Undergarments have been such a societal norm that hardly anyone questions their existence. For us girls, it was when our boobs started to develop our mothers simply took us to the closest departmental store and asked us to try on training bras. Since then began the journey of never-ending bras. And how many of you wish to return to carefree, braless days without getting a snide or rude comment in return? Plus, it’s okay to free the nipple when you’re say, shopping outside, but showing up to work braless may not exactly be a feasible option… yet? 😊
Ladies, may we present to you an alternative to your traditional bra: the bralette. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard of it before, even if you don’t know what exactly it is. If you’ve defied the odds and are only seeing the word “bralette” for the first time here, welcome to the party; it’s never too late! 😁
What Is A Bralette?
You probably have a sports bra, or at least tried one on before. And we’re guessing that you know what sexy lingerie looks like, even if you don’t own any, or tried them on before? Well, in very simple terms, a bralette is a piece of clothing that is best explained as “sports bra x sexy lingerie”. If you’re even more confused now because you just added scraps of lace around the mental image of your favourite sports bra and now it just looks stupid, allow us to elaborate. 🤩
Bralettes are typical known as a younger sister version of a traditional bra – you know, padded, underwired, hook and eye etc. but bralettes are usually unlined, unpadded, unclasped, and unwired. Basically, it is an “unstructured” bra which runs along these mottos: “fashion over function”, and “style over support”. Designed to be comfy and lightweight, it provides little support, but is a pretty bra alternative that’s supposed to be seen anyway. Summary: a bralette is a piece of fabric usually looking like a crop top but with fancier designs and is meant to be seen. 👍
Bralette vs. Traditional Bra
To better understand what exactly is a bralette, we’ve drawn up a helpful little table for you. We’ll be talking about the basic aspects of bras, and compare them to a bralette. This way, you’ll know how a bralette is different from a traditional bra.
💡Note: the table is made based on general and majority of the items, though we know that there are exceptions to the rule. For example, traditional bras are usually underwired, though there are wireless options available as well.
| Bralette | Traditional Bra | |
| Underwire: | No | Yes |
| Padding/Lining: | None to Minimal | Yes |
| Support: | Minimal | Basic to High |
| Coverage: | Minimal | Basic to Full |
| Meant to be seen: | Yes | No |
| Structure: | Flimsy | Sturdy |
| Clasp: | No | Yes |
| Aesthetics: | Variety of styles and designs | Hook and eye closure |
Why Exactly Are Bralettes For?
As mentioned in our title, for fun, fashion and freedom. We’re not sure what the main aspect the creator(s) of the bralette had in mind, but we know for sure it wasn’t to create another “booby trap” – we have enough of those going on. Bralettes come in a variety of styles, colors, and designs, ranging from crop top, racerback, triangle, strapless, high neck, and lace among many others. They double up as an undergarment and also an ornament to your outfit, killing two birds with one stone. Most commonly perhaps, they are seen on every other girl at music festivals – think Coachella! 😁
As bralettes are unwired and unpadded, women opt for them for freedom as well, as they’re not so confining compared to an underwired bra. Bralettes are also more “unstructured”, and some choose them for a more laid-back, natural look. For girls with small to average boobies, they might use the bralette as an everyday alternative undergarment to a traditional bra. 😊
Should I Get A Bralette?
Well, it actually depends on you’re looking for. If you’re big on support (no pun intended) and coverage, perhaps bralettes aren’t the best for you. Not to mention that bralettes are usually catered for small to average breast sizes, ranging from A cup to DD cup. Girls with larger breasts may have difficulty finding a bralette that provides them with the right amount of support and style, though bralette producers are looking at rapidly expanding their size range. For larger breasts, try to get a longer piece with a bit more coverage and a thicker band, and sit the triangle bralette out. 😊
However, if you’re of a small/average size and so ready to ditch the traditional bra in favour for some fun and freedom, knock yourself out with the wide variety of bralettes out there! On the other hand, not everyone is ready for the bralette life, having been accustomed to the bra life a long time ago. An editor of ours speaks out about her personal experience with bralettes here:
I’m typically considered a flat-chested girl (still getting that 32A everywhere I go), and find bras redundant especially at home, but I’m still uncomfortable going out braless because I don’t like my nipples showing through. I considered bralettes for a while, and even tried some of them on at various stores, but they were still too flimsy for me, so I decided not to get them at all.
