The Monthly Edit

A *good* bralette has always felt like the fashion girl’s version of a unicorn. Often talked about, but rarely spotted in real life. Perhaps because on paper, the concept is deceptively simple, yet the execution seems maddeningly difficult to get right. Especially when you take into account the fact that the same undergarment won’t look the same on two different women, even if they’re wearing the same size.

Really, I just want to know if the promise holds true; that somewhere out there, the perfect bralette actually exists. More intentional than a regular t-shirt bra, in some ways it’s the lingerie equivalent of “effortlessly chic”. But also, I want my undergarments to look cute and be comfortable… without the compromise (or discomfort) of an underwire.

In the spirit of saving you from the drawn out task of trial-and-error, I took on the challenge myself to find what’s good. And I mean, you know me. I thrive on a deep dive (remember this one on the Ophelia?), so was all too keen to put all the options to the test (all in the name of “research” of course!).

And after testing far too many (in the name of “research”), I managed to whittle things down to ten bralettes that deliver, but not all for the same reason. Some are the reliable basics you’ll want to live in. Some lean into lace and a little bit of sexy. And then there’s the one that made the list purely because the price was right.

If you’re thinking you might spy a SKIMS bralette in here, think again. I’ll always give it to you straight and will tell you now, no, don’t buy the SKIMS ones. The fabric pills after the first wash, and the sizing is all over the place (even in colour variations of the same style). Save your coin for the actual good stuff because you’re better off buying the Kmart dupe (like I did… ssshhh!).

Keeping this post unlocked for all subscribers because life’s too short to wear a bad bralette.

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THE FAVOURITE

If I had to choose just one, it’d be any bralette from Stripe & Stare. Though, I’m particularly taken with their new eco-lace as it strikes that perfect balance of sultry meets comfortable. Straps are adjustable, and it has all the typical underpinnings of an underwire bra, minus the padding or the uncomfortable underwire. Sizing wise they go up to a FF cup and after a solid deep dive of the reviews I can report back that their bralettes are a hit across all cup sizes. If you want something that has a bit more coverage then I’d recommend the Lace Plunge Bra as it delivers on that same comfort but with added opacity (and a pretty lace trim!).

THE LUXE

This is the “something special” of bralettes; the anemone soft triangle bra from Else. The one I’d wear underneath a sheer top which will give that coverage (no nips on show) but still reveal some pretty details. It’s hard to tell from the pic above, but the ultra-soft microfibre fabric has a soft sheen and behaves like a stretch satin-jersey when tension is applied. The band is a nice width and has a decent stretch to it so it never feels too tight against the body. Also, the floral lace trim! Very, very pretty.

THE ONE FOR THE MAMA’S

Perhaps the best thing I ever did while I was in the haze of the postpartum bubble, was to invest in some beautiful nursing bras. Ones that were the perfect blend of function and form. And I found none better than Juem. I stopped breastfeeding back in 2022, but that hasn’t stopped me from continuing to include this on my rotation of bralettes - though perhaps after this post I may make an attempt to see what I can do about removing the maternity clips. This particular style is called the ‘Tilda’, but I also love the Paloma too, which is in a soft stretch ribbed organic cotton.

THE EVERYDAY

With the same sweeping coverage I’d expect from a bra, my choice for everyday is the plunge wire free bralette from Nala. What makes this bralette unique is that it gives you a bit of lift. A bit of cleavage. Though no underwire. And even though I don’t have a lot going on, I feel incredibly supported when I wear it. Basically, it enhances your natural shape - yes please. Love the little racerback hook too because options are always good.

THE MODERN VINTAGE

Trust Simone Perele to make a bralette that feels reminiscent of something you might discover in a Parisian boudoir. Scalloped lace, and seams that run down the centre to give a pert shape to the bosom. This one has a point of difference to me as there’s almost a vintage feel to the cut and I love the way it peeks out from underneath a crisp white shirt.

