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what does a racerback bra do

Simply put: The racerback bra is a must-have in any girl’s closet. It’s comfy, it works with a wide range of ensembles, and it suits a variety of breast sizes and shapes. But the advantages don’t end there. Of course, this is the only style you can wear under a racerback top without having to worry about your straps showing due to the T-shape they make in the back.

Thinking about adding a racerback bra to your collection? We don’t blame you. That’s why we rounded up all the top benefits to this style that you need to know about.

1.  Comfort

We could all do without the nuisance of our bra straps falling off our shoulders. Some women (especially those with narrow or sloped shoulders) struggle with this issue more than others, but luckily, racerback bras can provide a phenomenal solution. That’s because the straps in their design angle inward, meeting in the middle of the back. Because the straps set closer inward near the neck, they aren’t at risk of slipping off your shoulders.

Another reason why racerback bras are so comfy is that due to their strap formation, the weight of your breasts is distributed more evenly across your entire back (as opposed to just your shoulders and upper back).

2.  Support

Full-busted ladies, listen up: Racerback bras provide incredible support. Again, since the straps are angled in toward the center of your back, they offer some additional lift. As such, smaller-busted women who are seeking to achieve a little cleavage will also appreciate racerback bras. For maximum support, look for racerback bras with underwire as well as a wider band.

3.  Versatility

The possibilities are endless when it comes to racerback bras.

The racerback style is particularly popular on sports bras, and with good reason: you can work out without stressing about your straps falling off, and you can rest assured you’re getting ample support, which is crucial when you’re engaging in high-intensity exercise. Plus, this style looks cuter under those racerback fitness tanks.

Still, racerback bras aren’t just for the gym. In fact, there are many styles that can work for everyday wear or even formal occasions, ranging from padded racerback T-shirt bras to wire-free lace racerback bralettes. If you’re looking for an exceptionally convenient option, try a front-closing racerback bra, which you can put on and take off super easily.

Also, many convertible and strapless bras can be worn as a racerback style. So if you’re looking to get the most wear out of your racerback bra, go for one that has multi-way straps you can reposition depending on what you’re wearing.

4.  Reduced pain

Particularly for women with large/heavy breasts, one of the top complaints regarding bras involves pain in the upper back, shoulders, or neck. While of course, wearing a well-fitting bra can help prevent this issue, a racerback bra can provide some relief as well. As previously mentioned, the straps on a racerback bra distribute the weight so that it’s more evenly spread, taking some of the strain off your shoulders and neck. Seek out racerback bras with wide straps, which are less likely to put pressure on your shoulders and can help distribute the weight of your boobs better as well.

Did we mention that racerback bras may actually improve your posture as well? If you’ve found that your shoulders tend to slump forward due to the weight of your breasts pulling them down, consider that racerback straps actually counteract this by pulling your shoulders backward. It’s worth noting that poor posture is directly related to back pain, too, so not only will you stand up a little straighter, but you’ll also potentially ward off some pesky aches down the line.

Pro tips

One last tip: As with any bra style, the only way to really take advantage of all the perks of the racerback design is to ensure that the bra fits flawlessly. So if you haven’t done so recently, be sure to get fitted by a professional before investing in a cute new racerback bra — or three.

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:
Left: Deco Y-Back Front Closure Bra A15411 | Deco Hipster A1545 in Black
Right: Nouveau Racerback Padded Bra A1531 | Nouveau Hipster A1535 in Nude
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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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