If you’re looking to add to your lingerie drawer but are feeling confused with the difference between bras vs bralettes, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re browsing for a new minimiser bra or a new bra for a larger bust, you’ll find that’s there’s a never ending amount of shape and style options available for your boobs. One of the key things to consider when buying new underwear, is if you want a traditional best bra or a softer bralette style that has become hugely popular over the last few years. After years of a working in the fashion industry, I think there’s a place for both lingerie styles in your at-home collection, it’s just down to how and where you wear them.
To make things really simple, I’ve weighed up the pros and cons of bras vs bralettes, to help you pick out a favourite that will keep your chest in check. I’ve included pieces to suit a variety of budgets and bra sizes, and there's plenty of top tips to get the best fit and hold for you.
What is a bralette?
Bralettes are soft, unstructured bras that tend to be free from wires and, in most cases, padding. Much like with non-wired comfortable bras, the key selling point of a bralette might be their comfort factor, but that doesn't mean they don't look good too. They often come with a wider underbands and back straps, which make them smoothing and particularly good as some of the best bras for back fat.
Just like normal bras, the best bralettes come in plenty of different styles, from wispy, lacy triangle cups to sports-inspired jersey crop tops.
And because they look less functional than your average bra, It’s actually fashionable to reveal a flash of bralette (if you're feeling brave, of course!). Layer yours beneath a semi-sheer shirt or let a pretty strap peek out from beneath a cami. Your bralette can add a pretty touch to your capsule wardrobe with minimal effort.
I'd normally wear my bralettes while at home with my favourite loungewear, on days that i'd like a little support but without the extra hold and structure that a bra will give. That being said, I have worn my bralette's while out and about too - if you're having an low-key day that won't involve frantically running for the bus, most bralettes can provide just enough support while feeling easy to wear.
Bras vs bralettes: Best bralettes for small busts
Sizes: 32-38 B-C | With a sleek triangle shape, this pretty everyday bra comes in four colours. The gorgeous silk fabric is smooth and cooling against skin, and it comes with adjustable back and shoulder straps to help it fit really well.
Sizes XS-XL | I wore this piece while I was testing out multiple bras over the summer, and it was one of my definite favourites! It's comfy yet adds subtle support, and the colour is super pretty. The seamless shape and scalloped edge minimises any overhang too. You can read my full review here.
Sizes: 8A-22E | This soft and elegant white lace design has a gorgeous feminine feel, and the more precise sizing options make it easier to find your fit than a general S-L. There aren't any fastenings, so it has a sleek and neat feel, and It's also available in black.
bras vs bralettes: Best Bralettes for Large Busts
SIZES 28D -40J | Bravissimo are experts in making bras for big boobs, and their design and support skills are still very much there with this bright bralette. It's non-wired and fastens at the back which makes it easier to put on.
Sizes: 30F-42H | As well as covering a wide range of larger bust sizes, this fresh white bra contains clever technology to add a gentle lift and support without feeling restricting. It fastens at the back and it's also available in beige and black.
Sizes: 1XL-3XL | The fuller figured version of the classic Calvin Klein bralette, this style has a sportier feel and is soft and easy to wear. The black body with white band and logo underband is one of the most timeless lingerie styles you can buy and has matching briefs too.
What is a bra?
A bra is a practical piece of underwear designed to support, hold and lift your boobs. They most often have fuller cups that are structured and have an underwire, to create a smooth and neat silhouette. Most contain some level of padding to add fullness and boost your cleavage too.
If you don't like your bra to feel too rigid, there are a lot of really great non-wired styles that are cleverly designed to hold and support, with a gentler feel. Don't be put off by wire-free designs if you have a large bust, as they can provide enough support for even bigger boobs and can easily work for everyday.
There are plenty of different bra styles to choose from. Bras are available in an array of colours and prints to suit your own personal style, as well as a range of fabrics covering everything from sumptuous silk and lace, to everyday jersey.
While they may not always be as soft and comfy as a bralette, your bra should still feel comfortable enough to wear all day without any complaints. It's all down to finding the right size and style for you and your boobs. If you find yourself re-adjusting or yanking your bra down throughout the day, it's worth remeasuring your chest and investing in new lingerie.
bras vs bralettes: Best Bras for Small Busts
Sizes: 30C-38DD | This was another one of my favourite bras that i tested and reviewed earlier this year. It's the perfect blend of sexy and practical. The scalloped edge on the lace panels is super flattering on boobs and the gentle padding and underwire provide plenty of support.
Sizes: 30A-38D | Looking for something a little more romantic? This emerald coloured bra has a plunge front but without any heavy padding, making it wearable for everyday, and the subtle underwire adds support.
