There is no denying the fact that bralettes are the next big thing in the world of fashion. They are a blessing to many without a donut. These trendy pieces are incredibly versatile. But how to wear a bralette is often a major concern because these pieces of clothing are neither a bra nor a top, it just falls in the junction of the both. As a matter of consequence, people get confused about how to style them the right way. But once you ace it, you will be able to steal the show wherever you go. So don’t worry because we are going to address this concern in this article. Below we have provided you with some amazing ideas to style your bralette. So go and be a showstopper now!
- Types: Bralettes are available in many types like triangle, crochet, lace, halter-neck, and strapless types. You can pick one according to the weather in your area and the look you are going for.
- Accessories: Keep your accessories minimal or ditch them all together to keep your bralette the focal point of your outfit.
- Occasion: Ideally, bralette tops are suitable for casual and party wear. Avoid them for semi-formal and formal occasions.
- Upkeep: Hand-wash is ideal. You may also place your bralettes in a mesh bag for delicates or machine-wash in cold water on a gentle setting. Wash removable pads separately.
In This Article
What Is A Bralette?
It is a crop-top-like-looking bra, which is a hybrid between a sports and lace bra, without the hook and eye closure. It is basically a pull-on, more often than not without an underwire! Bralettes are less supportive than the bustier and come in different materials like cotton or lace. This lingerie boosts your confidence without hindering your comfort. You could say that a bralette is a mix between a bandeau and camisole. It’s a fancy variant of bras that doubles up as a top too. Talk about value for money.
This bra top isn’t just a high-fashion, micro trend. Many global brands like Dolce&Gabbana, Fendi, Missoni, Etro, Jonathan Simkhai have embraced the trend. Whether styled with outfits with cutouts at the hips, corseted blazers, oversized clothes, or knitwear, bralette has emerged as the hottest fashion trend that celebrities are already flaunting. For The Daily Front Row’s Annual Fashion Awards in LA in 2025, Kim Kardashian and Kat Graham were seen wearing it with fitted skirts. While Logan Browning wore it beneath an embellished black pantsuit, Meghann Fahy styled her black bralette with matching wide-legged trousers. Zendaya, who is frequently snapped in this look, wore a Prada bralette and skirt for the NAACP Image Awards in the same year.
Key Takeaways
- Bralettes are a type of clothing that combines the features of both bras and tops, in most cases made without an underwire or hook and eye closure.
- They can be worn under a variety of outfits such as sheer tops, backless dresses, or regular outfits.
- Bralettes can be styled in a plethora of ways such as under a cashmere sweater, with high-waisted jeans, or with shorts.
- Layering bralettes with different clothing items, such as plaid shirts, fur, or leather jackets, can amp up the overall look.
How To Wear A Bralette
Wearing a bralette is no different than wearing your bra, but the opposite is not true.
And, there’s more than one correct way of wearing a bralette. You can wear them under your sheer, fancy, or see-through tops, under backless tops or dresses, halter tops, broad front or back neck outfits or simply under your regular outfits the day you want to feel good. The fit is generally adjustable and with proper wash and care you can prolong the shelf life of your bralette.
Nicola Crook, a YouTuber, shared a simple way of wearing a bralette with a white shirt in her video. She said, “I put a little white shirt on and I’ve got the bralette peeping through. I think this looks really nice and it looks really classy ( i ).” She further adds how one can button up the shirt further for a more classy look. She added, “I think it looks really quite nice and quite stylish. I’d probably finish it off with a signature piece of jewelry.”
26 Ways To Style Your Bralette
1. Under A Cashmere Sweater
Image: Instagram @pinterestingplans
Make your winter evenings a little more fun by wearing a bralette under your cashmere sweater. Skip the scarf and let the lace outline the deep neck of yours. Peek-a-boo, I see you!
2. With High Waisted Jeans
Image: Instagram @lizethtorresac
Pair your high-waisted jeans with a bralette. Also, the advantage of high-waisted jeans is that it suits all body types. If you are still not comfortable, throw on a shrug, cape, or jacket to complete the outfit. You can also style this look with a fringe bag and ankle-length boots to add a bohemian flair to your look.
