If you don’t yet know the difference between a bra vs bralette, it’s discovery time! Many of us probably had our first experiences with soft, unlined training bras before moving on to more structured, compressive monstrosities and most of us probably never tried anything else.

Well, I’m here to tell you there are many bra alternatives out there. Going braless is not the only solution to ditching the underwire and letting the girls breathe. The answer to the question “What is a bralette?” may just give you a new love for over-the-shoulder boulder holders!

That’s not to say you must completely say no to traditional bras. There are plenty of occasions when you might prefer one. After all, the point of today’s journey of discovery is to compare, contrast, and learn how to decide whether any given situation calls for a bralette vs bra. Let’s get right into it!

Before we can start getting into the differences between a bra vs bralette, we need to understand each garment individually.

The birth of the bra, as we know it today, can be traced back to the early 1900s. The original design was quite basic and features like padding and adjustable straps were added throughout the first half of the 20th century. Modern bras typically consist of two cups with individual underwire, a band with a hook closure, and adjustable straps.

Here are the main features of a bra:

• Underwire

• Padding

• Adjustable straps

• Extra padding for push-up effect

Bralettes are defined as being unlined and containing no underwire ( and when it comes to underwire vs no underwire, most women will opt for the latter). Many bralettes resemble the shape of a traditional bra but without any of the structural elements. 

Here are the main features of a bralette:

• No padding/unlined

• No underwire

• Adjustable straps

• Fun styles and designs

Now that we know what both bras and bralettes are, let’s take a look at the positive and negative qualities that make up traditional bras. 

PROS

• Bras provide more lift and support: While underwire is no woman’s favorite thing in this world, it does provide the benefit of holding your breasts up nicely. If you have large breasts, this amount of support may even be necessary to prevent back aches and breast sensitivity. 

• Bras can enhance the shape of your breasts: A lot of women enjoy the shaping element that a traditional bra can provide. They come in many different styles (like plunge and balconette) which can enhance your natural breast shape by helping to fill out all the places that need it. 

• Bras have a more specific sizing system: Traditional bras are measured using the circumference of your torso under your breasts plus your cup size. They range from 32AA to 40E. This can be better for women who aren’t necessarily proportional. You may have a very slim torso but a lot of breast tissue so being able to match the cup and band sizes to your exact measurements may benefit you. 

CONS

• They’re not the most comfy: Many women find underwire bras to be restrictive and uncomfortable, especially after prolonged use. These babies are known for producing strong feelings of “get this thing off me” after a whole day of wear.

• The underwire may be out to get you: A question many people have is “Are underwire bras bad for you?” While underwire can be uncomfortable and cause some minor problems, wearing a bra isn’t connected to any serious health issues like cancer. That said, the underwire is often the first thing to start causing problems as your bra ages and becomes worn. It can escape and poke the sensitive tissue of your breasts. 

PROS

• Bralettes are not restrictive: Comfort lovers rejoice. The main draw of bralettes is that they are lightweight and meant to move with your body rather than holding any bits firmly in place. They have no underwire which means less rib pain and they’re unlined which means they’re less likely to create visible lines under your clothing. 

• Bralettes allow you to flaunt your natural breast shape: While some women like the shaping effect of traditional bras, others prefer to let their natural bra shape shine. A bralette provides you with enough support that your boobies won’t be completely under the pull of gravity but it also doesn’t compress them into looking “fuller” or a more ideal shape. They’re gorgeous as they are!

• Bralettes are cute enough to be worn as tops: Bralettes come in many shapes and styles but most of them are appealing enough to be worn as tops. There’s no shortage of outfits you can piece together using a bralette as the centerpiece. 

CONS

• Medium to Low Support: While bralettes offer some support and help enhance your natural breast shape, the amount of support they offer may not be enough for some women. 

• Standard Sizing: Bralettes come in a large range of sizes (from XS to 3XL) which is awesome, but the lack of precision in this sizing system may prove to be an issue for some women. If you’re between sizes then certain bralettes may not fit you as they are meant to. 

Deciding between a bra vs bralette comes down to a few factors: the occasion, the outfit, and, most importantly, your mood. There’s no right option for whether a situation calls for a bra or a bralette. That all depends on your own instinct. That said, certain circumstances may demand the supportive and shaping features of a bra.

Here are some situations when a bra may be the best option:

• When you want a smooth and sleek effect

• During pregnancy/breastfeeding

• For extra support

• Under strapless dresses

I am, admittedly, a bralette girl so I find that bralettes suit any situation. Objectively, bralettes are better suited for days of leisure and comfort than bras so there are many situations when bralettes would be the better choice. 

Here are some situations when you’ll want to reach for your fave bralette:

• Around the house

• As part of a bralette outfit

• To show off the natural shape of your breasts

• As a top for light workouts

While there are many different types and styles of bralettes out in the world, there are two main categories they fall under. A single-paneled bralette that resembles a sports bra and a double-cupped bralette that’s more akin to a traditional bra. Let’s take a closer look:

WAMA’s triangle bralette is a classic style that works well with most types of tops and can be easily concealed. It offers low to medium support with a sturdy elastic band, a hook closure, and adjustable straps. This bralette is perfect for defining your natural breasts. 

The triangle bralette is also made out of breathable, durable, and soft natural hemp fabric. That means it’s cute and eco-friendly too!

WAMA’s racerback bralette is another classic, albeit more sporty style, This bralette features a single panel top and a thick elastic band that offers medium support. This bralette is perfect to wear as a top paired with some leggings or short for an easy, cozy athleisure outfit.

Oh, and it’s also made of hemp, of course! So it’s great for your body and the planet. 

At the end of the day, the bra vs bralette debate is settled quite easily. It all comes down to personal choice! You may choose to rock a bra one day, a bralette the next, and no bra at all the following day. There’s no rule book here, you do you! However, a little bit of balance is the key in all things! Having a few bra and bralette options in your intimates drawer is the way to go.

Are you already a bralette enthusiast or has this been an eye-opening journey for you? Are you eager to give bralettes a try? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!