Shelf Bras

From LoveToKnow Lingerie

Shelf bras are like casual acquaintances--nice to have, but they're not going to offer superb support when you need it most. However, they will offer slight assistance in the case of your best friends--the sexy bra, the push-up Bra and the strapless bra.

One of the best things about these bras is that they'll hold your strapless up when it wants to fall down. So in that way, the acquaintance becomes a good pal. This is the type of bra that frequently comes attached inside tank tops, strappy dresses and swimsuits, and consists of an extra panel of fabric with elastic around the bottom.

If you wish to go it alone with shelf bras, you should probably be a B cup or lower for the sake of comfort, support and lift. If you're larger than a B cup, opt for tanks with underwire bras built in. The built-in bras with underwire are still sometimes referred to as shelf bras.

Keep in mind when searching for shelf bras that they're often called built-in bras. Sometimes they're just labeled as "built-in support."

Another Type of Shelf Bras

While shelf bras are most commonly referred to in the way mentioned above--extra fabric and elastic that act together to take the place of a bra--there's another type of shelf out there. They're real bras with nearly the same measurements as all the others in your lingerie drawers. Instead of offering full or demi coverage with regular cups, they sit underneath your breasts to push them up and create cleavage with no--or very little-- coverage. Often, the same bra may fit A, B and C cup sizes. See FlirtyLingerie.com for a few styles.

This type of bra is good for going under your lowest cut shirts. It's also a great choice if you feel like being a little naughty by going braless, but just don't quite dare. Most of the breast will be left bare, but you'll still have minimal coverage and support on the bottom.

Brides often wear shelf bras under their dresses to boost their breasts without having to worry about the tops of cups showing up on the edges of their fancy, wide or low necklines.

Shop for Your Built-In or Minimal Coverage Bra

Victoria's Secret is known for their built-in bra tops and dresses. Just search the clothing section of their online site or sign up for a catalog. There's a clickable link on their website that takes you directly to the bra tops, and another for bra top dresses.

Old Navy has built-in bra camis on sale quite often. They're great for layering, doing yoga or just relaxing around the house.

Flirty Lingerie has quite a few shelf bras to put your breasts on display, and hide well underneath low-cut tops or dresses.

Feeling USA has a few colorful minimal coverage bras similar to those at Flirty Lingerie. They come in black, white, ocean blue and coral.


 


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