The body positivity movement has brought a lot of favorable change for all women. For one, it has impacted the fashion industry, prompting us to rethink the role of intimate apparel, including bras.
Bralettes, lightweight bras designed for comfort, are a primary example of this. Popularity for them has grown exponentially over the last few decades due in part to the comfortable, natural fit and feel they bring.
Within the bralette category though, there are still a large number of options to choose from. It can be difficult to know where to start.
A seamless bralette is great for almost any occasion, from sports and leisure to a traditional bra replacement. This article covers the uses and types available. It will help you determine the best option for your lifestyle and fashion needs.
What Is a Bralette?
A bralette is a subtype of bra that is specifically designed to be more comfortable than traditional underwear. Bralettes are usually made from stretchable, breathable materials. They often have thin straps and a band that fits securely around the ribcage.
Bralettes usually have less structure than normal bras and often have soft cups that lack an underwire. They provide less shaping than traditional bras but can still provide adequate support. On the flip side, bralettes can offer a more natural look and be much more comfortable than regular bras.
One reason for this is that the band of the bralette does not poke your skin, although some bralettes have wings. Bands often come in different widths, covering varying areas of your midsection.
Bralette straps are less for supporting your breasts as they are for keeping the undergarment in place. They also come in different widths. Some bralettes have adjustable straps, while others do not.
The whole point of a bralette is to be sleek and minimalist. However, some bralettes have more padding than others. You can even find some with removable padding.
People wear bralettes in place of traditional bras––for work or everyday living. They are also ideal for loungewear or pajamas and a great option for working out at the gym, sports, or any activity that might otherwise warrant a sports bra. Bralettes also have become a prominent fashion statement.
How to Choose a Bralette?
As with traditional bras, there are many different types of bralettes. Here are the main features to consider when choosing one.
Design
You will find as many distinct styles of bralettes as you do with bras. They of course, come in myriad colors and patterns.
In terms of basic design, the options are almost endless. You can choose between a tank, plunge-neck, and even high-neck (which are less common since they are difficult to conceal under your shirt).
Plunge bralettes have adjustable straps that you can cross. They offer a more classic look, closer to a traditional bra. Adjustable straps can be useful for altering the snugness of the bralette for sports or leisure.
A tank design is a completely seamless bralette with a scoop or v-neck. It is a good combination of sporty and sexy and looks good by itself in addition to being worn underneath a shirt.
For a more seductive look, you can also get bralettes with lace. To keep from sacrificing comfort, you will find many are simply trimmed in lace. Although, there are designs that are completely lace.
Need more versatility? Seamless bralettes can be a comfortable and practical choice for everyday wear. They offer a sleek look under your clothes while providing the support and comfort you need throughout the day. Typically made from a stretchy, breathable material such as nylon or spandex. They come in a variety of styles, including bralettes, sports bras, and t-shirt bras. Some seamless bras also come with removable pads for added comfort and shaping.
Function
Like almost all kinds of clothing, the most common type of bralette is cotton. These can provide comfort and support but tend to be less breathable and are not moisture-wicking.
Materials like nylon and spandex can enhance elasticity and are much more breathable than cotton bralettes. If you plan to wear your bralette for working out, sports, recreation, or even to work or meet friends during warmer weather, consider this option. These fabrics can go a long way to keeping you cool and dry.
Size
Bralettes often differ from standard bra sizing since they offer a different cut and fit. If you run between sizes, we recommend going with a size up for a more comfortable fit.
Most quality designers and retailers will put sizing information on their websites. The two most important measurements you need are the circumferences of the fullest part of your bust and around your ribcage. This should help you determine the best fit for almost any bralette.
Also, go with companies that put a lot of effort into fit. If you wear plus sizes, look for those that specifically design their products for your body type, as opposed to scaling up their smaller sizes with no regard to fit.
Miscellaneous Features
One feature to look for, no matter what type of bralette you choose, is no-slip bands. This will keep your bralette from riding or bunching up. This feature can go a long way to improving comfort, whether you are working, exercising, lounging, or running errands.
Also, look for a seamless bralette. This produces a sleek aesthetic on the garment and reduces the chances of discomfort, which can be a huge benefit for people with sensitive skin prone to irritation. Also, a seamless bralette is designed to offer a smooth, streamlined look under your clothes. They are typically made without any seams, which means there are no visible lines or bumps under your clothes. This makes them an ideal choice for wearing under tight-fitting tops or dresses.
Find the Right Seamless Bralette for You
Now that you understand the benefits of bralettes, you can decide which style and type is right for you. With many options to choose from, you can be sure to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle preferences.
EBY was founded to provide comfortable, quality bras and panties while working to propel women out of poverty in various parts of the world. We devote 10 percent of every purchase to fund micro-loans for women who want to start businesses in Columbia, Nicaragua, Haiti, and India. Take a look at our extensive online collection, or reach out to us today to learn more.
