We tested piles of clothing and accessories in 2024 — these 35 items are the best

In addition to four full-length inseams — 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches — Lululemon Align leggings range in size from 0 to 20, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding your fit. They're among our picks for the best leggings with pockets (and who doesn't love pockets?) but our testers say there are more reasons to splurge.

"I didn't get the whole Lululemon obsession until I actually tried a pair, but now I understand — and actually feel confident leaving the house in leggings," said Laura Kenney, Yahoo's commerce editor-in-chief.

Fitness trainer Tammy Foxx is also a fan because of their "exceptional material quality, shape-retaining pockets, and just the right amount of compression for various activities." 

Read our full review of Align leggings.

Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity loves this bestselling tee by Madwell — so much so that we crowned it the best white T-shirt over competitors from Gap, Hanes, Uniqlo, J.Crew and others.

"I have a hard time finding T-shirts that aren't too loose and boxy for my petite frame, and this one has a shrunken fit that hits right at my hip, making it easy to tuck in," she said. She has owned the shirt for over a year and raves about how durable it is. "I've worn it more times than I can count and thrown it into the wash a million times, and it looks like new." Garrity gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on the opacity scale, so you don't have to worry about your bra showing through it, and she hasn't noticed any unwanted stretching or shrinking.

Bonus: You can monogram the top to give it a personal touch!

It doesn't get much more classic than these high-rise, straight-leg jeans by Levi's, which we named the year's best timeless jeans. There are 15 washes to choose from, so you'll find a pair that suits your style, and they hit just above the ankle so your shoe collection can take center stage.

Senior Home and Garden Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder calls them the "perfect wide (but not too wide) jeans. They feel timeless and also trendy, which is pretty impressive!" And while she would love to get them in another color, she notes that she would need to try them on because "the fit of Levi's jeans varies wildly by wash, in my experience."

Dodell-Feder also says they're surprisingly comfortable despite having a structured silhouette. "They have a very high waist and button fly, so they are not sweatpants-comfy. But for no-stretch denim, I find them very comfortable, probably because of the wide-legged fit."

Commerce Manager Julia Webb really knows her stuff when it comes to the best cashmere sweaters — she even directly compared three machine-washable options. During testing, she found that this softie from Naadam reigned supreme, calling it flattering, cozy and affordable. While it might not be the softest cashmere she's ever tried, she says it "still feels luxe and it's also not too fragile — it's durable enough I can wear it multiple times a week."

What really makes this piece a standout is how long-lasting and easy to care for it is. It's also under $100 — a steal for cashmere — and comes in an impressive 34 colors.

Garrity has owned these Hues for about a year and wore them consistently last winter without suffering a single snag. "They're incredibly soft, not scratchy at all," she says. Our pick for the best opaque tights, they fit true to size and have a high-rise waistband that "helps smooth things out a bit." 

She raves about how comfortable they are, saying she's worn them all day with no issues and never feels restricted in them. She loves that "they suck you in a tad and don't roll down," which means no awkward mid-day tugging.

Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini loves this Splendid top so much that she deemed it "a perfect turtleneck" — and we deemed it one of the year's best black turtlenecks. Why? "It's comfortable, layerable, versatile and well-fitting. This is my third time purchasing this same shirt over the past eight years. I love it," she says.

While the shirt itself is fitted, the fold-over turtleneck is a little saggy, which Romolini says she prefers because it's less constricting than closer-fitting styles. It's so versatile that she wears it with practically everything, she says, including "jeans, button-downs, skirts, and even dresses."

This affordable number is expert- and shopper-approved. Over-50 style influencer Dana Marie listed Cupshe as one of her favorite brands in our report on the best swimsuits thanks to its stylish designs and supportive details. It has ruching around the midsection to smooth out any lumps and bumps and removable padded cups for extra shaping. It's also fully adjustable at the back.

One five-star reviewer raved, "After three children and some weight gain, I am self-conscious in a swimsuit, so my friend recommended this one. I have to say that it gives me a confidence boost. It runs true to size and provides a flattering fit on both mine and my friend's body frames (that are very different)." 

