The Wirecutter Show

Finding a bra that fits well can feel like an impossible combination of measurements, brands, cup sizes, and personal preferences. Even knowing your usual size doesn't guarantee that a bra will feel comfortable or provide the support you need.

This episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Zoe Vanderweide breaks down what a bra is actually supposed to do, and how to tell when one fits properly. After testing more than 35 bras, she explains why the band matters more than the straps for support, why bra sizes aren't standardized across brands, and how to shop when your breasts don't fit neatly into a standard size. Plus, how to make your bras last longer.

This episode covers:
Why the right bra can do much more than provide support. Bras can change the shape of your breasts, provide nipple coverage, smooth asymmetry, make clothes fit better, or minimize a larger bust.
Why you should know your measurements—and then try multiple sizes. We recommends measuring yourself, checking a brand's size chart, and ordering a couple sizes because there's no substitute for actually trying a bra on.
Why you shouldn't wear the same bra two days in a row. Letting the elastane in a bra's band rest between wears helps it regain its shape and prevents it from stretching out prematurely.
How to wash a bra without destroying it. You don't need to wash a bra after every wear; when you do, use a gentle wash cycle in a mesh bag and air-dry.

Products we recommend:
For people who fall between standard cup sizes: ThirdLove 24/7 Classic Uplift Plunge Bra
For larger breasts that hate underwires: Evelyn Bobbie Defy Bra
For a sexy, lacy bra for smaller busts: Journelle Anais Plunge Bra
For a sexy, supportive bra for larger busts: Panache Allure Full Cup Bra
For a modern, minimalist sexy bra for small to medium breasts: Negative Sieve Non-Wire Bra
For comfortable casual wear around the house or on errands: Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette
For smoothing lumps and bumps on the back: Wacoal Back Appeal Underwire Bra
For an affordable, versatile everyday bra: Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra
Zoe loves: Her new diamond art kit

Additional reading:
The Best, Most Comfortable Bras
The Best Nursing Bras
The 6 Best Sports Bras of 2026
Sorry, You Really Can’t Wear Your Favorite Bra Every Single Day
How to Wash Bras


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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

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Before you dump your veggie peels and coffee grounds into the trash, consider the many reasons to compost. Keeping food waste out of landfills reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while nutrient-rich compost helps sequester carbon and rejuvenates soil. You’ll also likely need to empty your regular trash less frequently. For many people, the biggest barrier to composting is simply getting started.

In this episode, Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto shares practical tips for collecting kitchen food scraps, navigating composting options without municipal pickup, and understanding what actually belongs in your bin—including why you might want to skip those biodegradable liner bags.

Plus, Wirecutter staff members break down their own real-world setups. They share how to manage commercial pickup services, why "compostable" plastics don't work in backyard bins, and strategies for keeping odors at bay.

This episode covers:
Composting options for every space: If you don't have municipal green-bin pickup, you can use private commercial services, drop off scraps at community gardens or farmer's markets, or even try the "cardboard box method" to compost slowly inside your home.
Backyard composting 101: A successful pile requires a balance of "greens" (fresh food waste) and "browns" (dry leaves, paper, or cardboard).
Strategies for collecting food scraps: You don't need a specialized bin. Wide-mouthed mixing bowls or restaurant Cambro bins work well.
The freezer scrap method: Keeping a squishable storage bag in your freezer to collect veggie peels and eggshells eliminates odors, saves counter space, and makes it easy to tote scraps to a drop-off site.

Products we recommend:
A simple mixing bowl: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids
A plastic-free tin: Epica Countertop Compost Bin
A great bag for the freezer: Baggu Standard Bag
A bigger bin: Cambro Square Food Storage Container

Additional reading:
Kitchen Compost Bins We Love in 2026
How to Start Composting
Do You Really Need Compostable Bags for Your Food Scraps?
I Saved More Than 2,000 Pounds of Food Waste From the Landfill With This Simple Composter
At-Home Food Recyclers Are Often Billed as Eco-Saviors. We Don’t Buy It.


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Using a bidet may seem a little intimidating to some, but to others it's a way of life.



