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Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Keyhole bra in Matcha. I'm pleased to introduce Net Positive, a shopping site for intimates that specializes in underwear and bras for sensitive skin. Their bra selection includes only soft wire-free bralettes, all made from either 100% organic cotton or a blend of organic cotton and hemp. Straps are adjustable. Hemp can make underwear and bras more durable and breathable, also likely helping these bralettes maintain their shape. However, Net Positive's all-cotton options may be a better choice for the most sensitive skin. You'll know best what you need, depending on the condition of your skin and where your sensitivity comes from. Find more bra recommendations for sensitive skin here. Other intimates brands that are recommended for sensitive skin include Pact, Zoe Jacobs, and LilySilk. Sensitive skin can be caused by any number of things, including: dryness; allergies; specific skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis; certain prescription medications; nutritional deficiencies; being on the autism spectrum; and/or other medical issues. But no matter what is causing your skin to be sensitive, it helps to wear gentle fabrics like organic cotton or silk that won't aggravate the problem. You'll also want to make sure that your bra doesn't fit too tight, cut into the skin on or underneath your breasts, or rub against you in any way that is uncomfortable. That's why Net Positive bras don't have underwires. Sizing is from XS-XL, corresponding to US women's numeric clothing sizes 0-2 to 16. Keep in mind that because these bralettes don't have spandex, you will not get lots of stretch in the band the way you would from most bras. I recommend taking an accurate measurement of your bust where it is fullest, around your breasts and across your back, and ordering the size that corresponds to that measurement on the Net Positive chart below. Measurements are in inches. What follows is an image document with the company's mission statement and certifications, shown here with permission.

I interviewed Angela O'Brien, founder and co-owner of Esteem Lingerie and Esteem Bra Fitting Academy in British Columbia, Canada. Esteem Lingerie was born from a combination of Angela's business experience and her mother's skill at sewing bras. Watch the video to learn about Angela's process of fitting customers for bras in the Esteem Lingerie boutique, and get some expert tips for finding the ideal fit in a bra.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Even though it's still springtime, I couldn't wait for the chance to highlight some fun, sexy, breathable bras and lingerie for summer 2026. At left is a decadent design from Cosabella. Its pattern is inspired by marabou and ostrich feathers, "the ultimate symbols of opulent seduction" (quoted from the item description page) in 50s and 60s films. This plunge bra captures such intricate, unique detail and rich color while still conserving the amount of space it takes up, leaving plenty of room to reveal lots of skin. It's one of my favorites that I've seen from this luxury lingerie brand yet. Linaella plunge bra and hipster sold as separates. Shop for this set at Cosabella. Here at right is an example of body chain lingerie: nothing but crystal jewelry, making up an entire bra and thong set. Eye-catching and unexpected, this look is not for the timid -- and perhaps not for those who fear being cold or uncomfortable. I think it's gorgeous. Do you need perfect symmetrical breasts or implants to wear a bra like this? I think not. A lingerie chain should be worn with pride and self-love, no matter what the size or shape of the body dressed in it. In the spirit of body positivity, we should not shame anyone who wants to wear something like this. But we also shouldn't insist that it belongs on anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in it. Shop for this set at RaveFix. If the all-jewels look is not for you, that doesn't have to mean wearing the same foam-padded bras you did during the winter. Unlined bras and lingerie sets are available in soft nylon mesh, lace, or viscose microfiber. Take this time to prioritize comfort by choosing breathable materials. Less is more, but quality remains key. This bra at left is praised in reviews for