July 24, 2008

Bras with Different Straps at the Back

At the end of last summer I evaluated my wardrobe (-something everyone should do at the end of a season or the beginning of a season,) and decided that I really didn't have enough young, casual clothes. Most things I owned seemed so stuffy and old -imagine really boring, plain clothes with boring, unhip cutting. So when I onlined shopped a few months ago, I made sure to reject clothes that were too plain and looked for some colour.

I really liked this tank top (by Kate Moss Top Shop) because it had a hint of colour and interesting pattern on it but it was still my style. But when I bought it, I didn't realise how low the hole at the back was and I liked the top so much I didn't return it. So then I started to look for a bra that was backless or had a ok-to-be-seen-strap.

Why not just show the back of a normal bra? Because I've seen a few people wearing tops and dresses with showy backs like these Top Shop tea dresses with their normal bras showing and believe me, they were not attractive!

Since the UK doesn't have Victoria's Secret, the first place I looked was Marks & Spencer. This bra was kind of what I was looking for. The straps at the back were thin and interesting enough to not remind me of the traditional thick back strap. Unfortunately, it only comes in black, and since the material of the tank top was pretty thin, I didn't want a black bra to be seen obviously underneath.

Then there was this bra. I admit that I've always thought transparent straps as sort of tacky-looking in most situations. (Is it just me?) But I love the idea that the back strap was transparent -an alternative style for the thick strap at the back. Alas, I forgot to buy one before leaving the UK. Now I have to figure out how to wear the tank top! (I prefer not layering with another camisole because it just doesn't look as nice and defeats the purpose of keeping cool.) Any ideas?

Btw, I didn't even consider a strapess, backless bra because I imagine they would feel very uncomfortable and insecure. If any of you have used one, what did you think of them?

Image Credits: http://www.topshop.com/, http://www.marksandspencer.com/

72 comments:

  1. I would use the black thin line bra, I think those would still go with the dress and would be cute =)

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  2. I would go for the black thin bra as well. I don't like these invisible bras with the transparent plastic straps.

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  3. Try a front fasten bra. I have one that's strapless and although it's not as cool as the thin strap ones it definitely looks better than the back closure or the see-through straps. Those are just tacky.

    Also, you might consider trying the stick-on bra thing. It takes a little while to get it right, especially to make it even, but it works pretty well. Just make sure you get the right size!

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  4. I really like the black bra, very interesting! And I hate transparent straps, so no, that's not just you.

    I have a C cup and I am a small girl so I am not 100% comfy with straples bras (they tend to go down during the day ^^) but wear them occasionnaly.

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  5. I would also recommend you a front fasten bra. I think it's more comfortable than the stick-on ones and I definitely don't like transparent straps.

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  6. go for the nu bra

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  7. lady, i don't think you dress old and boring at all! quite lovely from what i've seen. but then again, i'm older than you...

    but i like the thin black straps the best, they dont' look so bra like, and the clear, well... i'm with you, it's a bit tacky.

    VS has this backless bra, which is really just a normal bra with an elastic strap extension with the hook and eye on each end and it wraps around your body. it works quite well and is fairly simple to make... therefore would work with any normal bra without showing any straps in the back.

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  8. A stick-on bra like the Freebra does work!

    http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/cccakse/cabinet/biyou/freebra1.jpg

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  9. I have used a strapless one, and it is good and very useful, u can use it if you normally use a strapless bra, there is no difference between them. BTW there are those bras that can be stick to your skin 100 times, there is no strap at all, anywhere... there are just the cups:)) something like that:
    http://www.siparisevi.com/modules/catalog/products/pr_01_13607_max.jpg

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  10. consider this, do you really need a bra? i don't know if it would be practical/comfortable for you but i have small boobies and for something like this, i would probably just use surgical tape or yes, band-aids, to keep from showing my headlights all day.