I’m actually okay with traditional bras, and I just swap over for built-in bras or sports bras whenever I want a little more comfort. I guess I just don’t feel secure enough without a bra on me when I go out.
So there you go! Even small girls may not find that the bralette life is for them, but many of them have embraced the bralette life, so we encourage you to try them on soon! Maybe you’ll fall in love with them, who knows? 😍
Bralette Reviews: What Are The Best Bralettes Out There?
If you’ve read this far, stay with us, because now is where the fun begins! Been wanting a bralette of your own or looking to add more bralettes to your collection? We have 10 of the best bralettes listed down below, complete with reviews, prices, and even a tip or two on how to style them or where to wear them to!
1. Calvin Klein Women’s Modern Cotton Bralette
This is kind of the iconic bralette that everyone knows, thanks to Kylie Jenner. Looking just like a crop top with Calvin Klein’s logo on the band, this is probably the best bralette to wear on its own. Who wouldn’t take a leaf out of Kylie’s book and wear it just like that? Plus, turn around and you’ll see that it is, in fact, a racerback bralette! Bonus!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Calvin Klein leggings for the full Calvin Klein set, and slay at the gym! Or for athleisure purposes. |
| Perfect For: | Athleisure style, working out, or just wearing it as a top! |
💜 Editor’s Note: We love that this Calvin Klein racerback bralette comes in many sizes, but we’re a little overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of colors available. We would just go with the basics though, to be honest!
2. VamJump Women’s Strappy Padded Bralette
Now this is one sexy, stylish bralette! With two separate designs and four different colors, you can mix and match these sexy bralettes to your heart’s content! Never be bored again with a typical bralette that everyone seems to have; all eyes will be on you as soon as you walk into that party! Oh, and did we mention it’s also wireless?
| Editor’s Rating: | 4/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | High-waisted skinny jeans, sky-high heels and a wristlet, low-cut top optional |
| Perfect For: | A night of partying |
💜 Editor’s Note: The sizes and colors aren’t really varied, but we really like the whole cage-style look – it’s so cool and edgy!
3. Mae Women’s High Neck Bralette
This high neck bralette features cutouts in the front, and criss-cross straps at the back, which basically screams “to be seen”. Not only does it look good, but it also offers some light support, which makes it one of the best bralettes for A cup to C cup sizes! The cutouts are also strategically placed right at the top of your chest, so if you’re looking to show some skin, this is it for you!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.5/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Kimono, floppy hat & sunnies |
| Perfect For: | The beach |
💜 Editor’s Note: Okay, so you don’t necessarily have to wear it to the beach and to the beach only, but we insist that you don’t cover this up at all because it’s too pretty to be covered!
4. Jockey Women’s Seamless Bralette
Ah, this is what we would call the ultimate basic, most comfortable bralette. Made of nylon and spandex and having a totally simple design, we’d swap this bralette for a traditional bra any day! We’d wear it doing nothing, running errands, doing some light exercise… You get the idea. Furthermore, it’s also padded, but don’t worry. You can remove them any time for a more natural look!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.7/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | A loose t-shirt, your favourite stay-at-home shorts, an- *starts snoring* |
| Perfect For: | Doing nothing or everything, actually |
💜 Editor’s Note: Sometimes, all you want to do is top knot your hair, and sit down in front of the TV, snacks in hand. This is the perfect thing to wear and get you through the day!