being wearable in warm weather, with one customer calling it " your perfect black basic for those warmer days, thanks to its breathable mesh." Shop for the Sheer Mesh Unpadded Bra at Feelingirl. I know I always like to wear less during the summer, and it's mostly about feeling the sun, sand, and ocean spray on my skin. The sights, sounds, and scents of the beach all mix together in a vivid sensory experience that is unlike anything else. Fashion plays its own role in this intoxicating atmosphere. We notice the strategic showcasing and veiling of skin in ways we might not have expected or haven't seen before; bold colors and textures; new trends; fabrics that are meant to cling tight, or to blow freely in the wind. These are triumphant risks not taken in colder weather, when we have to be more practical. The edgy swimwear look here at right is a graceful but unforgiving series of geometric lines and curves, crossing and wrapping the model's body tightly so there is little left to the imagination, but also celebrating her natural shape. Top and bottom sold as a set. Available at RaveFix.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. I received a carefully crafted pair of sheer nylon and lace stockings from luxury lingerie shop VienneMilano for review. These, one of their bestselling items, are called the Isabella Sheer Thigh Highs. The Isabella stockings are available in ten colors and six sizes. I'm wearing the classic black in size Small. Sizing is based on height, weight, and thigh circumference. VienneMilano offers a meticulous fit guide to help you figure out which size you'll need. I wondered why there is no Medium, but the Small fits well on me even though I am at the higher end of it in height and weight. It's nice to see that the Isabella stockings have a size-inclusive range that will fit a majority of women, from very petite to plus-size. Sizes go from 1XSmall to 3XLarge. Sheer nylon with a reinforced toe comes to above the knee, where the lace top begins and is held in place at mid- to upper-thigh with a silicone band inside. The silicone helps the stockings stay up fairly well, although I did have one of them slip down (only on the right leg for some reason...?). I was able to solve this by pulling them up a little higher on my thighs. So the top edge of the lace ends up slightly above where it looks to be on the models , but not so high that it's at crotch level. VienneMilano stockings are made in small batches in Italy. The difference in quality between these and a standard pair you'd pick up for $10 or $15 in a US department store is very apparent. Not that there's anything wrong with spending less, which is why it's worth your time and attention to keep track of when luxury lingerie items like this are on sale. You deserve it just as much as whoever can afford to drop a ton of $$ without even thinking about it. As you can see from the pic below, pulling on the lace doesn't rip it apart or cause any runs in the nylon. These stockings may look delicate, but they are up to the task of dealing with you and your life. Which is necessary for anything that I'm wearing, because I'm kind of a hot mess.  Now  when am I going to stop trying to bring the '90s back with the leopard print and ivory kitten heels. Okay, we can talk about that later. I give the Isabella sheer thigh highs five stars.

Speaking of luxury sheer mesh lingerie and delicate lace, don't miss out on opportunities to score beautiful intimates from luxury brands for less -- or even for free. VienneMilano has a sale on tights and stockings for 20% off with code 2K . They are also hosting a giveaway for one pair of thigh-highs, which you can enter by filling out the form here . The entry period ends on 4/3. VienneMilano's unique pieces are made in small batches in Italy. The brand carries select small numbers of bras, thigh-highs, panties, tights, socks, robes, and chemises. Keep an eye out for my review of their Isabella sheer thigh-highs , left, coming soon. Isabella is a best-selling style in their sheer mesh lingerie. And, my beloved Cosabella  is currently offering 50% off on the entire elegant Soire collection of mesh bras and lingerie  with code SOIRE50 . This collection is the ultimate in sleek, understated abstract sex appeal. Update: as of March 31, this code is in its final hours and will not be continued.

