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what is an unlined bra

At some point, you’ve come across the unlined bra. “What,” you wondered,” does unlined bra mean?” And furthermore, “is this the right bra for me?”

The truth is, the unlined bra is a category that includes many different styles. But at the core, it’s a bra for the woman who wants to feel like she’s bra-less. Sound intriguing? Read on for more details on this versatile style and all of its unique benefits.

What does unlined mean?

The name says it all — this bra lacks any kind of foam lining or padding in the cups. As a result, it maintains your breasts’ natural shape. Unlined bras come in a wide variety of styles, including full-cup, demi-cup and convertible.

Don’t be fooled: A quality unlined underwire bra can offer just as much support and lift as a lined alternative. An unlined wire bra with three-part cups, for example, provides lift and support for full busts. Meanwhile, an unlined wire bra with artfully placed vertical darts will also gently shape the breasts without any bulk.

Not all unlined bras feature underwire, however. A bralette, for example, may be unlined and wire-free.

Unlined bra vs. lined bra

The core difference between these two categories is that the lined bra will contain lining or padding that offer additional shaping and sculpting for the breasts. If you’re solely seeking support, an unlined underwire bra will do the job. If you’re hoping to enhance the shape of your bustline, though, a lined or padded bra may prove to be a better option.

One benefit to unlined bras is that they’re incredibly lightweight, which makes them ideal for the sweltering summer months. On the other hand, if you’re concerned about having your nipples show through a thin blouse or skin-tight top, it’s worth noting that a lined or padded bra will offer more concealment in that regard. Unlined bras may be constructed with a range of fabrics including nylon, lace, and mesh, but most of them tend to be semi-sheer.

It’s also worth pointing out that lined bras can vary vastly as well. A lightly lined wire bra, for example, may contain no padding but extra layers of fabric to ensure the bra isn’t as see-through. You may also come across partially-lined bras, which feature cups that are often opaque on the bottom and unlined on the top.

So, is an unlined bra right for you? The decision to opt for a lined or unlined bra is ultimately a matter of personal preference, as well as priorities. Luckily, with many different styles to choose from, you’re likely to find an unlined bra that works for you no matter your bust size, provided you do opt to ditch the lining in favor of a lighter bra.

unlined bra vs lined bra

Parfait Marion Unlined Wire Bra P5392 in Tango Red

Related: 10 Telltale Signs You Are Wearing The Wrong Bra Size


We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!


Featured image lingerie:
Parfait Sandrine Unlined Wire Bra P5352 in Cameo Rose
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Published by

Rebecca Strong

Rebecca is a Boston-based freelance writer who focuses on style, fitness, food, and travel. She has contributed to such publications as HuffPost, Elite Daily and U.S. News & World Report. When she's not writing, she can be found at home or in the studio working on the songs for her upcoming album. Her favorite bra is a black demi-cup style with all-over-lace — timeless and feminine.

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