A viral sensation better known as "the Amazon Coat," this down coat is cute and cozy — but the reason it's such a hit may be that it features side zippers, which allow you to expand its dimensions and make room for more layers. With six roomy pockets, it can store more than just essentials (translation: you can leave your bag at home). 

Our pick for the best overall winter coat, the Orolay is so good that even Oprah is a fan — it made her Favorite Things List in 2019. There are 11 styles to choose from, and impressed shoppers note that this coat looks way more expensive than it is.

Moabs have been ruling best hiking shoe lists forever, so is it any wonder they've wowed us too? The editors and experts we talked to rely on these sporty kicks to keep their puppies from barking, whether they're trekking hiking trails or city sidewalks. Famous for their out-of-the-box comfort, the Amazon bestsellers are super-supportive and extra cushioned to keep your feet happy all day long. 

A doctor recommended these to Executive Editor Nicole Sforza to alleviate some foot issues, and she’s been wearing Merrells ever since. Cris Hazzard of HikingGuy.com also gave these his stamp of approval, noting that "they're tough, grippy and very comfortable."

These kicks may look like your average sneaker, but they're made with a quick-drying mesh upper and a grippy outsole that provides ample traction in wet and slippery conditions — and they're our pick for the year's best water shoes.

Deputy Commerce Editor Izabella Zaydenberg owns a pair and says they're "comfortable for several hours of wear," adding that they have never caused irritating rubbing or blisters. And she's not the only one who is a fan — over 15,000 Amazon shoppers have given them their seal of approval too.

Three staff members listed these L.L.Beans as their go-to boots for winter, and it's easy to see why. Not only are the boots (which come in both men's and women's sizes) incredibly warm thanks to their ​​cozy shearling lining, but they're waterproof, so you can walk through snow and puddles without wet toes. Each pair is hand-sewn in Maine, so they're durable and built to last. 

Home Editor Lisa Schweitzer and I have both had a pair for several years, and they still look good as new. The boots aren't overly bulky, weighing less than 4 pounds, and they have a rugged rubber sole that prevents you from slipping and sliding. 

While most of the best gym shoes are designed for a particular activity, if you're looking for a well-rounded pair that can handle everything from running to weightlifting, take a look at these Brooks. The knit upper is stretchy and breathable, while the arrow-point pattern in the rubber outsole provides ample traction for wet gym surfaces and outdoor terrains alike.

Julie Lohre, women's fitness expert, IFBB fitness pro athlete and certified personal trainer, calls them "my absolute go-to all-around favorite shoes because they strike the perfect balance between support and responsiveness. They give me a stable base for heavy lifting and enough cushioning for cardio sessions, making them incredibly versatile. The fit is snug and comfortable, which makes me feel secure no matter the workout."

These classics are so popular that four of our staff members sang their praises (myself included) as the year's best sandals. And we're not the only ones who are fans: Dr. Melissa Lockwood, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot & Ankle Associates, gives Birkenstocks her thumbs-up for their support, as do thousands of shoppers. 

The classic slides boast a deep heel cup that keeps the natural padding of your foot in place and helps disperse your body weight evenly. The suede-lined, supportive footbed molds to your feet over the break-in period for added comfort, while the raised toe bed gives you enough grip so your feet aren't sliding around.

Olukai flip-flops are among the most popular sandals on Amazon, and we can see why. Along with a nonslip EVA insole that's cushioned for added comfort, they feature a water-resistant upper strap and a durable rubber sole, making them our pick for the best flip-flops overall.

The footbed has a molded foot cup, which is one element Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, a podiatrist, says to look for as a "heel cup allows for the heel to nestle in the shoe to avoid walking out of the shoe quite as easily." 

One happy shopper calls them "the best flip-flop the world has to offer," and adds this: "Once I tried them, I couldn't believe how comfortable they were. They conform to your actual feet to provide support and relief from foot pain."

What's better than a sleek pair of high-heel boots? A pair that's actually comfortable to walk in, of course. Webb is a fan of these classic Aerosoles, among our picks for the best boots of the year, because they're "the most comfortable heeled boots I've ever owned, and I have recommended them to all my friends. The heel is almost 3 inches high, but I always feel comfortable and confident in them." She's owned them for over three years and says they still look as good as new.

