By: Daisy Hemmen
Summer’s here, and you’re looking great in your cute jean shorts and jazzy yellow tank top. But you know what’s not looking so great? Those big, ‘ol white bra straps. When you want a seamless look, visible bra straps can be a real distractor.
So how can you wear a bra and a tank top together?
Bra straps versus tank tops is a battle as old as time; or at least as old as bras. But don’t despair—we’re here with solutions. Read on for our five favorite bras to wear when you want your shoulders out but your bra straps in.
#1: Bandeau
Called apodesmos in ancient Greece, this simple undergarment is the earliest known style of bra.1 Encircling the chest with no shoulder straps, this strapless bra style fits snugly over the breasts and mid-back, making it one of the best bras to wear with tank tops.
Some of the other reasons why a bandeau is a cool choice for summer are:
- Its soft and stretchy fabric provides all-day comfort
- There are no adjustable straps, clasps, or wires to poke you
- It slips on easily over your head
- It can be worn instead of a tube top or cami
- It makes for a comfy pj top on a warm night
While this bra is ideal for A and B cup sizes, because it doesn’t have underwire or additional support, this strapless bra style may not be the best choice for bustier or older ladies. However, recently, some manufacturers have begun experimenting with bandeaus containing boning and underwires for those who desire a little extra support while still keeping their shoulders free.
#2: Racerback
A sporty racerback bra is a great match for any tank top that has a narrow shoulder profile or an athletic cut. With a single strap in the back that joins the thin front straps in an X-shape, these versatile bras usually pull over the head or have a front clasp. In fact, you may already own one if you have a convertible bra in your dresser.
Additionally, racerback bras:
- Are supportive
- Come in a wide variety of colors, materials, and embellishments
- Minimize bra strap slippage with their X-shaped back
- Are suitable for any body shape, breast size, and breast type
The 9 Breast Types
Speaking of breast type, do you know yours? Like faces and bodies, breasts can be categorized by shape.2 If you’ve never thought about your breasts beyond their size, this would be a good time to do so. Knowing your breast type and which bras to get for them can help reduce any potential bra fitting problems.
To start, take a look at your chest. What shape (or combination of shapes) do you have under your top?
- Asymmetric – One breast is noticeably larger than the other.
- Athletic – Small, wide, and muscular, these breasts don’t have a lot of fat or tissue.
- Bell – Thinner at the top, fuller at the bottom, these breasts are common among women with larger breast sizes.
- East-West – These breasts are wide-set with nipples that point outward.
- Relaxed – Longer with less of a perky shape, these breasts have downward facing nipples.
- Round – Symmetrical all around, these breasts are circular with nipple placement in the middle.
- Side-set – Wide like East-West breasts, but with nipples that point forward rather than outward.
- Slender – Long, thin, and oval, with nipples pointed somewhat downward.
- Teardrop – At the intersection of Round and Bell, these breasts are full and round but descend from a narrower top.
Regardless of your breast type, a racerback bra can keep your girls supported and your shoulder straps hidden while you rock your summer tank.
#3: Halter Bralette
Does your favorite tank have a halter top? Although the term halter comes from its similarity to the rope used around the neck of livestock, these cute tops are anything but bovine.3 But finding the right bra for a halter top can be tricky. Luckily, halter bralettes provide the perfect option.
The difference between a bralette and a normal bra is actually pretty simple—bralettes are just bras without any structure. This means that bralettes don’t have any:
- Wires
- Cups
- Clasps
Bralettes are simply comfy, unstructured bras—the perfect choice for summer.
#4: Lace Bralette
Sometimes, a little peek of the bra strap can be sexy and intriguing, especially if that strap is embellished with lace. To achieve this look, pair a lace bralette with your tank top, and you won’t have to worry about hiding your adjustable straps.
Not only does this make for a cute outfit, but it also allows you to showcase a garment that might otherwise stay hidden.
#5: No Bra
Okay, we admit this technically isn’t a bra. But sometimes, the best undergarment option for your summer tank top is none at all. While this option isn’t for everyone, there’s no law that says you must wear a bra.
If you like the look of your tank top but haven’t bought a bandeau, racerback, or bralette yet, try wearing your top with nothing underneath. You may be surprised by how comfortable you feel.
Get Your Summer Look Right with Boody Eco Wear
No matter what type of bras you’re looking to add to your underwear drawer, Boody offers a variety of options that are comfortable to wear and gorgeous to look at. With shades like nude, pink, mist, storm, and black, you’re sure to find the perfect bra to match your favorite tank top. How often should you change your bra? Read our guide to find out.
All of our sustainable bras are made from bamboo that’s never artificially irrigated, so you can feel good knowing you’re wearing something that’s both gentle on your body and on the environment.
Explore our collection today to complete your ideal summer look.
About the Author:
Daisy Hemmen is a San Diego State University Fowler College of Business alumni. Based in Encinitas, California, Daisy is a part of the marketing team at Boody North America. She is passionate about learning the ins and outs of living a happy and healthy lifestyle that benefits both people and the planet, and enjoys sharing her bountiful findings with the community.
Sources:
- "A Guide to Bras: 28 Types of Bras." Master Class. Updated 9 February, 2022. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-bras-guide#a-brief-history-of-the-bra
- Kim, Yerin. "The 9 Different Types of Boobs in the World." Seventeen. 10 May, 2021. https://www.seventeen.com/health/sex-health/g23725507/different-boob-types-shapes
- "Halterneck." Educalingo. https://educalingo.com/en/dic-en/halterneck
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The Story of Cotton - Where Cotton Grows. https://www.cotton.org/pubs/cottoncounts/story/where.cfm World Wildlife Federation. Cotton. https://www.worldwildlife.org/industries/cotton Textile Exchange. Quick Guide to Organic Cotton. https://textileexchange.org/quick-guide-to-organic-cotton Soil Association. What is organic cotton? https://www.soilassociation.org/take-action/organic-living/fashion-textiles/organic-cotton/ USDA. Conservation and Biological Diversity in Organic Production. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2016/02/29/conservation-and-biological-diversity-organic-production About the Author: Heather Bien is a copywriter and writer based in Washington, DC. She works with retail, ecommerce, and creative brands on their website copy and digital presence, and her freelance writing has appeared on MyDomaine, Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, and more. 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