I am currently the owner of one ragged, consistently reused bra. Here is an accurate representation of what my other three bras look like:
“Why do you only own one bra?”
Hm, let me think. Bras are…expensive. I am a college student on a budget.
But also, I HATE bras. I wish I could burn them all in one big bonfire. They hurt my back, my sides and the underwire seems almost giddy as it pokes me throughout the day. Overall, bras just make me… sad.
It’s a common struggle: How will I support my boobs without an extraordinary amount of pain? Without breaking my bank? Without sobbing tears of relief when I remove a contraption like a bra from my body?
In most aspects, I can safely say: BRALETTES TO THE RESCUE.
I have pretty big boobs. Girls like me, well, sometimes we assume bralettes are out of the picture. However, it ultimately comes down to the type of bralette you purchase. For me, I’m only truly comfortable in a racer back bralette because of its support across my back.
Here is an example of how a “racer back bralette” rests on both your shoulders:
I’ve tried halter bralettes but they rely on neck strength to hold up your breasts and personally, they do sort of hurt.
This is what “halter bralettes” tend to look like from the back.
Some of my friends with smaller boobs love the halter style bralettes, but some of my bustier friends do too! “For both comfort and style reasons, my favorite bralette is probably the halter bralette from Urban Outfitters!” -Madi (Age 20). Everything is all about preference, I would just take into consideration the amount of luggage you’re trying to support because a strained neck can really hurt.
I’ve heard those with busty chests say again and again that they “can’t wear” bralettes because of having big boobs, but if you haven’t tried a bralette, you’ll never know! My cousin, when asked, told me: “I love the lace bralettes from American Eagle! They fit big boobed ladies really well!” -Madelyne (Age, 20).
When shopping for a bralette, I think choosing a style should also be dependent on the shirts that you intend on pairing the bralette with. “I love my Free People bralette because I feel like it adds a ton of style to any outfit!” -Natalie (Age, 19). Bralettes are winners when it comes to support and style, working super well as a fashion statement! Example: if you find yourself wearing many sheer high-neck shirts, consider investing in a high-neck bralette.
If you go to Chapman and don’t know where to look?
“Most people wouldn’t think to go to downtown Orange for a bralette, but there are some very cute bralettes at a small shop named Nectar! That’s where I found my favorite one!” -Lauren (Age, 18).
Some stores that sell bralettes, for reference!:
- Free People
- Urban Outfitters
- American Eagle
- Nectar
- Francesca’s
- Target
- Victoria’s Secret
- Sears
- Gap
Bralettes come in so many different shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. I would highly recommend giving your back and sides a break from underwire and investing in a cute bralette or two!