Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Casual Outfit- Visible Bra Straps


How do you feel about visible bra straps? There is vast disagreement in the big bust and fashion community over whether or not they are okay.


My vote is that they are fine as long as you:
  1. Wear them super casually, not to the workplace, formal gatherings, church, parties, etc.
  2. Wear them with intention, with pretty bra straps in a co-ordinating color, such as I am here with my Ewa Michalak Pl Malachit.

Especially if you're young and/or it's hot, why should you have to wear sleeves just because you have a bigger bust? This trend gives you an acceptable option.



36 comments:

  1. I am not a fan of visible bra straps at all. If your straps have to be visible, I think they should either match your shirt (as in, the same colour) or be the same colour as your skin.
    To me, visible bra straps like that is like a guy sagging. Not really acceptable even in casual outfits.
    [Please note that I mean no offence by any of this post!!]

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  2. I totally agree with you, there are no strappy tops that don't show off bra strap or that bit that rides up your armpits that you get with bigger bras! I don't think it should be frowned upon, it's not really fair when you can't help it
    - ordaining serendipity

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  3. Could you pretty please show us this bra?! I am a 26D or 26DD (depending if it's that time of the month or not) and have already ordered a 26D in the HP Classic from Ewa M for a test run. If that one works out, I was going to order the Malachit. But on the website, the trim looks bright teal, while the cups appear to be a navy color with much different straps than in this picture. Could you post what this bra looks like in real life? I'd be forever grateful! I bet it's gorgeous as well

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    1. I had this bra but returned it because the straps are not fully adjustable which was a deal breaker for me. It is a beautiful bra however and the cups are not navy at all. I'd say more emeraldy teal.

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    2. FFFB has reviewed it here: http://fullerfigurefullerbust.com/2011/11/25/ewa-effuniak-michalak-can-you-do-no-wrong/
      CurvyWordy is also the expert on Ewa, though her site seems to be down right now, but she definitely has a review of it!

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  4. Once it's above ninety-five fahrenheit I say you can show whatever strap of side of bra you want!

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    1. I completely agree! I live in Texas, and the heat gets to be too much. When it hits a certain temperature, especially over 100° Fahrenheit, I just don't care about straps anymore.

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  5. Once it's above ninety-five fahrenheit I say you can show whatever strap of side of bra you want!

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  6. I totally agree with your assessment- who cares about a bra strap showing in a super casual setting?

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  7. Ugh I HATE visible bra. I think it looks sloppy, even when the straps match or are a bright color. It's impossible to avoid it sometimes (like under my armpits because shirt arm holes are usually too big), but I do everything possible to avoid it. I would be lost without my strapless. I also love setting the straps to be different shapes. Diagonal one-shoulder dress or racerback tank? Yes, please!

    Of course, if strapless bras did not work for me, or didn't come in my size (28G), I would probably not care.

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  8. I am all for bra straps showing. Better when they look nice, of course, because seeing faded/dirty/skin coloured straps looks a bit unkempt to me, but the entire idea of not seeing bra straps is really stupid when there are many tops that are not made with hiding bra straps in mind.

    Claire posted about seams from bras showing through tops and how people already know we are wearing bras, so maybe seeing seams isn't the end of the world. http://blog.butterflycollection.ca/2012/04/sorry-to-break-this-to-you-but-people.html

    In my opinion, the same concept applies to bra straps. People know we are wearing bras, so why go to so much trouble to conceal that fact if the clothing we're wearing hasn't been designed for it?

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  9. What does age have to do with whether a woman shows visible bra straps or not?

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  10. I think it can look nice when straps show, if they coordinate. However I hate when/that larger cup bras come up so high near the armpit and show under strappy tops and dresses. There's no getting around it. Its only made worse by the fact I'm 5' so this happens with nearly every bra I own.

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  11. I agree with this completely. Just the other day I was out in a blue tube top, wearing a blue bra, and I mean, I'm a 30J, I can't go braless. What was I supposed to do? I live in Phoenix, AZ, it's 100 on a daily basis. I was walking with my mother and this woman was gagging at the site of my top. I, being the bigger woman(no pun intended), ignored the 'comment' and just dealt with it.

    As long as it doesn't look tacky, i.e. hot pink bra strap with a red tank top, then what does it matter? Then again, if the woman is comfortable, and there's nothing indecent being shown, then what does it matter?

