Uncategorized | July 18, 2007

SheFinds Rant: Visible Bra Straps — Hot or Not?

imageThe Topic: Visible bra straps under tank tops and halters.

The Debate: Just about everyone can agree that the peek-a-boo thong look went the way of Britney’s hair, so it shouldn’t be that difficult for us all to get on the same page about bra straps showing underneath some of summer’s cutest tanks and halters. Now, I know there are tons of excuses: “bras are too expensive to buy a style for every top.” “I’m too busty to go strapless and shouldn’t have to sacrifice wearing tanks.” “At least my bra is clean and cute.” But come on, some of you aren’t even trying! There’s a reason it’s called underwear, ladies: it’s supposed to stay under your clothing.

The Verdict: I don’t care how cute your bra is. I don’t care if it matches your halter and you think it makes a cute accessory. I don’t care if your bra’s brand spankin’ new and you want the world to know. For every one person who manages to pull this look off, there are a thousand others who ruin perfectly good outfits, making them look sloppy and cheap by giving the world a view of their dirty bra straps.

I say, if you’re a fan of summer’s sleeveless and backless gear, invest in a good convertible bra, like this Le Mystere L’image Sculptural Strapless Push-up Bra. At the very least, consider the tips given in our guide to Wardrobe Malfunctions.

What do you say? Are visible bra straps icky or inevitable in a fashion world that dares to bare? Let us know in the comment section below (and if you have any tips on how to make this look work, I’d love to know.)

by SheFindsErin  |  Tagged in :     
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comments
  • Modediktator

    Visible straps are HOT!

  • Violeta

    Visible bra straps don’t work all the time, and definitely not if the bra isn’t clean and pretty. But if you’re going for an artfully disheveled look, or you want a little more color/contrast in your outfit, adding a bra which peeks out can be fun and not trampy or cheap looking. Word to the wise: colorful bras are best at this game-bras that match the color of your clothing and peek out usually look sloppy.

  • Caz

    One of my BIGGEST pet peeves is people wearing regular bra straps with a halter or racer-back tank. Please PLEASE get at least one convertible/strapless bra for these situations.

    However, I am completely for the peek of a bra strap that matches the line of the tank you’re wearing. ie a regular black bra under a black tank with the straps IN THE SAME PLACE (on top of each other as much as possible) You totally don’t notice at first glance, it’s unobtrusive and perfectly acceptable.

  • Briana

    Violeta, I totally agree with you! Straps are not okay with halters or racerback tops! But if you’re wearing a top that matches the color and the straps are in the same place, its not the worst offense ever. Just don’t rock the look if you’re trying to look classy (aka with a strappy dress or nice skirt.)

  • SheFindsTara

    What about clear bra straps? They usually stand out less and still give support (so you’re not wearing your bra as a belt), but I’m not always into the way the plastic feels on my skin.

  • Totally Nude Girl

    I couldn’t have been happier when Carrie Bradshaw started showing bra straps. What a relief. There is a definite art to making it look good and not disheveled. But, why give up the comfort of wearing a bra, especially when you are on the streets of NYC, and be forced to wear some ridiculous convertible strap thang? I say put on your sassiest bra and let the straps hang out!

  • Kasmira

    For the most part, I’d say visible bra straps are out. Especially if the straps are white or nude or GRUNGY! However, in certain situations it can be sexy. For instance, a brightly colored or black strap or a rolled satin strap that matches the placement of slim straps of your cami or peeks out from a sleeveless bouse.

  • SheFindsMichelleM

    why not just wear a strapless bra or a nu bra (one of those sticky bras)?

  • khrome

    To me, there must be a balance between fashion and comfort. Convertables and plastic straps are not comfortable. I like to coordinate my bra color with the rest of the outfit in case they peek out. Seeing straps on other people doesn’t bother me – what DOES bother me are people that are braless and sagging or poking through their tops.

  • khrome

    To me, there must be a balance between fashion and comfort. Convertables and plastic straps are not comfortable. I like to coordinate my bra color with the rest of the outfit in case they peek out. Seeing straps on other people doesn’t bother me – what DOES bother me are people that are braless and sagging or poking through their tops. This only applies to casual- dressy def should not show straps.

  • SENDRA

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  • Allison

    It is NOT cool to show UNLESS they match or enhance your look. It can be HOT if you wear the right straps. I couldn’t go without the support and shaping of a bra AND I couldn’t just let my straps hang out! So I started Strappy’s of Southern California – a full line of rhinestone,jewelry,beaded and designer fabric bra straps. Now my straps either MATCH my outfit or MAKE my outfit. I also carry the Go Commandos patch so you don’t have to worry about thong straps or visible panty lines!

  • Lori

    I created a line of fashionable straps made from glass beads and crystals for this very reason. Check out http://www.classybrastraps.com and give us some feedback. We would love to hear from you!

    Lori

  • Gina

    definately NOT hot i hated when my bra straps showed..i mean its common so you never really think about it but it just looks so tacky. i found these amazing amazing amazing straps on this website. they are sooo pretty and they ‘re hand made. they dont hurt me or my clothes like the metal ones you girls should REALLY check it out!
    http://www.strappity.com

  • Amy

    Personally I think theres nothing wrong with Bra straps showing when you just wear a tank top and the colors match. Its NOT sexy NOR unsexy, I think its just a normal way to wear a tank. For some reason I dislike the plastic bra straps, because you see it anyway so why not just go braless or wear a regular bra strap. Strapless bras are uncomfortable for me and I just end up being self-conscious about it slipping down, so I would not wear them. But like some people have mentioned, racerback tanks with regular bra straps/or even plastic ones are a BIG nono!

  • Dan

    I have no idea how I happened to stumble unto this site, but I thought I would post a response from a guy’s point of view. I thought the point of all the patterned, flourescent, and lace bras available today was that they were designed to show. I don’t think a woman’s bra is any different than a belt, shoes, necklace, or any other accessory that she chooses to incorporate into her look. The key is to get the look you desire. Not all, but most women don’t really look fully supported in a strapless, and that is sloppy looking, as is any bra that is worn or dirty. I actually like checking out how women pick out and wear their bras. The approach can range from completely sleazy (entire bra visible through giant armholes) to very modest and tasteful (a black bra showing through a cream silk blouse). With all of the tank tops, cami’s, and sheer blouses and beautiful bras out there, the possibilities are endless. It seems crazy to me to just say no altogether!