I'm Small-Chested and Super Specific When It Comes to Bras—Here Are My Favorites
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.
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.
Here's the underwear I pair with my super-specific bras:
Up next: I Asked Everyone I Trust for Their Bra Recs—Here's What I Got
Aralyn Beaumont joined Who What Wear as the copy editor for branded content after a career in food media. Years of poring over intricate recipes with a fine-tooth comb and working with high-profile chefs has prepared her well for working with fashion's top brands while honoring Who What Wear's voice. Her background as a research editor makes her a finicky editor who will probably care too much about making sure all copy is as factually accurate and aligned with the house style guide as can be. Maybe it's because she's a Gemini, but her personal style is impossible to pin down: One day you'll see her in a turtleneck sweater tucked into a midi skirt with heeled boots, and the next, she'll be wearing mom jeans, a white Hanes tee, and classic Vans. At the end of the day, her style reflects her various moods. Sometimes it will be feminine and elegant, and others it will be grungy or androgynous. Certain things will always remain constant, though. She'll forever be on the hunt for the perfect pair of high-waisted jeans.
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