In this episode, we’re reairing a conversation with Wirecutter senior staff writer and bidet-convert Doug Mahoney. He explains why these modern fixtures that wash your bum are a game-changer for hygiene. You’ll learn about how they work, what to look for when buying one, and some of Wirecutter’s top recommendations.



This episode covers:

How to choose between cold and warm-water bidets: They each have their pros and cons. Cold ones are the cheapest and easiest to install, while warm ones are more expensive and offer a luxury experience.

What to know about installation: If you can install a regular toilet seat, you can install a cold-water bidet. Warm water bidets are a little trickier, and require access to an outlet. You’ll also want to make sure your toilet has an accessible water shutoff valve.

Why it’s worth paying for a reliable brand: Given a bidet is a plumbing fixture, you should buy from a trusted brand, like Toto or Brondell. These companies tend to have reliable products that will last–and that will be less likely to cause leaks and other issues.

Why bidets are great for everyone (including those with accessibility issues): A good bidet can make anyone feel cleaner, and they’re particularly helpful for people who have mobility issues – whether that’s a potty training kid, someone recovering from surgery, or an older adult who wants to live longer independently.



Products we recommend:

The best bidet: Toto S5 Washlet

A cheaper version of our new favorite: Toto S2

A great cold water model that replaces your toilet seat: Brondell EcoSeat S101 Non-Electric Bidet Seat

A great cold water model to use with an existing toilet seat: Bio Bidet SlimEdge Attachment



We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Buying a mattress can often be a boring, expensive task. And the mattress industry doesn't make it easy: Prices are constantly changing, brands use confusing terminology, and permanent “sales” can make it hard to know what's a real discount.



In this episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Elise Czajkowski explains when to look for deals and how to negotiate a better price when you're ready to buy. She shares why you should always ask for an additional discount, how to negotiate with a store or online chatbot, and why one popular online shopping trick—abandoning your cart—may not work for mattresses.



This episode covers:

Why you should never pay full price for a mattress. Those constant website “sales” are often just the regular price in disguise; the biggest discounts tend to come around major holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Presidents Day.

What you need to know before you buy. The best way to avoid buying a mattress you hate is to understand how you sleep (your sleep position) and firmness preference before you start shopping.

How to get the best discounts. You can sometimes get better deals at stores that sell multiple brands. Go in person and ask your salesperson for 10% off, even if the mattress is already on sale.

How to negotiate when you're buying a mattress online. Instead of assuming the listed price is final, try the site's chatbot and simply ask for a better deal.



Additional reading:

Why You Should Never Pay Full Price for a Mattress

38 Best Mattresses of 2026



We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s easy to overlook the conditioner sitting in your shower. But the right conditioner can do so much for your hair, like add moisture and shine, reduce frizz, and make hair easier to detangle. Yet the wrong one can leave your hair greasy or weighed down.

 

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Amanda Rosenthal explains how conditioner actually works and how to choose one based on your hair type and texture. She also clears up some common conditioner confusion, including who needs to use one, how to apply it, and whether “hair masks” are worth the extra money. 

 

This episode covers: 

Why your hair type matters when choosing a conditioner. Rich conditioners can leave fine hair greasy and weighed down, while thicker or curlier hair may need heavier conditioning ingredients.

How to tell if you actually need conditioner. Dullness, frizz, difficulty detangling, and brittle-feeling hair are all signs that you should use conditioner.

Why you shouldn't put conditioner on your scalp. Your scalp already produces its own oils, so applying conditioner there can contribute to buildup and interfere with scalp health. Start at least three inches from your roots instead.

 

Products we recommend: 

Best for medium and thick hair: Tresemmé Silky Smooth Conditioner

Best for tight curls and coils: Pattern Beauty Intensive Conditioner

Best for dry, damaged hair: Redken All Soft Conditioner

Best for sensitive skin and scalps: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Conditioner

Best for fine hair: Living Proof Full Conditioner

Amanda loves: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan with Lid

 

Additional reading:

The Best Hair Conditioners of 2026 

The 6 Best Shampoos of 2026

I’m a Beauty Writer. And a Snob. But I Don’t Hate a 3-in-1 Shower Product.

Find Your Perfect Shampoo (podcast episode)

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.