Despite the chunky heels, she says these boots are surprisingly lightweight and have solid traction. They have a memory foam insole to provide extra cushioning, and the faux leather looks and feels real. "I usually wear these boots with dresses or skirts, but I can also tuck the right jeans in comfortably," Webb says.

When we polled healthcare pros, they overwhelmingly cited Brooks as a top shoe for nurses because they "offer comfortable and durable shoes in styles that are fun and functional," according to Sarah K. Wells, founder of New Thing Nurse. And the Ghost 15 is the shoe most recommended by the brand for healthcare workers. Along with an APMA Seal of Acceptance, these comfortable kicks boast ultra-lightweight cushioning, a breathable upper and a system of shock absorbers to prevent foot pain. They come in a variety of color combos and widths. 

The No. 1 Amazon bestsellers have racked up over 7,000 five-star ratings, with many from nurses. "I'm on my feet all day. Every other tennis shoe I have tried ended up with my feet aching at the end of a shift or my toes going numb. These are so comfortable and light, and my feet haven't hurt at all,” raved one. 

Perhaps best of all, Brooks offers a 25% discount for healthcare workers!

If you've seen a pair of Hokas in the wild, there's a good chance they were Cliftons. These are among the brand's most popular picks, and it's for good reason. "They're absolutely cloud-like," raves Zaydenberg. "They were the only shoes that didn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when I walked for hours at Disneyland)." 

I also own a pair of Cliftons, and I wear them every time I go for a long walk, whether I'm on a treadmill, a trail or around town. The cushioned sneakers are undoubtedly the most comfortable walking shoe I've ever tried, and I loved that there was no break-in time. They come in a wide range of colors, so it's easy to find a favorite style (or two). They've even earned an APMA seal of approval.

Check out our other recommendations for Hoka walking shoes.

When we polled experts for their favorite running shoes, both running coaches we spoke with, Carleth Keys and Kim Clark, listed these as their top picks. "This is the most comfortable shoe on the market, ideal for daily training and long runs that don't involve intense workouts," says Keys. Clark agrees: "The cushioning is so plush and soft. It seriously is the most comfortable cushioning underfoot for easy runs!"

The sporty kicks have a breathable mesh upper to prevent your feet from overheating and a durable rubber outsole that offers great traction for everyday runs. There are 14 styles, and they come in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide options so you can find your ideal fit.

Ugg slippers have been in demand since the early 2000s, but this pair is probably the most popular right now. The Tasmans, our picks for best women's slippers, are lined with the same cozy sheepskin as your favorite Ugg boots, but their backless design makes them easier to slip on and off. The rubber soles are also the same as the brand's signature boots, which I love because it means I can wear them indoors and out with ease. 

These look just as good with pajamas as with athleisure and are my go-tos for when I need to quickly let my dog outside to do his business. The grippy soles mean you won't be slipping and sliding around, and they're cozy enough for hunkering down at home on chilly days. 

Dr. Dana Canuso, podiatrist and founder of Dr. Canuso Skincare for Feet, tells us one of her go-to brands for comfortable heels is Cole Haan. It turns out that our Commerce Director, Jeanine Edwards, is obsessed with this sleek pair. The insanely comfy heels are made with the brand's signature Grand.ØS technology, which supplies arch support and responsive cushioning.

Edwards tells us: "I've worn these heels for a full eight-hour workday and at no point was I praying to take them off. I've also worn them to a reception that included lots of dancing, and my feet were comfortable the entire time." Along with the cushioned footbed, the cute heels feature a rubber sole that offers ample traction and an adjustable ankle strap. 

Hundreds of shoppers and podiatrists are fans of this ultra-cushioned pair of sneakers. Dr. Hillary Brenner, a podiatric surgeon, said this pair of supportive slip-ons "is hands down my favorite. They meet all the criteria of a supportive shoe, and I especially like that they make their shoes with the EVA material for shock absorption." 

Not only do the sneakers have the signature Hoka cushioning, but they boast a memory foam heel for added comfort and an elastic band at the ankle that cradles the foot and keeps it from sliding around. They're made from 100% vegan materials and have a mesh upper, making them super-breathable. Plus, they weigh less than 6 ounces.

