Apr 3, 2020

I'm Small-Chested and Super Specific When It Comes to Bras—Here Are My Favorites

by Aralyn Beaumont

There is no real reason for me to wear a bra. I have nothing to hold up or in—just a small chest that at times is more visible than others, depending on my outfit. Because there are no structural needs for my bra-wearing, I choose bras purely based on how they make me feel. And I only like the feel of one kind: an unlined underwire bra.

Underwire? No lining? I can hear the cries of dissent from my quarantined home office, but hear me out. I actually like having a small chest, so I don't want to create an illusion of something that isn't there. And I don't want a flimsy bra that is going to move every time I do. The underwire ensures that everything—flesh and fabric—is going to stay in place no matter how many times I tuck my hair behind my ears or how crazy I dance. I know many find the underwire confining or uncomfortable, but to me, it feels like a steady embrace.

I feel so strongly about these two details that anything else could be true about the bra, and I'd still buy it. Plunge cups or demi cups? Doesn't matter. Classic straps versus racerback straps? Don't care. Mesh, lace, silk, or microfiber? I'll take all four if they have an underwire and no lining.

Convinced yet? I've handpicked 20 unlined underwire bras for your easy shopping.

COS Underwire Mesh Bra ($39)

The first unlined bra with underwire I ever bought was from COS, and I've never looked back. I love the two-tone fabric on this blush-colored one.

Skarlett Blue Minx Balconette Bra ($56)

Wear this light-nude bra under a white tee.

H&M Unpadded Underwire Lace Bra ($20)

Imagine this black lace peeking out from under a scoop-neck top.

& Other Stories Floral Lace Wire Bra ($49)

I love the unlined, scrunched lace on this bra. The bold green color doesn't hurt either.

Out From Under Daisy Lace Balconette Bra ($29)

Everything about this bra is eye-catching, from the bright orange to the scalloped trim on the floral lace.

Free People Ari Underwire Neo Bra ($48)

This deep plunge will keep everything in place when wearing your lowest-cut tops.

Topshop Recycled Lace Bra ~~( $30)~~ $26

The deep maroon contrasts so well against the pale lilac.

Lively The Lace Strapless ($35)

With the tube-top trend on the rise, there's no better time to invest in a comfortable strapless bra.

Cuup The Scoop ($68)

I love the mahogany shade and clean lines on this bra from Cuup, a new company that is looking to turn the bra industry on its head. It offers over 35 bra-size options in unrestrictive and comfortable styles.

Gap Body Bare Natural Plunge Lace Bra ($30)

Gap Body is a hidden gem for affordable intimates. I love how simple and pretty this bra style is, and I know it will last me a long time.

Lively The Unlined Lace Bra ($35)

I always love having options, so the fact that this bra comes with a J-hook so you can turn the classic straps into a racerback is a real plus for me.

Skims Stretch Satin Unlined Underwire Bra ($62)

These cups are so sleek. They're perfect for any size chest or top.

Cuup The Balconette ($68)

I'm not usually one for animal prints, but this leopard-mesh balconette bra could sway me.

H&M Unpadded Underwire Lace Bra ($20)

This bra is so pretty I'd consider wearing it as a top under an oversize blazer.

Eberjay Naya Lace Plunging Underwire Bra ($65)

White lace might be my favorite lingerie detail. I get excited thinking about wearing this set.

Madewell Microfiber Hallie Underwire Balconette Bra ~~( $38)~~ $33

This bra reminds me so much of my original unlined, underwire purchase from COS. I'll have to order it in both colors.

Uniqlo Airism Ultra Seamless Bikini ($8)

This is my all-time favorite underwear. It's ultra-soft and leaves no lines under your clothing. I have multiple pairs in various colors, and I'll be adding this new lavender shade to my collection.

Eberjay Naya Classic Lace Thong ($42)

I love panties that toe the line between brief and thong. Don't forget to pair this with the matching bra above.

Madewell The Great Eros Canova Tenga ($38)

I love this seamless thong so much I would order it even if it didn't match the Madewell bra above.

Skims Stretch Satin Thong ($26)

High-cut bikini bottoms are so popular it's no surprise the trend made its way into the lingerie world.

COS Stretch-Mulberry Silk Underwear ($45)

I usually prefer thongs, but this silk piece perfectly matches the COS bra above.

Hanky Panky Snow Fall Low-Rise Thong ($25)

Sometimes life is about the small things, like knowing that your underwear has a fun polka-dot print even if no one else will.

Here's the underwear I pair with my super-specific bras: