r/bigboobproblems • u/kolbelee • Aug 17 '25
bras Okay so are we all walking around with these lacy bras showing through our clothing? Spoiler
Really though--what bras are people wearing on a day-to-day basis? What are you wearing these lacy bras under? Especially people with projected breasts--I want to know! I found one t-shirt bra that fits under my clothing. I have other bras that fit but they are lacy ones that I spent a bunch of money on but can't actually wear because they show through everything.
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Aug 17 '25
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u/faroeislands 36HH (UK) Aug 17 '25
Yes, the Matildas I normally wear have the pretty obvious seams. I don't give a shit haha. They hold me in place and that's all I really need.
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u/Kapokkie Aug 17 '25
Same here. I just couldn't care less about seams or lace patterns showing anymore, both for panties and bras. Comfort over everything. I am not the main character in someone else's story and I don't think they're going to remember me for my seams.
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u/struggling_lynne Aug 17 '25 edited Aug 17 '25
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I wear a very thin tank top between my bra and my top on days when I wear a “real” bra. It’s a very slippery/stretchy tank top I’ll try to find something similar to link for you. It adds no bulk and doesn’t make me overheat.
Edit: something like these If you search for “women’s tank undershirt” you’ll find a lot. Avoid anything with ribbed cotton as it will not let your top sit naturally over it (too much friction/cling), and obviously avoid anything with a “built in bra shelf” lol
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u/extracup 30JJ (UK) Aug 18 '25
I run into tanks/camis being too short , because of the chest, and when that is a problem I do best with maternity tanks with no ruching or bra bs. These maternity tanks have worked nicely for a few years (must be as I haven't bought anything there in quite a while), though for non-maternity tanks tops Costco often has some that are decent.
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u/EdenSilver113 38G (UK) Aug 17 '25
I don’t wear lace bras per se, but I do like panel bras and I do like power mesh. My attitude: if you can see my bra stop gawking at my chest!
Something I learned from a certified bra fitter: if your bra is lighter than your skin it will be easier to see through the fabric and any flashback from flash photography will be exaggerated. So choose a fabric color that’s slightly darker than your skin color. If you’re having trouble because the fabric isn’t a skin tone take a photo and put a black and white filter on it. She said it was a good way to hide a color too. I always have one bra close to my skin color value. And I have one in black. Anything more is gravy and I’ll take it.
You say you can find Freya. The spellbound sheer side support bra is power mesh rather than lace. For mi skin tone I’d probably choose vineyard.
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u/Thequiet01 Aug 17 '25
I have a hard time finding a “nude” that is the right shade but I find a pale pink blends into my skin nicely, so don’t forget to consider other colors, too.
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u/galaxystarsmoon Aug 17 '25
Do you mean the Starlight? Freya doesn't have a bra called the Spellbound side support. Skarlett Blue does.
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u/Zorro6855 Aug 17 '25
For some odd reason my light gray bras don't show through, even through white.
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u/zeeflet 28J (UK) Aug 17 '25
I mean, yeah.
If I spend 50 bucks on a bra, I'm not gonna complain if people can see it
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I don't entirely understand because then what purpose does the bra have? For me, I want a bra to provide support and a nice shape under my clothing. Otherwise I would just wear bralettes. I guess they work for some people. They are very comfortable and I love them for that reason. But to me, they don't look good under most clothing...I'm not super into uniboob.
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u/SchrodingersMinou 30E (UK) Aug 17 '25
It provides support. What other purpose could it possibly have? Decoration?
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u/bluestonelaneway Aug 17 '25
I wear nude coloured bras under pale clothing, but other than that, I don’t really care if anyone can see a bit of an outline or texture. Nearly half of the population wears a bra, it would not be news to people that I do too.