Two of our staff members say these Sam Edelmans are the best loafers they've ever tried. "I have the Loraine loafers in three colors — that's how much I love them! I bought them after a near-identical pair (that's roughly six times more expensive) gave me the worst blisters of my life," says Zaydenberg. 

Garrity raves that "I can wear them all day — and I live in New York City, which means I'm on my feet for most of the day. It helps that the leather is incredibly soft, so it molds to the foot." Both said the loafers were comfortable straight out of the box with no break-in time.

Travelon is known for making high-quality anti-theft travel bags that are durable and functional, so it makes sense that our team of experts recommended several travel purses from the brand. This crossbody was by far the most popular choice. "This bag features slash-proof construction, locking compartments and RFID-blocking pockets, making it ideal for preventing theft. Its compact size and multiple pockets keep essentials organized," says Voyagers travel expert Emily Dreilich.

Ann Acker, owner of Wally's Travel Guide, agreed, telling us, "This bag meets all my needs, it has anti-slash straps, a section for credit cards with RFID-blocking technology, locking zippers, large pockets to carry my essentials for the day and a water bottle holder on the side." 

You've likely seen Away's suitcases and carry-ons every time you hit the airport, but the brand also makes smaller accessories. This pick made the lists of several of our travel experts, including Bryan Murphy, who recommends it as the best toiletry bag because "it is cleanly designed and really tough." Along with three roomy interior compartments, this water-resistant bag has an outer zippered pocket for things you need easy access to. It has a wide opening, so you can either stand it up or lay it flat, which makes it easy to organize and retrieve items. 

It comes in seven colors, so you can follow travel blogger Ioana Moga's lead and match it to your Away luggage. (After all, nothing says you have your life together quite like a matching travel set.)

This crowd-pleaser, our overall best checked luggage, sports 360-degree spinner wheels and side-mounted TSA locks, and it comes in a variety of snazzy colors (Burnt Orange! Caribbean Blue!) that'll make it stand out on the luggage carousel ... which will save you time. 

And don't fret about your gorgeous new suitcase getting dinged up — shoppers confirm that it'll endure even the most rough-and-tumble international treks. "It holds a lot and rolls very well. I've taken it on six flights so far (filled it up to 48 pounds!) and it has held up great … no damage, no issues," wrote one five-star reviewer.

These compression packing cubes were the sleekest and most well-made of all that we tested. They have a breathable mesh panel that helps with air circulation and lets you see what's inside each cube without unpacking. And the anti-catch zippers ensure that packing is always snag-free. It was easy to fit a lot into these cubes. The cubes come in well-proportioned sizes and nested together easily to fit into my carry-on suitcase.

The exterior of each Monos cube is made from a tear-resistant nylon twill that feels sturdy and durable (no matter how much I stuffed into each cube) and the interior is lined with a soft anti-microbial fabric that keeps items looking and smelling fresh. 

If you're looking for a hardside suitcase that has it all, this is the one to buy. It's expandable and extremely lightweight. The interior is as roomy as it gets for a checked suitcase. However, you won't be able to tell unless you expand it with the hidden zipper.

It's also fully lined and features two compartments with multiple pockets for easy access and organization. There's a TSA-compliant lock and multidirectional spinner wheels. Commerce Writer Moriba Cummings has owned this suitcase for over six years and says he has used it more times than he can count. After all these years, it still looks brand new, he reports.

When I first saw this Natori bra, I was skeptical that the pretty lace option would provide the all-day comfort and support I expect from a T-shirt bra, let alone become our pick for the best bra overall. I was shocked by just how comfy it was. It is the epitome of fashion meets function. The partially lined bra has a feminine lace trim that gives it a more fashion-forward feel, contoured plunge cups that give my bust a flattering shape and boost, and elastic-lined edges that keep it securely in place without digging.

While I typically try to avoid underwires, I barely noticed it in this style. I love the plunging neckline, and while I was worried the lace would show underneath my clothes, it was unnoticeable. The adjustable straps were thin yet sturdy, and while I thought the lace and mesh might get itchy or uncomfortable, they were soft and comfortable even after hours of wear. The width of the straps increases as the sizes go up to give larger busts the support they need.