    And btw, you are absolutely gorgeous, just thought I'd let you know. Your body is so curvy and beautiful. I'm not often jealous of any woman for her body, but you definitely have me wishing my hips were a tiny bit larger compared to my waist.

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  12. I agree, I don't see why I cannot wear a tank top or sleeveless shirts because my bra straps are visible. Wearing a strapless shirt or dress with bra straps visible kind of looks weird, but otherwise, I think it's fine. And it can be fashionable, like your outfit!

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  13. To me, visible bra/straps don't have that put-together look I'm usually going for. If I can hide my bra completely, from color to seams to bulges, I'm a happy girl! I think underwear is made to stay under. ;)

    On a side note, this tank top is fantastic! Where did you get it, please share!

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  14. I think this look is great. It's simple, and your showing off your curves. I like the fit of your jeans a well. Getting a pair good fitting jeans can be a challenge for most women.

    Showing straps isn't really a big deal anymore. Even smaller breasted girls show off their straps and if you wearing a nice clean bra that isn't too old it will look ok. For women that might still not be into the idea of getting their straps out wearing a bikini top instead of a bra might be a good option.

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  15. I'm all for visible bra straps. I prefer them not too "lingerie looking though", that is preferably without lace and in bright colours.I hate those plasticky "invisible" straps. Tackiest thing ever. Bras matching your colour tone are great for when the straps are not showing, but the bra appears because the armholes are too big.

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  16. I don't think it's unacceptable as in somehow wrong or obscene, but I do think you'd look even better in that top if the straps weren't visible. Maybe in a good strapless bra?

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  17. Beautiful! If I may ask, where do you buy your jeans? All of mine, without fail, gap a few inches out at the back. With the help of your blog, BiuBiu has solved my clothing problems on my upper half, but I'm still at a loss on the bottom! Jeans are the worst in that it costs a fortune to have the yoke altered.

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  18. Culorile sutienului si ale topului se armonizeaza perfect. Very nice!

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  19. I live in southern Louisiana, where it goes well into the 100s during the summer. I've yet to find a both a demi AND cleavage-inducing bra to wear with tank tops, so I'm left with the options to go braless (ew!), tuck my straps into my bra, or to wear the bra comfortably. When it's that hot, honestly, I just don't care. I usually coordinate my bras with my clothing when I do it, anyhow, and I think it can actually be really cute if they match! Like yours; it actually looks really adorable there!

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  20. Personally, I find them distracting on other people and I avoid them myself. If they show a little by accident, so be it, but I don't do it intentionally. (I live in Texas too) As for the bras showing under my arm, I have to take up my straps on most of my clothing to avoid that, as I am short between my shoulders and waist, even though I'm 5'8". It is possible to find tanks that cover bra straps. Eddie Bauer tanks are my stand-by.

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    1. This is a pretty good summation of my stance as well. Showing by accident, so what? But in this case, they're kind of distracting. I think the top and the straps are both so fancy that they clash somewhat. If the top was more plain, and only the straps (not the sides) showed, then it might look a lot nicer. Or, if the bra strap was coordinating rather than contrasting, it would look more intentional.

      I thought that the "too big armholes" were a petite thing, and am sort of heartened to know that non-petites have the problem too. I'm a 28GG and 5'2", so it could really go either way. I hadn't thought about taking up the straps; I just avoid tank tops instead. I did find a tank top from Delia's (at Goodwill) that has wonderfully high armscyces. I wonder if the tank tops from AJ Rumina are better in that regard?

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  21. I really love this trio - bra straps + scarf + top - on you! I believe the strapless bra or plain straps would ruin the whole idea - top would get more underwear kind of looking and scarf would leave too heavy impression and without a scarf jeans would seem unbalanced. But all together they are just perfectly matched!

