Wardrobe Wednesday | Best Bras for Spring/Summer

Isn’t it true that a good bra (or lack thereof) can really make or break an outfit?!  Gone are the days when an outfit is off limits or can’t be worn because the girls don’t look good in it.  There are so many different types of bra options out there now and I thought it was the perfect time to do a ‘lingerie’ post since a few readers asked about what bra to wear with this type of dress.  Since the dress has a gorgeous crocheted back, you wouldn’t want to have a bra showing through, but now there are not only strapless, but backless bras as well!  Where have I been?!?! I searched through all the strapless/backless bras online at Nordstrom to bring you the best rated ones that might be useful to you for your Spring/Summer dresses and outfits.   




1 |  Nordstrom Intimates Backless Strapless Bra – (51 reviews, 4 stars) In sizes A-DDD and black and nude.  This bra has fabric covering the molded underwire foam cups that adheres directly to your skin so you can wear those backless dresses without any bra showing.  But, it’s only meant to be worn up to 25 times.  That might be enough, depending on how often you wear backless outfits.



2 |  Nordstrom Intimates ‘Uplunge’ Backless Strapless Underwire Bra – (29 reviews, 3 stars).  This bra didn’t get as high a rating as some of the others, but it was the only one with such a deep plunge if you need that style.

The complaints were that it wasn’t supportive enough even though the side panels stick well.

But other women really liked it.

3 |  Fantasie ‘4530’ Strapless Bra – (63 reviews, 4 stars) Comes in 30DD – 40E in black and nude.  If you are big chested, it’s highly recommended.

4 | Simone Perele ‘Celest’ Convertible Strapless Underwire – (30 reviews, 4 1/2 stars) This pretty bra also comes in ivory and “peau rose” (looks like beige to me).  Most of the reviewers raved that it was comfortable and stayed in place.  I read one review that said they like everything about it, but the price ($89), while another one said it’s expensive, but worth every penny.

5 |  Nordstrom Intimates Seamless Nu Bra – (36 reviews, 4 stars) Another bra that is meant for revealing strapless or backless outfits.  It’s a silicone bra that adheres directly to your skin.  The cups are soft and smooth, and can be positioned for more or less cleavage.

6 |  Natori ‘Calais’ Strapless Bra – (36 reviews, 4 stars) I love a pretty bra and this one is no exception with the floral lace overlay.  The cups have removable memory-foam (I thought that was just for mattresses!) push-up padding that molds to your shape for an exceptional fit.  It’s also convertible.  It was helpful that one reviewer said the lace cups are smooth so they don’t create bumps under knits (I hate when a bra isn’t smooth).  They also recommended ordering one size up. 
7 |  Wacoal ‘Red Carpet’ Convertible Strapless Bra –  (114 reviews, 4 1/2 stars) and also in ‘natural nude’.  I think this is the same one as #9, but available in smaller sizes than link #9 – starting in 30DD. 

8 |  Ultra Light NuBra – (27 reviews, 4 stars) This is one of those bras with just the cups.  They have a lightweight adhesive that secures directly to your skin and is designed to be worn up to 50 times.  The reviewers said it doesn’t offer the most support (not surprising with this type of bra), but provides good, smooth  coverage.  Most reviewers also advised to order one size up- it comes in A-D. 
9 | Wacoal ‘Red Carpet’ Convertible Strapless Bra – (114 reviews, 4 1/2 stars) – Women (including me!) are digging this convertible bra with detachable straps that comes in size 38D – 42DDD.  It’s underwire with very light foam padding and the straps can be worn conventionally, halter style or crossed in back.  I love the blunt honesty of the first reviewer,  

We shouldn’t have to forgo fashion due to our breasts!  So happy she found a bra that let her rock a strapless dress to a wedding! 

I have this Wacoal ‘Red Carpet’ Convertible Strapless Bra too and it fits me well.  Keeps the girls in place without feeling like you have to pull the bra up.  I’m wearing it in both pics below.

       red camisole (also in pink and grey) -XS pictured | earrings (similar) | watch 
grey ‘cloudy’ dress (also in other colors & long sleeve) – XS pictured | necklace | wedges (similar here & here)
Have y’all tried the silicone gel breast petals? The reviews say that they are a perfect solution for many tops/dresses, can be worn alone or tucked inside thin bras, and that they remain adhesive even after a year. You hand wash them and lay flat to dry.  I’m definitely ordering these and will let you know what I think. 
Nordstrom Intimates silicone gel breast petals
RACERBACK

Most of the time, especially in the summer, you’ll find me wearing a tank top, and since I’m not a fan of the “show your bra straps look”, I’ll wear a racerback bra.  Couldn’t live without them!

1 |  Free People Racerback Galloon Lace Bralette (57 reviews, 4 stars) I’m a sucker for a pretty, lacey bra and this one comes in a rainbow of colors.  It’s sized from XS – Large.  These straps would be cute if seen a little.

