Bra problems… Even the savviest of us have them.
And based on the comments and emails we get from you guys, that includes you too. Recently M&S invited me to go deep on the subject of bras, and being someone who’s worn their bras since living in London, I enlisted their help to answer that age old question: ‘What bra should I wear with this outfit?’. In case you’re new to this bra series, you can see more about finding the perfect bra fit here.
Different Bras and their functions
Are you in a bra rut? You’re not the only one. For years I pretty much wore the same style of bra day in and day out, meaning I was often presented with outfits I couldn’t wear because my bra arsenal didn’t have any versaility. I often found myself saying ‘I can’t wear that’ or spending hours in front of my wardrobe trying to find an outfit to suit the bra I had put on.
Are you like I was and have, say, two styles of bras you wear? Maybe it’s time to branch out… And I don’t mean you need to buy 200 bras, because obviously less is more and I’m all about quality over quantity. What I mean is that you need a few different styles that provide versatility and also support (excuse the pun!) your individual needs. Below we’ve put together an illustration for you so that you can understand more about all the different types of bras out there and their functions.
What Bra Should I Wear With This Outfit?
Bra Staples In My Wardrobe
The Bralette
As I’ve mentioned here before, something I’ve really embraced in the last few years is a lighter, triangle style bra that gives me some level of lift but is also super comfortable and can be worn for long period at a time, say on a longhaul flight. If your breasts are on the larger side, choose one that has enough structure.
Best for full coverage, structured outfits like button down shirts, dresses with thick fabric and t-shirts.
Try this: Athleisure Bralette
The Soft Cup
This one’s a new one for me but I’m totally into it… A soft cup bra that has an underwire and gives you some lift without any padding. This style I find perfect for work days and weekends.
Best for structured outfits that require lift but not too much shaping or nipple coverage.
Try this: Trellis Lace Bra
The Shaper
The trouble with the bralettes and soft cup bras is that sometimes they don’t give you enough shape, particularly if you are wearing a clinging outfit. This is where I reach for a trusty t-shirt bra – moulded cups that give just enough shape without too much cleavage.
Best for outfits that require more shape like clinging dresses and tops, but also cover enough of the body that you can still wear straps.
Try this: Underwired Balcony bra
The Minimalist
I’ve had a love hate relationship with strapless bras in the past (more on that soon!), but they are completely necessary for cami style tops and my beloved off the shoulder silhouette. I always go a size smaller in the band so that they stay up!
Best for off the shoulder styles or camis with spaghetti straps.
Try this: Smoothlines Strapless Bra
The Convert
One bra I have fallen for is a convertible bra, one that has plenty of options for when you’re wearing one shoulder, a low back or a low front. Before I had one of these I found that I always pulled out my strapless bra, but the convertible one is great because depending on how you place the straps you get lift whilst also having versaility.
Best for low back tops, or tops that show a lot of skin.
Try this: 100 Ways To Wear Multibra
Tips for Choosing The Right Bra For Your Outfit
Now, on to the main game. What bra should you wear with your outfit? We’ve put together a bra cheatsheet for you, as a reference depending on what you are wearing. I obviously need to preface this with saying that the below solutions may differ depending on the size/shape of your breasts… Obviously if yo have a smaller bust you might be able to go sans bra in some of these outfits (so jealous of you) and if you have bigger breasts you’ll find that some types of bras won’t work for you. But this is a broad overview of bra solutions, hope it helps!
This post is in collaboration with M&S and shopping links. Infographics by Natalie Ong.
I have more of an issue with finding bras that fit correctly for women with larger breasts. Sports bras never work out for me. Bralettes would just be a joke. Adhesive bras scare the bejeebers out of me. It would be nice to find some good quality alternatives in larger sizes.
Great question, I’ll definitely look at covering that for you asap!
Try British brands such as Panache, Freya and Fantasie. Also make sure you are wearing the correct size, since a lot of women don’t (and a lot of salespeople in stores are really bad at fitting). I Can recommend the ABraThatFits Reddit site for fitting information.
I’ll check that out, thanks
omg i needed this information so much! i’m clueless trying to figure this stuff out and it never fails i always buy the wrong kind of bra. thank you!!
Yay I am so glad it’s helpful for you 🙂
This is so great! Thank you for breaking it down for us =o) Also I think I need to go bra shopping!
https://dreamofadventures.com/
Yes you must 🙂
This is so helpful! I’ve never given much thought about the different types of bras, but I guess now I do! Thank you for sharing this!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Yay, go forth and try them out!
So much useful information going on here!! Thank you!
http://squirrelsgotstyletoo.blogspot.ro/
Yay! so happy you like it. x
I am definitely one of these very odd people who love their bra showing in all their outifits (when reasonable). I don’t own all of these fancy VS laces for no one but me, my boyfriend and my cactus (he lives in the bedroom) to see!
I love your approach, that sounds so fun. I agree I’m not offended when my bra shows, although I don’t like my straps showing for some reason, just a funny thing I think I got obsessed with in high school and can never get past!
I usually love wearing bralettes these days, at least if it´s showing it´s cute!
carlotarules.wordpress.com
I love the sound of that!
such a useful post, thanks for all the tips!
http://www.thestyletune.com
Glad you like!
How long have you been in London now? My son has been working there all summer.
Oh I don’t live there anymore, I was there for 3 years about 7 years ago.
I actually thought you lived in Hong Kong. My son worked on a project at Hong Kong University and lived these for almost a year.
it is easy, wear NO BRA
Hahaha oh man I wish I could, but sadly mine just flop around when I don’t wear a bra. Each to their own! 🙂
strapless and adhesive bras are no good for larger breasts – do you have any other advice for largers busts
Great question, I’ll get back to you on that soon!
Thank you so much for sharing this great bra guide <3 🙂 The little diagrams are the best!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Thanks so much, Natalie is talented at creating them!
super useful, thank you!
Glad you like!
Bralettes are also great under any loosely fitting top (i.e., camisoles, tank tops, etc.), sheer tops, or tops with a deep-v or front plunge – basically anything you wouldn’t mind showing the details of the bra. And, they are also amazing for traveling! I’d also recommend (as a bra fit specialist) a t-shirt bra under most woven (a.k.a. button-up) shirts to keep a smooth silhouette, especially if it’s a light weight, silk, or satin shirt.
Thanks so much for the tips, I’ll keep those in mind. There’s been lots of questions from women who have large breasts and don’t want to wear strapless, any suggestions?
Yay I am so glad it was useful for you. xx
I used to own multiple styles of bra but the one I needed for a particular outfit always seemed to be in the wash. I streamlined down to one favourite style that works in most cases plus a strapless. I guess it depends on the variety of clothing styles and fabrics you wear too.
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