Fit Advice for Layering Bras and Lingerie Tops

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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.