Much to my excitement, skin-baring season is upon us. Though I've spent the better part of the last six months layering up with every soft knit I could get my hands on, it's time to start letting my arms, shoulders, and back see the light of day yet again. But as I start to bust out my off-the-shoulder dresses, camisole tops, and thin-knit t-shirts [1], my lingerie of choice becomes all the more relevant.
Whether you're looking for a super-smooth nude t-shirt bra for a solid throw-on-and-go option, the least amount of coverage possible for those totally tricky tops that have no prayer of hiding any sort of traditional underwear shape, or something in between, this is the lingerie for you. Ahead, find your ultimate Summer guide to exactly what bra to wear with every type of top this season and shop my favourites from every category.
T-Shirts
Cotton tees might be the simplest of tops to wear in the summer, but it's not as easy as it might seem to dress yourself underneath without fear of odd bulges, awkward textures, and the like. This is a job for the aptly named t-shirt bra, made of a supersmooth material, perfect rise in cup height and shape, and often a more skin-toned hue that won't be easily seen through a bright white tee.
Bodas
Bodas Smooth Tactel Underwired Bra [2] ($60).
Lively
Lively T-Shirt Bra [3] ($35).
Off-the-Shoulder
For off-the-shoulder or strapless necklines, make sure that you have a strapless bra that will offer just the same support as your everyday lingerie, without, well, the straps. Sizing is key on this one, so you might want to walk yourself into a proper lingerie store (at least for your first purchase) to make sure that you've purchased the Goldilocks perfection of strapless bras, no tugging, adjusting, or pulling necessary.
La Perla
La Perla Second Skin U-Plunge Bra [4] ($210).
Aerie
Aerie Real Sunnie Strapless Lightly Lined Bra [5] ($45).
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney Stretch-Jersey and Lace Underwired Balconette Bra [6] ($90).
Deep Necklines
Even if you're totally covered up everywhere else, full- and flat-chested girls alike know the power of a daring plunging neckline. That could mean a front tie, deep V-neck dress, or simply a top that's more of a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen than most, but this is certainly a job for a bra that matches that navel-grazing silhouette.
Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy V-Back Lightly Lined Plunge Bra [7] ($50).
Babaton
Babaton Justin Bralette [8] ($30).
Gilly Hicks
Gilly Hicks Super Push-Up Plunge Bra [9] ($40).
Halter
Halter necklines might offer a bit more support around the neck for your chest, but that doesn't mean that most of us don't still have to suit up underneath as well. Make sure that your lingerie has the same halter neckline so that you can show off those gorgeous shoulders and back just as your outerwear silhouette originally intended.
H&M
H&M Padded Halterneck Bralette [10] ($20).
Cosabella
Cosabella Never Say Never Hippie Halter Bra [11] ($56).
Les Coquines
Les Coquines Avril Deep V Lace Bralette [12] ($110).
Backless
Wearing a backless top, one of the trickier silhouettes to dress for, at least when it comes to your lingerie, is the time to try out those self-adhesive bras you've seen all over the interwebs and never trusted enough to try. With a great silicone cup, removable tape, and a properly structured cup size, this backless bra might just make you start believing that magic is real, mark my words.
Eve's Temptation
Eve's Temptation Iris Backless Bra [13] ($21).
Fashion Forms
Fashion Forms Nubra Self-Adhesive Backless Strapless Bra [14] ($60).
Free People
Free People Go Bare Backless Strapless Bra [15] ($38).
Barely There
For those tops that are none of the above, or barely there in their own right, it's time to shoot for the nipple covers. While they offer little to no support, they'll still prevent any unwanted #FreeTheNipple moments (unless, of course, that's the look you're going for . . .)
Bristols 6
Bristols 6 Nippies by Bristols Six Skin Reusable Adhesive Nipple Covers [16] ($26).
Nudwear
Nudwear Daisies Waterprood Nipple Covers [17] ($22).
Nordstrom Lingerie
Nordstrom Lingerie Silicone Gel Breast Petals [18] ($15).
Daring Camisoles
When you're wearing a skimpy tank with the intention of a little lingerie reveal, consider a gorgeous lace bralette. While they're a year-round favourite, there's something so light and ethereal about this romantic peek underneath that cami, whether a daring black, bold neon, or something in between.
& Other Stories
& Other Stories Polka Dot Mesh Triangle Bralette [19] ($29).
J.Crew
J.Crew French Bralette in Point d'Esprit [20] ($32).
Madewell
Madewell Embroidered Mesh Ruffle Eden Bralette [21] ($35).