As anyone who has ever searched online for lingerie made for trans or cross-gender people will know, options are unfortunately quite limited. It takes some exploration and experimentation to find out, first of all, what works best on your body and for your personal sense of style, and second, which products will meet these needs. If you're a trans woman, you may have measurements that fall outside standard sizing, especially when it comes to bras. That ends up drastically limiting what is available for you to choose from, but I'd like to offer a couple of suggestions for finding a bra that fits both your size and your style. In her recent post on lingerie and androgyny , Rose of TLA points out that "pieces that would be good fits for nonbinary people often get sold as 'men’s fetishwear.'" When sold as fetishwear, lingerie tends to be sexy/exotic and super-femme, which obviously doesn't appeal to all (or even most) trans women. The Flatter Me bra (pictured above), by designer Jane Hodgdon, comes in smaller cup sizes and larger bands -- from 40AA to 46B. I discovered Jane's bras when I was looking for AA and A-cup options for myself, and I was very impressed with them. The Flatter Me has shallow cups for a good fit without gapping, lightweight underwires, and removable padding (fairly modest and subtle; even if you use the pads, they don't give the appearance of a much larger bust). Also noteworthy is the sleek, no-fuss look of this bra-- perhaps a welcome change for those seeking an alternative to fetishwear. For band sizes 38 or smaller, check out Lula Lu . This brand is a reliable source of well-made bras with or without underwires, in AA and A cups. They offer everyday t-shirt bras similar to the Flatter Me, plus a selection of lace styles if you're looking for something fancier. Although Lula Lu is a petite line, the bras are also a good fit for small-busted women (cis-gender or trans) with average figures, meaning they work well on wide-set breasts. If you're not sure what size you need, the transgender bra sizing guide at A Bra That Fits on Reddit may be helpful.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Men and AMAB individuals tend to have a body type that is challenging for bra fitting: they are wider in the upper chest and shoulders, with shallow breasts. But there are plenty of men and individuals shaped this way who want to wear a bra for comfort and support. Here, I offer a couple of options to consider. It can be difficult to find sizes in bras to fit men and AMAB people, as they often aren't available in a large band and small cups. Sports bras can work, but they aren't always comfortable enough for daily wear. Some men, whether AMAB or not, are looking for a binder to flatten their breasts completely. Others want a comfortable bra that offers support without necessarily giving the appearance and feeling of a flat chest. For those who want less compression than a binder, shapewear is an option. The advantage of a shapewear bra is that it will usually have flexible cups that adapt to your size and shape, with a slight minimizing effect. The Cozy Comfort Bra from CURVEEZ (left) has a mild level of compression, coming from the fabric itself, so it provides a combination of moderate support and comfort. It also creates a smooth silhouette under clothing, and doesn't show underneath. Shop for this bra on the CURVEEZ website. Cup sizing begins at B and goes up to DD. Another shapewear bra option (right) is available from Feelingirl (don't mind the name). This wireless non-padded bra's sizing begins at 32A and goes up to 42DDD. It has a jelly construction for extra comfort and seamlessness. Shop for this bra on the Feelingirl website. If you are very small in both bra band and cup size, you may want to try Little Women in the UK (again with the name, yes it's unfortunate I know). They offer AA and AAA cups, and you can book a free online fitting with them to make sure you are buying the correct size. Styles include this wire-free cotton t-shirt bra, left, as well as many other options. Most are quite feminine, with this one being among the more androgynous that I could find. UK customers get free shipping for purchases over 75 pounds. Recently I've been in communication with a cisgender man who needs to wear a bra in order to feel comfortable and supported in daily activities. He contacted me to ask for help finding bras that would fit him well, describing his breasts as wide-set and fullest at the outsides. He'd been wearing mostly wire-free bras in a 36C, and one underwire bra. When he gave me his measurements, they indicated a size of 40D. This information is, of course, no substitution for an in-person bra fitting. But it's obviously problematic for guys to just walk into a female-designated space (the dressing room area of a lingerie store), somewhere implicitly if not explicitly limited to women, and ask for service there. I'm not even certain which stores would grant this and which would refuse it. So I'm happy to help this man however I can over the web, with suggestions for him to try. I recommend that people with a bra shopping profile similar to his keep the following checklist in mind. Flexible cups with high sides. The purpose of this is to make sure the bra cups have enough coverage for a wider chest with more breast volume at the sides. Optional but helpful for support if needed: side panels, nylon compression fabric, or underwire. A simple, low-profile design that won't show under clothing.