Bralettes have made their mark in fashion over the past few seasons, and the style isn’t losing momentum anytime soon.1 If fashion-month runways are any indication, you will see bralettes strutting solo when the weather warms up.2,3
That’s right. Now that these bralette beauties have gotten a glimpse of fame, they’re craving their rightful spotlight.
There are more ways than ever to include this previously low-key garment in your wardrobe rotation. And as we get closer to spring and summer and the opportunity to wear a bralette presents itself, you’re going to want to know how to style a bralette. Check out the best 7 ways to do it along with some other fun facts and style tips about this dainty fashion icon.
This versatile wardrobe piece is a combination of a traditional bra and a form-fitted top that extends to the top of the waist. Resembling a crop top or a camisole, the bralette blends fashion and practicality for a look that is modifiable to mood, personality, and occasion.
The bralette combines two well-known staples in a woman’s armoire:
So what’s the difference between a bralette vs bra? The bralette, of course, was dutifully inspired by the ever-famous bra. Here’s a bit of bra history that might make you appreciate these snug cups a little more.
Since first appearing in fourth-century Italian mosaics, history has depicted chest coverings in the form of a bandeau, whether for practicality or fashion. The word bra comes from the longer french word, brassière, meaning “upper arm.” The term is thought to have originally described the top part of a whale-bone camisole, covering the bust.4
This minimalistic, versatile set of threads is found in wardrobes everywhere. Originally devised as a way to save fabric during WWII, this little top caught on and became a wardrobe essential paired with skirts and slacks, and under jackets for a more refined look.
Here are some more fun facts about the crop top:
The way you style a bralette can be inspired by its design. As the bralette trend continues to grow, so does the versatility and variation in its styles. A few you may find in stores include:6
Ready to evoke of-the-moment fashion with bralette tops and undergarments of every color and texture? Here are the top 7 ways to wear them in your wardrobe.
If you’re headed on a beach vacation, or you’re lucky enough to live in a beach-year-round climate, style your sexy bralette for the sand and sun.
A brightly-colored crocheted bralette teamed with a sheer cover-up wrap and some silver metallic flip-flops complete the ideal beach bralette. Switch it out for a haltered bralette to unhook and sun your shoulders.
Wear a strappy (or sporty, for more support) bralette with a pair of leggings or bike shorts for maximum confidence gains. Wear it alone or “accidentally showing” coupled with an unzipped heather-grey sweatshirt.
Maximize this gym meet-cute style by matching your bralette to your athletic shoes, socks, or scrunchie.
Show off the crop-top potential of your bralette by wearing it as a top with a pair of flowy pants that accentuate your midsection. Wear a one-shoulder, halter, or choker-neck bralette with palazzo pants, or switch it up with a maxi skirt for a chic, sleeveless, boss-babe look.
You could also wear your sexy bralette over a white button-down shirt for an ultra-bold look.7 Try this combo with jeans and high-top sneakers.
Let your delicate, lacey bralette show just slightly through a backless blouse or plunge v-neck tee. These are good options if you don’t want to expose too much skin or if you’re headed to an event where a bit more modesty is preferred.
Here are a few looks to try:8
In recent years, athleisure attire and pajamas have become increasingly acceptable to wear in public. And we’re here for it. The bralette is a stunning alternative to make the lounge-casual look effortlessly cute.
Slip on a simple, cotton-blend bralette for stylish, supportive comfort, some drawstring Baby Yoda sweatpants, and—go for it—your fuzzy bear-claw slippers, too. Pair with a black hoodie and tuck in for hours of adorable comfort.
If your workplace leans more into the casual dress code, a more modest bralette can be paired with a blazer and tailored trousers for a seriously powerful look. Just be sure that cute bralette covers enough skin to conform to your workplace’s requirements.
When it comes to more dressed-up bralette looks, try these, too:
Try these looks for a dressy event, date night, or nightclubbing with friends:
With so many different bralettes to work with, let’s get a glimpse of a few other elements that can influence your styling in 2023.
Although bralette sizing doesn’t involve the complexity associated with traditional bra-sizing methods, it’s helpful to know your regular bra size and circumference in order to find a bralette that fits you snugly without being constrictive.
Here’s how to easily measure your bra size:
Sometimes, bralettes come in sizes that you’d see on a regular top, usually between XS to XL. If that’s the case, follow the sizing you’d normally select in a crop top or tank top.
To encourage a great fit no matter what shape or size the wearer, those who don’t fit into one particular sizing category may find a little consolation by following these guidelines:10
Today’s bralettes will give you a broad range of fabrics, padding, underwires, contour, and neckline height.11 In fact, nowadays, comfort is non-negotiable, and new design techniques cushion wiring so that it doesn’t chafe or poke holes in your flesh.
As you can see, bralettes know no bounds (except for the supportive ones on your body) when it comes to fashion statements. Worn peeking through your favorite tops or showing off all on their own, bralettes are built for any season or occasion.
To find the perfect bralette built for you, shop at Gooseberry.
From slip-on bralettes for lounging comfortably to lustful triangle styles for the summer sun, our collection of bralettes will take you wherever the day leads. And while you’re treating yourself, stock up on our premium intimates, sleepwear, and swimwear to slip into your most stylish vacation season yet.
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