Bralettes have gone through quite a transformation in the past 100 years. From their start as little more than a training bra to their current versatility as everything from a low-impact sports bra to a fashion statement, bralettes have proven their staying power.
Finding the right bralette can seem confusing, however. Given the minimal support that the traditional bralette offered, those who are well-endowed may feel like these undergarments are off-limits to them. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. Everyone can wear bralettes with confidence. It’s a matter of knowing which fabrics, styles and support are best for you.
One pick that received rave reviews is the Calvin Klein Invisibles Wirefree Triangle Bralette. The seamless, wire-free bralette is invisible under your clothes, with an elastic band that provides great shape retention.
What to know before you buy a bralette
Bras vs. bralettes
Bras: Formally called a brassiere, but commonly known as a bra, this undergarment was invented to support women’s busts. Bras once had a strictly functional purpose, but they’ve evolved in design to become aesthetically pleasing, as well. Many include underwire, although there are wire-free bras available, too.
Bralettes: Put simply, a bralette is a bra constructed without an underwire. The term “lette” was added to infer the absence of some standard components of the traditional bra. Historically, bralettes provided inferior support compared to bras. In some ways, they were a bra-and-tank-top hybrid.
The modern bralette has changed this fact to some extent. While it still doesn’t contain underwire, technological advances have improved its ability to support your bust. The construction and design of the straps and cups make a big difference in how much support it offers.
If you have a C-cup size or larger, you can still find bralettes that’ll work for your bust. Look for styles that have wide straps and more coverage to ensure adequate support.
Find a comfortable fit
One of the primary benefits of bralettes is comfort. While this is due in large part to the absence of an underwire, the fit also makes a tremendous impact. If you wear a bralette that bites into your shoulders, for example, you’re going to be sore and achy before the day is over. Carefully try on bralettes before you purchase or remove any tags to make sure the fit is comfortable.
Material matters
This is where your skin type comes into play. Lacy bralettes are certainly beautiful and easy to pull off as a peek-a-boo style element under a top, but lace can cause you to itch or have inflammation if you have sensitive skin. This is just one example of why the fabric matters. Think about your skin type and choose bralettes made of appropriate materials that will soothe your skin, not irritate it.
Bralette features
Stretch
If the main purpose of a bralette is to provide cozy coverage for hours, you should be able to move freely in it. Bralettes that are constructed of fabric that allows for maximum stretch give you flexibility.
Cup shape
The shape and size of the bralette cups make a big difference in the level of support. Those with small busts can pull off triangle-shaped cups, but those with larger busts should look for cups that have a rounded shape. The latter offers more coverage and support.
Straps
There are two considerations when it comes to straps. First, the width. Thin, delicate straps provide less support than wider straps.
Second, some bralettes are designed with adjustable straps. This allows you to customize the fit to achieve the optimal level of comfort.
Neckline
The neckline of a bralette also affects how much coverage and support it gives you. A high-neck bralette may be intended to peek through the top of your shirt, but also may provide the most support. A lower, deeper neckline will make your bust more vulnerable to falling out of the bralette.
Bralette cost
You can find bralettes for around $10, but they usually offer minimal coverage and support. If you want a higher level of support and coverage, a bralette may cost $25-$50.
Bralette FAQ
How should a bralette fit?
A. The process of finding a good fit in a bralette isn’t that different from doing the same with a bra. First, make sure it offers the amount of support and coverage you desire. After all, this is the reason for wearing a bralette in the first place. Second, avoid any bralette with straps that press into your shoulders or back. Third, the band beneath your bust, if there is one, should fit snugly enough to keep the bralette in place without constricting your rib cage.
How do you choose the right size bralette online?
A. Being unable to try on a bralette before purchasing it is a tricky proposition, but it is possible to find the right size while shopping online. Take your measurements and refer to the size chart posted by the retailer. Leave the tags on when you receive the bralette and don’t remove them until you’ve tried it on at home. If it doesn’t fit, return the bralette and order a different size or style.
Which bralette should I get?
Best of the best bralette
Calvin Klein Invisibles Wirefree Triangle Bralette: available at Amazon
Our take: You won’t have to worry about bra lines with this bralette, which is invisible under clothing and constructed with seam-free edges.
What we like: The wire-free design makes wearing this bralette comfortable, while the seamless elastic band provides great shape retention. This triangle bralette has a sports bra silhouette that’s suitable for lounging, running errands or low-impact workouts like yoga and pilates.
What we dislike: The most frequent complaint was that this bralette doesn’t offer enough support or coverage for anyone with a medium or large bust.
Best bang for your buck bralette
Jockey Microfiber Bralette: available at Amazon
Our take: The seamless, wire-free construction and soft microfiber fabric of this bralette offer an elevated level of comfort.
What we like: You’ll get firm, light support from the band and wide straps. The cups are removable, allowing you to customize the fit to your personal preferences.
What we dislike: Some buyers reported thin material and a flimsy fit, while others said the bralette rode up under their armpits.
Honorable mention bralette
Bali Comfort Revolution ComfortFlex Bralette: available at Amazon
Our take: ComfortFlex technology creates a fabric with four-way stretch. Knit-in zones provide targeted support.
What we like: Bali’s smart size system helps you find a size that’ll shape to fit your proportions, minimizing the risk of buying a bra that doesn’t fit. You can work up a sweat in this bralette, thanks to moisture-wicking Cool Comfort fabric.
What we dislike: Inconsistent sizing and an uncomfortably tight fit were areas of dissatisfaction voiced by some buyers.
Megan Oster is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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