Bras - hidden or shown? - YouLookFab Forum

kkards

Veteran

these are my rules --
~never at work, unless you work as a victoria secrets model
~never if you are over the age of 30

8 years ago

Jeweled

Veteran

I'm in my 50's, so I was raised that you always make sure that your bra / undies / slip aren't showing anywhere. LOL

However, I do think that many modern bra styles have straps that could easily look like a tank top or camisole peeking out. Especially true of bras that aren't in traditional bra colors (white, nude).

So I would base it on whether the straps look more like a bra or more like a tank / cami layered under the main top.

(Edited to add - I agree, even if it looks like layered cami / tank straps, it's still more suited to casual occasions than to most workplaces.)

8 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I don't mind straps peeking out at all, especially if they're pretty or look like cami straps. I do think it looks odd when women wear a regular bra under a halter or tube top though.

I don't like to show the rest of my bra in general... Although lately I've been thinking it might be fun to get one of those bras with the cool strappy backs for wearing under low back tops. Not for work though!

8 years ago

Anonymous

As the resident old person here (lol), I don't mind it either. But as Diana says, not when it's the wrong bra for the cut of the top . That's a whole other story. I don't go out of my way to have them show, but it doesn't bother me at all if it's slightly visible now and then. One last caveat: NOT AT WORK.

8 years ago

Jessica

Active Member

I think it's fine and can even be cute in a casual setting. I agree that if the top is cut in such a way that the bra straps are hyper visible, it looks odd. I also agree it's not work appropriate.

Personally, I even like sheer tops over cute bras, (some) longline bras as crop tops, and, for events that allow for a lot more sex appeal than most (clubbing? Third date??), bra cups peeking out.

I am also an advocate of going braless.

8 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Don't know about the "hard and fast" rules, but here are mine. My bra straps peek out sometimes, if an open-neck top shifts a little. I'm 42. If they peek out when I'm 52, that's fine too. No age limits on bra strap peekage. Slightly sheer tops with bra showing through are also fine, although I'm personally not comfortable with a very see-through mesh top. Side bra (from a top with too-low armholes) is never acceptable to me, however.

If any part of the bra is going to show, it can't be a nude or white bra. It must be black or coloured. Pretty bra straps area must. If the bra shows (even temporarily), it should look intentional.

If a bra strap shows because it is the wrong type of bra for the top, that's also not ideal. For example, I wear a t-back bra with my t-back tank tops. If a bra strap shows simply because your neck opening has migrated sideways, that's one thing, but if your bra straps show because you're wearing the wrong shape bra, it looks awkward.

8 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I'm in my mid-sixties and my rules are the same as Aziraphale's. Peekage, straps. and showthrough are fine IF
(1) the bra is attractive as opposed to a purely functional style
(2) the look is intentional and appropriate for the setting and occasion
(3) the bra, and the rest of the outfit, is impeccable
(4) the implications of having your underwear on public display have been duly considered from both a style and societal perspective

To me, the last rule is actually the most important one.

8 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I agree with the other comments although raised when bra and slip straps were carefully concealed always. Most apparel came with tiny strap holders built in. Even at over 65, I have found a black bra with double rounded bra straps that don't look like bra straps and don't mind that they show on a very hot day.
Under sheer tops, I'd rather not see just a bra. A cami would be better.

8 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Hidden. I don't mind showing on other people, but it's not my style.

8 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

What a fun question! I really enjoyed reading everyone's opinions...since these will all be personal choices.

Let me see now----

1) bra straps showing coz the neckline shifted accidentally is fine. However, if the bra is white/nude, it looks sloppy and sometimes just plain Fugly.

2) if your bra has print or pattern, straps showing even through a cami worn as a top is ok. However, this only applies if you've got a small bust. From experience I can tell you that bras built for support have pretty wide straps and these look horrid peeking through. If the strap is dainty, i don't mind it.

3. One of my pet peeves is women who intentionally wear black bras under white button downs. Either chose a flirty style of top, or wear a nude bra please. If you still want to wear a black bra under a white button down shirt, kindly don't pair it with formal black pants. It KILLS the beauty of the classic black and white! I don't find it sexy....but I'm well aware it's my personal opinion. I do know a lot of people think it's sexy.

