All hail the bralette: It’s lightweight, undeniably comfy, and still manages to be fashion-forward, too. There are tons of reasons why we love our bralettes, but then again, there are plenty of reasons why we reach for traditional bras, too.

Bralettes are a phenomenal option during the hotter months, post-surgery, during pregnancy, or for certain ensembles (think: tanks with low-cut armholes, racerback dresses, and off-the-shoulder sweaters). Bras, on the other hand, can sometimes lend more structure, lift, and shaping, depending on their features. Which begs the question: Do you wear them both together? Is there any benefit to this strategy? Or is it better to simply choose between one style or the other? Read on for our advice.

Do you wear a bra under a bralette?

The short answer is this: You can certainly layer a bra and bralette if that’s what feels most comfortable to you. Underthings all comes down to a matter of personal preference, after all. However, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to combine the two. The bralette is meant to be an alternative to a traditional bra. If you’re concerned about support, you have two options: Find a bralette with certain features in place to make sure you feel secure, or simply opt for a traditional bra instead.

What if a bralette doesn’t feel supportive enough?

As the majority of bralettes are wire-free, ladies with large busts will want to seek out bralettes with supportive seamed cups and a sturdy, structured band. And there are certainly bralettes with underwire, which make for a great compromise between the two options. It’s also a good idea to look for bralettes that have adjustable shoulder straps as well as hook-and-eye closures in the back so you can ensure they not only fit properly but also offer adequate support.

When should I wear a bra and when should I wear a bralette?

One of the major advantages to bralettes is that you don’t have to worry about them showing — in fact, many of them are meant to be seen! In particular, bralettes in stunning hues, luxe lace straps or other embellishments and details look striking peeking out of a top or dress. Bralettes are also a stellar choice when you’re just lounging around the house,  running casual errands, or even sleeping, because they’re comfortable and lightweight.

If, however, you’re looking for something to wear under a very specific garment with particular needs, you may have an easier time finding a bra that works. That’s because traditional bras tend to come in a wider variety of styles — this includes demi-cup bras, plunge bras, and push-up bras, among others. That doesn’t mean that you can’t find bralettes in different styles, though. For example, bralettes come in longline, racerback, and convertible styles, among others. If lift and shaping are important to you, a traditional bra may be a better bet. For example, molded bras can help to sculpt your breasts into a rounded shape, while most bralettes will give you a more natural look, maintaining their existing shape.

Remember:

The bottom line? While there’s no reason why you can’t wear a bra under a bralette, you likely won’t need to if you find the right bralette for your breasts. And as far as deciding between the two goes, you can’t go wrong with either — each comes with its own unique benefits, so the decision comes down to your personal preferences, comfort level, and the ensemble you’re sporting it under.

Source: ParfaitLingerie.com