Free the Nip! Or at Least Feel Like You Have, With These Comfy Bralettes

Wireless coverage isn’t just for your mobile phone — your boobs can benefit from some unfussy support, too. Unlike your regular padded, underwired bra, bralettes are unlined bras without any clasps, padding, or wires. Because of their breathable, unrestrictive feel, they’re great for warm weather, are a staple in loungewear and athleisure, and for those of us who can’t afford to do so, are the closest thing to going braless we will ever get!

Previously catering to those with a smaller bra size due to their minimal support, today’s bralette styles can now accommodate larger cups due to innovations in fabric, lining, and design meant to mimic regular wired bras. Freeing, and in many cases, also stylish enough to be shown off, they’re a staple in any summer wardrobe.

The Best Bralettes

What to Consider

By definition, a bralette doesn’t have lining, padding, or underwires, but many brands nowadays offer workarounds that include some of these features but still retain that “unwired” feel. Here’s what you should look for:

• Fabric: Cotton is a top-biller in the bralette game because it’s light, breathable, and everything you want next-to-nothing to feel like. Find it in its many versions, from recycled to ribbed, and rest assured you’ll get the comfiest-feeling bralette. Another increasingly common fabric blend is nylon with spandex or elastane, which are found in those with more stretch or offer more support.

• Design: Classic bralettes usually have a longline look, aka the base extends a bit further down your torso. These have the advantage of not rolling up or down and can be worn alone as loungewear or layered under blazers or button-downs for a more street-style approach. More modern bralettes have taken after the triangle bra, which can be more practical and feel more comfortable under normal tops.

• Details: Most classic bralettes have no clasps, padding, or underwire. They often have a scoop or triangle neckline and simple straps — think cropped tank top. Modern bralettes usually have more involved extras, like bra clasps, undercup molding, plunge or deep-V necklines, and crisscross or racerback straps, which are all meant to give more support without compromising that signature comfort.

Whether you’re into the iconic, loungey crop top or want a hybrid type that gives more support but still feels great for the hotter months, a bralette is the move for cute and comfy summer style. We rounded up some picks for best in class — your boobs will thank you!