When I first started writing Sweet Nothings, most of the bras in this post would have been at the very bottom of my wishlist. I was so starved for glamour and color and lace and frills and whimsy that I wanted nothing to do with what I perceived as “boring” minimalist bras. I wanted hyper-femme drama or I wanted nothing, good day to you.
I still love silk and lace and color, and I firmly believe that lace, particularly stretch lace, is one of the more powerful engineering tools in modern lingerie making. However, recent trends for athleisure are still going strong, and there are lots of customers out there who want support without sacrificing their sleek personal style. Furthermore, not everyone who wears full bust sizes is femme, and it can be challenging to feel comfortable in a bra, no matter how well it fits, if its appearance is fundamentally at odds with your identity.
My criteria for inclusion in this post are a little arbitrary, but primarily I was looking for bras available at least up to a UK G-cup (or the Euro or North American equivalent) with no bows, no lace, and no strappy bits (well, mostly). True, there are otherwise sleek bras with bows that could easily be snipped off after purchase, but I wanted to find bras that are minimalist from the get-go. I also specifically didn’t include any minimizer bras. Contrary to what you might reasonably expect, minimizer bras often don’t work terribly well: they don’t provide great fit or support, they can widen one’s silhouette, and they frequently don’t play nicely under clothing. I’ve found in my personal experience and in those of my fit clients that a well-fitted seamed bra (and I know some people freak about seams but I love them), will ultimately help clothes fit better and lie more smoothly.
All sizes listed are UK sizes unless otherwise indicated. The UK cup size progression is D, DD, E, F, FF, G, GG, H, HH, J, JJ, K.
All Undone Evie collection, 28-34 D-GG
Bravissimo Niya Stripe Bra, 28-38 DD-J
Curvy Kate Daily Dream Bra, 28-40 D-K, 42-44 D-G
Bluebella Persephone Bra, 30-38 D-G
Bravissimo Flo Bra, 28-38 DD-J
Curvy Kate Lifestyle Plunge Bra, 30-40 D-J
Nubian Skin Naked Fuller Bust Bra in Berry, 30-40 DD-G
Bravissimo Elise Bra, 28-38 D-J
Freya Deco Plunge Bra, 28-38 B-GG
Bravissimo Satine Jacquard Bra, 28-40 DD-J
Panache Porcelain Elan Bra, 28-38 D-H
Scantilly Unleash Bra, 30-38 DD-HH
Bravissimo Amber Bra, 28-38 D-H
MORE by Bluebella Aura Bra, 30-38 DD-G (US DD-I)
Gossard Glossies Bra, 30-38 D-G
Curvy Kate Victory Bra, 30-40 D-K, 42-44 D-G
Do you have a go-to bra for when you want a more minimalist look? Are there any that I missed or may have overlooked for this round-up?
Marit
August 28, 2018 at 6:10 am (5 years ago)I like feminine lingerie, but it’s not what I’d choose most of the time if there were other options. I’m a 30F and need plunge bras (I have scars that don’t like being poked by wires). Simple, minimalist and effortless is my thing. So my basic bra is the Gossard Glossies! I have a few that I don’t wear much because they have some crappy plastic sticking out where the wire ends on the sides, which is disappointing. And I alternate with Freya and Fantasie for comfort (wires are better), so they are also a staple. But the Glossies is the one that makes me feel like ME, all the way, that works with every mood and outfit, that is effortless to wear anytime.
The knickers are also super comfy and easy to wear, and I typically don’t like synthetic knickers much. They don’t fade in the wash but can tear along the top seam, easily mended but worth pointing out (I machine wash though). The bras pill on the top seam of the cups. So they’re not perfect at all, but for me they are still a great option to florals and lace and whatnot – just thought I’d share. 🙂
Glad you’re back!