One of the most common questions I get is what bra to wear with certain tops or dresses! I have a few favorites and go-tos in my drawer for different needs and necklines:
- Gap wireless bra (shown here + my IG video)
- Old fave that’s comfortable and smooth, with a wider & lower cut front and straps that can detach in the back. Although it peeks out of my black top here, it works with many other square neck tops like my Reformation Julie tank with no hacks needed.
- Natori lace bra (in Nsale)
- Another longtime favorite, feminine bra that always feels sexy yet comfortable on. The deep plunge works well with lower V-cut tops. Sizing goes from 30A to 38DD, and the cups run a little small, so this may fit gals starting at 30AA cups!
- Neiwai bras
- My most worn, comfy-enough-to-sleep-in bras great for tops that *don’t* have low cut or tricky straps & necklines. Stretchy enough to be nursing & bump friendly, too! See my review + JW20 for 20% off.
- B6 Nippies
- For anything strappy, plunging or backless. SO MUCH freedom with these. The original ones work perfectly for me, but they have a version called Nippes Extra, too, which are thicker for more opaque nipple coverage.
- I’m actually in need of a good new strapless bra, so please drop your recs for me below!
The easiest solution with the tops today is to wear my adhesive B6 Nippies, but I know some of you prefer a regular bra so I wanted to share 2 quick solutions! It might be more explanatory to watch my IG video later today for a quick step-by-step.
Side note, on the topic of undergarments this is also the time of the year when I pick up a few pairs of my most favorite seamless, “barely there” undies on sale in high rise & hipster!
1. Bra Strap Clip for Racerback tanks
I’ve mentioned these a few times over the years, but wanted to share again since I get this Q so often! These bra strap clips are an affordable gadget ($7.99 for a pack of 3!) that I recommend everyone keep in their bra drawer. I reach for these at least once a week, especially with my newfound love for racerback tops in recent years. In a pinch, you can also use a safety pin, but these clips are worth it because they lay smooth and flat against your back.
You can slide this clip on before putting on your bra, or, I find it pretty easy to just slide on after putting on your bra. Just make sure to loosen your bra straps first before putting on the clip, so that the straps don’t become too tight or get stretched out!
2. Bra Hack for Square Neck Tops
If the corner of your bra is peeking out of a square neckline, I was brainstorming and came up with a trick using a large rubber band!
I found this easy to do while my bra is already on and clasped at the back. Just slip your arms out of the straps, pull a rubber band onto each strap from the top, then slip your arms back into the straps with the rubber bands now under your armpits. I do this with my Gap wireless bra.
Notes: I’ve only tried this with bras that are just peeking out of the neckline, not bras like Neiwai which are more coverage and show significantly more.
Also, rubber bands are not created equal. I found it important to use a larger and stretchy rubber band so that it gently pulls back the corners of your bra, rather than tug on it excessively.
I also wanted to re-share the fit details on Levi’s high rise jeans since they’ve been so wildly popular with you guys! I’m 5 feet tall, and they fit me perfectly with flats in the shorter of the two length options. Love the high rise, straight cut, and petite-friendly length.
I’m usually between size 24 -25 in other denim, and sized up to 25 in these for a snug fit. I’m wearing the “Samba Done” wash, and my friend has “Jazz Jive” for a non-distressed light wash. Size 25 x 27 measures: 12.4″ across waist, 11″ high rise, 26″ inseam. I also like their Wedgie straight fit (size up) but found the Ribcage to be most flattering on me.
Those Gap bras are my favorite, but I find the bottom band shows a bit with clingier shirts like thin knits. Are the Neiwai ones pretty seamless under clothing?
Love these hacks!!! And I love your style. I’m 5’2” and 105 pounds and try to dress my 48 yo self classy but trendy. Thanks for sharing your outfits 🙂
I know you linked similar stripes racer back tanks but would love to know the brand of the one you are actually wearing.
Thanks Carrie! My exact tank is from Banana Republic, but a few seasons ago.
A stylist just showed me the Cosabella Evolution Strapless Marni bra and it was the best strapless bra I’ve ever put on. I’m around 32B.
Thank you all for sharing your strapless bra suggestions!!
I have been researching looking for new bras and found The Little Bra Company which makes bras specifically for petite framed ladies (both small and large cup sizes alike). I plan to order their strapless bra for an upcoming event – as I haven’t tried it yet I can’t vouch for them but it may be worth checking them out in your search for a new strapless!
I love the crinkle pants with the EP belt, that whole outfit looks so effortlessly cool. Are you wearing the skinny belt or the regular?
Thank you! That’s the EP mini belt xx
That rubber band trick is a great idea! For another option for a wireless bra, I really like the Soft Modal Triangle bra from Neiwai: https://neiwai.life/products/pure-comfort-soft-modal-triangle-bra-v2. The straps are convertible as well. It’s a comfortable bra and I’m glad I ordered it to try!
For smaller cup / band sizes, Pepper bras are a revelation and their strapless is the only one I’ve found comfortable and stays in place!
I second this!
I love Pepper and recently discovered their wireless bra. It’s the only one I’ve found that doesn’t make me constantly feel like I have to pull it back up.
I’m 5’ tall, 30DD and still struggling to find a strapless that isn’t to tall and cutting in the underarms. I would love recommendations!
Try the freya deco strapless I’m a 28 band and it’s the only one I find doesn’t slip down
I absolutely love the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless (which is also part of the NSale). it’s the ONLY strapless that has ever worked for me, keeping me lifted (as I am not naturally) and staying put all day. I’ve worn it to weddings and casual events alike with no issues.