    Here is also a clever way to show off your bra straps
    http://www.the-lingerie-post.com/2011/08/an-original-take-on-bra-straps-the-clipper-by-micolan/

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  23. I've never understood why it is supposed to be a bad thing - I've actually never heard that anywhere but in the US and Australia - Maybe Europe is more casual in that way?
    I do think it looks more "polished" when they are not seen - but any outfit involving jeans or loose hair do not need to be *that* polished.
    I live in nothern Europe, but took a high-school year in Texas: The heat was killing me, and then they had a dress-code that you couldn't show straps or anything! Even tops with wide straps (made to conceal straps) showed straps, because they are always so tight across the chest, that the straps don't go vertically down, they pull in across the chest, so you can also see a good bit of the bra from the side :(
    Though I do think that looks sloppy, in hot weather I just don't care: I have a good collection of vacation photos on facebook where all my friends can get a good look at all my bras lol :b
    But back to straps, show them off, show them off! But not nude or transparent, THAT is tacky, imo. Even white is a bet meh. I just realized that my facebook profile pic is actually me wearing a black strappy top, and then wide, silk-looking black straps with floral print. I think it looks pretty good!

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  24. I'm all for showing off bra straps, as long as they're pretty, not nude or white and sort of co-ordinate with what's on top. Don't like the clear straps at all, looks a bit tacky.

    At anything between 32K and 32L it's difficult for me to wear a strappy top or tank top without straps showing. It's different for smaller boobed girls - they can get away with strapless bras. There's a bit of me that actually loves showing off my bra straps, especially as at my size, the straps are often quite wide, and on a pretty bra the straps are often quite pretty as well.

    Brittany, I don't aspire to anyone's figure, but if I did, I'm sure it would be yours - your curves are outrageous! Jessica Rabbit eat your heart out!

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  25. Bra straps can ruin your outfit or MAKE your outfit. It depends on the straps. These lace straps on this bra are pretty and work from the front view. From the back they just don't do it for me.

    I recommend Strappys Decorative Bra Straps, strappys.com, for gals who are looking for Jewelry or Beaded bra straps to adorn their shoulders. They attach to your strapless or convertible bra. However most of the straps work best on women who are a D cup or smaller.

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  26. I love this post! I love wearing tank tops and I gave up long ago on trying to hide my bra straps. When I was smaller in the bust, I used to think it was the tackiest thing ever to let your bra straps show. However, since getting larger in the bust I learned that larger bras are not built like smaller bras and there's just no way to conceal those significantly thicker and, most of the time, further set apart straps; especially in a tank top!
    Since then I have come to view them as kind of fun, like an accessory in their own right. The thickness and wide set nature of the straps that makes them impossible to hide also makes them not easily recognizable as bra straps to most people, or so I've found. I think it's kind of crazy to even keep trying to hide them.
    Also, your top is so cute, could you tell us where you got it?

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  27. I have that exact top and wear it with visible bra straps!! Usually they're frayed and not as pretty as your blue ones, though... I should look into more colorful bras :-).

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  28. I think it can look really pretty if you use co-ordinating or contrasting straps like those shown in the pics. However it definitely only works when it looks very deliberate and, in my opinion, plain white straps or black straps don't really cut it.

    Can I tag on an appeal for advice? - I tend not to wear tanks because I have yet to find a normal (not sports) bra with firm enough control. I'm 32E and have a few well-fitting full cup and moulded bras but have not found anything that stops them jiggling when I walk. I hate the 'puppies fighting in a sack' look and am on a never ending quest for a comfy, everyday, firm control bra.

    I'm thinking an old fashioned style (like the Elila Jacquard Softcup Bra) would work but can't find anything like it in less than a 34 band.


    Has anyone solved this problem? Anyideas/advice/recommendations?? Thanks!

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  29. Absolutely positively acceptable. I see nothing wrong with visible straps although I know that most of my co-workers over 40 would disagree. It's a cultural shift that seems closely tied to generation.

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  30. I don't like the look of visible bra straps. The woman's size and age don't matter--it just seems a bit vulgar to show one's lingerie in public. I've seen plenty of justifications for the look, but I don't agree that it's an attractive option.

    I understand that it's frustrating that so many cute summer tops have skimpy straps. I faced this dilemma today myself. It's over 100 degrees and I wanted to wear a cute polka dot top with thin racerback straps. I did wear the top, but I chose a strapless bra to go with it. It is unfair, but bustier women get stared at more often and judged more harshly for breaches in taste. I just don't see this look as a good option.

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  31. Hey Ladies, Look at this website about fashion bra straps designed to be seen. The company name is Pretty Shoulders. http://www.prettyshoulders.com

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  32. Girl you are soooooooooooooooooooo beautiful!

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