Here’s how to wear a bra as a top:
1. As a Famous Person
If you’re famous, you can wear any bra as a top in literally any circumstance. You could probably get Adult Bat Mitzvahed wearing a bra as a top.
bottom row: @hayleykiyoko // @wond3rwoman1 // @laurenjauregui
2. With high-waisted pants / skirt / shorts.
This is an area in which the impact of this look is totally different on a curvy bod vs. a skinny bod but it flatters both of those body types (and everything in between!) SO MUCH. It should probably be illegal. This look makes me so happy to be a lesbian.
middle row: @iamkittens // @blckmattr // @readytostare
bottom row: @hayleykiyoko photographed by lindsey byrnes // @iamhalsey // @fridacashflow
3. With a mesh or otherwise see-through shirt.
I don’t know how this became cool again, it just did, and people are pulling it off!!
bottom row: @readytostare // @iamkittens // @amberscloset
4. With a button-up shirt, jacket, blazer or vest that is either open or partially buttoned up
This is a classic look for semi-to-legit famous Instagram tomboy femmes like Hayley Kiyoko, Halsey, Ari Fitz and my friend Kayla. But why stop there? This idea is a great one for people of all gender identities, sexual orientations and body types.
row 2: @iamclayofficial // @elierlick // @menswearselfcare
row 3: @hayleykiyoko // @amberscloset // @cc_elise
row 4: @frankiefockerr via @itsarifitz // @kehlani // @gabifresh
You too can wear a bra as a top.
Why? Because it’s so fucking hot out in every damn city in this hemisphere that I’m considering opening a pop-up brunch spot on my block called Street Food where I fry eggs on the actual street. There will be a long wait.
In general, you can’t really wear a bra as a top to work or to hang out with your grandparents. But you can likely pull it off for a variety of other summertime occasions.
Things to look for when trying to help your bra pass as a top:
- Thick, opaque (not see-through) fabrics
- Fabrics that are not nylon (nylon tends to scream “this is a bra!!!”)
- High ornamentation, like to a degree that makes you think “wow there is a lot going on on this bralette, how will I fit this under my shirt? Is it fair to hide all of this beauty from the world???!!”
- If your boobs are small enough to feel supported in them — bralettes or otherwise underwire-free situations
- Longline bras (with a little more coverage below the breasts)
- High-collar bras (with a little more coverage above the breasts)
Sporty Bras
With exceptional levels of coverage and necklines that remind you of tank tops, sports bras have been worn as tops since the invention of sports bras. I remember in 1998 when first started *exercising at the gym like a grown-up* I wore a sports bra as a shirt for the first time and my friend was like “oh, are you one of those people now?” and I was like “I am sorry to report that I am.” This year, queers have been spotted in all manner of Calvin Klein throwback sports bras which I could do an entire post about because I love them so much.
2. Puma Ambition Bra In White – $64
3. Nike Classic Strappy Sports Bra – $40
4. TomboyX Essentials Soft Bra $32
5. CAULIE Sahara Bloom sports bra – $95
6. High Impact – Striped Sports Bra – $14.90
7. South Beach Plus Keyhole Crop In Rainbow Stripe – $27
8. Dickies Girl Women’s Racerback Bralette 2 Pac – $26
9. Puma Exclusive To ASOS Plus Wetlook Zip Detail Bra Top – $56
You can also try sports bra crop tops which are sports bras that pass as crop tops, like the Outdoor Voices Athena Crop ($45).
Cage / Strappy Bras
At some point everybody I know had a meeting and decided to start wearing these under their low-cut tank tops or heartily-unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts. It had at least one girl wondering if she’d be let into a Pride Event without one. The party in this case happens up top, making it a prime candidate for an unbuttoned-at-the-top shirt. The idea here is that you look very dressed in your shirt, and then if you start to feel the heat death of the universe trickling down your cleavage, just take your shirt off! G-d understands.
2. Caged Crop Cami – $5
3. ASKYA Low-Impact Strappy Bralette – $21.75
4. Gabi Fresh On The Rocks Strappy Bra – $45.50
5. Ivy Park Strappy Sports Bra $75
6. JBC Juicy Choker Bralette – $79
Lacy Bralettes
Wearing a longline lacy bralette with high-waisted jean cutoffs is an officially-approved outfit for most casual summertime events.
2. Aerie Crochet Lace Longline Padded Bralette – $29.95
3. ASOS DESIGN Fuller Bust Lace Bardot Bralette – $23
4. Free People Abigail Underwire Bra $49
5. FP One Adella Bralette $39
6. Cosabella Never Say Never Plungie Lace Longline Bralette Plus Size – $79) (Never Say Never Plungie Longline Bralette Straight Size – $69.50)
Bras That Pass As Shirts
Literally just put these on, look in the mirror and say to yourself “this is a shirt!” It’s called positive visualization and it works.
2. ELSE Amalfi Bralette – $85
3. Live The Process Knit Crop Bralette $88
4. Wild Fable Women’s Plus Size Strappy Bralette $20
5. Out From Under Poppy Crochet Bra Top $39
6. Good American Mixed Mesh Crop Top $79
Black Triangle Bras
Basic wardrobe staple.
1. Lou & Grey Richer Poorer Bralette $28
2. Free People Layla Bralette Women’s Bra $27
3. The Ultimate Wildfang Bralette – $34
4. Lively Cross-Back Bralette – $35
5. Calvin Klein Modern Triangle Bralette $36
6. Les Girls, Les Boys Jersey Triangle Bra $45
Wow, Bras are Fun and So Are YOU!!!!!!!
And we’re having fun, we’re all having fun!
2. Champion Triangle Mesh Bra Top – $39
3. Strappy Back Bralette $32.95
4. Xhilaration Women’s Plus Size Printed Bralette Bikini Top $19.99
5. Baja East Velour Sports Bra Top – $118.50
6. Adidas Poisonous Garden Reversible Sports Bra $40
7. The Upside Tulips Zoe Bra – $58
8. Radial Bralette – $70
9. Stance Tropic Storm Twist Bralette – $36
10. Out From Under Lucky Knot Tie-Front Bra Top – $20
11. P.E. Nation Left Hook Cropped Top Sports Bra – $69
12. Charlotte Russe Plus Size Striped Front Knot Bralette – $12.99
Okay it’s time to take the world by storm wearing only your bra as a top!
