https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 09:58:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown/page/2#post-1513313 Tue, 30 Jun 2015 21:16:41 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1513313@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow so many replies!</p> <p>I wear nude bras a lot, mostly nude and black. &nbsp;I feel uncomfortable when a colored bra peeks out from my shirt. &nbsp;Don't know why. &nbsp;One of the downfalls of being a pear shape is that my shoulders are excruciatingly small, and with wide hips and a large chest this makes shirt shopping a nightmare. &nbsp;My major pet peeve is armhole bra peeking. &nbsp;Sometimes, if it's intentional and the armhole is very large on purpose it's ok, but sometimes the bra peeking out just means the shirt is a bad fit. &nbsp;</p> <p>I dont' mind a very large portion of my sports bra being visible when I work out though, the way work out shirts are made there's no way that it's not meant to show. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512258 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 21:41:34 +0000 Sal 1512258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind the odd flash of a bra strap in casual or evening situations, either by accident or design. &nbsp;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.</p> <p>I am struggling right now with bras - I do need some new ones. &nbsp;Too lacy and they show through the thin sweaters and tees, too structured and I can get a fabric line at the top. &nbsp;Often nude is the best colour but I agree this is not so attractive for bra straps. &nbsp;And with the price of decent ones how many to buy?! &nbsp;I probably have 8 bra's plus two strapless ones, plus three sports bras. &nbsp;But four get by far the most use, and those ones are beginning to look shabby indeed. &nbsp;Mmmm I know where my next chunk of wardrobe budget is headed. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512238 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 19:29:59 +0000 kerlyn 1512238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;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!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512140 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 11:12:48 +0000 Louise 1512140@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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 </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512135 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 09:46:01 +0000 Summer 1512135@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to say that unintentional strap show is quite another matter - it happens to all of us sometimes, however careful we are. &nbsp;All I ask in that situation is that the straps are clean! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512121 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 06:56:49 +0000 Cococat 1512121@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512120 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 06:43:59 +0000 CocoLion 1512120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, I'm old enough to feel uncomfortable with the visible bra look. &nbsp;I read somewhere that a lot of North American women are, while not so much the case with Europeans. &nbsp;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). &nbsp;I associate the look with club wear. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;I don't have that lifestyle anymore.</p> <p>Nowadays, I love pretty bras and try to find ones with straps that aren't ugly if they peek unintentionally. &nbsp;Even if it's just a nude bra. &nbsp;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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512118 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 06:15:10 +0000 Marley 1512118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh - just wanted to pipe back in here! &nbsp;I&nbsp;<i>like&nbsp;</i>the black bra underneath a white top kind of look - except of course, (again!) for work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512117 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 05:32:58 +0000 Aziraphale 1512117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. :-)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1512106 Sun, 28 Jun 2015 04:24:52 +0000 Brooklyn 1512106@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511994 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 21:25:00 +0000 Mander 1511994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511987 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 21:13:06 +0000 approprio 1511987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>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.&nbsp;And I'm not ashamed to say I'm <i>that</i> lady who wears a black bra under a white button-down with black dress pants. I like mixing it up with menswear.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511975 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 20:32:01 +0000 Anonymous 1511975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511945 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 19:05:20 +0000 Summer 1511945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry, but this is one of my pet hates. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;If straps have to be seen, please at least make them pretty ones.<br />Under a sheer top, I think a cami looks best, or, &nbsp;failing that, a nude bra. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511936 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 18:29:54 +0000 annagybe 1511936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind at all for the right context and I'm over 30.<br />Last summer I met Diana and Aida for oysters on the waterfront. Black bra under a white Isabel Marant tank<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/post/wiw-716-isabel-marant-for-a-mini-meet">http://noscrubs.lookfab.com/po.....-mini-meet</a><br />This year I bought a semi-sheer drapey white tee and I wear a black bra under it.<br />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.<br />It works for my lifestyle with my cohorts.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511934 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 18:26:31 +0000 Echo 1511934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511927 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 18:09:31 +0000 Greyscale 1511927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>Since college or so I've been totally fine with visible bra straps under strappy camis &amp; 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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511919 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:48:25 +0000 Marley 1511919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Over 60 here. &nbsp;I don't mind at all if bra straps show - just not at work! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511912 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:29:46 +0000 Anonymous 1511912@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hidden. That said, I'd rather see someone with bra straps showing than with no bra on. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511911 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:27:26 +0000 Staysfit 1511911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511910 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:26:32 +0000 Maneera 1511910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a fun question! I really enjoyed reading everyone's opinions...since these will all be personal choices. </p> <p>Let me see now----</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511901 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 17:05:16 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1511901@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hidden. I don't mind showing on other people, but it's not my style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511882 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:37:49 +0000 Anonymous 1511882@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.<br /> Under sheer tops, I'd rather not see just a bra. A cami would be better. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511881 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:37:00 +0000 Gaylene 1511881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in my mid-sixties and my rules are the same as Aziraphale's. Peekage, straps. and showthrough are fine IF<br /> (1) the bra is attractive as opposed to a purely functional style<br /> (2) the look is intentional and appropriate for the setting and occasion<br /> (3) the bra, and the rest of the outfit, is impeccable<br /> (4) the implications of having your underwear on public display have been duly considered from both a style and societal perspective</p> <p>To me, the last rule is actually the most important one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511868 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 15:07:36 +0000 Aziraphale 1511868@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.&nbsp;</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511866 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:58:43 +0000 Jessica 1511866@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>I am also an advocate of going braless. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511852 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:32:37 +0000 Anonymous 1511852@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;One last caveat: &nbsp;NOT AT WORK. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511847 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 14:18:22 +0000 Diana 1511847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>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. </p> <p>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! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511839 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 13:55:43 +0000 Jeweled 1511839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in my 50's, so I was raised that you always make sure that your bra / undies / slip aren't showing anywhere.&nbsp; LOL</p> <p>However, I do think that many modern bra styles have straps that could easily look like a tank top or camisole peeking out.&nbsp; Especially true of bras that aren't in traditional bra colors (white, nude).</p> <p>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.</p> <p>(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.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bras---hidden-or-shown#post-1511835 Sat, 27 Jun 2015 13:50:09 +0000 kkards 1511835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>these are<b> </b><i><b></b>my<b></b> </i>rules --<br />~never at work, unless you work as a victoria secrets model<br />~never if you are over the age of 30</p> <p> </p>