THE ELEVATED ESSENTIAL

For when you want something a little special but that feels approachable for everyday, this eyelet lace trimmed bralet from Dear Dylan is the one. It’s made from a soft bamboo blend but feels more robust than the others I’ve shared. I love the way that it offers support, with the bonus of that fun peekaboo cutout at the centre - unexpected and just a little *cheeky*. Oh, and it has a really nice firm band too that stays in place all day.

THE FLIRT

Lonely Lingerie has had me in a chokehold since the very beginning; their Bonnie bra is iconic in my mind, but equally so, their soft cup bralettes. They’re sensual, sultry, and are the kind of bralette that you put on, and feel beautiful in. More for the female gaze than the male gaze (IMO anyway), as the cuts focus less on lifting and sculpting, and more on delicately tracing the body’s natural lines; celebrating rather than reshaping. The bralette above is old; I think I bought it back in 2016 (I also have the black!), but it’s not hard to find a style on their website to covet. From their latest collection, I’m quite taken by the “Amara”. Also - and this isn’t a requisite for me to shop from a brand - but I love how body and age inclusive the brand is. Their e-ecommerce imagery always has a wide perspective of sizes and women of all ages wearing their lingerie. More of this, please!

THE COMFY

For when you want a little bit of support, but are planning to lounge about, these are the two I’d recommend. There’s no special shaping going on, but they’re comfortable, don’t dig in, and are like wearing a second skin. At the top, we have NEGATIVE, which I love as it’s double layered (aka opaque!), and the stretch nylon has this silky feel and soft glossy sheen. At the bottom, is the butter bralette from COMMANDO. Again, it’s double layered, but doesn’t feature a clasp closure (like on a traditional bra) - it’s elasticated, and pulls on over the head. It’s made from a pilling resistant modal blend and I can say I’ve really put mine to the test as it’s going on 5+ years old (give or take) and looks exceptional.

THE AFFORDABLE

Final pick sits on the more affordable end of the spectrum (especially if you shop during their regular flash sales!) - a bralette from Bonds. Again, this is another one that I can’t link, exactly, but more wanted to speak generally as I’ve purchased numerous bralette styles from the brand over the years. If you happen to live in Sydney, I do recommend checking out their outlet (which is where I snagged the black mesh one, above), but there’s a pretty good edit on their website here and often the department stores will run promotions if Bonds aren’t. For me, it’s the combination of comfort and price point. It is worth noting that some styles can give you a bit of a pointy nipple effect, but otherwise I find them to be great. I also feel the need to give a shout out here to one of my FAVOURITE ever bras; the Invisi Wirefree Bra. This gives you a beautiful shape/curve to the breast and is SO comfortable. Not quite a bralette, but deserved a mention here.

ALSO ON MY RADAR??

You’d think that by this point, I would have exhausted all options, but there are still so many on my radar that I’m yet to try.

Topping my list is this one from Love Stories (maybe in the ivory?); it’s similar in vibe to the ELSE one which is the only thing stopping me currently.

For something fun, Dora Larsen has some phenomenal bralettes in the most striking colour combos.

ARAKS has some beautiful vintage inspired bralettes - I especially love those with the satin finish.

If you like a printed bralette, the Bimby + Roy ones are seriously stunning (and I’ve had DM’s previously on how good these are!)

Of course, Organic Basics for a bralette that is primarily cotton derived. They have some really minimal options though if I were adding just one to cart, I’d be inclined to go for this one.

And because I have one more recommendation to share which doesn’t quite fit anywhere else, one of the best “non-bra” bras I own? The wireless lightly lined bra from Aerie. I believe it’s currently on sale and best you believe I’m ordering another as it’s one of the rare few I’m sad to realise is still sitting in the laundry hamper!

Thank you so much for reading and making it to the end; I hope this little deep dive helps you find a bralette (or two) that you’ll actually love wearing. If this was helpful (or you know someone else who’s forever searching for “the one”), feel free to pass it along as sharing is truly the best compliment. And if you happen to have another bralette which you feel has earned the seal of approval, please shout about it in the comments - would love to know your recommendations, too!

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