This year, spring / summer catwalk trends are full of sheer fabrics. So it follows that one of fashion’s favourite image debates is once again on everyone’s lips. Visible nipples. This season, bras have been discarded once again, and models’ nipples are visible under sheer tailoring. So far so sexy when you’re talking about designer couture and perky breasted professional models. What about you and I, then? We look at nipples, going braless and what these trends really mean for normal women.
Fabrics
The dominance of nipples in seasonal trends is sometimes down to the fabric whims of designers. From lace to chiffon to lycra, fabric choices are crucial to overall looks of the season. But how do we translate these looks?
Sheer
With chiffon, organza, and crepe seemingly replacing more structured fabrics in dresses, tops and even trouser suits, sheer is a prominent look of the season. The key takeaway for this look away from the catwalk is the fabric itself. While models are going braless, most of us would rather choose to layer sheer fabrics over a bra. If we’re feeling dressy that might be an elegant black plunge bra, or for a more casual feel, layer over a sports bra style.
Athletic
When represented on the catwalk, most athletic looks do include a visible nipple under dry fit fabric gym tops or stretch fabric sports bras. In life, the reality is that if it’s cold or you tend to have harder nipples then clingy fabrics will probably show them. As long as your breasts are supported and comfortable, then we don’t think it’s something to either seek or hide!
Crafty
There are a lot of craft focussed styles on catwalks this year, reflected by an abundance of lace and crochet fabrics. While high fashion displays this with a visible nipple, it’s not a necessary part of embracing this look. Instead, lace panelling, layering, or other craft nods like bows and knits are cute.
Strap lines
With retro styles permeating collections this year, there are specific cuts and dress styles that deman going braless. Well, that’s not strictly true – many women carry off visible bra straps beautifully and with confidence!
Slip dress
‘90s spaghetti straps are back for summer (again!) but should this mean that you have to go braless? Just choose your dress carefully. Some fabrics are supportive enough, with integrated panelling around the chest to facilitate losing the bra. Your nipples may show especially with Britain’s erratic temperatures, but if it’s trendy then who cares!
Halter neck
Harking back to ‘70s styles, halter neck lines are back too. Yet another neckline that makes wearing a bra tricky! Of course, strapless and stick on bras are better now than they’ve ever been and can give you the confidence that you need.
Bras
Let’s talk about bras then and where they fit with visible nipple trends. Firstly, there’s Kim Kardashian’s Skims product. Released in 2023, the nipple push up bra is a padded bra with integrated faux nipples. So while your own nipples are cosy and tucked away, there’s a nipple contour always on show. It is reportedly a very comfortable bra, but as far as we’re concerned the added nipple is very much down to personal preference over trends.
Braless
Is striving for a braless look desirable, though? There’s a simultaneous trend for non-underwired bralettes, even for larger bust sizes. Without compromising support, these comfort bra styles create a more natural silhouette. They will probably make visible nipples more likely as they’re unpadded, but the concept behind their rise in popularity is all down to comfort and support. Which we’re very much on board with!
In real life, most of us can’t ever foresee a future where we discard our bras for good – life would simply be too uncomfortable! But one good thing to come out of both the visible nipple trend and the debate surrounding it is a certain degree of normalisation around breasts. If the only takeaway is that we stop feeling self conscious when our nipple contour is visible, then that’s surely a good thing.
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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