Sizes: 80A-100D | From French lingerie house Maison Lejaby, this attractive black and beige bra with embroidery detailing is truly beautiful. It has a plunge front and padding to provide plenty of push-up, and the mesh underband and back keep it breathable and comfortable.
bras vs bralettes: Best Bras for Large Busts
Sizes: 30-38 D-J | Panache bras really are a great fit for fuller busts. This full-coverage bra is great under t-shirts and more fitted clothing as it offers a sleek finish. Practical for every day but still attractive with this chic lace detailing.
Sizes: 32G-46K | This gorgeous plum-toned, full cup bra made it into our very best bras for larger busts (full review here) as it provides an amazing amount of support and hold, and it's available in an impressive size range. It's non padded and has wider straps for comfort.
Sizes: 32-46 DD-K | Another brilliant label for full busted women, Elomi has a wide range of lingerie up to a K cup. This attractive red bra is perfect for adding a little va-va-voom to your lingerie drawer and features stretch lace and cute bow detailing. It's available in six other colours too.
Bras vs bralettes: What is the difference?
The main difference between a bra and a bralette is that bralettes are softer, more lightweight and are usually made without wiring. As a result, they give lighter support than a regular bra.
To make it really clear though, the main differences between bras and bralettes are:
- Padding - Bralettes aren't usually worn for lift or to make smaller busts look bigger, so they tend to have minimal padding for a softer feel.
- Underwire - Again, bralettes are designed to be comfier to wear so they don't usually have an underwire. However, it’s worth pointing out that due to the increasing popularity of bralettes, many of the best bra brands are now creating them with wiring, so that those who love the look but need more structure from their lingerie can also indulge.
- Structure - The cups on your every days bras tend to have much more structure and defined shape than bralettes. This will lift, smoothe and define your bust. Bralettes are often made from lace or jersey to have much less definition and a stretchy softness.
- Coverage - Bralettes usually look like a crop top or sports bra, to cover your boobs more and often have a wider or racer style back, than a traditional bra, which has smaller cups and skinnier straps.
- Care - Because of the soft and wire-free design of most bralettes, they can usually be thrown in the washing machine for easy care and cleaning. Bras on the other hand, are often much more delicate and should always be hand-washed to help them retain their shape and hold.
How to choose a bra or bralette that supports your boobs
Whether you’re opting for a bra or a bralette, the basic support system remains the same. You want to consider two things:
1. The underband
“The key to a supportive bra or bralette is the underband,” says Paula Skarratt, technical manager at Bravissimo.
“It should be firm but comfortable, and lie horizontally across your body.”
Busting a common fashion myth, Paula says you don’t need a wide underband for a suitable level of support (hello, slinky styles) but, instead, it’s more about the quality of the elastic.
Still prefer the reassurance of a more substantial underband? You’re in luck. There are plenty of really pretty long-line bras and bralettes available on the high street and beyond.
2. The straps
The straps are important, too. “Remember, they’re there to hold the cups in place, not to support the weight of your bust,” explains Paula.
“Straps can come in a variety of widths to suit the styling of the bra and help them to work well under different outfits. The clever construction of the elastic will stop the straps from curling and cutting into the shoulders.” Added padding along the straps will help avoid digging in, too, as will soft fabrics like silk.
FAQs
Bras vs bralettes – which is right for my boobs?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as ultimately it boils down to personal preference.
“There’s no specific benefit for a bra over a bralette or visa versa,” says Paula. “It’s all down to personal choice, the level of support you’re after, and what styles you prefer. Choose between the two based on what best fits your lifestyle and keeps you feeling confident and uplifted.”
If you like the support that underwiring offers, you might want to opt for a traditional bra for daytime and reserve bralettes for cozy at-home wear, but if you’re comfortable with less structure, then a bralette could be the perfect type of bra for general day-to-day wear.
Who suits bralettes?
In general, smaller boobs tend to need less support to keep them feeling comfy and looking perky, so they tend to suit bralettes better, whereas those who are trying to tackle saggy boobs might struggle with them a bit. For this reason, bralettes are very suitable for smaller busts and have become especially popular at the lower end of bra sizing - especially if you're one who usually goes braless and you just want a bit of support. But if you're big-breasted and feeling left out, fear not, as the some of the best British brands have clocked onto the ever-growing underwear trend and have created bralettes with a little more support and hold for bigger chests.
Are bralettes suitable for big boobs?
It’s a common misconception that the flimsy shape of most bralettes makes them unsuitable for those blessed with a bigger bust, but really it’s just about choosing the right shape and style and making sure it's the right size, so that it fits well.
“Bralettes are supportive enough for big boobs – in fact, lots of our customers tell us how comfortable, supported and secure they feel in non-wired bras and bralettes,” says Paula.
“While they won’t offer the same level of support as a structured wired bra, brands like Bravissimo offer bralettes especially designed to support big boobs and provide the coverage you need. This gives our customers the option to shop styles they love without compromising on support.”
