As the days get warmer and our clothes get smaller, it becomes harder to avoid having your bra on show. For some people, the solution is finding bras with beautiful straps. But others loathe the idea of their bra being visible. That's where shopping for different bra styles helps.
Whatever look you’re going for this summer, from halters to open backs, there is a lingerie solution. You don’t have to go braless! Here’s a guide to which bra styles will work best under everyone’s favorite hot-weather outfits:
Strapless and Halter Necklines
Strapless bras are, naturally, the ideal choice for strapless tops and dresses. But they pair great with shoulder-baring halter necklines too.
If you prefer the support of a strap, however, look for a ‘convertible’ bra. With detachable straps, you can wear these in a myriad of different ways. Whether it's a halter, strapless, one shoulder, or crossover back; this bra style can do it. Plus, convertible bras are easier to find than ones with built-in halter necklines.
Halo Convertible Underwire Bra by Wacoal Available in sizes 32B-38DDD via Nordstrom Strapless Sensation Multi-Way Push Up Bra Available in sizes 34C-44H via Curvy Couture Sexy Illusions Strapless Push-Up Bra Available in sizes 32A-38D via Victoria’s SecretTank Tops and Camisoles
Does your top have a racerback or T-back? There’s a bra for that. Bras with similarly shaped straps are easy to find and can stay completely hidden under your outfit. Or they can look cute paired with a straight-strapped cami. There are plenty of decorative racerback bras in my recent round-up.
For added versatility, you may prefer a bra like the Elomi one below. The J-hook means you can wear the straps regular or racerback, as required.
Amena Lace Padded Front-Fastening Racerback Triangle Bra Available in US sizes 0-14 via ASOS Non-Wired Racerback Coolness Bra Available in sizes 32B-40D via Satami Lydia Underwire Convertible Bra by Elomi Available in sizes 34G-44FF via NordstromPlunging V-Necks
Goodbye polo necks, hello plunge necklines! We typically flaunt more décolletage when the weather’s sunny. Which means a plunge bra is a total must-have. The center-panel on these bras sits unusually low so that it won’t show beneath V-shaped necklines.
Usually, a regular plunge bra is enough. However, for ultra-plunging necklines, you may need a ‘solution plunge’ such as the Wonderbra style below. These incorporate a longline band to scoop down even lower.
Everyday Lace Plunge Bra Available in sizes 30B-44B via Third Love Ultimate Plunge Bra by Wonderbra Available in sizes 30DD-38F via Next Superboost Lace Bra by Gossard Available in sizes 30D-38G via BravissimoBackless Tops and Dresses
Pretty, lacy racerbacks look great under an open-backed outfit. However, if you prefer to have no bra showing, you’ll need a low-back or stick-on bra.
Low-backed bras tend to be hard to find. If you do not see one you like, you can buy converter straps that make your regular bras fasten a little lower.
Adhesive bras are completely band-less. So they’re a better option if you’re wearing something entirely backless. There is, however, a limit to the support that they can offer.
Sheer Tops
Sheer tops are trending, but what to wear under them? Anything, really, but my favorite bra style choices are bralettes and longlines.
A simple, opaque bralette lets the top do all the talking. Perfect when the what you're wearing is made from lace or embroidered mesh. Conversely, an everyday mesh piece allows you to show off a fancy bra below. Longlines provide maximum space for those fancy details. And they offer added coverage when you don’t want your look to be so revealing.
Mortimer Bra Available in sizes 30B-36DD via Bluebella Luxe Triangle Bra Available in sizes XS-L via Fleur du Mal Lucie Triangle Bralette Available in sizes 38A-36F via Boux AvenueDo you find yourself wearing different bras in the summer than in the winter? If so, what are your go-to summer bra styles?