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Sheer floral lace blouse. At Avidlove. I've been getting into the sheer mesh layering trend lately. My interpretation is wearing a delicate, deliberately sheer nylon mesh lingerie top over a bra, bralette, cami, or slim-fit tank. My preference is for what's underneath to be in a solid color that is meant to show through the sheer fabric of the top, like what the model is wearing in the pic at left. This allows lingerie to enter the realm of acceptable everyday clothing, similar to what a slip dress can do. So what's the best way to go about putting this look together? First, you need to make sure you have the right fit in each piece. Start by choosing your base layer. Although this model to the left looks gorgeous in her underwire bra, I like a sleek and simple long-line bralette for layering, because it provides some coverage for warmth and modesty while still showing off curves. You can wear it with something high-waisted on the bottom, for a flattering look that highlights your waistline and shows only a few inches of skin beneath the bralette's hem. Ideally, the bralette has no padding or lining in the cups. This is my personal preference, and you should go with whatever look you feel best in. But the advantage of an unlined style is that it's sleek, body-hugging, and ideal for layering. It won't bunch up under the top layer, and won't add any unnecessary bulk to your silhouette. Layers run the risk of looking sloppy or disheveled if they aren't carefully arranged to follow the body's natural shape. Long-line lace v-neck bralette. This is where the importance of getting the right fit comes in. If your bralette is too small or too large, that will interrupt the natural flow of your body's lines and curves, either by creating bulges where it's tight on you or with excess fabric where it's too loose. It should have a snug but comfortable and supportive fit, so that it lies flat against your body all around with no wrinkles. You shouldn't feel the edges cutting in at your breasts in front, under your arms, or across your back. The surface of your base layer, whether you choose a bralette or another type of bra top or tank, should be unbroken down the front and back and free of textured detailing like ribbons or raised embroidery. This is so that the top mesh lingerie layer won't get caught on anything underneath it. The best fabric blend for the base would be stretch nylon spandex with a smooth satin feel. As you can see with the bralette shown here, flat lace and some light texture is fine, as long as it is sewn in closely to the surface of the fabric. If you are concerned about nipple coverage with this type of minimalist bralette, I recommend silicone nipple covers. I find them to be more comfortable, smoother, and more seamless in appearance than the cloth type. They do cost more than cloth, but to me it's worth paying a little extra. You can use them multiple times, and they're quite easy to clean and store for the next use. Now that you have decided on your base layer, choose a mesh lingerie top to wear over it. My top color choices are simple white or black, but it's up to you if you want to mix it up. In addition to bralettes like the one pictured above, Avidlove carries a large and varied collection of sheer lingerie options. I may or may not have spent an embarrassing amount of time looking at them all. I'd call this site Mesh Top Central, so take a ride on the boob slide over there to find your perfect pick. Sizing for your mesh lingerie top can be more flexible than it is for the bralette or other first layer, depending on the look you want. You can go a size up in the outer layer for an easier, more casual fit, or keep it streamlined by staying with your true size. Try not to order a smaller size in the sheer outer layer than you have in the bra top, although I can understand women with the Cosabella type of dramatic hourglass figure (large bust, small band) being tempted to do this because they may wear a small size in clothing in spite of needing a larger bra cup size. Sheer button-down shirt with chains. What it comes down to is knowing your body, trying things on, and figuring out which combination works best. I would caution against ordering more than one size up or down in either layer from your true size as measured, because this is likely to disrupt the overall look of the lingerie layers together. Keep the two pieces as close in size to each other as possible for the most coordinated fit. Getting this look right means you can come across as elegant, sophisticated, and on-trend. All while showing off that beautiful figure of yours. Damn girl, you look good.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. I recently came across this Jessica Simpson bra on sale in a 34C, and bought it with high hopes it might fit me. I love the print, and it's a balconette style like the previous one I reviewed, only with light push-up padding in the cups. So I thought I'd give it a try, given that sometimes padded cups fit smaller. Unfortunately, my 34B-ish chest doesn't fill it out. Good news for those who really do wear a 34C, because this bra seems to run true to size. I can't return it, so I'm putting it up for sale on Mercari shortly. Not your size either? 40% off at Unique Vintage. If you happen to like cherry prints, Unique Vintage  has a similar dress available , as well as the two-piece swimsuit linked at right, currently on sale. If the Jessica Simpson push-up balconette is your size, or you'd like to give it as a gift, what follows is the information in a bra review that you'll need in order to decide whether it's a good choice. This can be worn as a strapless bra, or with the straps crossed in back if you prefer, which gives you plenty of flexibility in what outfit you choose to wear it with. The material is 90% nylon and 10% spandex. The cups have an underwire, with light cushioning. It's quite soft to the touch inside the cups and along the elastic top and bottom bands, although its mesh sides and back might be slightly uncomfortable on very sensitive skin. A sweet, lighthearted design like this is perfect for spring and summer 2026. Something about it says Y2K for me, with the cherries and cherry blossoms along with the lace trim and pink background.

