Lingerie

Over your bra but not ready to go without support? These bra alternatives are pretty life-changing

Sure to keep your girls happy.

22 February 2021

What To Wear Instead Of A Bra Bra Alternatives From Camisoles To Bandeau Tops

For a small piece of clothing, bras – and the wearing of them – can be a contentious issue. Some women can’t stand them, some can’t imagine going a day (or even a night) without wearing one, and men... Well, no-one cares what men think on the subject. But even for the staunchest of underwire, lifting up and holding in bra lovers, one thing is for certain – over the past year (and three lockdowns in), we’ve all started indulging in a few more bra-free days.

Because as functional and necessary as a bra can be, every woman knows how uncomfortable they can be – especially an ill-fitting one (if your bra sizing has changed through lockdown and you haven’t been able to be re-measured, you’ll know the pain). Going braless is of course an option – but if you don’t feel comfortable to fully let the girls out (even if it is under your WFH loungewear), or would still like some support, what options are there?

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Surprisingly quite a few.

If you're looking to forgo a bra for the remainder of lockdown - or for good - there's a host of camisoles, wireless bras, bandeau tops, bodysuits, and crop tops that won't dig in or compress your girls, but still provide a measure of support and cover. Strappy camis and vest tops are by far the most popular bra alternative of those who've made the change - and they come in a huge variety of colours and styles. From lacey, silk styles to super soft stretch jersey options (so comfy you'll forget it's on), transitioning to these strappy undershirts is a great option, especially for smaller busts. Plus some of the cuter, more colourful styles, like this Iets Frans ribbed cami, double as a stylish summer top in their own right.

If you have bigger boobs and would like to wear a cami-like style, let us point you in the direction of fitted bodysuits. Giving your ladies a little more support but still equally as comfortable our top picks are this SKIM's stretch bodysuit (thanks Kimmy K) and this smoothing Figleaves bodysuit, made especially for cup sizes DD and up. Who said big boobs had to be confined to a bra every day?

For less full-body coverage, bandeau tops and bralette crop tops are both great options. Throw on a bandeau top like this Hanky Panky soft lace style when summer arrives and you plan on going strapless. Or for the supportive feeling of wearing a bra, without any underwire or digging in under your chest, a soft yet supportive bralette is a great alternative. We love this Free People style that comes in a myriad of colours or this Lindex ribbed and stretchy bralette - so comfy, it shouldn't even contain the word 'bra.'

And lastly, if you'd like to go completely braless but aren't quite yet ready to #freethenipple in a form-fitting top, adhesive pasties are part of every fashion stylists kit for good reason- they'll allow you to keep your girls completely free without letting the world know.

After more lingerie content? We've found the best sports bras for working out (or just working) from home, the best lingerie brands for updating your underwear drawer and the best sexy lingerie if your confidence needs a boost. We've also curated an edit of colourful lingerie for the ultimate mood boost, and GLAMOUR editors reveal the most comfortable thongs they've ever worn - your granny pants could never compete.