Women with heavy breasts might notice red marks if their bra straps put too much pressure on the shoulders. One way to avoid this is to rotate different types of bras, like wearing a racerback underwire one day and a T-shirt bra the next.
Another option is a convertible or multiway bra. These types of bras allow you to adjust the straps to create halter or crisscross styles.
Comfortable
This slim-fit bra is a stretchy and comfortable choice that will stay hidden under most tops. It is made of elastane (otherwise known as spandex) and nylon. The elastane provides stretch and the nylon adds strength. This combination is ideal for bras because it helps them to mold and shape the body. It also works well under tight and form-fitting shirts.
Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens and former New York Magazine photo editor Stella Blackmon both own this pullover-style bra, and they love how it feels like nothing is there. Blackmon describes it as her “small bust-proof bra,” while Kitchens notes that the cups provide a little shaping and lifting and that the fabric is thick enough for decent nipple coverage.
The molded, wireless design of this bra ensures that the band won’t roll up and the straps will lie flat against your skin. It offers a good amount of support for most breast sizes thanks to the foam cups and a wide range of adjustability.
Versatile
A thin strap bra can easily be paired with dresses, tops, and skirts. You can even wear one underneath a sweater or button-down shirt at home for extra warmth. They’re a wardrobe workhorse that will have you ready for anything.
Straps should only do 20% of the support, and too much can cause red marks on your shoulders. Look for a bra with removable, convertible straps to help you avoid painful indentations that last all day.
Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens and New York Magazine photo editor Stella Blackmon both love this thin racerback strap bra for its barely-there feel and support that keeps their breasts in place without clinging to their skin. They’re also breathable, making them great for hot weather. If you’re looking for more versatility, consider a bra with convertible straps that can be worn in different ways: halter, crisscross back, traditional, and strapless. This will ensure that your bra fits and looks perfect every time you wear it.
Easier to hide
A thin strap bra can be a fashion game changer when it comes to pairing tops with dresses and tank tops. The straps are slim enough to hide, unlike traditional bra straps which often stand out a little bit or aren’t in the same color as the dress or tank.
Aside from wearing a tank top that conceals your straps, there are a few other tricks you can use to help conceal your bra straps. One simple hack is to pin your bra straps together with a paper clip, safety pin or plastic bra clip.
If you’re comfortable with sewing (or have a seamstress who is), you can also sew your bra cups into the front of your outfit to prevent them from peeking out. Youtuber India Batson put this hack to the test and was able to keep her bra straps hidden even when wearing a wide neckline. Watch the video here!
Less support
One downside of thin strap bras is they tend to provide less support than other styles. A peephole bra, for example, is essentially a teeny tube top that goes over the head without cups or straps. While this bra type looks great under plunging necklines, it won’t lift and shape your breasts like a full-support option.
A bandeau bra, on the other hand, offers a little more support than a strappy bra. Strategist senior editor Simone Kitchens and New York Magazine photo producer Stella Blackmon both own this bra, which is their pick for a small-bust-proof mesh style.
This bra also outperformed dozens of wireless options in our evaluations and features smoothing panels to eliminate bulges on the sides. Its breathable fabric is also comfortable all day long, and its tagless construction prevents irritation. It also converts to a racerback for additional versatility. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a lightweight, supportive bra to wear under low-impact activities.
