Open Cup Bras

An open cup bra seems like it would defeat the purpose, doesn’t it? Well, that all depends on what you think that purpose is. If you only buy bras for their ability to provide coverage—a practical, functional use for any good bra worn by any woman--you're missing out. There's a whole different world out there, a place where lingerie's the antithesis of what it's supposed to be, and it's incredibly sexy being rebellious.

Open Cup Bras: the Styles

Bras with open cups aren't all the same. They're not all basically cupless, as the image that may have sprung to mind may have you believe. You can find several styles, all within the "open" description. Here are a few:

• Underwire open cup: This one is like a typical underwire bra, just with the cups above removed. You can still have the lace or satin accents on the sides of the band. Your breasts are still relatively supported by the wire underneath. Granted, you probably won't want to wear this under regular clothes out in public. Your lover will enjoy your "naked, but not really" look in the bedroom with this style.

• Sling bra: Here, you get something similar to the underwire style, but you there's a little more material. The bra almost appears to have the lower half of the cups still present. The top edges are outlined with material in a triangle shape. This type is a bit more modest than the underwire bra, but not much!

• Nippleless: This is probably the most modest of all the open cup styles. Cups still intact for the most part, they're open by a slit right at nipple level. It gives your lover a sneak peek at what could happen.

• Demi cup: Half the cup, double the excitement, the demi cup bra lifts and supports without leaving you completely bare. The bottom portion of your breasts will still be covered, leaving the upper half—and nipples—uncovered and ready to excite your lover.

• Sets: Sometimes you can find a bra and panty set in an open cup style. If you get the opportunity, snatch one up! There's very little in the world more erotic than such a pairing.

• Silhouette bra: Similar to the sling style, this one outlines the breast and leaves the cup out. This style really highlights your assets; think of it as eyeliner for your chest.

• Drop cup: This one can double as a sexy nursing bra for those moms who still breastfeed but want to feel alluring. You'd never know it has the option for open cups until you utilize the click-and-drop method.

• Micro bikini: These bras look like teeny tiny bikinis with slits cut in the center of each cup for nipple exposure.

• Bullet bras: These babies allow for an old-fashioned style with a new, naughty twist.

Places to Shop

Your average department store probably won't have open cup styles in stock. That's why it's wise to hit the Web when you're looking for something a bit more free spirited than the traditional bra styles. Here are a few places to begin your search:

• Cameo Intimates
• Body Body
• Female First
• Yandy
• Yum Drop
• Sensual Mystique

Final Thoughts

Open cup bras can be great for wearing behind closed doors and even underneath outfits you plan to be taking off soon. They're not recommended for wear underneath your regular clothes to run errands, go to work, etc (you do the math!). You'll still get similar support as with a traditional bra.

Your best bet for finding the style you want (since there are so many!) within this subcategory of bras is to search online rather than in stores. You may have luck with places like Frederick's of Hollywood Lingerie, but the variety available in one store will most likely not compare to the selection you can find just by typing in "open cup bras" on the Google homepage.

If you're ready to take sexy lingerie to a new level, invest in an open cup style—from the modest nippleless type to the super-racy, completely cupless one.

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