And when straps?

Carol

That should be a hot topic. Meaning if you, or any woman you see is wearing a tank top, or a wide scoop shirt, is it okay to see bra straps?

Is it okay to see any bra straps at all, or not really? Or is it okay to see certain colors (black, a coordinated color, clear plastic, etc.)?

In a casual environment, I used to wear a halter bikini top for this purpose under a dress. But obviously this won't work in many work places, etc. I also think a bralette is a fun option, although again, limited in its applications.

In your own wardrobe, what do you choose?

a) Any shirt with any bra
b) no longer wearing any shirts that would expose bra straps,

or something else?

2 weeks ago

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

kkards

Veteran

I personally don’t wear anything that shows a bra strap, and i don’t really want to see anyone else’s but I’m not really fussed about it either.

2 weeks ago

kellygirl

Veteran

For me, it's b. If I can't wear a racerback or regular bra, I probably won't buy it. The exception is work out wear--for that, I don't care.

2 weeks ago

Star

Veteran

I personally am not that keen on showing straps, however, if it is a funky colour that co-ordinates with what I'm wearing and a little bit peeks out I am okay with it, like say turquoise or pink, or even black. I am really adverse to white straps showing (no idea why really). Just looks sloppy instead of intentional maybe. I too wear a halterneck bikini top in summer. I live on the sea, so it is quite acceptable. I don't mind if these straps show. I don't have a large cup size and support is not really an issue for me. I am tempted to try the stick on cups. If anyone has tried them I would love to hear about. Sometimes I just need that type of coverage. I am going to buy a bralette, not that that solves the straps issue.

2 weeks ago

Active Member

I don’t want straps showing and I hate strapless bras (and in general I find underwire bras totally comfortable). So I avoid almost everything that would show straps. I will occasionally say screw it and wear something with straps that don’t quiiite line up with the bra straps, mostly if they’re both black.

2 weeks ago

Dee

Veteran

Well, I'm mostly a classic dresser so you wont see me with bra straps showing ever, just doesn't suit the vibe I want. However, there are plenty of others who have a more edgy or bohenmian artsy style where this might be totally suitable. To each their own I'd say.

2 weeks ago

Helena

Veteran

I'm not big of my own bra straps showing but I also don't mind seeing them. To me it's a bit like seeing socks ... They can be a statement, they can be there either hidden or showing of necessity or they can be left off altogether, depending what the wearer prefers!

2 weeks ago

Irina

Veteran

It’s a no for me unless it is done intentionally like layering a tank top with thin straps on top of a sports bralette in a contrasting or complimentary color. But this would be a look for a beach vacation or something else extremely casual. I usually don’t buy tops or dresses with thin straps.

2 weeks ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Count me as another who doesn’t care to have visible bra straps, not even in sports attire. It’s just not cute on a woman of my size and age (I think the visible strappy sports bras are really cool on those who can wear them, but the only sports bras that come in my cup size are big swaths of Lycra and infrastructure LOL).

Few things in retail frustrate me as much as a great looking dress that’s the right color, length, fabrication…and has spaghetti straps or some other top that defies a normal bra. It just ain’t happening. I hate strapless bras too.

2 weeks ago

Kate

Veteran

I rarely wear anything that shows a bra strap myself. It only happens when I wear tops with a wide neckline. In that case, I wear a bra that matches the color of the top, or even coordinates with the color of the bottoms I'm wearing. As long as it feels intentional, I'm good. It doesn't bother me to see bra straps on others in the wild...except white bra straps. I don't know why that bothers me, but it does give me the ick.

2 weeks ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

I don’t like *my* bra straps showing but am not too jazzed if others show theirs. Just today I tried on a few new tanks to make sure they worked with my bras before cutting off the tags. I also do not like the sides of my bra showing through very deep armholes, and will nix any top with that issue.

2 weeks ago

Carol

(website)

Veteran

Helena--I love that thought. Like socks! I bet you could start an industry.

2 weeks ago

Sloper

Veteran

Sure it’s OK. Not in a more traditional work situation, but it does seem a deliberate “look” in casual situations.

Not my own style, but not a big deal if I see it. Who am I to judge.

2 weeks ago

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

It is definitely a style thing. Not for me either, but works for a lot of others.

2 weeks ago

Lisa

Veteran

I don't prefer to show bra straps for myself and have worn strapless bras, racerback bras, and convertible bras specifically to avoid seeing straps. Over time I've tried to steer away from tops that require special bras and now I usually look for those that a normal bra with a strap will work.

I have seen women, usually younger gals, who will wear a mesh style top with a colored bra, they are specifically trying to show off the bra. It looks nice, although it's not my style.

2 weeks ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Like most who have already posted, if the straps show - the garment doesn’t come home with me. There are some hacks like criss-crossing the bra straps (X) if the straps are wide set and slip past the outer edge of a sleeveless garment that otherwise has good coverage. I do have a red bra for my red top, and a black bra for the black one - just in case there is some gapping with movement.

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2 weeks ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I choose B, no visible bra straps. It makes me cross personally if they show. Occasionally they might show a little depending on my positioning and I can live with that, but on the whole I try to avoid them showing. I do own a strapless bra which I wear very occasionally. It’s annoying to dance in- feels like it could fall down! Bought 2013 or even earlier.

2 weeks ago

Bijou

Veteran

I find strapless bras comfortable, so if I am worried that bra straps will show - then I generally will go with a strapless bra. I have one dress that is backless and I prefer wearing a bra, but was fortunate to find a very pretty bralette that worked well with the dress, even though it shows at the back, as I was uncomfortable to wear the dress braless.

2 weeks ago

Sal

Veteran

I do have a couple of camisoles where a bra strap could slip out. I would only choose them in a casual setting and choose a bra with nice straps. So the answer is very rarely.

2 weeks ago

Suntiger

Veteran

B for me too- no visible bra straps for sure. Hate strapless bras too, so I stick to regular bra friendly tops.
Re others showing straps, I try not to be judgemental, as I tend to see it the context of people that are struggling to make ends meet.

2 weeks ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Nope. Not a fan of intentional either. Not spending ant time fuming over it— there’s wardrobe not- to-lines everywhere!

I agree with what Suntiger said though— a woman has bras , they fit how they fit and strap placement is wherever, she buys a top or dress that’s affordable and fits ok, maybe straps lind ip or stay hidden sometimes but not always, no time/$$/energy to go on a rigorous hunt for the right combo or to pin things up.

2 weeks ago

karen23

Active Member

B. However, this is colored by the fact that I'm older, and my favorite bras come only in white, black or beige and have wide straps.

I cover them up. I also get picky about buying dresses or tops that do not show my bra straps. The last time I bought a cute top (on sale) with cut-in shoulders & hoped to find a racer back bra, I couldn't find one, and the top got donated, unworn. Tank tops that show my bra straps get exchanged, given away or demoted to pajama tops.

If I was 20 and a B cup and my bras came in colors like sky blue or orange, would I think differently about it? I don't know.

2 weeks ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I do have to say that finding a really good racerback bra was super helpful for me and made a lot of sleeveless styles much more wearable. The Bravissimo Alicia is so good for me, I bought it in three colors!

2 weeks ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I'm a spanner this morning!

When the bra and bra strap forms part of the outfit - usually in black, white, or in a colour - I like the look! For example, a client of mine has a neon bra she wears with a neon tank - the straps show - and it looks fably intentional and amps up the look

And what Suntiger said.

2 weeks ago

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