3. With Shorts
Image: Instagram @shopari.id
Pair your denim shorts with a neon-colored bralette to spruce up your casual summer weekend brunches. This is a perfect alternative to flowy maxi dresses for beachwear. You can also up the heat by styling your bralette with a flowy, beach cover-up for a sultry, summer look or a chic resort wear look.
4. Under A Sheer White Shirt
Image: Instagram @wonderwear_idjkt
Wondering how to style a sheer white silk shirt that was more of an impulsive purchase? Most of us are not comfortable with the idea of wearing see-through tops, yet end up buying them. That’s when the bralette becomes your savior. You can experiment with either plain or neon colors inside. Throw on a matching statement piece and shoes for a funky look.
5. Under A Knitted Top
Image: Instagram @shopari.id
I shy away from wearing knitted tops; actually, I used to, before I discovered the bralette. It is just what I needed. If this is you, wear a long-line bralette and thank me later.
6. With A High Waisted Skirt
Image: Instagram
High-waisted skirts can be tricky because long tops can look funny if not worn well. So, if you are bored with those crop tops and tanks, you need to upgrade to a bralette. For a date-night look, you can opt for a satin or a sequin bralette to strike that laid-back, sexy look.
7. Layer It Up
Image: Instagram @atrapalamoda57
If you’re trying to convince me that bralettes are not your thing and it’s too out there for your taste, I would say, add layers, and we’ll resume this discussion. It could be a plaid, chambray, or checkered shirt; it could be a denim jacket or fur – keep it funky, and there’s nothing like it.
8. Under Your Fancy Shirt
Image: Instagram
Wearing camis under your fancy shirts is old school; a bralette will set you free! With the right accessorization and makeup, it can look anything from cute to bold.
9. Under A Leather Jacket
Image: Instagram @pocatellalingiere
Bralette, a leather jacket, boots, and aviators – (re)defining badass! This will steal you glances on the roads and earn you respect and admiration from your peers.
10. Under Side Open Tanks
Image: Instagram
Sports bras and racerbacks have always been a thing for workouts or the gym. But, try the bralette to make your hike or run stylish and fun. You can even wear it to the gym. After all, we need to treat ourselves for all the hard work!
11. Under Off Shoulder Dresses
Image: Instagram
Okay, I know that off-shoulders are supposed to be bare and open, but bralettes like these add to the look, if anything. So, the next time you are repeating your favorite off-shoulder dress or top, try this for a brand-new look.
12. With A Plaid Or Denim Shirt
Image: Instagram
Just in case you’re living under a rock, plaid shirts are back. This time around, try them with a bralette instead of a regular tank! This everyday fashion look is perfect for those who like to keep things comfy yet stylish.
13. With High-Waist Shorts
Image: Instagram
Shorts and bralettes are the trend for this season and will be around for a long time. Fine body jewelry will make you a perfect 10.
14. Under Low-Neck Tops
Image: Shutterstock
I know a lot of people who end up wasting so many cute tops because the neck is too deep (* insert rolling eyes emoji). But girls, you have no excuses anymore. Wear a bralette and let it outline the neck – it can’t get sexier. You can also style this bralette with a loose pajama or satin robe to strike an uber-stylish loungewear look.
15. With A Pencil Skirt
Image: Instagram @niobeclothing
If you’re a fan of pencil skirts, you know where this is going – wear a bralette with it.
16. Under A Sheer Crop Top
Image: Instagram
Yes, wear it with a (sheer) crop too, except this time you won’t have anything to worry about.
17. Under A Blazer
Image: Instagram @blog_just_inspo
Yeah, why not? There’s no hard and fast rule; you can pair them with absolutely anything you can think of! This office-appropriate look is perfect for professional spaces with a relaxed dress code.
18. Wear It With Long Or Side Slit Skirts
Image: Instagram @primmbtq
Have a matching-separates skirt set outfit? Flaunt that skirt under your bralette! With this and a chignon hair-updo, there’s no stopping you! You can also go monochrome and style a party-worthy look. For Oscars 2025, Carey Mulligan wore Valentino’s gold bralette with a matching full-bodied skirt.