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. What do you do when you're having a bad bra day? You just can't seem to find the right bra. Nothing feels good. Your bras aren't fitting right. You put one on, you take it off. You want to go back to bed. Maybe you have your period. Maybe you didn't get enough sleep, or you're stressed, or you're coming down with something. Whatever the case, you aren't feeling up to facing the usual getting-dressed thing. It happens to all of us. Give yourself a break and consider the alternatives. Here are some options. A sleek, comfortable cami. This is a great solution if you need a first layer but can't bring yourself to deal with an underwire or wireless band. Slip it over your head and you're done. Spoil yourself with one in very soft fabric, like the Talco from Cosabella  (my top pick, below). And while you're over there, Cosabella is having a 25% off sale on bralettes right now too. Just saying. Or if you need more support and mild compression, you can opt for a gentle shaping cami like the Daily Shaping Cami from CURVEEZ . Shapewear with mild to moderate compression is great for support without having to wear a bra, or for when you're feeling a little swollen on period days. A cotton undershirt like kids wear. If you're having trouble with pain or or not wanting any pressure against your skin, look for one that is 100% cotton, thin and lightweight with no stretch. Nipple covers. I like the silicone kind because they don't show under clothes, and in my experience they stay on all day and are comfortable to wear. However, if you have very sensitive skin you might do better with cloth. Nothing at all. Yes, this is entirely acceptable. Depending on your work or school environment, you may need to expect some backlash if you wear a uniform in which people will notice that you are not wearing a bra. However, worse things have happened. If your boss gives you trouble, tell them that last I checked, being a woman was allowed.

You'll find it linked in the header above. You can use the group page to talk to each other about anything you want that is relevant to the blog's content, and to follow some of my activity in selling bras and lingerie. I have a lot of pieces, both new and previously owned, most in very good or brand new shape. The bras and bralettes are in a range of sizes, from 30B to 38D, and I have several that I consider to be in-between. I know how all of these bras fit, so I can advise you on how they are likely to work on your body if you're willing to give me some information about your measurements and shape. None of your personal details will be shared with anyone else, of course. This method isn't foolproof and it's not meant to be a substitute for a true in-person bra fitting. That's why I don't charge full price for any of them, including the brand new ones. I sell on Mercari, so if you don't already have an account, you'll need to sign up for one to shop my listings. If you sign up through my link, you can get $10 in credit to spend there. Listings will show up periodically and I'll add them to the Community page when they are live on Mercari. They will stay there until they sell, and they aren't auction sales so there's no rush about buying right away. You can feel free to ask me questions in the group about any that are of interest. I don't want the blog to be full of my sales listings, which is why I want them on a separate page. I also thought it would be awesome to have somewhere interactive where we could all reach out to each other in a give-and-take, mutual conversation kind of way. In the spirit of inclusivity, my voice shouldn't be the only one that gets heard. So, I hope I'm not the only one running my mouth over there all the time. Jump right in with anything you want. Burning questions, deep thoughts, not so deep thoughts. How you actually hate bras and you don't understand any of this. It's all good. I look forward to seeing you there!