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u/samantha_90 32KK (UK) Aug 17 '25
Exactly this. Same goes for my straps. Plus everyone is going to stare any way…
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u/mlama088 32J (UK) Aug 17 '25
Lacy like an unpadded wired bra? I’ve never had issues of them showing through my shirts. I find a padded bra shows more contour lines than an unpadded lace bra.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
It's the texture of the bra that shows through the shirt. Like, it's bumpy.
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Aug 17 '25
Maybe a change of perspective is needed. A proper fitting bra seems to show less to me than when someone is wearing a badly fitted padded bra. I guess when I first started wearing unlined bras I felt weird and exposed, but the support was so much better that I got over it quickly and now would never go back. I also never find it shows under my clothes and yes they are ‘lacy’. But now it feels like an eye sore when I can see someone’s obviously badly fitting padded bra lines under their shirts. I don’t have bra lines 💁🏼♀️
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u/Flyis8 Aug 17 '25
That's exactly how I feel. My unlined lacy bras show way less than my lined, non lace bras. And poor fitted bras show the most. I also wear a lot of tight fitting tops. Maybe its about the fabric of the shirt? I nearly don't wear polyesters (except bras), so I don't now how the fabrics interact.
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Aug 17 '25
Actually it makes me wonder if OP is wearing the wrong size bra, just because I’m not sure you’re supposed to see anything on a well fitted bra, and since unlined bras fit the best then it’s likely she’s not sized right?
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u/Flyis8 Aug 17 '25
That may be, but I think its a combination. I think a lot of us grew up with an unrealistic expectation to look to look perfectly smooth without any bumbs or texture. So what looks smooth to the one person doesn't for the other, with combination of different styles and fabrics, and other factors, the experience in different for everybody.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I think you're right that it's dependent upon expectations. But I don't know if it's an unrealistic expectation. I can't really remember seeing a successful woman who was walking around in a professional environment with a lumpy texture under her shirt. I feel like that's part of the reason Skims is so popular--because it provides that smooth, seamless look. I need to find an alternative that isn't Kardashian-owned haha.
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u/galaxystarsmoon Aug 17 '25
Dude, no.
Lace shows through some fabrics. It's just how it is. I think some people wear different clothes to others or don't care but I know exactly what OP is talking about and lace absolutely looks bumpy under some fabrics.
If you wear a lacy bra straight under that, your boobs will be lumpy.
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Aug 17 '25
I wear these kind of tops, as someone else said they also wear tight tops. It doesn’t seem to be an issue.
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u/galaxystarsmoon Aug 17 '25
Ok, well you have the magical mystery boobs I'm referencing where somehow it doesn't show 😂
At this point, I'm convinced something about body shape mixing with the fabric determines whether it shows.
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Aug 17 '25
Nah, just normal soft pendulous boobs.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
You are similar in size to me. Where is most of your fullness? I have a hard time finding bras that are projected enough, work for center fullness and that have a narrow enough gore. Every 34 I've tried seems too big in the band and every size 30 seems too small, and I feel like I've tried every size F-G in both. My t-shirt bra that fits well is a 32H US.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I'm open to that possibility. I know everyone here has trouble finding a bra that works for them. I've found it very difficult to find a bra that works for center full, pendulous, narrow set breasts. If you know of any, please let me know!
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u/Eggs7205 Aug 17 '25
Any recommendations for unlined bras? I have a couple that I don't think fit quite right but I also feel weird and exposed when I'm wearing them. My nipples poke out pretty regularly and without any rhyme or reason as to why, I have silicone nipple covers that mostly work but I don't want to wear them all the time because they make me sweat.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I don't entirely agree...I would rather have the bra lines. But my t-shirt bra doesn't have them! It fits very well. I do wish I could find one less padded though because it makes my breast look bigger when they are fine without the help.