2 |  Calvin Klein ‘Perfectly Fit’ Racerback Underwire Bra – It’s only been reviewed once, but got 5 stars.  Sometimes a smooth, simply cut bra like this is perfect under cotton tanks and tees.  It also comes in black and ‘bare’.  
3 |  SPANX ‘Bra-llelujah’ Racerback Underwire Bra (221 reviews, 4 stars)  I’m excited about this bra by Spanx because it really seems like it would give great coverage, and disappear under clothes.  Sizes are limited right now, so you might have to check back on this one.
4 |  DKNY ‘Signature Lace’ T-Back Bralette – Just so pretty and only $28! 
5 |  Free People Flocked Galloon Lace Racerback Bralette (1 reviewer gave it 5 stars).  It similar to #1, and also comes in red and white. 
6 |  DKNY ‘Signature Lace’ T-Back Underwire Bra – similar to #4, but comes in white and ‘lemon toni’
7 |  Wacoal ‘65124’ T-Back Seamless Underwire Bra (160 reviews, 4 stars).  This one seems great for warmer summer months or if you tend to get hot because it’s made with Supplex nylon that wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry.  
8 |  Elomi ‘Etta’ Underwire Bra (F cup and up) – This bra is designed to fit fuller figures on smaller frames with straps set to complement narrower shoulders.  The J-hook on the back converts the straps to racerback so you can wear it two ways.
BEST ALL AROUND 

Chantelle Intimates ‘Rive Gauche’ Underwire Bra (486 reviews, 4 1/2 stars) 32C-44H
Natori ‘Hidden Glamour’ Contour Underwire Bra (288 reviews, 5 stars)  32B-38DD
Wacoal ‘Awareness 85567’ Underwire Bra (685 reviews, 4.5 stars) 32D-33H
Freya ‘Deco AA4234’ Underwire Plunge Bra (137 reviews, 4 1/2 stars) available in 28D – 38G
The women love the support, cleavage, shape and comfort of this bra and mentioned natural lift and great fit. 

I hadn’t heard of the Freya brand before, and you can see more of their intimate apparel here.  If leopard or yellow isn’t your color, it also comes in black, blush and papaya.  Their nursing bra looks awesome too.  All nursing women know the importance of a good nursing bra!

HOW TO FIND OUT YOUR BRA SIZE
Nordstrom has a good graphic to help you measure and find your perfect bra size.  But, if you still find yourself unsure about how a particular bra fits, read the reviews – they can offer helpful advice about if it runs small or big.   And if you’re ordering online, just buy both sizes you’re considering and return the one that doesn’t fit since they offer free returns.  Makes it so much easier than ordering one bra and then realizing it doesn’t fit. 
UNDIES
Hanky Panky Regular Rise Thong (75 reviews, 5 stars) in all these colors too

Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong (5 pack or individual) and these colors
Natori Bliss Lace Briefs ($18 or 3 for $45) (other colors) 56 reviews, 4 1/2 stars 
DKNY ‘Fusion’ Briefs $12 or 3 for $20 (45 reviews, 5 stars) other colors 
Commando Microfiber Thong (21 reviews, 4 stars) these are definitely ‘barely there’ and good if you want invisible panty lines.  No wonder they’re called ‘commando’! Most reviewers said order up a size for the best fit.  
Anyone out there getting married in the near future?  How cute are these “I do” thongs?  The “I do” part is written in Swarovski Crystals.  My head is spinning with inappropriate jokes, but I’ll spare you. 😉

SHAPEWEAR
And let’s not forget the power of shapewear.  I searched all of the best ones on Nordstrom and the item that had the most reviews and highest ratings by far (409 reviews, 4 stars, was the SPANX ‘In Power Line’ Higher Power Tummy Control Shaper.  It comes in regular and plus, nude and black, and is only $38.  Have you tried it?  I’d love to hear your opinion!  
I was shopping for a dress for our upcoming school fundraising Gala and I swear, even though I’m petite and in relatively good shape, I felt like I could use this in some of the dresses I tried on.  It’s hard to be immune from tummy pooch!  But, I ended up choosing a dress with draping in the front, so it’s very forgiving in that area.  Having said that, I’d like to have something like this on hand for the future so I’m not scrambling last minute.  Which shapewear do you recommend?

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And speaking of lingerie;) I’ll see you back here on Monday with our master bedroom refresh!  I last left you with these 24 grey rug options and this neutral bedroom design plan and now I’ve implemented it all into a sweet soothing sleeping place!  Can’t wait to share it with you! 

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keep in touch! 

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Proud to partner with Nordstrom on this post. 


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Meet Megan

Hi! I’m Megan, mom to a thoughtful teenager and spunky young girl. We call Houston home and recently moved into our dream home. I traded my lawyer hat to become a full-time blogger in 2010. I love sharing my passion for affordable fashion, home decor, organization, & fitness to help inspire you to take care of you!

24 Comments

  1. Thanks for this post! It's like you read my mind because I just bought a maxi dres with a criss-cross back that I no idea what bra I would be able to wear with it. I'm going to try #1, hopefully it'll work and I can buy more dresses with fun/open backs. Thanks again! Love your blog btw. Just found it a few days ago. =)

  2. This is so helpful Megan! Thank you for all of this info. I have a couple dresses I haven't worn yet because I just haven't figured out what to wear bra wise. I love the Hanky Panky thongs!

  3. This is maybe one of of the most helpful blog posts I've ever seen! Thank you so much for this. I've been in need of something like the "unplunge" and had no idea where to begin looking for it.

    1. Thank you Brittany! I saw that bra in person the other day and it looked good, but I didn't try it on. Let me know how it works out for you if you try it!

  4. I am also small like you and have found that the high waisted shapewear does not work well at all, as it goes way over breasts when you are petitie. Go for some tummy control and a boyleg lenght that will tuck in the thighs if needed

  5. Thanks for all of the great recommendations!! I have been wanting to try the "Hanky Panky" brand thongs for a while now. I am really not a thong person at all – I've tried so many and I am always so uncomfortable in them. My friends always say that I'll "get used to them," but I've tried so hard and I just can't. I've heard the "Hanky Panky" brand ones are the best, and I do need some thongs just to wear with my workout pants. At this point, I'm willing to try anything that may be slightly more comfortable with them because I hate visible panty lines. Thanks again and hope you have a great weekend!

    "The Busy Brunette"
    http://thebusybrunette.blogspot.com/

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