Shelf Bra Shirts

About Shelf Bra Shirts

Shirts with shelf bras have an extra layer of fabric, usually with elastic around the bottom, across the top half. Since they're not actual "bra tops" with true cups, the support isn't ideal for larger breasts or daily wear.

Like your shelf bra but don't like the missing support and the lack of solid coverage? You can layer a strapless bra underneath. It offers a smoother look, a lot of support and the same casual look as sporting the shirt with the shelf bra alone.

Here are a few good reasons to add a few shelf bra shirts to your wardrobe:

• They're inexpensive
• Unless you're fairly large-chested, you'll find that they're some of the most comfortable

pieces of attire you can slide into. More than a B cup may require extra support to enjoy the same level of comfort.

• The versatility. You can wear these with everything from yoga pants to a business suit. It's all about the layering (or not layering).

Where to Find Them

• Bella.com has a Cotton Spandex Shelf Bra Tank Top for just $24. Since they're available in 10 colors, you can layer them with just about anything. This style is available in small to 2X.

• Clothing Warehouse has five colors of shelf bra camisoles. If you buy them in bulk, you save quite a bit!

• Pregnant? Try a little comfort from the Maternity Twist-Back Tank.

• One of the good things about shirts with shelf bras is that you can find them just about anywhere. Wal-Mart has them for $5.97.

• GAP has a Seamless Support Cami available in light nude, white and black for about $20.

Alternative Shirt Styles: Daily Wear, Large Chests

If you're looking for something like a shelf bra shirt but you want to be able to wear it on its own without layering a bra and a shirt, or if your bra size is on the larger side, there's another solution.

Bra tops are similar to shelf bra types, but they offer more coverage, more support, and more shape. You still probably won't feel comfortable jogging in them, but again, it's a type of shirt that makes the playing field a little fairer for the girls who need more support. Bra tops tend to come in more styles than the shelf bra variety, too, which are usually restricted to tank top or camisole styles. Here are a few places to look:

• Victoria's Secret's bra top collection commands attention. There are tanks, camis, babydoll tops, halters, and more. All with built-in cups that support you while you strut your stuff.

• Soft Surroundings has a few available shirt styles that include underwire inside.

The Bottom Line

If you're seeking comfort or an extra layer, a shelf bra within a shirt is a good solution. That's if your chest size is on the smaller side and you're not looking for a lot of coverage. If your bra size is larger, you want a bit more coverage and support, or you're looking for a shirt to wear out on the town, opt for a shirt with a true built-in bra rather than an elastic strap and a band of extra material. There's no need to always layer a bra and a shirt, especially on the hottest of days. Let your clothing multi-task.