Subcultureoftwo_small
Reputation: 1892

A question of bra-visibility etiquette?

Hi, I need help being a girl.

Is it socially acceptable to wear a bra that's clearly visible under your clothes...in lieu of a camisole, for example?

I've been seeing this more and more often on TV or in magazines, and I don't know if it's really an okay thing to do, or if it's like Lohan flashing everyone as she gets out of a limo.

I usually don't wear a bra and have little need for one. However, I've been wanting to start wearing more white (like a loose, button-up, white linen shirt), and I've never bought anything because every dang white shirt I find is utterly transparent. I wouldn't mind wearing a pretty bra or halter under it if that were an okay fashion thing to do, but it's hard to tell.

I don't want to pair the shirt with another top under it (like a camisole) because that defeats the purpose of a cool, breathable summer shirt.

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  • Dscn0421_small
    Reputation: 1195

    In general, here are my rules about bras (but I do wear one every day and my body type requires it): Straps being visible is usually okay in a casual situation and assuming that they are a color that matches the color of whatever you're wearing (no hot pink straps with a black tee, for example). Being able to occasionally see the edge of where a bra starts through a shirt that is a little thin is okay assuming, again, the colors are the same (In this situation your shirt just looks more opaque where the bra covers underneath). In a nighttime going-out situation, being able to see the very edge of a bra (if it has lace or trim) where the neck of your top is is all right, I see a lot of women getting away with it and looking fine, but I rarely do it. I will also occasionally let the back of my bra show if I'm wearing a dress with a lace or transparent panel in the back.

    In the specific situation you suggest, I think your number one priority should be finding a shirt that isn't utterly transparent- they do exist. If you find a shirt that's just a little thin and wear a full-coverage white bra underneath, you ought to be fine. Do shy away from totally sheer stuff with just a bra underneath though- I think that only celebutants can get away with that (and it does still look tacky). Also, the looser your top is the less it will matter- the bra will be less visible and you won't be as exposed if the shirt isn't clinging to you. For totally casual play wear in the summer, I think you can absolutely get away with a transparent or sheer top with your swimsuit underneath (regardless of colors).

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  • 186062_1783883737_6259487_n_small
    Reputation: 115

    Right now, yes. Sheer tops with next to nothing underneath are big at the moment. Infact, on the runways and in the magazines no body is wearing anything underneath. Don't do this unless you are at a douchbag-less party or on a beach in europe.
    In my opinion, the plainer the bra the better for this look. Stick with black, white, or nude without flashy details. The very plain jersey bras at American Apparel are a good example of this though some may choose a similar design that offers more support.
    Keeping the undergarment simple puts the focus back into the top.
    The revealing aspect of this look makes it a bolder statement so balance it with some more modest pieces. You can always cover the look partially with a light jacket or vest so you get a peek of bra without revealing the whole thing. Actually, on a extra hot day, a long/large necklace would have a similar effect.

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  • Icon_small
    Reputation: 1627

    If you go the "nude" route, seek out a bra that actually matches your skin tone. I find that ivory or pale pink works much better for me than the ubiquitous beige.

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  • Bauhaus_small
    Reputation: 650

    As evening wear, out on the town? Sure. Why not? Lunch with friends? Daytime appointments? Iffy. Maybe when you're on vacation at the beach. But never, never in business mode (unless you hook and not even then unless you work the streets).

    May I be blunt? You never want to do anything to draw attention to your tits (or ass) unless you are in a situation where you want that kind of attention.

    Of course, taste and decorum are, to a point, a personal matter, and this is just my opinion. BTW, there's such a thing as stage wear for women in show business. It can be rather gaudy and revealing - which is normal for show biz, but it doesn't really work as daily street wear. There appears to be a subculture that doesn't know that.

    White shirt? White bra.

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  • Mcgoohan_small
    Reputation: 100

    Speaking as a mostly straight man, what you are suggesting is a super sexy look, and will never go out of fashion. It might be appropriate in some contexts (like going out on Saturday, saucy summer day, SEAF) and not others (the office, hiking, classes). But it's a delightfully cute. I think the other folks' suggestions and comments are accurate too.

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