Bra fashion essentials

A bra is just a bra, right? Wrong! The way you strap yourself up can literally make or break an outfit.

The delicate look of a spaghetti-strap dress can be broken by thick straps showing underneath; a halterneck or racerback top just isn’t the same with visible bra straps on the shoulder; and a deep v-neck top loses its impact if you can see the bra band at the front.

Familiarise yourself with the wide range of bra fashion solutions to ensure you pull off the right look.

Strapless

You can’t go wrong with a good strapless bra – not only will it provide invisible support for a strapless dress, but it will also work for most outfits with an unusual neckline. As 80% of a bra’s support comes from the band, it’s not surprising that it can work almost as well without straps. Choose a well-fitted moulded cup with inserts to give you a little extra boost.

We recommend Wonderbra Ultimate Strapless Range.

Multiway

An alternate to the strapless is the multiway bra – the straps might be changeable at the back only, or at both the back and front connections. By moving the start and end point of the straps, this versatile contraption can be easily converted from a regular bra to accommodate a halterneck, crossover at the back or front, one shoulder, side strap or strapless look.

We recommend John Lewis underwired Multiway Bra.

Bra strap connector

If you only have one racerback top and don’t want to invest in a multiway bra, or fancy wearing a particularly pretty set which has regular straps, you can buy a bra strap connector to bring the two straps together halfway up your back so that they disappear behind your racerback.

We recommend Caraselle Bra Converter Clips.

Bra strap extenders

There is nothing worse than being in between sizes, where 32 is too small and 34 is too big – bra strap extenders can provide the perfect solution if you are that elusive size 33 back. They allow you to take the smaller size, by offering a little more leeway in your back band. You can also use them to give your current bras extra life if you have put on a little weight, although you will probably find that you need a different cup size if you are bigger and don’t lose the excess soon.

We recommend Beyondfashion Bra Extension Straps.

Clear straps

Even with a well-fitted bra, some people just prefer the added security of straps – particularly if you intend on dancing the night away in a strapless outfit! For these situations, use clear straps on either a strapless or multiway bra. These discreet options will give you the comfort and support of a normal bra, without ruining the look of your favourite outfit. Alternatively you can make a statement and choose glitzy or bejewelled straps to add a bit of bling to your look.

We recommend Magic Bodyfashion silicone bra straps.

Shoulder cushions

If you suffer from strap slippage or shoulder indentations even if you are in the right-sized bra, you can ease the nuisance and pain with clear silicone gel shoulder protectors.

We recommend Undercover Glamour Bra strap Cushions.

Nipple covers

Prevent your nipples from showing through your clothes with silicone covers. Available in a variety of shapes, these protectors gently stick over your nipple to give you a smooth silhouette, whether or not you are wearing a bra. As well as a fashion accessory, they can also be used to stop chaffing if you have sensitive skin, are sore from breastfeeding or suffer from the dreaded jogger’s nipple.

We recommend Silicone Nipple Covers.

Double-sided tape

Often known as tit tape, this simple solution can save embarrassment with a plunging or floaty top – fasten your clothes to your body strategically along the neckline and around the arm holes to stop a big reveal if you lean forward or turn around quickly.

We recommend Eylure Body Tape.

Stick on bra

If your dress or top is completely backless, you can always opt for adhesive bra cups. These moulded stick-ons will give you shape as well as providing a little support and restraint.

We recommend Fashion Forms Backless Strapless Bra.

Bra strap converter

If you want a bit more support with a low-backed top, you can get a bra strap converter which attaches to the back band of your normal bra so that it crosses over lower down your back and clasps at the front around your waist.

We recommend Low Back Bra Strap Converter.

Inserts

For a little extra lift, or to achieve a more symmetrical look if you have uneven breasts, you could pop a foam or silicone insert into your bra or bikini. Choose from pads designed to uplift you or increase the appearance of your bust, in a wide range of sizes and shapes to find something suitable.