Even if you have the best fitting bra in the world, I’m sure you’ve experienced that moment of relief when you can take off your bra at the end of the day.
But there is a middle ground between your underwired, structured bra and no bra at all – in this article you will find the best bralettes for women over 40.
Bralettes – a middle ground
If you do want a more comfortable option, but you don’t want to forgo bra wearing altogether, then a bralette could definitely hold the answer.
Particularly as you may be at home much more often at the moment, a bralette could help you to feel more comfortable in your loungewear rather than the underwired bra you might usually wear Monday to Friday.
What is a bralette?
First of all, what exactly is a bralette? Bras without underwires are clearly nothing new. In fact the earliest bras were unwired. But bralettes are definitely having something of a moment.
A comfortable, non-wired, non-padded alternative to a traditional bra, the bralette, or bralet, has made a comeback partly because of the trend for wearing athleisure wear when a structured bra doesn’t seem appropriate.
Bralettes have also been seen worn as a top for those feeling confident enough. They’re generally lacy and pretty enough to leave a little of your bralette on show.
What size do I need?
Bralettes aren’t sized in the same way as regular bras as they don’t trend to have structured cups. Instead, they tend to be labelled S, M, L and XL.
Just as clothing sizes vary by brand, so too do bralette sizes. But you’ll find that most brands give a guide as to which size should fit depending on your usual bra size.
Can I wear a bralette if I have a larger bust size?
If you do have a large bust, you may find that a bralette doesn’t offer the support you are used to, but providing that you find the right size and you opt for a bralette with individual cups and support provided through the strap underneath your bust, you’re likely to be able to find one with enough support for casual days.
Check out our top picks of the best bras for large breasts.
The best bralettes for women over 40
Below, you will find some of the prettiest and comfiest bralettes in stores now, no matter what your cup size.
Psyche (above) wears her bralette as outerwear.
Here are some similar bralettes from True & Co., ASOS, Collusion and Amazon (plunge and high-neck)
True & Co. Triangle convertible bralette
Soft, light and comfy, you’ll forget that you’re wearing this one. A good everyday option for relaxing and running a few errands. This True & Co. bralette has removable thin pads if you do want a little extra shape.
True & Co. True Body Triangle Convertible Bralette
Spanx bralette
An article on underwear surely wouldn’t be complete without an item from SPANX. This wireless style comes in a burgundy, animal print or choice of neutrals. It’s supersoft with wider shoulder straps which don’t dig in.
Wacoal B Smooth seamless bralette
If you are concerned that a bralette may not give you the shape you want, this Wacoal bralette could hold the answer. The knitting between the cups is designed to provide natural definition while still being super comfortable to wear.
Wacoal B Smooth Seamless Bralette
Sloggi GoAllround Bralette
I was intrigued by this one. Sloggi have made one size that they say fits all because of its comfort and stretch, and I have to say it does actually fit. Have you tried it?
Made of stretch micro modal, this Go Allround brallete comes in a choice of four colors. My favorite is this wine shade (below).
Future Foundation Bralette by Wacoal
One for smaller busted women, I’d say, this bralette by Wacoal does have a little padding so it affords a bit of shape if you aren’t comfortable with a thinner layer of material.
If you do have a smaller bust, you may also like to take a look at the best bras for smaller bust sizes.
b.tempt’d by Wacoal Future Foundation Bralette
Commando Bralette
A combination of modal and spandex, this Commando bralette is comfortable and stretchy. You just pull over your head like a vest. The use of modal means it’s a good option for warm weather as it’s breathable.
SKIMS Cotton Plunge Bralette
Okay, so I admit I’m not generally a fan of Kim Kardashian’s way of dressing. I definitely, for example, won’t be squeezing myself into top-to-toe PVC anytime soon.
However, I do like the look of her new comfort underwear line. This cotton and spandex plunge bralette comes in regular and plus sizes and offers natural support thanks to its powermesh technology. Plus the wider straps shouldn’t dig into your shoulders.
Let me know if you’ve tried the SKIMS range yet.
Calvin Klein racerback bralette
Good for lounging around the house, or low impact activity such as yoga or walking, the Calvin Klein racerback bralette could easily be worn everyday.
Reviewers say it is soft and comfortable, and offers decent support. Women who are a C or a D cup say they opted for the Large.
Calvin Klein Racerback Bralette
Free People lace bralette
If you prefer a bralette with a wider underband, how about his one from Free People? With a wide lace underband, it is comfortable and pretty.
Free People Intimately FP Teagan Lace Tri Bralette
Madewell wire-free bra
If you do need a bit more support, but you still want to go wire-free, it could be worth trying this wire-free bra by Madewell, which is especially designed for curvier figures. It should fit up to a 38D if you opt for the XL.
Madewell Marta Mesh Trim Wireless T-Shirt Bra
Imani Bralette by Hanro
I like the idea of this Hanro Imani bralette to wear under those tops that are maybe a little too low cut. That way, you can let the lace of your bralette show without displaying too much cleavage – unless you want to, of course!
Suzanne lace padded bralette
Feel that bralettes are a little too flimsy for your tastes? You could be persuaded maybe by the Suzanne lace padded bralette from Madewell which offers fuller coverage, as well as removable inserts for extra support. Plus, it comes in a very attractive wine color.
Madewell Suzanne Lace Padded Bralette
Full circle curves bralette
This Commado bra could work well if you have an hourglass figure, as it is designed to work for women who have a larger bust while still having a smaller rib cage.
Commando Full Circle Curves Bra
Crochet lace bralette
This bralette from LIVELY is super comfortable and classic. I also love that this comes in a navy shade which isn’t a color you usually associate with bras.
LIVELY The Crochet Lace Bralette
Intimately longline bralette
If you want to leave a little of your bralette on show, perhaps to wear under a summer dress or top, this Free People bralette could be a great option. It comes in beautiful colors from brights to neutrals.
Free People Intimately FP Adella Longline Bralette
No bulge bralette
Comfortable and wider sides are a good feature of this bra from Warner’s , making sure you don’t suffer any bulge from the sides of your bralette.
Warner’s Easy Does It No Bulge Wire-Free Bra
Have you found a bralette which works for you? Let me know your own recommendations for the best bralettes.
Continue reading:
- Best Bras For Large Breasts: Bras Which Are Supportive AND Stylish
- The Best Bras For Small Bust Sizes AND What To Wear If You Have Smaller Breasts
- Does A Comfortable Strapless Bra Exist? We Lineup The Best Strapless Bras For Women Over 40
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Feature image by Psyche
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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The best bralette for women with larger bust, but narrow to regular sized ribcage, is the Cosabella Curvy range. These bralettes are comfortable, durable and very supportive. At 32F, I wear size small, so make sure you follow their sizing guide even if it seems odd (I am certainly not a “small” in anything, more like medium to large). I use these to lounge around and sleep in.