I’m often asked about the right undergarments to wear for different outfits, and the topic of wearing a bra under a swimsuit is one that comes up frequently. It’s a subject that can spark a lot of debate, and understandably so – with so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.
Now, everyone has their own opinion about this, but we are here to break it down to you and explain why experts generally recommend against this, as wearing a bra under your swimsuit can lead to discomfort, chafing, and even damage to your bra.
Why Would One Need A Bra Underneath Their Swimsuit?
This is the first question that we get asked about this whole idea of a bra under a swimsuit. This may not be very relatable to women with smaller busts, but if we ask a curvy woman, she will indeed have a lot to share.
You might feel like wearing a bra under a swimsuit because you feel like you are not getting enough support from just wearing a bikini. All the ladies out there know how uncomfortable it can get not to have support while doing some sport.
Now, we already mentioned that experts do not recommend that you wear one and that gives rise to two questions:
- Why not?
- What else?
Why Should You Not Wear Your Bra Under Your Swimsuit?
- It ruins the fit:
If you are a curvy girl, it is already challenging to find the right size of bikini that will enhance your curves and brings the best out of you. By wearing a bra underneath your swimwear, you will ruin the perfect look that a bathing suit gives you.
It will make you look lumpy and disproportionate, and we all know that we don’t want that as our look. Apart from that, you can not be very secretive about the bra underneath because it will show at some point and may disturb your whole “beachy vibes.”
- It Is Contradictory:
A bikini itself acts as underwear while at the beach; hence it is counter-productive for you to wear a bra under that.
- The Material Difference:
The most crucial issue of all is the material difference. A swimsuit is made of materials that will allow it to dry quickly. It is also designed using materials that can withstand the different chemicals in pool water like chlorine or the salt content in the beach waters.
A regular bra does not have any of these properties. An everyday bra will take a long time to dry because it is usually made up of materials like a cotton blend or which takes longer than swimwear to dry. They also have silicone pads under the layer of cloth that may soak in all the water get heavy. You really do not want your bra weighing you down when you go for a swim.
Cotton will also not withstand the chlorine and salt content and hence may get bleached or disintegrated after a few times of using it.
- Comfort Levels :
It is simply uncomfortable to wear a bra underneath your bikini. As we already said, a bikini itself acts as underwear, and by also wearing a bra underneath, you are wearing two underwear. So, you might not want to feel like that when you are just looking to relax and have fun.
What Are The Alternatives For This?
It would be very rude of us not to give you some alternatives after giving you a long list of why you should not wear bras under swimwear. So, here are a few options.
- Swimwear With Padding:
Many brands now recognize this problem and are making swimsuits with padding. This padding will help you with the support and will also eliminate the trouble of bad fit and the uncomfortable feeling. Some bras even have the option to remove the padding whenever you do not want it, making its usage very flexible.
One disadvantage could be that it might take a little longer for these bras to dry compared to the regular, single-layered bras. The obvious reason behind this is the padding. However, it is still a better choice than the latter.
- A Swim Bra:
Yes, these used to exist! You could have just worn a swim bra instead of a regular swimsuit. The term “swim bra” seems to have different meanings; however, the original swim bra is a multifunctional bra that can be worn under any swimsuit. The sad part is that these swim bras were discontinued.
Now, do not get disheartened! Instead of swim bras, you now get bra-sized swimwear that is your regular bra transformed into cute swimwear to improve its functionality. These bra-sized give you the support of your everyday bra along with all the other features of swimwear.
You can simply find these in your local lingerie store or shop for them online, where you get thousands of options.
- Swimsuits With Underwires And Thick Straps:
Many of your regular swimsuits have options like underwire and thick shoulder straps that will provide you with added support. There is a lot of hassle when it comes to these bras, as many of us just hate wearing bras with underwires. Hence, when you are out on vacation, where you just want to relax, an underwire bra might cause disturbance by digging into your skin.
The problem with tucker shoulder straps would be that you might not have that many design options. You might have to choose a tankini instead of a bikini as it is common for bikinis to have spaghetti straps. It is unfortunate, but in this case, you have either pick fashion or comfort.
Finding the right bra and swimwear can sometimes be a never-ending search, but we assure you that you will find the perfect fit for you! Remind yourself that you are stunning and be confident and own your body. Pack your backs and get ready for your hot girl’s summertime!
While the debate around wearing a bra under a swimsuit may continue, it’s important to consider the advice of experts and think carefully about your own comfort and support needs. There are a range of options available, from swimsuits with built-in bras or padding, to styles with higher necklines or thicker straps. It’s worth taking the time to try out different options to see what works best for you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wearing a Bra under a Swimsuit
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Provides additional support and lift for the breasts | May create visible bra lines or bulges under the swimsuit |
| Can help prevent nipple show-through | May be uncomfortable or restrict movement while swimming or engaging in water activities |
| May enhance the shape or appearance of the breasts | Can be inconvenient to wear and maintain while wet |
| Can offer modesty for those who prefer more coverage | May be unnecessary for those with smaller breasts or swimsuits with built-in support |
| Can be helpful for those with larger breasts to prevent discomfort or back pain | May not provide adequate support for high-impact activities like surfing or diving |
Interestingly, there’s also a new trend emerging in swimwear that’s worth mentioning – the bralette bikini. This style features a bralette-style top with thin straps or a halter neck, offering a comfortable and stylish alternative to traditional bikinis. Bralette bikinis are becoming increasingly popular, and many feature removable padding or adjustable straps for a customizable fit.
Whether you choose to wear a bra under your swimsuit or opt for a different style altogether, the key is to feel comfortable and confident in your swimwear. With the right support and fit, you’ll be able to enjoy your time at the beach or pool without any distractions or discomfort.
We hope that this article about getting better support by wearing a bra under a swimsuit helped you. Do check out the different alternatives suggested by us! Happy shopping!