This sleek pick is our best strapless bra thanks to the raves of more than 2,000 Nordstrom customers. I also own this smoothing bra, which uses molded cups and light foam padding to provide a nice natural shape. I love that the back and sides have boning and gripper strips to help keep it in place. I've been able to comfortably wear it for hours without having to adjust it. 

Even better, it comes with straps, so you can add them when you need extra support. The bra can be worn conventionally, halter style or criss-crossed in the back.

If you’re aiming to downplay your cup size, this affordable option from Vanity Fair may be just what you’re looking for, and it's our best minimizer bra of the year. (This full-coverage bra is also a pick on our overall best bras list!) It can minimize your bustline by up to 1.5 inches. Along with a built-in underwire, it has non-padded cups that comfortably cover and support your breasts.

"Depending on the bra style and if you need a larger cup size, you might look for side panels or a wide back band and straps," said Elisabeth Dale, author of The Bra Zone and founder of the Breast Life. "These details are more critical in bras for people with fuller busts (anything over a DD)." This bra delivers, with extra side and back bands made from a four-way stretch material that smooths any bumps and bulges. 

Shoppers with large busts can't stop raving about this pretty option. Sleek and stylish, it smooths out lumps and bumps up to an HH cup. This full-coverage balcony bra has molded cups and adjustable straps that make it great for bigger chests, and Freya is a go-to brand for bra expert Dale. "Full-cup bras are super-comfy for that eight-hour everyday bra," she says. This one is also among our picks for best bras and best support bras. 

One five-star reviewer wrote, "If you're slim in the rib cage, but have larger cups, then this bra is a must-try! I ordered my true size, 28F, and haven't worn anything else since. If you're on the fence, just go for it. Can be worn comfortably all day. The girls stay facing forward, high and proud, and stay put all day. There's no spillage."

Victoria's Secret bras are known to add a little extra va-va-voom to your bustline, and this popular push-up bra held true to the brand’s reputation during testing. Not only did it make cups appear two sizes bigger, but I loved how smoothing and supportive it was during my tests. The plunging neckline allowed me to wear a variety of different silhouettes, and the straps and band are fully adjustable. There are also a ton of different styles ranging from classic nudes for every day to lacy designs for special occasions.

Over 2,000 other shoppers are also fans of this bra's bust-boosting abilities: "Love love this bra!" one said. "Never stop making these. They give me the confidence I need without getting breast implants."

This Nike pull-on bra offers medium support and light compression to get you through low and high-impact activities, so it’s no wonder thousands of Amazon shoppers and our own Deals Writer, Britt Ross, are fans. Featuring Nike's signature Dri-Fit technology, it comes in a range of colors. Even better, you can choose from three support types: high, medium and light. 

Says Ross: "I hate wearing sports bras. Nikes are the only ones that don't feel like they're digging into my skin. I appreciate that they come with different levels of support (I like light support, since I hate feeling too constricted, but even this one makes me feel like everything is held in place). I also like the clean design and the fact that they come in some pretty colors and neutrals. I mainly wear them while riding my Peloton bike, and nothing's ever felt like it's popping out."

While no touchscreen gloves are going to give you 100% accuracy, the capabilities of this pair were, by far, the best of the bunch. Thanks to their thin, snug fit and copper conductor threads, I could type and scroll seamlessly.

Unlike most gloves that only let your thumbs and pointer fingers do the work, these have conductive threads throughout to mimic human touch on your entire hand. Not only did they feel ultra-soft and cozy thanks to thermal insulated layers, I loved their snug fit and anti-slip palm grip, which kept my phone firmly in my hand. The gloves have a knitted cuff that prevents cold air from entering, and they are breathable and lightweight. 

These are soft, warm and easy to put on — just a few of the reasons we named them the best heated socks of the year. I was able to slip these on with ease, and they fit seamlessly into bulky snow boots and sneakers. In addition to a comfy cushioned heel, they have incredibly thin, flexible infrared fiber heating elements that didn't cause discomfort. The socks were warm even without the heat on, and while they did go up very high on my calves, they didn't dig in like others I tested.

They warmed up quickly, and I loved that they heat the top and bottom of your foot and your toes — other socks I tested heat just the top or bottom. I could switch between three heating levels by pushing the button built in at the top of the sock. Plus, these socks came with a wall plug that made charging the battery easy.