How to Avoid Wearing a Bra This Whole Summer, No Matter Your Size
Free nipples and boob sweat for all.
Of the few things that rank above whipping your bra off at the end of the day in Satisfaction Points™, not wearing an underwire at all has to come out near the top. Here, some advice for how anyone can go free-boobing this summer—even those of us who were born without fashion-girl chests.
Choose a thicker fabric
Eliminates the need for nipple covers; still provides some support, emotional and otherwise. You could do a solid-colored knit like Olivia Newton-John here, but for extra coverage, go for a stripe or other print.
Or structure
The jacket-with-nothing-underneath thing is so chic and so flattering. If you're not keen on having to deal with fashion tape, though, just put on a bandeau—you still get the skin and the braless-ness, but with just a bit less *movement,* if you know what I mean.
Go deep with the armholes
It's simple optics: The more boob strategically shown, the less boob there must (conceivably) be. For that, the chic-girl version of a bro tank does just fine: The neckline should be cut low, the armholes should dip enough for some side-boob, and the whole effect should be breezy.
Or loose, loose, loose
As long as you've got some shoulder/clavicle action, you're good.
Or a boob valance
A huge ruffle hiding everything works too.
Or boob scaffolding
Boob *fence*? In any case, the laces provide the architecture that holds them in place while simultaneously advertising them. Perfect.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Chelsea Peng is a writer and editor who was formerly the assistant editor at Marie Claire. She's also worked for The Strategist and Refinery29, and is a graduate of Northwestern University. On her tombstone, she would like a GIF of herself that's better than the one that already exists on the Internet and a free fro-yo machine. Besides frozen dairy products, she's into pirates, carbs, Balzac, and snacking so hard she has to go lie down.
-
Katie Holmes Tames an Underrated Animal Print Trend
Tiger is the new leopard.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Taylor Swift's Beloved Red Lipstick Is Finally Back in Stock
It's been a long time coming.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I Move Up a Tax Bracket Every Time I Wear This Opulent Manicure
Bonus: you can achieve the look with $15 press-on nails.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
8 Classics From Amal Clooney’s Capsule Wardrobe
From fitted blazers to delicate kitten heels.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
10 Holiday Gifts Marie Claire Editors Are Giving and Getting
Use our guide to simplify your shopping experience.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published
-
Fashionable Gift Ideas for Every Type of Personal Style
From the classic dresser to the eccentric trendsetter.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Strathberry's Black Friday Sale Majorly Discounts Meghan Markle and Jennifer Lopez's Favorite Bags
Strathberry's best styles are 25 percent off.
By Kelsey Stiegman Last updated
-
How Do You Find Your Personal Style?
From Gen Alpha to an almost-centenarian, we asked six stylish people to share how they discovered their formula for getting dressed.
By Emma Childs Published
-
The Loewe Bags Everyone's Manifesting Right Now
From modern styles to heritage classics, these are the most coveted styles of the moment.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Late Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for November
Here are all the fashion and beauty must-haves to covet for the kickstart of the holiday season.
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
This Winter’s Shoe Trends Embrace Individual Style
From edgy moto boots to classic loafers, there’s a shoe to suit every taste.
By Emma Childs Published