Underwear has never been more outerwear. In a time when athleisure has become the new Juicy Couture, using lingerie to jazz up an otherwise androgynous outfit can be just the touch of glamour you need. Whether that’s flashing the back of a beautiful bralette under a scoop back top, or a cropped brami over loose joggers, we’re loving this look. So we thought we’d investigate this new trend further, and help you stay bang on trend this summer.
The brami
‘What’s a brami?’ you might ask. Well, think of it as the lovechild between a bra and a camisole. Created by a designer at Free People, it’s essentially a hybrid piece. Too long to be a bra, but too short to be a cami? Voilà….a brami!
Bramis can be fitted or loose, and given the craze for cropped tops and high waistlines with just a flash of midriff, these pieces are taking the world of fashion by storm. You might think that they’re only for the young or the size zero, but you’d be wrong. They look amazing on their own, paired with high-waisted crops on a hot summer day. But they’re equally as effective in a slightly longer length. Or, if you’re not too confident about exposing your midriff, layered underneath a loose-fitting shirt and a cardigan.
The bralette
Bralettes have been beloved for a few years now, and their popularity isn’t waning. Worn under tops, bralettes are essentially very pretty, soft bras that tend to have a thicker waistband and elegant backs. Typically made of lace, they’re designed to be seen, be that under slouchy off the shoulder tops or low back tees. They definitely add a discreet femininity to an outfit.
There’s a debate on whether bralettes suit larger busted ladies. We agree that some may not be suitable for everyday wear, as they offer minimal support. Likewise, it can be tricky to find bralettes in larger sizes, that provide good coverage. However, there are bralettes that suit a larger cup size, you’ve just got to do your research. Look for bralettes with adjustable straps, and bands that can be adjusted. Once you find your holy grail of bralettes, we advise you to splurge on a few colours, as they make it easy to change up your look. They’re so useful under tops, dresses or even on their own under buttoned up blazers for an uber sexy look. Seriously, with a bralette you can work those curves!
Sports bras
It’s tricky to make the maximum coverage and structure of a sports bra sexy. But we’re seeing sports bras that actually combine function and looks. The latest sports bras come in jersey fabrics, with four-way stretch to maintain support. Mesh detailing and pretty straps add a touch of modesty while still maintaining a racy look. For larger busts, look for a thicker band and a higher neckline, with crossover or thicker straps to ensure maximum control. As always, choose the right sports bra for the type of workout. What you can wear for yoga won’t necessarily work on a 10K run. In general, there are three levels of workout intensity:
- Low impact (yoga, barre)
- Medium impact (spinning, Zumba)
- High impact (aerobics, HIIT)
Larger busted ladies may automatically go for bras suited for high impact activities, but these won’t be comfortable in a low-impact environment such as yoga, where you need to easily be able to move and stretch. So choose according to impact level. But remember, you don’t have to compromise on aesthetics.
Use lace to add femininity
We think lace has got to be the prettiest material for any lingerie or shapewear. Stretchy, whimsical and delicate, it adds a touch of femininity to any piece. This is why designers use it for lingerie and clothing. With the current penchant for high waistlines and cropped tops, you can expect to see more and more lace this summer on bramis and bralettes.
Lace definitely adds a touch of elegance and wistfulness to any outfit, and this is no less true for lingerie and shapewear. Here at Elle Courbee, we have some wonderful plus size shapewear pieces that are adorned with exquisite lace. This includes smoothing bras, contouring bodysuits and sculpting control briefs, to name just a few. Check out our collection today, and add a touch of class to your wardrobe today. Remember, if you feel good underneath, that confidence will show on the outside. So go ahead and flash some lacey straps from a gorgeous bralette. Or if you’re more daring, try layering a brami for the ultimate in glam.
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