What is a bralette bra?
Hello Goddess,
If you’ve ever looked at a bra and thought, where is all the structure?, chances are you were looking at a bralette.
A bralette is a softer, less structured style of bra, usually made without underwire or heavily moulded cups. They tend to be made from lace, mesh, stretch fabrics or softer materials that move with your body rather than trying to shape it into something else.
I love them.
They’re the kind of lingerie you can wear under a shirt, let peek out under something sheer, throw on with an oversized jumper or just wear because you want something pretty on underneath your clothes without feeling like you’ve strapped yourself into armour.
As the founder of Frore The Lingerie Club, bralettes are one of my favourite styles of womens underwear. I often get asked about the different types of lingerie so I wanted to do a blog showing off the beautiful bralette.
What is a bralette bra?
A bralette is generally a soft-cup bra with less structure than a traditional bra. Most are made without underwire and use the fabric, underband and overall construction to give shape and light support instead.
You’ll see them in lots of different styles too. Some have triangle cups and tiny straps, some are longline and sit slightly further down the ribcage, while others are covered in lace and look almost like a little cropped top.
That softer structure is really the main difference. A bralette isn’t usually trying to create lots of lift or mould your bust into a very specific shape. It’s more relaxed, which is exactly why so many women love them.
Does a bralette have underwire?
Usually, no. Which is why people reach for a bralette is because they want something softer and more flexible than an underwired bra. Instead of wire sitting underneath the bust, the support normally comes from stretch lace, mesh, elastic and the underband.
That said, lingerie likes to break its own rules, so you can find bralette-inspired styles with a little more structure or even wire built in. If you want the classic bralette feeling, though, you’re normally looking for something soft, lightweight and wireless.
Basically, if you want the lingerie without all the scaffolding, a bralette is a very good place to start.
Are bralettes supportive?
They can be, but it depends on the bralette and your size.
A very delicate triangle bralette is going to feel different from a longline style with a wider underband and thicker straps. The amount of support also depends on your bust and what you personally like to feel secure in.
If you have a fuller bust, I wouldn’t write bralettes off completely. Look for styles with a wider underband, wider straps, more coverage through the cup and a little more stretch support built into the fabric. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable in it.
Not every piece of lingerie needs to lift, push, mould. Sometimes you just want something pretty that feels good! The best reason.
What is the difference between a bralette and a normal bra?
The biggest difference is structure, a traditional bra often uses underwire, moulded cups, padding and firmer bands to lift and shape the bust. A bralette normally strips a lot of that back and lets the fabric do more of the work.
That means the shape tends to feel softer and more natural. Neither is better, and I definitely don’t think your lingerie drawer has to pick a side.
How should a bralette fit?
A bralette should sit close to your body without feeling tight or restrictive. The underband should feel secure and stay in place, but it shouldn’t be digging into you or riding up your back.
The cups should sit comfortably around the bust without obvious spilling or lots of loose fabric. Because bralettes are softer and less rigid than a traditional bra, the fit may feel slightly more relaxed, but it should still feel secure enough that you aren’t constantly adjusting it.
A lot of bralettes are also sold in clothing-style sizing such as small, medium and large rather than traditional bra sizing, so always check the individual size guide rather than assuming your usual bra size will translate perfectly.
How do you wear a bralette?
However you want, darling!
This is probably one of my favourite things about them because a good bralette can absolutely become part of the outfit rather than something you have to hide underneath it.
Wear one under an oversized shirt and leave a couple of buttons undone, let a lace edge show under an off-the-shoulder knit, wear one under something sheer or pair a longline style with a blazer.
And obviously, you can also just wear it underneath your normal clothes because you fancy putting gorgeous lingerie on for yourself.
Remember: You do not need an audience for the nice underwear. It's about how it makes you feel.
I’m always saying this with Frore: stop saving the fancy lingerie for a special occasion. It’s the same as keeping the expensive candle or leaving the champagne in the fridge because there isn’t a birthday happening.
Treat yourself because you deserve it.
Frore The Lingerie Club
Frore is a womens underwear subscription built around beautiful lingerie, a different Goddess story and something lovely landing at your door. You can join monthly, quarterly or pick up a one-off lingerie box when you fancy treating yourself.
You can shop the current lingerie boxes or explore the Frore lingerie subscription and have a nosy at what’s inside the club.
Reasons to join the club:
🤍 A self-love treat, just for you
🤍 Upgrade your lingerie drawer with pieces you can't wait to wear
🤍 A monthly feel-good surprise
It's Goddess behaviour. ✨
FAQs
What is a bralette bra?
A bralette is a soft, lightly structured bra that is usually made without underwire or heavily moulded cups. It is designed to give a more relaxed, natural fit.
Can you wear a bralette every day?
Yes. Lots of women wear bralettes as everyday womens underwear, particularly if they prefer a softer fit and lighter support.
Do bralettes have padding?
Some do, but many don’t. You can find completely unlined bralettes as well as styles with removable or lightly padded cups.
Can you wear a bralette with a bigger bust?
Yes. Look for wider straps, a firmer underband and more coverage if you want additional support.
What is the difference between a bralette and a normal bra?
A traditional bra usually has more structure, often including underwire, moulded cups or padding. A bralette tends to be softer, lighter and less structured.
Lorna xo