Summer has arrived. Temperatures are rising, lighter tops are back in the rotation, and our hot weather nemesis has returned: boob sweat. In this month’s blog, we’re going to explore how to choose the best bra for your summer looks.

Our summer wardrobes typically get lighter and flowier to combat the heat and humidity. We want to look good, but we also want to stay cool and comfortable. A bra that’s too restrictive can lead to chafing, especially on a particularly sweltering day. When moisture sits on the skin, friction from tight fitting straps or rough material mixed with sweat can irritate and get outright painful. Cooling fabrics and construction techniques can keep you comfortable even if you’re sweating buckets.

Comfort is key when choosing a summer bra, as is style. Summer tops tend to have thin straps or no sleeves, and you may not want visible bra straps to show. Fabrics also tend to be lighter in color and weight, which means an elaborate pattern may show through, or a thick material might make a t-shirt look lumpy. Your summer favorites may also show a little more skin, best complemented by a bra that either boosts or minimizes your cleavage, depending on your own personal style.

Material is key when it comes to picking a summer bra. Even a full coverage, padded, or post-mastectomy bra doesn’t have to smother you in the heat. Look for lighter cotton cups, like those found in the Amoena Katy Wire Free Soft Bra, or mesh panels for a cooling effect. Moisture-wicking fabrics can also help dissipate body heat, like that which is offered with Amoena’s Breathable COOLMAX® wicking fabric found in the Mara wire-free bra.

So, let’s dive into some specific styles that will keep you cool, comfy, and chic all summer long:

• Deep plunge bra: If you are looking to show a little skin with your summer attire and want to accentuate your cleavage, a bra that offers a deep plunge is for you. Underwire and a horizontal construction give great support and lift, which helps prevent boob sweat. The straps are typically wider set, too, which helps hide straps with a wider-cut neckline like a boatneck or V-neck. We love Freya’s Offbeat Demi Plunge Moulded Bra in a delicate Earl Grey colourway with blush details. The sweetheart neckline offers enhanced cleavage and seamless cups ensure a smooth rounded shape under clothing.
• Strapless : Whether it be a tank top, off-the-shoulder neckline, or a cold-shoulder cut, summer fashion can often leave us with nothing to hide a bra strap. A strapless bra can provide the solution, however in order for a strapless to hold everything in place, fit is key. No one wants to spend the afternoon tugging at a bra to keep it up, constantly worrying that it’s just going to slide down out of position .For a strapless bra to do the trick, it needs to do the following:
  • The underwire should sit under the arms, not the rib cage
  • The band around the rib cage should be snug, and the front of the bra—between the underwire on either side—should rest smoothly against the skin (known as tacking).

One of the best selling and most popular strapless bras we carry is the Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless. Specially designed to stay in place, Wacoal’s supportive Red Carpet Strapless Bra features seamless contour cups that beautifully enhance your shape. It offers a cushioned lower bottom band for added comfort, the band and sides smooth and minimize bulge, and it converts to traditional, halter, crisscross, and one-shoulder styles. Plus – it has removable + fully adjustable straps!

• Racerback: Another good solution to go under your favorite tank top or sundress is a racerback. Because the straps are positioned closer to the collarbone rather than over the shoulders, they leave more of your back free and clear, making this cut versatile with a number of different styles. Double up on two of our favorite summer bra styles (t-shirt bra and racerback) with the Fantasie Memoir Underwire T-Shirt Bra. This bra has light padding for a perfectly round shape and coated metal J-hooks for a comfortable racerback.
• Bralette: Something light and simple is often more comfortable in the summer, and the simple bralette provides just that. Bralettes are perfect for those who do not need quite as much support. They can even function as a layering piece underneath a gauzy top, with a design that often looks more like a bikini top than an undergarment. Check out the Embrace Lace Wire-Free Bra in dew/coral. Not only are the colors perfect for summer, but this soft and sexy lace makes it comfortable for summer! It’s supportive, has back adjustable stretch straps, and converts for versatility. And let’s face it, summer clothing is all about versatility!
• Sports: When it comes to avoiding chafing from physical activity on a hot day, a good sports bra is essential. With added support to hold your girls in while you run, jump, and play, these bras help keep you cool while you sweat. Look for a sports bra that comfortably anchors itself underneath to keep everything in place while you move around. One of our newest bras in the store and online right now is the Amoena Seamless Melange sports bra. It’s extra soft fabric dries quickly and retains shape while providing comfort during your whole workout. Bonus – this cute sports bra also comes with matching leggings!

When picking out bras for the coming months, think about your favorite outfits, how you plan to spend your time, and what kind of support you need. There are plenty of options out there to keep you cool while you sizzle this summer.

Stop in to see your Bra Sisters at Confidentially Yours for a complimentary bra fitting. Visit us Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.