Twenty-two percent of women in a new CR survey said they always or often regret bra purchases. That's especially annoying when some bras cost more than $100. But does a woman need to pay that much for a well-made bra that fits? We bought three nationally available bras of similar style and size—seamless, with lightly padded cups and underwire, in 34B—for very different prices, then put them to the test. We hand-washed them three times, had three women who wear 34B try on each bra and comment on comfort, and had our experts and a lingerie designer with more than 50 years' experience check the bras' construction.

The results show that women may be spending lots of money for no reason. (In fact, the designer said that her own everyday bra costs $14.) Below, the intimate details.

La Perla Vintage, $127

The bra, sold at several high-end stores, boasts top-quality materials, nicely contoured cups, and flexible, well-padded underwire that won't cut into skin. But after three gentle hand-washes, the elastic material in the back twisted and curled, and stitching on straps puckered.

Victoria's Secret Ipex demi, $45

It has cozy fabric and cups that provide coverage without bulk. But the underwire may pinch, since fabric around it is thinner than in others, and strap stitching is flimsy. Poor cut of the fabric on sides made it pucker, and the straps curled in the wash.

Gilligan & O'Malley padded demi, $11

Bra-vo! It has better cup molding than the Victoria's Secret bra; the underwire is flexible and well padded, so it won't pinch or poke. This bra (sold at Target) also held up better after washing. All three panelists found it comfortable, with a good fit.