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  11. When wearing backless tops or tops that expose the upper back I prefer to wear a front-clasp bra or one that wraps around so the straps don't show. I really like the Top Shop tank you featured. I just bought some great tops and a dress from shopgoldyn.com and I'm obsessed. The hard part is finding a proper bra to wear with them!

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  12. NUBRA
    ive used it forever and its perfect and stays sticky but is not uncomfortable

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  13. I am a fan of the Nu Bra but I also suggest a bra from Maidenform that is backless but isn't an adhesive bra... the link is to the US site but they also offer it on their UK site. Here's the Link!

    https://www.maidenform.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=71471&categoryId=14&wtlCategory=Maidenform%AE%20Bras&parentCategoryId=1

    I hope that this helps!

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  14. Love bras with clear strap for summer, life savers! Nubra is quite good for strapless tops and dresses. But, it almost fell off once!

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  16. i managed to get a strap that fastens onto one side of the bra clasp wraps round your stomach and clips onto the other side it basically just pulls the back of the bra down, miracle!

    kind of hard to explain.. so hopefully you got it!

    I got mine from John Lewis, a British Department store. but i reckon they shouldn't be too hard to track down...

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  17. Those dresses are ridiculously cute!

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  18. Gotta agree, clear straps look tacky.
    No matter how you spin it, there's just no way around that.

    Go with black. Or if you're not too busty, try the backless, strapless bras. They can work wonders, you never know!

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    ReplyDelete
  20. Clear straps usually break for those who are bustier though. Plus I think they feel weird. And when it comes to strapless, I always suggest using some hollywood tape to prevent slippage.


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    And like how the other comments said, the stick on ones actually work really well.

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  21. I own the multi-use transparent strap bra you have shown. The stupid clear strap at the back broke in my 5th wear. Also the plastic kept giving me a rash. I replaced all the straps with regular straps from an old bra, much more comfy now. Also the front isn't "half-cup" enough, not good for U neck tanks.
    I think the black one is much cooler and definitely OK to show. You could also wear an AA ruched-front strapless bra, it wouldn't ruin the tank's charms.

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  22. ahh thank you so much for doing this! i'm always looking for a bras that go with weird shaped backs. i just bought this shirt from shopgoldyn that i can't wait to wear but i just dont have the right bra for it!!! but now i am definitely going to check those out..thanks again!!

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    ReplyDelete
  24. I don't know as much about lingerie as I should, but i LOVE these two dresses. But I'm guessing they are from last season, and I won't be able to find them. :(

    Oh, and I'd go with the black bra like most people have already said. I wear the clear plastic ones, but they aren't exactly high fashion.

    Signed,
    CeCe

    **Register as a new user @ http://www.i-style.us and comment on any blog to be entered for a $75 shopping spree**

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  25. the black bra looks so cool

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  26. those are some sweet bras.

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    ReplyDelete
  27. I also can't stand bra straps showing! To me it ruins the whole line of the garment. I have a couple of bras that convert to a racer back style from Bendon but I think for a great all-rounder I'd go for the 100 way bra from Victoria's Secret. Looks like you can do everything with this bad boy!

    Keep us posted on the final decision!

    http://www2.victoriassecret.com/commerce/application/prodDisplay/?namespace=productDisplay&origin=onlineProductDisplay.jsp&event=display&prnbr=9B-216995&cgname=OSKEYBRPZZZ&rfnbr=8

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  28. I disagree with the no-bra idea. I too am pretty flat-chested but feel uncomfortable with no bra on.

    I agree with everyone else about plastic straps--they're tacky, and once when I bought a plastic-strapped bra, it broke and I had to staple it!

    I know this sounds a little weird, but why not wear a sports bra? I think it would go with the hippie-ness of the shirt. OR, since it's summer, wear a bathing suit top. I live near the beach, so I do that all the time.

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  29. Gosh, this sounds so familiar.
    I tend to use those stick on things in these situations. The sticker type ones. They work alright for me. However they dont exactly give you an amazing bust line.

