How To Wear A Shelf Bra
What is a shelf bra?
The traditional shelf bra, also known as an open cup bra or cupless bra, is a unique type of lingerie that’s both practical and sexy.
The term shelf bra means to lift the breasts in a shelf-like manner and give them fullness, firmness, and support. Shelf bras are used to accentuate the bust area, but depending on the type of shelf bra you choose, it can be tricky to pull off the perfect look.
Whether you’re looking to add a touch of drama to your wardrobe or just looking for a new lingerie style, the shelf bra is an excellent option.
Types of shelf bras
There are two types of open cup shelf bras available – built-in bras and platform bras.
Built-in shelf bras are found in cami tops, tank tops, and swimming suits. These bras provide a bit more coverage, so you don’t need to wear an additional undergarment with them. This way, you don’t need to worry about hiding bra straps.
The platform shelf bras are stand-alone undergarments. These bras have a design similar to an open-cup bra, which is sometimes called a cupless bra, but they don’t expose the entire breast.
Instead, they support the breast from the bottom and have fabric that comes up over the nipple, leaving your cleavage exposed. This makes them great for pairing with low-cut shirts and dresses. Often, this style will be made of a sheer mesh material.
An open bra is different than a regular bra because it provides more support underneath your breasts. This makes them ideal for women with large breasts.
Women with small breasts often wear shelf bras because they push up the breasts accentuating the cleavage, unlike a normal bra. They also come in strapless options or with adjustable straps.
If you take a look at some of the shelf bras available today, you’ll notice that many of them look like ultra-revealing lingerie. However, different types of shelf bras will have different amounts of coverage and not all are quite as revealing.
If you’ve been looking for a more comfortable alternative to underwire bras, demi bras, or harness bra, the shelf bra may be just the style you’re looking for.
How to Wear a Shelf Bra Step-by-Step
1. Choose the right kind of shelf bra
The type of brassiere you choose depends on the outfit you want to wear. Some of the shelf bra styles include:
- Quarter-cup bras
- Open-cup shelf bra
- Push-up bras
You can also find shelf bras built into camis, tank tops, and one-piece swimsuits.
2. Measure to find your bra size
There aren’t sizes for built-in shelf bras that are separate from the shirt or swimming suit they’re attached to. So, to find the right fit, you should try on different sizes. Choose one that’s comfortable and provides a high level of support.
The platform shelf bra should fit snugly to provide optimal support, so it’s important to get the right size. To get the right fit, you’ll need to measure your cup size and your band size. Then, do some simple math.
To find your band size:
- Stand up straight without a bra on.
- Wrap a measuring tape around your back and pull it around to your front, directly under your breasts where the elastic band of your bra normally sits. Make sure the tape measure is snug but not tight and that you’re measuring in inches.
- If the measurement is an even number (in inches) that’s your bra size. If the measurement adds on an odd number, you need to add one inch to determine your band size.
To find your cup size:
- Put your favorite, most comfortable bra on so that your breasts sit where you want them.
- Measure around the fullest part of your bust.
- Subtract your band size from your bust size. For example, if your bust measurement is 44 inches and your band measurement is 42 inches, you’d end up with the number 2.
- The difference determines your cup size as follows – 0=AA; 1=A; 2=B; 3=C; 4=D; 5=DD; 6=F; 7=FF; 8=G; 9=GG; 10=H; and so on.
Once you’ve measured and determined your band and cup size, you combine them to come up with your bra size. Your bra size is a number, followed by a letter such as 34C.
Once you have those measurements, refer to the size chart and pick the size that best suits you. If you’re still unsure, you can also consult with a lingerie expert who can help you select the right size and style of shelf bra for you.
4. Put on the shelf bra correctly
Once you have the right size, you can put on the shelf bra as you would a regular bra. Make sure to fasten the back hook before putting on the shelf bra. Then, adjust your breasts, so they fit comfortably into the bra cups.
Also, adjust the straps to provide you with the best fit and lift. Finally, make sure to adjust the cups and center gore to ensure the shelf bra fits securely and provides the perfect amount of cleavage, coverage, and support.
If you’re wearing a built-in shelf bra, you simply slip the garment over your head and adjust your breasts so that they sit inside the built-in cups.
What type of clothing should be worn with a shelf bra?
There are many different ways you can wear a shelf bra. The good news is that you can wear them with your regular clothes. However, they are ideal for pairing with low-cut garments because they provide less coverage than a traditional bra.
You can also wear them when you want to highlight your cleavage. Below are several clothing types you should consider when wearing a shelf bra.
Low-cut shirts and dresses
A low-cut top or dress is perfect for showing off your assets. And wearing a shelf bra with them makes highlighting your cleavage a lot easier. Choose a shelf bra style that provides plenty of support. And don’t forget to pair your outfit with some sexy panties.
Shop Cami With Built-In Shelf Bra
Tank tops and crop tops
If you want to show off your stomach, a tank top or crop top is the way to go. If you need extra support, look for options that include a built-in bra. like a shelf bra camisole.
If you choose an option that doesn’t have the bra built-in, consider pairing the top with a strapless shelf bra, so you don’t need to worry about your bra straps showing underneath your tank top’s thin straps.
Off-the-shoulder tops and halter tops
Off-the-shoulder and halter tops are two of the most popular styles to wear with a shelf bra. They both show off your shoulders and neck, and they can be very flattering when worn with a shelf bra.
Where to shop for shelf bras
There are many different brands that offer shelf bras for sale. Typically, any retailer that has a wide range of bra styles will carry shelf bras. Here are a few we love:
- Amazon – We love Amazon for its free shipping and free return shipping
- Victorias Secret
- MaidenForm
- Skims
- Target
- Nordstrom
- Bare Necessities
& many more.
Conclusion
Whether you have a smaller or larger bust, shelf bras are a great option for times when you need a bit of extra support because they support your breasts from the bottom of the bra.
There are many different styles of shelf bras and once you find a comfortable fit, you can wear them with practically any outfit you own, They are perfect for everyday wear – it’s just an added benefit that they’re sexy.
There are so many different types of bras available today but at the end of the day, the style of bra you choose should be one you’re comfortable in that provides the right support for your body.
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