PS: I have never had my bra peek ever. I'm mortified just at the thought, simply because my bras are designed to lift, support and sculpt. No matter how pretty the pattern or lace details, I don't find the idea of busty women putting their bra on display appealing. It's possibly because im always trying to downplay my bust size and hate the idea of drawing unnecessary attention to my bustline. But again, that's just my opinion. I won't judge if someone else is confident with a peek-a-boo.

8 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I prefer to keep my bra under cover. It's unintentional if it shows. My DD who is 21 puts her bras on display for the world to see as a fashion statement. She takes it to the extreme, so I have become much more comfortable with the occasional bra strap or garment slip up.

Looking at everyone's responses, I'm not sure how much age plays a role in this? I'm 50. I suspect there will be a dividing line somewhere below my age where a majority will not be as worried about their bra showing as people over that line.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Hidden. That said, I'd rather see someone with bra straps showing than with no bra on.

8 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Over 60 here. I don't mind at all if bra straps show - just not at work!

8 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

I'm 36 and I'm just old enough that when I was growing up, visible bra straps were avoided, but then it was fine when I was in college. The people just a few years younger than me are completely comfortable with visible bra straps, and the generation 10 years younger wear their bras as a fashion accessory like Staysfit said.

Since college or so I've been totally fine with visible bra straps under strappy camis & tank tops. I do like it when they coordinate, in terms of color and where the lines fall. But I'll wear a regular bra with a racerback tank top, with no compunction, and I see that on plenty of women around me.

I am trying to become more comfortable with bras as fashion accessories. There are some really cool styles out there that are definitely meant to be seen, in the large armholes of muscle tanks (a look I love) or under sheer shirts. I can't quite bring myself to wear sheer shirts, but I appreciate the look on younger people.

Of course, for work I try to avoid anything that looks that casual or anything that might even hint at being sexy, even if the grad students have no problem with it. I had a meeting with a professor visiting from another university, yesterday, and I felt weird having my bra straps showing under my silk tank top, so I switched the bra straps to racerback to fix that.

8 years ago

Echo

Veteran

I prefer to keep straps mostly hidden unless an outfit shift happens accidentally. Bras that have strappy backs or fronts are intended to be shown, however, it is never acceptable at work. I prefer a cami under a sheer top. Any bra is better than going braless, though.

And thought it seems this opinion is not popular given what I usually see, I agree with Maneera that a black bra under a white top is tacky. I despise the look. And this is SO common that I see women wearing a black bra with a white work shirt, which is completely unacceptable IMO. It is just such a bad look.

8 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I don't mind at all for the right context and I'm over 30.
Last summer I met Diana and Aida for oysters on the waterfront. Black bra under a white Isabel Marant tank
http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/po.....-mini-meet
This year I bought a semi-sheer drapey white tee and I wear a black bra under it.
I also have a Raquel Allegra silk chiffon tie-dye tee. The pattern is black in the top part, so it camouflages a bit, I wear a fancy bra under it, either a neutral color blocked La Perla or one of my Marlies Dekker's.
It works for my lifestyle with my cohorts.

8 years ago

Summer

Veteran

Sorry, but this is one of my pet hates. It's probably a generational issue, though (I'm one of the oldies!), because straps showing was an absolute no-no when I was growing up. The worst instance, as others have said, is a white or nude functional bra showing under a strappy top - not a good look at all. If straps have to be seen, please at least make them pretty ones.
Under a sheer top, I think a cami looks best, or, failing that, a nude bra.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I've always advised my DDs to wear sports bras under tops that can't be worn without bra straps showing. I mean, this really isn't a problem that on can't work around, and there's no reason to go around displaying your bra straps. There, I said it. But please do wear a bra or sports bra!

8 years ago

approprio

(website)

Veteran

I don't mind flashing a bit of strap or lacy décolletage in the right context. My style isn't particularly sexy in other respects, so it's a nice way to be a bit provocative. I do agree that it should be black or in colour though.

My very favourite bra is the Marlies Dekkers Leading Strings style, which fits and shapes beautifully. It looks great with a deep V and I've been known to wear it under a sheer blouse. And I'm not ashamed to say I'm that lady who wears a black bra under a white button-down with black dress pants. I like mixing it up with menswear.

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Marlies Dekkers 'Leading Strings' Underwire Push-Up Bra

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8 years ago

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Pretty much what Gaylene said. If it's intentional and part of the outfit, fine. If you're wearing an ultra-utilitarian bra that's just the wrong shape or style for the outfit, then that seems sloppy.

