If we’re headed into lockdown again—and fingers crossed we’re not, though it’s looking like maybe we are—my underwire bras will continue to languish in my lingerie drawer, replaced by wireless bralettes that mostly feel like not wearing anything at all. my favorites, like this one, from Cosabella, has a bit of length, and a very plunging cut.
I own and love this triangle bra from Negative Underwear—it’s soft as can be, and moves nicely with my body.
The floral pattern here is just so pretty, and the straps cross in the back, which can come in handy.
This nicely minimal option is sexy in a vaguely retroish way.
This is from Skims, a company that I believe is owned by a Kardashian, but I’m not holding that against it, and in fact I’m quite impressed with all of the skin tone shades it is offered in.
I’m now to the point that I don’t believe any more claims that I can participate in the pandemic-chic, sans underwire bra trend. Two years ago I had hope. And that’s now diminished. It’s just a no. Negative Underwear? I have that one and no. Lively? Tried and no. Free People? Ha! Nope. I’m 36DD. I don’t want a bunch of lace a la the Cosabella or the degree of cleavage it creates. I love the retro ish one here. Love it. But these truly cool styles —Araks! sigh. Some other you posted months ago that was fab— will never work. Most don’t carry my size and if they claim to, it’s just that, a claim. I instead will continue to rely on the Wacoal racerback seamless unlined underwire bra. I’ve worn this bra for I think 10 years. (Not the same one. I’ve had several. ;)) No padding. No stupid foam. No built in cups. No brocade bs. (Who in God’s name wants that brocade crap?) No lace. Simple, minimal, not necessarily super cool, and, yes, underwire because if you’re more than a C and don’t want the sports bra smoosh, it’s needed. I buy the one in toast because it sort of matches my skin, and I don’t want to devote one brain cell toward the consideration of my bra showing through. Nipples? I don’t much care, but no colored fabric. I think I’m getting crotchety. Ah, well. I’m stickin’ with this bra. 😉
Bralettes rarely work well for me but the Free People one is really pretty! Also, lesson learned just this year – super bright (as in “fuchsia/magenta/hot bright”) bras end up being “neutral” and don’t show under white tees.
Huh???
Unless the shirt is super sheer, you really can’t see the bra! I was super skeptical but now own a magenta-ish bra and wear constantly.
*hot pink
I love my Negative Underwear bras and just tried to order another one, but the web site kept telling me my cart was empty. (sigh) Will try again later because they’re worth it.
I own 2 of the the Else bralettes you recommended and I LOVE them.
That first one looks suitable for large-breasted women and is so pretty. Has anyone with DD cups tried it?
Yes, I have tried the Cosabella one. I am actually a DDD. It’s okay, but doesn’t feel or look like a regular bra–not the support, or the lift.
I lOVE my cosabella bralettes for long car and airplane rides and lounging around under baggy t-shirts and hoodies- they are so pretty and incredibly comfortable – they lift my DD cup but not enough to wear real clothing with it. Perfect if you don’t want the underwire dig for hours and hours if you aren’t done up.
Dawn, 32G here and I have one from Cosabella and it is nice. The bottom rolls up a bit and the lace can be a little less than soft, but it’s a nice-looking option.
I also have a few from True & Co (Nordstrom) that are super comfortable but over time they are stretching out a bit. In fairness I’ve worn them a ton over the last two years. It’s really hard to find a good comfortable option for small band/large cup sizes. My boobs laugh at all of these lovely options except for the first one. I’ve had an awful time trying to find a new bra style since my favorite Wacoal was discontinued. Bralettes are even harder — everything is either too big in the band and slides up my back, or gives me a case of quadboob.
Cosabella has some “curvy” and “ultra curvy” styles for larger cup sizes, as well as extended size options, and styles for women with a larger frame and smaller cups. But frustratingly, it appears my 32H/34G is right between the ranges for curvy and ultra curvy. I need medium ultra curvy I guess.
I think this is a good answer to Dawn’s question, because all I can think about when I see a bralette is how that bottom rolls up on me (I would say I’m medium-to-large chested). I always think it’s just my big ribcage. Bralettes are gorgeous in photos, but I have never found one that was comfortable. (Then again, I’m one of those weirdos who loves underwire.)
Fellow underwire wearer here! Breastfeeding plus gravity left me with no choice. I do wear a little sport like bralette over an underwire bra for extra lift. Call me supported!
Thanks for the feedback, ladies. I’m going to give the Cosabella one a try. The lace band around the bottom will determine whether it stays in my household, I suspect. I had some very pretty Hanro undies once that had a lace waistband, and OMG it rolled down and was awful. Nothing sexier than yanking on your undergarments, geez.
God help me, I looked like Mount Massive Lace in this bra. It’s outta here.
Also 32G and my preferred bralette is the Parfait Dalis. It runs small so be sure to read reviews.
I love the negative bralette – I am C- D cup and it is not very supportive but good enough. The design is so minimal and in the neutral color I wear it with sun dresses, tank tops, low v necks. Really filled a gap for me. I got sucked in and bought a long sleeVe undershirt style from them – it is okay but not worth the price.
Skims is owned by Chloe Kardashian and Emma Grede.
I think it’s Kim, not Khloe. Trying to get past my aversion….
It’s Kim, her first name is literally in sKIMs. I recently got some stuff from there including a triangle bralette and I love. More supportive than Negative Underwear which I also really like, and about half the price. This means I don’t mind being a little harder on them, throwing in the washing machine, etc. The underwear is also good, extremely soft and stretchy. So I’m over my aversion!