When it's 90 degrees outside, the last thing I want is any extra padding on my chest. The perils of boob sweat are very real, and there's nothing like a traditional foam T-shirt bra to make your bosom go from sweet to sweltering. It's a bit like putting insulation on your breasts, trapping all the heat inside, and making your bra a literal sauna.
That's why, in summer and on hot days, I prefer to wear unlined bras whenever possible. Unlined bras are currently a bit rare in the U.S. They're gaining in popularity (especially after the bralette trend), but in other places, like France and the United Kingdom, the unlined bra reigns supreme. Why? Well, it's cooler, less bulky, and gives a more "natural" shape to your breasts. And it can even be more supportive, especially if it's a seamed or cut-and-sew bra, which is made from multiple pieces of fabric stitched into the shape of a bra cup, in contrast to seamless or contour cup bras which are made from a single piece of fabric or a single foam cup. Unlined bras, as the name suggests, are free of foam and push-up padding; nothing comes between your bosom and the mesh or lace of the bra cups.
Which bra is the clear warm-weather frontrunner?
Ordinarily, my favorite unlined bra for the warmer months would be hard to choose, but after a particularly hellish summer here in Manhattan, my Gossard Glossies has emerged as the clear frontrunner. I'd admired this bra from afar for a while, but it wasn't until I tried it for myself that I fell in love.
The style is almost '70s-ish in its simplicity (look up the vintage "No Bra" to see what I mean), but the structure and support are thoroughly modern, combining the most recent fabric technology with a restrained sort of beauty that will never go out of style. It's available on Gossard's site, Bare Necessities, and even on Amazon for $49.
Courtesy of brand
The sheer unlined cups give a smooth, rounded, seam-free shape to the bust that's invisible under clothes. The straps are slim and sleek (though they may be too narrow for a larger bust that needs more support). And the mesh itself has just a touch of sparkle that makes it all the more special. And the way it feels on the body? Airy. Breezy, even. It's nice and cool, and almost like you're wearing nothing at all.
What sizes does it come in?
The deep-plunge neckline of the Gossard Glossies goes with everything, and it comes in so many colors, including a gorgeous lace variation and an absolutely luscious nude for darker skin tones. That means you can have one for every occasion and every outfit. What's more, the size range goes up to a U.K. G cup (an I cup in U.S. sizes).
I’ve worn this bra under my favorite sundresses, in the middle of the day, walking blocks and blocks under the hot NYC sun, and I still felt fresh and cool. That’s incredible. The only question I have about it is which color I'll buy next.
I love unlined bras especially because I think they're prettier than the contour cup variety. Don't get me wrong — like everyone else, I have a favorite T-shirt bra. But if you want a bra made with beautiful lace, delicate embroidery, or even minimalist mesh, you're looking at an unlined style. The choices and variety available are practically limitless — especially if you wear a size beyond a D cup.
Other unlined bra recommendations:
A few other bras I love to wear when I want shape and lightness without bulk and padding include the Simone Perele Amour, the Timpa Duet, and the Natori Flora. (And I’d like to take a moment to mention to my favorite discontinued mesh bra — the Claudette Dessous, which you can still find on eBay.)
To try out my favorite hot-weather bra for yourself, head to either Gossard's website or shop for it on Amazon for only $49.
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