The Best Bras to Wear Under Backless, Strapless, and Other Tricky Tops
That halter dress or backless blouse has been hanging in your closet, waiting for its moment in the limelight, for far too long. Hey, we get it: It's hard to figure out what bra you need to wear underneath it. But making sure you're supported in those sometimes-tricky outfits has never been easier: Check out our cheat sheet for picking the right style for every garment in your wardrobe.
1/27The Best Bra for Sheer Tops
Finding a bra to wear underneath a diaphanous, sheer top is no easy feat! Not only does it need to be opaque enough to provide adequate nipple coverage; it needs to be delicate enough to avoid being completely obvious underneath that fine fabric. Find a style that has a smooth, lightly-lined silhouette in a shade close to your skin tone.
Maidenform bra, $15-24, Amazon
4/27The Best Bra for Strapless Dresses
You want to show off your shoulders in a strapless dress, not spend the night yanking up your strapless bra. To avoid the latter, try the Wacoal "Red Carpet" Convertible Strapless Bra, $65, a stylist favorite—or supportive styles from the likes of Lively and Torrid.
Wacoal bra, $65, Wacoal
7/27The Best Bra for Tank Tops
Tank tops are probably the ultimate throw-on-and-go summer layering staple—so why ruin their versatility with a fiddly strapless contraption? Our top tip: Pair it with an underlayer that you don't mind showing off a bit—like a fun bralette.
Wilfred bralette, $40, Aritzia
10/27The Best Bra for Fine-Gauge Sweaters
Fall's fine-gauge sweaters are great transition and layering pieces, and finding the perfect bra that offer support, lift, and a smooth finish is key. Seek out moulded cups to maintain the shape of your bust.
Bravissimo bra, $64, Bravissimo
13/27The Best Bra for Halter Tops
Strapless bras aren't the only solution to halter tops—there are plenty of supportive styles adapted to the silhouette.
Aerie bralette, $15, Aerie
16/27The Best Bra for Backless Tops and Dresses
Backless bodices are basically off-limits for anyone bigger than a C-cup (or who doesn't have a gravity-defying bosom), but that doesn't mean that ladies who opt for this look don't need support. Find an adhesive style if you want to keep your back totally bare, or opt for a bra with convertible straps and extensions.
Nordstrom Lingerie bra, $36, Nordstrom
19/27The Best Bra for Boxy, Loose Tops
While you may be tempted to throw on any old bra underneath that boxy top, you'd be surprised at how much the right undergarment can transform a shapeless silhouette! Seek out a bra with a three-part cup, embellished with subtly sexy details like power mesh or lace.
CH x Fortnight bra, $142, Fortnight
25/27The Best Bra for T-Shirts
The humble T-shirt might be one of the most bra-challenging tops around—despite having an entire category of lingerie dedicated to it. Search for one with minimal lining and seams, so the shape of the bra doesn't poke out from underneath your top.
Spanx bra, $68, Spanx