    Please check out my blog Style Syrup.

    x

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  30. I LOVE Nu Bras

    http://www.nubra.com/

    Like you, find bra-showing lines to be tacky. I always use Nu Bras for backless dresses and they work like charms!

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  31. La Senza has those long adjustable strap that you can adjust it lower to wrap around your body.

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  33. you could use Nippies by Bristols 6...they are in fact available at stores in the UK (Urban Outfitters, for ex). Or you can get them at www.bristols6.com. They come in silicone versions, and basic skin tones like creme and caramel. no annoying and expensive bras required!

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  34. Love bras with clear strap for summer, life savers! Nubra is quite good for strapless tops and dresses. But, it almost fell off once! pls visit my new blog: http://jewelryblogsphere.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Nu bra is what I wore with tops with built in shelf bras. Otherwise I was afraid it would slip. This was part of my A-HA moment when I came up with Strappys Decorative Bra Straps. You just attach a rhinestone, jewelry or beaded strap in place of the clear strap on most bras - and Voila, you have a fashionable piece of jewelry holding up your strapless. There are over 35 options at www.strappys.com.

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  36. hmmm, depending on your bust size, i would actually suggest going braless and maybe just using reusable nipple covers or something. i use them for strapless dresses and such, but i am average-sized. i can see how it may not be comfortable for everyone.

    if you are going to go for a bra, though, i like the thin black strap with the tank top and the three-strap bra with the dresses.

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  37. i would always prefer to go out without a bra than wearing one with transperent straps.while reflecting light,these silicon straps draw us the attention of boys.

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  38. I so agree. It all depends on the outfit you're wearing. There are certain outfits that can still be ruined even with the use of a stapless or convertible strapped bras. I also agree using something like reusable silicone nipple covers and then go braless for that perfect seamless feel. :)

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  39. I know your post was from a while ago but I just love the first black M&S bra you had pictured. The back is beautiful and very sophisticated. In fact, i love it so much I'm trying to find it on M&S website but I don't see it. Can you tell me what its called?

    thanks,

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  40. I really love the second bra with the adjustable clear straps but am having the same problem trying to locate, you got it at top shop?

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  41. To Avoid all these problems with deciding what bra to wear with what outfit just try the decorative bra straps from www.strapmesexy.com
    or www.brastrapsonline.com
    they have beautiful styles , rhinestone,swarovski,sport ones I purchased the butterfly one and everyone had to ask me about it.
    take a look at them maybe that will solve a lot of your problems.
    good luck

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  42. Clear back straps can be a bit shiny depending on what they are made of. Plastic straps tend to be shiny but they can be thinner than silicone. Silicone are more matt (and hence less visible) and have a little bit of elasticity so they are more comfortable, and some are adjustable too. There are also diamante backed bras which are really great for backless dresses and tops.
    We have a selection at cupidlingerie.co.uk

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  43. Friends,if u are going to show ur bra to public den itz definitely going 2 b d transparent bra.

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  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  45. Bra straps are one of the primary material that gives support to our breasts, and without it, back pain will be imminent. I once had experienced back pain, due to improper support that my old bra has given me, and due to that, straps really do matter in giving support to your assets, which made me use Primadonna bras due to its fusion of comfort and sexiness.

    Another thing, we should regularly measure our breasts for change of size, which is also the factor of ill-fitting bras. Prima Donna lingerie that I usually wear has a lot of sizes, which makes it easier for me to adjust whenever my breasts changed sizes.

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  46. Really effective info, thanks so much for the post.
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  47. Awesome post.
    I am sure that a lot of people will love it and benefit from it.

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  48. These are a great idea that women everywhere will love and greatly benefit from

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  49. Hello! I was wondering, what was the name of the bra with the three thin black straps across the back? I've been looking for it for a while, but can't figure out what to call that style, your picture is the only one I can find of it online.

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  51. This post could not be written any better! D.

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  52. Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! D.

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  53. He constantly kept talking about this. D.

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  54. I am going to sendthis post to him. D.

    ReplyDelete