I know basics may not be as fun to buy as the colorful trendy styles, but they really are wardrobe staples. For clothes, you can skip some so-called essentials, that don’t apply to you (who really needs a white blouse?) but you should never skip lingerie staples. Not only is a good-fitting bra important, but so is having the right kinds of bras that work under your clothes. If you’ve ever not been able to wear a new shirt because you don’t have the right bra, you know what I’m talking about. Before you invest in 20 different pretty pink lace bras, make sure you have these five bras in your wardrobe:
1. Nude Bra
Forget about white bras altogether. If you are wearing a white shirt, you can usually see a white bra under it. Stick with a nude bra that matches your skin tone. It can be worn under practically any color, including black, so it’s worth taking the time to find the perfect one. MySkins‘ lingerie comes in 20 different shades, so they’ll probably have a close match.
Try: T-Shirt Bra, $63, Calvin Klein
2. Convertible Bra
If you have a complicated top, get a convertible bra. Look for one that allows you to move the straps as many different ways as you can think of. If you have a tendency to wear a lot of tops with low backs, look for a style that can be adjusted to go lower. If you can find a convertible bra that is also strapless, that’s great, if not…
Try: Favorite Strapless Bra, $28, Gap
3. Strapless Bra
If you loathe clear but still very visible straps, or showing your actual bra straps, invest in a strapless bra. It is necessary for strapless tops, but it will also work with tops that are too intricate for your convertible bra. Make sure you get a wear-with-everything neutral color, to get the most use from it.
Try: Body By Victoria Multi-Way Bra, $49.50, Victoria’s Secret
4. Sports Bra
Don’t wear your good bras to work out. They won’t offer enough support, and you will probably wreck them. You may even pop a wire out, which can do some serious damage to you and your bra. Select a supportive bra that is designed for your activity, whether you’re a dedicated yogi or a marathon runner.
Try: All Sport Bra, $25, Champion
5. Seamless T-Shirt Bra
Nothing ruins a simple look like a weird lumpy and bumpy bra sticking out from under your t-shirt. Look for a smooth, seam-free style that practically disappears under clothes. Purchase a nude bra, and it’ll work under the majority of dresses and tops in your closet.
Try: Magic Wire T-Shirt Bra, $28, Triumph
Unbelievably Sexy Bras For Bigger Busts
Can we all agree that bra shopping is the absolute worst? Sizing is rarely consistent, and most bras are expensive and don’t even do the job. Seriously, I’ve owned bras ranging from 34DD in one brand to 38G in another—even getting some women to measure my boobs and tell me my size seems futile.
It’s doubly hard when you have larger breasts, because you’re left to try and squeeze yourself into sexy, well-made bras that are way too small, or just give up and find a bra in your size that makes sacks of flour look fancy and feminine. Most mainstream American bra manufacturers (looking at you, Victoria’s Secret) are geared towards the 34C set, and when they do size up, the bras aren’t actually designed with larger busts in mind. I typically end up buying British bras, because apparently, the UK is content to make larger bra sizes while we sit here twiddling our thumbs and making people inadequate.
I consulted with some of my bigger-breasted colleagues and rounded up our favorite lingerie brands that cater to our sizes. Looking at all of these options makes me think I need to expand a bit since I tend towards black and boring. But look at all these cute colors, different styles, and retro throwbacks! I want them all.
Where do you buy bras for your big rack? What about the other end of the spectrum—is it as hard to find bras for extra small breasts?
(Photo: ConstantinosZ/Shutterstock)