Right in line with today’s fashion emphasis on comfort and loungewear, the bra category’s answer to joggers is an equally relaxed, but perhaps more versatile offering in the bralette. While its design harkens back to the earliest bra, and the most basic versions may recall training bras for some, the recent popularity surge of the bralette has led it to become a ubiquitous fashion item, available in a wide variety of designs across retailers (many of which aren’t traditionally bra makers).
So what exactly is a bralette and how does it differ from a bra? Let’s look at the key elements, as well as break down a few types to try.
What are bralettes?
A bralette is the “un” to your typical bra. Unstructured, unlined and unpadded, this counterpoint to what some see as restrictive qualities of traditional bra design focuses on form over function. Most women choose a bralette either for its style, comfort, or both, seeking a wirefree option like True&Co’s bralette offering to achieve a more natural shape and feel.
Bralettes vs. Bras?
While it’s traditionally been assumed that a bralette lacks the support of a bra, especially for those with larger chests, evolution in the category has led to options for plus size and full cup women. True&Co uses True Body fabric in a heavier weight to increase support, and key design features such as mesh panels extend the comfort factor even further. So bra or bralette? It’s truly up to you.
Types of Bralettes
Just as you choose a different bra based on what you’re looking for it to do (push-up, plunge, strapless), you have options when it comes to bralettes too. Whether you’re an A cup looking for flirty lace to show off or a DD+ in need of supportive lift, the right bralette can help you achieve the full benefits of this style.
Lace Bralettes
Let’s start with lace. It’s the bralette’s signature form, allowing the wearer to appear intentional about letting a little (or a lot) of the style peek through a sheer shirt or the side/back of a cutout dress. Our Soft Lace Wireless Bralette is simply a stunner with detailed cups that contour your natural shape. True Body microfiber, our softest material, and adjustable stretch straps ensure comfort while a hook and eye closure and encased elastic at the bottom band deliver support through a proper fit.
Padded Bralettes
Looking for a little extra reinforcement? Meet our True Body Lift Lace Triangle Bra with removable pads. Smoothing fabric lays flat and stays in place, while stretch lace moves with you.
Supportive Bralettes
Need more support? How about up to 1 inch of lift? Yep, from a bralette. The True Body Lift Scoop Neck Bra delivers wirefree comfort in an easy, pull over style that retains its shape and stretch even after daily wear. To ensure your most comfortable fit, we take a two pronged approach to sizing, first select XS-2X and then cup range A-D or DD+. This one might just become your go-to, but since it’s available in over 10 colors and patterns, we’ve made it easy to mix a few into your rotation.
Mesh Bralettes
Does an unstructured style have you worried about boob sweat? We’ve got you covered here too, with the True Body Lift Mesh Scoop Neck Bra. Delivering the same wirefree, pull over ease with mesh panels design for breathable support, this scoop neck style is available in standard and full cup. Unsure which is right for you to maximize comfort? Check out our breakdown of standard vs full cup.
Triangle Bralettes
Straps sneaking out of your spaghetti strap tops and dresses? Try the True Body Triangle Convertible Strap Bra. Slim straps (worn regular or racerback) and a plunging neckline meet our softest True Body microfiber fabric to make this wirefree style equally as comfortable as it is versatile. No elastic or bulky seams make it so smooth it disappears under clothing and feels barely there against your body.
Shop these and other True&Co bralette styles to find your best fit and then check out our Bralette Outfits for inspiration on how to style the most comfortable bra in your closet.