The following quotes are fictional representations of actual women I have spoken with about their experiences with bras. These women are quite different from each other in many ways, but one thing they do have in common is that their struggles with bra size, fit, and comfort reflect deeper issues. As you read each quote, think about if there's anything she is saying that you can relate to, and how it makes you feel. Please reach out in a comment or via the contact page afterwards if you'd like to share your reaction. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. Women in photo are models. "All of my bras are uncomfortable. The first thing I do when I get home from work is take them off. I know they probably aren't the right size, but they make me look the way I want to. I hate the way I look when I don't wear them. My boobs are saggy and I wish they were bigger, even though I know a C-cup is average. The only way I can get cleavage is to wear push-up bras with tons of padding and a tight underwire to keep everything pushed into place." Katie Even though Katie likes the way she looks in her bras and feels confident at work when she wears them, she suffers physical discomfort and is trapped in a very narrow ideal of beauty that doesn't include her natural figure. She doesn't want to have an "average" C-cup; she thinks she needs to look like she has more than that. But when she gets home from work, she can finally relax and literally allow herself to breathe. My guess is that this is linked to how Katie feels about work and the way she presents herself there. An ambitious and accomplished woman, she dresses the way she thinks she should in order to succeed. But what is this costing her? My pick for Katie: Cosabella's Never Say Never Balconette (right). This elegant lightly lined bra has nice structure and lift, making it ideal for an office setting. Most important, it would give Katie's body a much-needed break from her usual padded push-ups. See more Cosabella bras and others like them here. "I like to wear bras, but my size is not easy to find. When I do find it, they are in styles like something my young daughter would wear. I don't have any place in American lingerie shops, even though I am second-generation Chinese-American. I don't even speak Chinese. The adult brands that make my size are too expensive." Mei Li Mei Li's body is normal and healthy, but she is living in a culture that caters to a different body type than hers. Chinese women tend to be built smaller, and even by that standard, Mei Li is very petite. She resists wearing anything she thinks is made for a child, but also won't let herself spend the money for a higher quality bra in her size made for adults. Her bras are plain white bralettes in girls' sizes. This reflects her discomfort with her place in the world: she is not a child, yet feels like she is not treated like an adult. She is not Chinese, but feels like she is not treated like an American. In both senses, she is caught between worlds. My pick for Mei Li: Another balconette, the gorgeous Calypso from Little Women Lingerie (above). This comes in AAA cups, and there is no question that it is designed for adult women. Find more bra recommendations for petite women here. "I usually don't wear a bra. I wear heavyweight shirts so that my nipples won't show. Bras are uncomfortable and I've never found one I liked. Plus, I know I'm fat, so I'd have to lose weight before I could even fit into most of them anyway. I only own one, a nursing bra from the last time I was pregnant, and I look like a cow in it. Women in my culture are not supposed to focus on looks too much, which I agree with because I'm not a vain person." Sanaz Sanaz is not wrong to pride herself on her lack of vanity or her strong identification with her cultural values. But she tends to shame her body when she feels discouraged about her weight gain from pregnancy. She can certainly choose not to wear a bra, but there are options available for her that she may not be aware of. Plus-size bras have become much more widely available and improved in quality since she had her last child. I like Sanaz's straightforward personality and can imagine her being very effective at getting what she wanted from a bra fitter! She refused to get measured or measure herself, but told me she was wearing a 2XL in clothing. My pick for Sanaz (at left), because she didn't give me many options for bras to suggest and it's a top-quality cami anyway. Sometimes that's all you really want to wear. CURVEEZ Daily Shaping Cami "I'm very sensitive to itchy fabrics and anything uncomfortable. People think I'm just being picky, but it drives me crazy to wear anything that isn't soft enough or has seams in the wrong place. Underwires were torture so I gave up on that a long time ago. I'd scratch forever. The only type of bra I can wear are very thin bralettes made of bamboo fabric. They don't have much support, and I'm not sure it's even worth wearing them, but they're better than nothing." Nia I wondered if Nia could have skin allergies or some other type of medical problem. I asked her this, and she said she thought she might, but she was worried about what her friends and family would think if she went to get tested. She didn't want them to see her as a "Karen," someone who thought she was too special to wear what other people wore. To me, Nia wasn't a Karen. Her main concern, other than her distress over the itching, was what others thought of her and the possibility of losing her connection with them. I decided that bras were the least of Nia's problems, and that sticking with bamboo bralettes was probably the best thing she could be doing for the moment, along with getting her health checked out. My pick for Nia: Boody Organic Bamboo Bralette. Bamboo is an excellent choice of fabric for sensitive skin, as Nia herself had already figured out. Read more about bras for sensitive skin here. I want to let readers come to their own conclusions about all of this, and take whatever they find valuable in it to reflect on. I did my best to preserve the women's voices as I can recall them, but I'm sure they all sound too much like me, because it's been a while since the conversations we had. If anyone is wondering whether the models in the pic look anything like the actual women, well, no. Not really. But there are four of them, and the ethnic representation is fairly accurate visually. Whatever that even means. As always, if you have questions about any of the bras featured, feel free to ask.