19. With Checkered Trousers
Image: Instagram
Checkered pencil trousers are incredibly stylish. You have got to try this look!
20. Under Suspenders Or Jumpsuits
Image: Instagram @allthingsalison
Suspenders have come back – because we just cannot do without them, can we? But instead of the regular tank or full sleeves tops, try them with a bralette and fall in love with these all over again.
21. As A Bikini Top
Image: Instagram @azura_bay
Recycle and reuse has been the mantra not just otherwise but in the fashion world too. So, swap your bikini top with your bralette and treat yourself to a brand-new bikini set just like that! Smart, ain’t it?!
22. With A Kimono
Image: Instagram
Let’s just do this just for the love of kimonos! My favorite way of adding layers.
23. Like A Tube Top
Image: Instagram @g_underware
Do you know how tunics were a rage a few years ago? Since they are sort of dated right now, use the same styling technique with a strapless bralette and bring it back to your closet.
24. With Backless Dresses Or Tops
Image: Instagram @kelsistewart93
Backless dresses or tops are tricky because some of us are just not comfortable with the idea of a stick-on bra. Here’s your workaround. Bralettes are supportive and stylish. Talk about investing in functional pieces of clothing.
25. With A Maxi Skirt
Image: Instagram
I’m more of a maxi and maxi skirt person, so anything new that comes up and looks great with long skirts makes me happy.
26. With A Denim Jacket
Shutterstock
Pairing a bralette with a denim jacket can create a trendy and versatile look. The bralette adds a touch of femininity and flair while the denim jacket offers a casual and edgy vibe. You can opt for a lace or embellished bralette to contrast the ruggedness of the denim jacket. Layering the bralette under the jacket allows for a peek-a-boo effect, offering a stylish yet modest ensemble. This combination works wonders for various occasions whether it is a casual day out with friends or a night event. Play around with different colors and textures to personalize the look and make a fashion statement.
Infographic: Seven Ways To Style Your Favorite Bralette
The good news is the market is flooded with different types of bras and bralette options, spoiling you for choices. On days when nothing seems to work, a bralette totally saves the day. All you have to do is know how to wear a bralette right and style it the right way. For example, you can wear it under a cashmere sweater, a sheer white shirt, a leather jacket, or a side-open tank top. So, get yourself a cute bralette and flaunt it to look like the showstopper. No one can stop you from stealing the show!
How do you choose the right bralette for your body type?
Bralettes with light fabric and triangle shapes work great for a natural look for smaller busts. If you have a larger bust, choose bralettes with wider straps and a more supportive band for added comfort. Racerback styles or bralettes with extra structure are also good options for those who need more support. Also, look for adjustable straps and styles that suit your shape and comfort needs.
What is the difference between a bra and a bralette?
As we discussed, a bra is our regular undergarment that comes with underwires (may not), is padded (sometimes), and is meant to be worn under your clothes. While bras provide protection and coverage, bralettes are purely fancy and give coverage without the padding, yet support your breasts.
Do you wear a bra under a bralette?
No. They are a replacement for bras. If you are conscious about nipple coverage, you might want to consider stick-ons, just in case.
Are bralettes only for small breasts?
No, that’s just a myth. Anyone can wear it, as long as you are confident.
Do you wear anything under a bralette?
A bralette is a stylish alternative to a bra. You can wear a bra underneath a bralette, if you want any additional support to rock an outfit. You can also wear a bralette over a t-shirt or crop top.
Are bralettes meant to be worn without a shirt?
Yes, bralettes are also meant to be worn without a shirt. You can use it as a top or mini crop top as well.
How tight should a bralette be?
A bralette should be comfortably tight to have the utmost support and flexibility in the body. It is designed in a way that a body can stretch freely without any trouble.
How do you know if a bralette is too big?
You can adjust the strap, the band, and the cups of a bralette for a perfect fit. Always have a trial run before choosing the perfect one.
Can you wear a bralette if you have large breasts?
Yes, you can easily wear a bralette if you have large breasts. The right size will show off your cleavage while providing support for the breasts.
Illustration: How To Wear A Bralette - 25 Outfit Ideas
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Learn all about bralettes and how to style them for any occasion, be it casual or for an event from the video below.
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