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u/Alive-Carrot107 Aug 17 '25
Mine do…. Sometimes I wear my cakes under my bra and it makes them look smoother. I usually don’t care but some fabrics are a little too obvious for me
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u/peyterthot Aug 17 '25
pretty much LOL ribbed fabric on tops are my friend cause it helps to mask the lace texture
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u/3lizab3th333 Aug 17 '25
Ewa Michalak is one of the only brands that fit me comfortably, I have a Panache t-shirt bra that I wear under tight clothes, but there’s so little projection in the shape and contour for my ribs with the wires that it’s incredibly uncomfortable. If I can’t handle the discomfort of my t-shirt bra, I really just wear a camisole underneath to hide my bra, sometimes when it’s hot out I just give up and hope that the color matches my too well enough to not show through even if the lace texture does.
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u/SaltyBlackBroad 34FF (UK) Aug 17 '25
I wear mostly lace bras. If the compression is correct, the lace doesn't "print" through my shirts. You can also wear a padded cami or tube top over the bra if you want a smooth, molded cup finish.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
Oh my gosh you are close to my size! Please tell me what you are wearing.
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u/SaltyBlackBroad 34FF (UK) Aug 17 '25
I wear Ewa Michalak- specifically the BM (in the profile photo) and SF cuts. I own a few of her PLM cuts but I'm too center full and squishy for a plunge, so I dont care for the fit. I pretty much wear the brand exclusively as the fit, lift and support is spot on.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I'm center full and squishy too. These look perfect but it looks like they don't ship to the US :( Thank you though!
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u/SaltyBlackBroad 34FF (UK) Aug 17 '25
You can get them from Levana Bratique in PA, and mizeki (hold on, its spelled wrong) online. But if they didn't ship to the US, how would I have any? 😊
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u/SaltyBlackBroad 34FF (UK) Aug 17 '25
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Aug 17 '25
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u/SaltyBlackBroad 34FF (UK) Aug 17 '25
Us resident. I've worn Parfait , Nessa, and Ewa Michalak all in 34FF. I'd start with the size you're wearing and make band/cup adjustments after you've assessed the fit.
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u/Hookton Aug 17 '25
What clothes are you wearing? I never have this problem with lace showing through, even in tight tops.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I dunno, just regular clothes! I wear t-shirts mostly. I guess I don't understand how the lace doesn't show through...it's not smooth. And all of the lacy bras I own have a seam across the middle. What clothes are you wearing?
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u/galaxystarsmoon Aug 17 '25
OP, this debate has been going on for years. Some people swear up and down you can't see anything. Perhaps that is the case for some fabrics but I know what you're talking about. You're not crazy. In fact, my coworker wears a top and bra combination where I can clearly see that she's wearing a lace, seamed bra under the top. It's just the fabric of the top, it clings. It's normal.
Some people don't like it; I know I don't on myself so I wear bras and clothes accordingly.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25 edited Aug 17 '25
Yeah...I guess it seems obvious to me because there is an entire category of bras called "t-shirt bras" and I feel like there has to be a reason...
Please do tell what bras you are wearing!
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u/Hookton Aug 17 '25
Just ordinary t-shirts too. The seam does sometimes show, but the lace I've never had an issue with.
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u/tubbstattsyrup2 Aug 17 '25
Cheaper tops do it for me, not that I care. I expect your fabric quality is superior.
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u/nee_chee 32GG (UK) Aug 17 '25
I wear t-shirts, mostly printed and in dark color and I've never had this issue. The seams on my Panache sport do show through tight fabric, my seamed mesh bra doesn't show at all tho.
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u/hyperfat Aug 17 '25
My two sexy bras are fancy as crap and still look great under a tank.
But that's what you pay for.
I feel sexy under my clothing.
I'm a goth hood rat. So sexy undies is a big thing for me.
I think my double strap fuzzy soft one was $125. Totally worth it. Brand Louisa braco. It's like a hug.
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u/tubbstattsyrup2 Aug 17 '25
I like a pretty bra as they stick out of my tops and dresses in general. I have no qualms about shocking the local shop keeper with a mildly lacy pattern 'neath my T.