5. YIANNA Women’s Racerback Lace Bralette
The #1 Best Seller in Women’s Exotic Bras category on Amazon, this racerback lace bralette is padded, giving you a fuller figure. As with all the other bralettes, you can either layer it up, or wear it on its own. The floral lace design coupled with its racerback is definitely interesting, and grab attention wherever you go!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Shorts, a fringe bag, bejewelled slippers |
| Perfect For: | Music festivals |
💜 Editor’s Note: It may not look like much, but since it’s padded, it’ll give you some extra support when you’re out and about!
6. Youmita Floral Lace Halter Bralette
This is another lace bralette, but instead of being a racerback, this is a halter neck instead! We personally favour halter necks as they create longer lines in front especially when coupled with a v-neck. This bralette is also unpadded, so you can go for that natural look all you want! Cute and cheap, check out this bralette’s price range just below!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.3/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Cropped wide-legged pants |
| Perfect For: | A casual day out with your girls |
💜 Editor’s Note: Like we said, we’re impartial to halter necks, so we really love this design!
7. Mae Women’s High Neck Lace Bralette
Another high neck bralette, this extremely cute piece of clothing is fit to be worn out and to be seen, no excuses! Also, its T-back also features a cutout right in the middle, so your sexy back will be on display! Lace, cutouts, and a high neck to provide some contrast, we can confidently say this this is everything we ever wanted in a bralette!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.5/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Jeans & boots |
| Perfect For: | Depending on weather, where you can not catch your death wearing the bralette, yet not swim in your jeans due to heat |
💜 Editor’s Note: We’d rock this look multiple times! #sorrynotsorry #noragrets
8. SweatyRocks Women’s Strappy Bralette
The site says “great as sleep wear”, but nobody in their right mind will buy this just to wear to sleep! I mean, you could, if you really run out of PJs, but we’d rather wear this out. Padded and criss-crossed in front, this bralette is a mixture of sexy and basic. Its back looks like a regular bralette, but the criss-crossed front shows off a hint of your cleavage!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Denim skirt & your favourite sneakers |
| Perfect For: | Fun in the sun, music festivals, a picnic; basically outdoor activities |
💜 Editor’s Note: We love that it’s cheap, but the variety of colors aren’t that great. Nevertheless, it’s great as a basic, so you could still super cute in it!
9. Blue 55 Women’s Sexy Padded Bralette
We’d wear this as a bra every single day! Not only is it comfy, but it’s also padded, so it provides just enough support if we aren’t engaging in strenuous activities! Best of all, it even comes in packs or 2, 3, 4 or 6, so you can buy the packs consisting of different colors, and wear them every single day. If you’re only doing a bit of light yoga, it can double up as your sports bra too!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.5/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Throw on a shirt, or pair with sports pants |
| Perfect For: | Replacing your bra, or doing light exercise |
💜 Editor’s Note: It’s a little plain in our opinion, but we’re sure it’ll be a comfy replacement for a traditional bra!
10. Mae Women’s Scoopneck Lace Bralette
Ooh, we haven’t seen a scoop neck bralette yet, and we’re so excited we found this one! Not only that, but it has a little lace detail right at the hem too, making it the best bralette to showcase your cute side! Furthermore, even though it is wireless, but it provides some light support for A to C cup sizes. To quote Mae, “these all-day, everyday favorites are simply too pretty to keep under wraps”!
| Editor’s Rating: | 4.6/5 |
| Price: | 🌞 Check Here |
| Color Options: | Available in other colors |
| Pair With: | Casual shorts, casual slippers |
| Perfect For: | Actually, the beach – as swimwear! |
💜 Editor’s Note: We really love the scoopneck and minimal lace combo!
😁😉 With these 10 best bralettes for fashion, fun and freedom, we know that you’ll have a whale of time releasing your boobies out of their cage, and mixing and matching it up! What’s your favourite type of bralette on this list? Share your opinions with us in the comments below!
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