41% OFF)

89 User Score

4.4 Editor Score

499 Bought

Why People Love it

Amazing for sports bras and swim suits
Soft and comfortable
Good padding and support

89 User Score

4.4 Editor Score

499 Bought

ProsCons

The price is everything, but there are also color choices and these are exceptionally comfortable and easy to insert into sports bras and swimsuits.

You will get a slight boost from these, thanks to the bottom “bump pad”, but you shouldn’t expect amazing cleavage.

Details

You know you want to like these bra pads simply because they come at such a terrific price. And, if you’re not looking for too much lift, but just a little padding, you’re probably going to fall in love with them. They’re super comfortable and very soft.

They’re also, amazingly, built to last, even after wash after wash. (We strongly suggest putting your bra inserts in a lingerie bag to make that happen.) We think that’s rather remarkable. And, because they come in three different colors, you should be able to tuck them into just about any bra or bathing suit.

Now, for the downside... the one size fits all isn’t exactly true with these or any bra pads. They’re likely to be a little too big for A cups and a little too small for D and DD cups. But, if you’re just shy of a full B or full C, you’ll be able to make the most of them. And, if the cups are already a little snug, you can bet that these will push your girls together a bit for a rather natural cleavage. And, now you know why we like them so much.

Material: 96% nylon, 4% spandex

Color: These bra inserts feature a choice of black, beige, and white.

Sizing: These are a one size fits all product. And, though the manufacturers suggest that they’re for everyone from A to DD, they work best for larger As to smaller Cs.

Shape: Triangular with rounded edges.

Safe for water wear: Yes

Number of pairs: You get three pairs at this amazing price. They’re all the same color, mind you, but there are three. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had a set with all three colors? Hmmm…

Cost: The MSRP is $17, but you should be able to pick them up for $10 on Amazon. Yes, that’s a little more than $3 for one pair. Why wouldn’t you give these a try?

Bottom line: These aren’t everything, but they are pretty amazing if you fall into the right category – that’s almost B to just a little more than a C when you want a little extra padding, but not too much foam and push.

Learn more:Nimiah Bra Pads »

Best Foam Bra Insert

Epiphany LA Women's Push Up Padding Inserts

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93 User Score

4.6 Editor Score

830 Bought

Why People Love it

Thinner edges make these appear natural
Good for sports bras
Different sizes correspond to your cup size

93 User Score

4.6 Editor Score

830 Bought

ProsCons

The rounded edges and tapered edges are super comfortable and you can expect to go up a cup size – regardless of your existing cup size (up to D cups). They don’t fold and flop in the water and are great for sports bras.

These aren’t the cheapest bra inserts out there – and they provide a more natural boost, not a pushed up cleavage.

Details

Besides the hearts on the inside of these inserts (which are super cute), we absolutely love the tapered rounded edges. That makes these inserts perhaps the most natural looking and comfortable feeling. That’s a big deal when you want to work out or wear tight tops, but still want to give yourself a little enhancement.

They’re less “chicken fillet” and more padded cup, which suits many women to a T. And, these bra pads are ordered according to your existing cup size – not some strange sizing system that only applies to the brand. In case you’re interested, these inserts match best with the cup sizes of Victoria Secret bras. There is, however, a sizing chart available as there are a few “in between” sizes that skew a little differently than you might expect.

The ability to slip these bra pads into just about any bathing suit or sports bra is a real plus and we believe they’re worth the money. Of course, we also wish they offered more color options; this isn’t the right tone for everyone to have under their swimsuit.

Material: Soft-touch, breathable foam.

Color: Peach

Sizing: A-cup, B-cup, C-cup, D-cup. For the most part, you should order according to your existing cup size – not the size you want to appear to be. There is a sizing chart however, as there are a few exceptions to the rule and you should definitely consult the guide – even if you think you’re a “standard” cup size.

Shape: A triangle shape with curved edges for roughly 70% coverage. Padded hearts provide lift on the interior.

Safe for water wear: Yes

Number of pairs: Just one pair per box.

Cost: At $29, these are on the pricier side, though they’re not anywhere close to the most expensive bra inserts out there.

Bottom line: They are a little pricier than other options, but this is value for money and we think the ability to choose according to your real cup size is a big perk. Of course, if you’re after more of a Pamela Anderson look, these are not going to do it for you.

Learn more:Epiphany LA Women's Push Up Padding Inserts »

Best Bra Insert Overall

Double Scoop Push Up Bra Pads

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97 User Score

3.7 Editor Score

2,164 Bought

Why People Love it

Amazing for formal wear (especially wedding dresses)
Stay in place all day long
Great at lifting, creates amazing cleavage

97 User Score

3.7 Editor Score

2,164 Bought

ProsCons

These lightweight foam inserts look natural enough to use under bathing suits and formal wear. Even in regular bras, they stay put all day and add at least a cup size (for most A and B cups).

If your boobs are C-sized or larger, you aren’t going to find these offer much (if any) lift or support. There are also those that prefer silicone-style chicken fillets.

Details

One of the things we appreciate most about these particular bra inserts is that they’re available in a range of colors; who wants white inserts under a black bra when you’re dancing all night long? And, on that note, you can expect these to stay put while you do that dancing. True story; they work really well with all sorts of undergarments, but do particularly well with formal wear – like wedding and prom dresses.

The oblong shape of these bra inserts allows you to place them underneath or to the sides for lift and cleavage and they are both lightweight and comfortable. Because they’re made with foam rather than silicone, these bra pads aren’t likely to make you sweat terribly – which is always a plus. You get a free pack of 20 double stick fashion tapes to keep these in place, but many women don’t find them necessary. Still, they’re there if you need them.

Now, we do need to mention that women who can already fill a cup size comfortably aren’t going to experience the same level of success as those with B-and-a-half or less. Sorry. (The company does make support and lift products for women with larger breasts though.)

Material: A foam insert with a satiny type fabric covering.

Color: Black, peach, leopard print, white, brown, and hot pink.

Sizing: 2 different sizes are available – an A/B cup and a C cup, though users seem to have a better experience with the A/B cup size. Each pad is 4"H x 5"L they’re 1.5" thick at the maximum point.

Shape: ¾ coverage; oblong with corners.

Safe for water wear: It’s possible, but maybe it’s not the best for a full day of swimming.

Number of pairs: 1 per pack

Cost: You’ll pay about $20 for the pair. It’s not the cheapest pair out there, but there are those that cost a whole lot more.

Bottom line: These are great value for money and many users are repeat customers (buying different colors or just ensuring they’re never without). You can expect fantastic cleavage and a natural appearance with these bra inserts. Better still, they work across all sorts of bras and garments. As long as you’re not larger than a C cup, this is a real score.

Learn more:Double Scoop Push Up Bra Pads »

By: Katie Schenk

Katie’s Cleveland proud; but she’s also lived in Australia, Switzerland and now stays in South Africa. That’s a roundabout way of saying she can’t sit still; she’s always moving, always busy.

She has a BA in International Relations from Kent State University and work towards a Masters in Human Rights. She speaks French, is learning German and used to dream in Spanish. For years, Katie worked as a producer on fashion and advertising shoots before she realized her passion was the written word.

Katie’s far more interested in guy’s gear than women’s, except she has a wardrobe brimming with little black dresses. She drinks her beer out of the bottle and is raising her two boys to be better men.

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