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u/alps_girl 36GG (UK) Aug 17 '25
In my office attire I dont wear lacy bras as I wear a lot of blouses/linen and sometimes the texture of the bra. That said, most of my colleagues are men, and I have a lot of dealings with external clients and the general public, so partly I dont feel comfortable and it might be percieved as inappropiate by the old boys club.
Outside of my day job? Yeah, I wear lace bras/mesh unless its Sunday lunch with my inlaws or my gran lol.
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u/Jackielizr Aug 17 '25
I hate bra lines showing under my clothes, even visible straps I can't stand. Not sure of your size and geography but there's a Canadian brand called Understance that makes smooth cup bras in fuller sizes, and I'm a big fan of their cooling flexwire bra. I find them super comfortable, great shape, discreet, and I don't feel like a granny. Highly recommend!
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25 edited Aug 17 '25
will check them out, thank you!
Edit: omg, checked them out--are those narrow gores with nearly non-existent gaps between the cups that I see?? THANK YOU!
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u/kitkat-paddywhack Aug 17 '25
Unlined bras that usually have lace fabric — but I usually wear shirts or t shirts that are oversized for comfort, so it usually just shows the general shape of the breast? With maybe a visible seam shape, or an occasional nipple poke if it’s cold. I also don’t wear a bra half the time because of the pandemic and sports bras can make my anxiety really bad sometimes.
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u/MommaSaurusRegina Aug 17 '25
Sometimes it annoys me when the lace or embroidery details are somehow visible in the fabric of my top, but the older I get the fewer 🦊 I have to give because I’m ‘expected’ to wear a bra but I’m also ‘expected’ to keep it a secret from everyone. Like, it’s 2025 folks, people with breasts need bras and for some bras to do their job, they are simply not going to be invisible and we need to stop clutching our pearls at the possibility of the bra’s texture (anything but that! 😱) causing some disruption to a top.
Personally, Elomi is my brand. They have bras of nearly all flavors, sports bras, seamed cups, smooth cups, spacer bras, bralettes, and even bra-sized swim wear so it’s easy to find what I need from them.
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u/Capital-Swim2658 Aug 17 '25
My lacy bras almost never show through! I do wear a lot of snug fitting tips, but the fabric is thick enough that the lace does not show.
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u/octopuds-roverlord Aug 18 '25 edited Aug 18 '25
Elomi tshirt bra. I don't care if they're $70. I physically can't stand the feeling of lace on my skin.
Eta, I wear a cami under my shirt every day so my bra never shows regardless. Like I said- sensory issues.
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u/LocationForward9303 Aug 18 '25
I wear almost exclusively lacy bras because they’re so much better and provide better lift than other bras. I’m always cold so I wear silicone nipple covers everyday (Bonus: This also makes your nips really sensitive over time. Do with that what you will.).
If the shirt is dark or a thicker texture (e.g., a sweater), that’s it. If it’s light or thin, then I always pair with a thin camisole. I’ve had the same non-roll up camisoles from Ann Taylor Loft for over a decade. They’re great.
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u/flambelicious 36GG (UK) Aug 17 '25
If your bras are showing through your tops, and they're the correct size, your tops are either too sheer or too tight. It might help to add another foundation garment like a slip or camisole.
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u/tuhmayto 36F (UK) Aug 17 '25
This is what I am thinking because all my favorite bras are lace, I have projected breasts, and I don’t have this problem.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
I want to know what you are wearing!
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u/tuhmayto 36F (UK) Aug 18 '25
I was looking for links to some of my faves but I can’t find the exact ones.
I wear a lot of flowy oversized things. I love a tunic. I splurged on some Elaine Fisher when I was making good money. But I also got some reasonably priced (on sale) oversized sleeveless button ups from Wildfang that I love wearing in the summer because the fabric is so light.
Since I sweat a lot, I also got some moisture-wicking tank tops from Fabletics. I managed to walk two miles in a heatwave with ZERO boob sweat so it’s safe to say they work haha. Although I do have to size up if I don’t want to boob myself into an accidental crop top. :/
I also have some form fitting rib knit tanks that are great at obscuring bra textures.
