sundress + sportsbra-like thing?

May 24, 2010 1:56 AM

brafilter: I am looking for something that acts like a bra but doesn't look like one in the back...

I'm a chesty girl (30Eish). I've got a pretty good collection of Freya and Chantelles and Elle MacPs that treat me nicely. However, sometimes I like to wear strappy or low-back sundresses, the kind that would really look best with no bra. However, that is simply not an option for me, Neither is a strapless. Lately, I've taken to wearing sportsbras to solve this problem. They look like tanktops but are less bulky (bra+tank+dress=bunching and lines and ugh). But most of mine are either too wimpy or too industrial looking. Anyone got idea for bras that I wouldn't mind people seeing in the back? Something without adjustable straps or backclasps would be ideal...

posted by lalalana to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (11 answers total)

It's not exactly what you've asked for, but you might want to check out the lingerie from Marlies|Dekkers. She's a Dutch designer who does gorgeous lingerie that's specifically designed to be visible - they often have more straps rather than less, but look fantastic on. Here's a Flickr group of women wearing her bras under clothes, to give you an idea of what they look like. I own a few myself and can vouch for their comfort and quality overall - it's a great brand!
posted by ukdanae at 2:47 AM on May 24, 2010 [6 favorites]

I'm not much of an expert in bras, but I was looking at Uniqlo's website today and they're promoting the Bratop right now.
posted by oreofuchi at 3:02 AM on May 24, 2010

Have you thought about wearing a swimsuit bikini top? You'd get the support of a bra, in pretty fabric, fashionable design, and finishes meant to be seen.
posted by drlith at 4:57 AM on May 24, 2010

Have you ever looked at sundresses by Shoshanna? I know she usually designs bra-friendly (or bra-inclusive) youthful dresses and swimwear.
posted by pinky at 5:17 AM on May 24, 2010

You might also want to check out Bravissimo's clothing collection, which includes built-in-bra strappy tops for up to an H cup. It's a UK company but they ship internationally. They also have built-in-bra nightwear, which is a godsend for me!
posted by ukdanae at 5:24 AM on May 24, 2010

what about a slip or a cami that's also shapewear, so it shouldn't bunch? I use one by Spanx (over my bra) for this -- it's an XL and I'm 36/38-DD/E.
posted by dpx.mfx at 5:42 AM on May 24, 2010

Google "backless bra" and see if those might work. A "low back bra" could do as well.
posted by elsietheeel at 7:56 AM on May 24, 2010

Are you still in Massachusetts? If so you should check out Intimacy in Boston. They specialize in bras for chesty women. My girlfriend buys almost all her bras from them.
posted by thekiltedwonder at 8:08 AM on May 24, 2010

Best answer: This bra is fantastic for large sizes, and looks like a smooth tank in the back. And it's super comfortable: Unbelievabra
posted by kch at 8:19 AM on May 24, 2010

Are you looking for something like the low back bra? basically has extended back closure that wraps around your stomach to make a super low back... you can find ones with sturdier straps than this vic sec one!
posted by Acer_saccharum at 8:16 PM on May 24, 2010

You could possibly try a cami bra...they're basically bras with a lace panel built in at the top to function as a bra and a cami. They look kind of ridiculous on their own, but I have a few and they're actually pretty comfy if you can find one that fits- and there's only 1 strap, so it just looks like a tank. I also have a few that I made by taking a pretty well fitting bra (I actually got a few cheap ones from Ross in my size) and adding on a band of fabric. On one with really obvious clasps that tended to ride up, I added a tube of fabric all the way around- it's basically a bra covered by a tube of fabric.

The low back bra sounds like it would be a good idea, but I wear a 42C, have only ever found one in my size, and there was absolutely NO support...I can only imagine with an E cup.
posted by kro at 11:13 PM on May 24, 2010