Of course finding the right shape of bra to wear with certain tops can be a whole 'nother ball game, as they say. I have a top with a mesh insert that I rarely wear because I just haven't found the right bra/cami to wear with it. Even my strapless bra is partly visible through the mesh, which sort of defeats the purpose, IMHO!

8 years ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I agree with others that if the bra is pretty and the look is casual or intentionally sexy, ie not for work, it's fine to show a little. I would probably wear a cami under a sheer top but that's just my personal preference. I think Anna's outfit with the black bra under the white top looks good I also have given up trying to hide bra straps at the gym. So many gym tops have odd shaped racer backs and I am over trying to find sports bras that will be properly concealed under them.

8 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Sometimes there IS a reason bra straps show. Like, if you're petite, and neck openings are made for bigger women, and stylish petite clothing is really hard to find, and you wear a top that actually does conceal your bra straps but as you move around during the day and the neck occasionally slides sideways a bit. I'm not wearing a tight-fitting, unattractive sports bra just to prevent the occasional bit of "normal" bra strap showing. Why is a sports bra more acceptable than actual lingerie? Plus, sports bras aren't good to wear for extended periods of time. They constrict too much, and possibly contribute to breast cancer.

This is not a big deal, ladies. It's just a bra. We wear them for to prevent uncomfortable jiggling around -- or at least, I do. Visible bra strap is not a sexual invitation. I'd prefer mine not to show, but if by chance they do, I'd prefer not to be policed because of it.

8 years ago

Marley

Veteran

Oh - just wanted to pipe back in here! I like the black bra underneath a white top kind of look - except of course, (again!) for work.

8 years ago

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, I'm old enough to feel uncomfortable with the visible bra look. I read somewhere that a lot of North American women are, while not so much the case with Europeans. I used to do the visible bra thing in the 80s (remember Madonna promoted this look -- trying to recall if she actually pioneered it or if it was someone else). I associate the look with club wear. There was actually a club called "Club Lingerie" in NYC in the 80s...maybe in Chelsea, not to far from the Chelsea Hotel...but I digress. I don't have that lifestyle anymore.

Nowadays, I love pretty bras and try to find ones with straps that aren't ugly if they peek unintentionally. Even if it's just a nude bra. I agree side bra is not great to look at but on me it happens if I am wearing a sleeveless top, given the trend of exaggerated armholes which has prevailed since at least 2011.

8 years ago

Cococat

Veteran

In the 80s I used to get hold of vintage bullet bras and decorate them to be worn as tops. They looked great at the time. Very much channelling Madonna.

These days I hide my bra. I don't mind a peekaboo shoulder strap in summer with a cami but it must be perfect and the same colour. I would never wear a sheer top with just a bra. I'm so boring now.....lol.

8 years ago

Summer

Veteran

Coming back to say that unintentional strap show is quite another matter - it happens to all of us sometimes, however careful we are. All I ask in that situation is that the straps are clean!

8 years ago

Louise

Veteran

Never intentionally for work, church, interviews etc. I'm not too keen on white or nude bra straps showing but black, coloured or patterned I'm ok with though I'd rather the colour work with the top. For instance yesterday I had on a grey snakeskin print top which has a wide racer back I had on a bluey purple bra and I've also worn it with a black bra and didn't mind the bra straps. I'm not keen on sheer tops with coloured bras I'd prefer a nude on or a cami for coverage x

8 years ago

kerlyn

Veteran

I actually find sports bras way more comfortable than regular bras, and I own several in pretty summery colors. I wear them under tanks all the time and like the layered look. I agree with the commenters who said a pretty bra strap peeking out from a shirt can look good, but I definitely don't wear my nude bras for that. I have a drapey boat neck top that I often wear a pretty black bra under, and I think it looks intentional and a bit flirty!

8 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I don't mind the odd flash of a bra strap in casual or evening situations, either by accident or design. I agree it is not a work look, and for me, not a school event look because we have lots of cultures at our school so I prefer to be more covered.

I am struggling right now with bras - I do need some new ones. Too lacy and they show through the thin sweaters and tees, too structured and I can get a fabric line at the top. Often nude is the best colour but I agree this is not so attractive for bra straps. And with the price of decent ones how many to buy?! I probably have 8 bra's plus two strapless ones, plus three sports bras. But four get by far the most use, and those ones are beginning to look shabby indeed. Mmmm I know where my next chunk of wardrobe budget is headed.

8 years ago

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