For a small piece of clothing, bras – and the wearing of them – can be a contentious issue. Some women can’t stand them, some can’t imagine going a day (or even a night) without wearing one, and men… Well, no-one cares what men think on the subject. But even for the staunchest of underwire, lifting up and holding in bra lovers, one thing is for certain – over the past year (and three lockdowns in), we’ve all started indulging in a few more bra-free days.
Because as functional and necessary as a bra can be, every woman knows how uncomfortable they can be – especially an ill-fitting one (if your bra sizing has changed through lockdown and you haven’t been able to be re-measured, you’ll know the pain). Going braless is of course an option – but if you don’t feel comfortable to fully let the girls out (even if it is under your WFH loungewear), or would still like some support, what options are there?
Colourful lingerie is here to boost your mood and confidence
Shopping
Colourful lingerie is here to boost your mood and confidence
Ali Belamant
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Surprisingly quite a few.
If you're looking to forgo a bra for the remainder of lockdown – or for good – there's a host of camisoles, wireless bras, bandeau tops, bodysuits, and crop tops that won't dig in or compress your girls, but still provide a measure of support and cover. Strappy camis and vest tops are by far the most popular bra alternative of those who've made the change – and they come in a huge variety of colours and styles. From lacey, silk styles to super soft stretch jersey options (so comfy you'll forget it's on), transitioning to these strappy undershirts is a great option, especially for smaller busts. Plus some of the cuter, more colourful styles, like this Iets Frans ribbed cami, double as a stylish summer top in their own right.
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If you have bigger boobs and would like to wear a cami-like style, let us point you in the direction of fitted bodysuits. Giving your ladies a little more support but still equally as comfortable our top picks are this SKIM's stretch bodysuit (thanks Kimmy K) and this smoothing Figleaves bodysuit, made especially for cup sizes DD and up. Who said big boobs had to be confined to a bra every day?
The chicest pyjama sets to buy now and live in for the entirety of lockdown 3.0
Lingerie
The chicest pyjama sets to buy now and live in for the entirety of lockdown 3.0
Charlie Teather, Sophie Cockett and Ali Belamant
For less full-body coverage, bandeau tops and bralette crop tops are both great options. Throw on a bandeau top like this Hanky Panky soft lace style when summer arrives and you plan on going strapless. Or for the supportive feeling of wearing a bra, without any underwire or digging in under your chest, a soft yet supportive bralette is a great alternative. We love this Free People style that comes in a myriad of colours or this Lindex ribbed and stretchy bralette – so comfy, it shouldn't even contain the word 'bra.'
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And lastly, if you'd like to go completely braless but aren't quite yet ready to #freethenipple in a form-fitting top, adhesive pasties are part of every fashion stylists kit for good reason- they'll allow you to keep your girls completely free without letting the world know.
After more lingerie content? We've found the best sports bras for working out (or just working) from home, the best lingerie brands for updating your underwear drawer and the best sexy lingerie if your confidence needs a boost. We've also curated an edit of colourful lingerie for the ultimate mood boost, and GLAMOUR editors reveal the most comfortable thongs they've ever worn – your granny pants could never compete.
Lingerie
The most comfortable thongs of all time according to GLAMOUR Editors (and your granny pants could never compete)
Sophie Cockett and Ali Belamant
Converted? Scroll down for the best bra alternatives to buy now.
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Best bodysuit on sale
Loungeable Soft Knit Rib Scoop Back High Leg Bodysuit, £14 £5.95, ASOS -
Best ribbed bralette
Lindex Soft Rib Cami Strap Bralette, £15, ASOS -
Best lace bandeau
Hanky Panky Signature Stretch-Lace Soft-Cup Bandeau Bra, £45, Net a Porter -
Best bodysuit for DD+ cup size
Figleaves Fuller Bust Smoothing Bodysuit, £20, ASOS -
Best bodysuit for backless dresses
Bluebella Tao Vinyl Strap Body, £38 £10.45, ASOS -
Best bandeau 2-pack
ASOS DESIGN Ultimate Organic Cotton Crop Bandeau Top 2 Pack, £8, ASOS -
Best black cami
Hanro Satin-Trimmed Mercerized Cotton Camisole, £34, Net a Porter -
Best nude bodysuit
Commando Classic Control Microfibre Body, £72, Selfridges -
Best seamless bandeau
Seamless Bandeau Bra, £12.99, H&M -
Best coloured cami
Cropped Strappy Top, £3.99, H&M -
Best skin coloured bodysuit
SKIMS Essential Mock Neck Stretch-Woven Body, £78, Selfridges -
Best nude bandeau
SKIMS Fits Everybody Stretch-Woven Bandeau Bra, £32, Selfridges -
Best pasties for nipple cover
Women Silicone Pasties, £7.99, Amazon -
Best cropped cami
Leset Lori Brushed Stretch-Jersey Bra Top, £89.52, Net a Porter -
Best skin coloured cami
Chantelle Soft Stretch Jersey Camisole, £50, Net a Porter -
Best stretch bralette
Chantelle Soft Stretch Jersey Bralette, £38, Net a Porter -
Best silk cami
Silk & Lace Camisole, £39.50, M&S -
Best cropped tank
Strappy Back Tighten Up Tank, £28, Free People -
Best seamless cami
Iets Frans Markie Seamless Ribbed Cami, £16, Urban Outfitters -
Best lace bralette
Love Stories Dawn Bow-Detailed Scalloped Lace Bralette, £75, Net a Porter -
Best halterneck vest
Out From Under Raegan Halter Top, £16 £9, Urban Outfitters -
Best nipple covers
Nippies Skin Size 2, £25, Revolve -
Best stretch tank
Company Tank, £22.99, Sisters and Seekers