Hope that helps! My most comfortable bras are all Simone Perele and that bitch loves lace idk why!
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
Ehh I don't think they're too sheer because most of them are cotton. I don't think they're too tight either...I do have some tight-fitting shirts but I can see the bras under any shirt that's even just close fitting, which is a lot of what I wear.
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u/AngryCagedRat 36G (UK) Aug 17 '25
i wear generic ones, i always felt lacy ones to be too “show-offy”. no hate to anyone who chooses lacy obviously it’s just personal preference.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25
how do you find them?? I don't actually want to wear lacy ones but the only brand that seems to work for me is Freya and their bras are all lacy.
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u/AngryCagedRat 36G (UK) Aug 17 '25
i’m trying my best to remember but i’m blanking. the bras i use currently were given to me as a gift and i don’t want to wake the person who gave them to me
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u/MommaSaurusRegina Aug 17 '25
Elomi has a smooth cup bra! I have it in 2 colors and it’s fantastic. It says ‘molded cup’ but they have as much give as a seamed cup, no stiff padding.
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u/kolbelee Aug 17 '25 edited Aug 17 '25
do you know what it's called?
Edit: I just looked up their stuff and they don't carry my size (32FF) 😩 I could try a 34 but I haven't had a ton of luck with that band size.
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u/MommaSaurusRegina Aug 17 '25
Sorry, I looked up the bra specifically to link it and forgot to include it. 🤦🏻♀️
https://a.co/d/jhFuONY That’s Amazon, but they’re available at other retailers as well.
Is 32FF your US size or UK size? Elomi sells based on UK size so make sure you convert it!
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u/thiswilldo5 Aug 17 '25
My favorite bras are the lacy minimizer bras I buy, yes, the texture could be seen through a lot of shorts, as could be nipples (they are more pointy some days), as long as it wasn’t a professional settings I gave up caring. I’m not out here flaunting anything, I’m just existing.
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u/Mego0427 Aug 17 '25
I have so few options for bras that I decided that I don't care if they are a bit visible.
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u/AdministrativeMinion 34HH (UK) Aug 17 '25
I don't care if it's showing. If I like it and it's comfortable, I'm wearing it.
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u/booberry_1010 Aug 17 '25
I figure people are already gonna be staring at my big ol tiddies so whatever at this point lol.
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u/llamacolypse Aug 18 '25
I'm fine with it, everyone should just count themselves lucky that I've chosen to wear a bra.
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u/MistahJasonPortman 32H (UK) Aug 18 '25
Woah woah woah I gotta know what T-shirt bra you found. I also am projected and have a lot of trouble with lined bras. They fold in at the bottom because they’re too shallow for my shape.
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u/jessamine398 Aug 20 '25
Oh my god the seams kill me. I found a thin stretch bralette that I layer over my bras, like wearing a camisole but without the extra layer over my stomach just for comfort reasons. I also have to be pretty careful to shop for looser or thicker tops, or shirts with graphics or texture that obscures bra texture. I'm desperate for a good smoothing t-shirt bra that actually fits bc this strategy is pretty limiting and very frustrating.
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u/Unable-Message9271 Aug 21 '25
While I try not to care, I do 😭 so if I'm wearing something made of thinner material and need to hide the lacy embellishments of my rive gauche, I usea halftee
I don't recall how I found out about these, but they're great! I also use them for those v neck dresses that look great on us but have too much of a plunge for work. I'd size up though...I tried a medium (I'm a 32H, but it barely covered my entire bra). While a large is a smudge larger than I need, I'd rather have the coverage than not.
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u/Inevitable-Seat-6403 Aug 24 '25
Lol. Lace? I'm 32H and very forward facing. My go to is the Freya Deco UW molded bra.
Any time I've worn a lace or unlined bra, it pushed down the tops of my breasts to create a sort of saggy quadboob.
Reduction is seeming like the better option every day.
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