How to Find the Right Bra For Your Favorite Summer Tops

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With summer fashion trends ranging from sheer, naked looks to cutout minidresses, there are plenty of options for choosing the right bra style as your foundation. It all depends on whether or not you want your undergarments to show — how you implement them for coverage you're comfortable with is entirely up to you. If going braless is simply not your thing, you're probably knowledgable about plenty of brands that offer multi-strap, highly structured options, so you can get the support you need without distracting from your outfit.

Victoria's Secret Chief Design Officer Janie Schaffer weighed in on how to determine the right bra based on the top or dress silhouette you're wearing. While recommending picks directly from VS, Schaffer also specified details you should look for to best complement your look, from barely noticeable plastic straps to U-shaped plunges and even decorative embellishments, should you want to reveal a hint of your bra underneath a see-through shirt.

It's important to remember that everyone's style is different, so while some may want to draw full attention to their bare décolletage in, say, a spaghetti-strap tank, camisole, or tube top, others could be inspired by the super-strappy look that hails from Y2K. No matter your taste, the information below will get you started on collecting the most versatile bras to keep in your drawer for easy reach. Thanks to solid street style, you can also visualize what these pairings might look like when layered properly.

Ahead, brush up on your bra knowledge and shop some standout picks on the market, then find out everything there is to know about employing boob tape, if you choose to go that route.

What Bra to Wear With a White T-Shirt
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a White T-Shirt

Cotton tees may be the simplest top to wear in the summer, but it's not as easy as it seems to dress yourself underneath without fear of odd bulges or awkward texture combinations. This is the job for the aptly named T-shirt bra, made with a super-smooth material, the perfect rise in cup height and shape, and often a more skin-toned hue that won't be easily seen through a white tee in bright lighting.

Bras For a White T-Shirt
victoriassecret.com

Bras For a White T-Shirt

Victoria's Secret Bare Every-Way Strapless Bra ($55)

With naked dressing being so popular in fashion, a style that can be strapless or otherwise is preferable. Just make sure to match it carefully to your skin tone, especially if your T-shirt has see-through details or comes in a thinner fabric.

Bras For a White T-Shirt
cacique.lanebryant.com

Bras For a White T-Shirt

Cacique Invisible Backsmoother Boost Plunge Bra ($59)

This microfiber plunge bra has an invisible back-smoothing wing so it's nearly impossible to make out the silhouette from underneath your clothing. That's perfect for a white T-shirt that's thin enough to see through.

What Bra to Wear With an Open-Back Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With an Open-Back Top

Wearing a backless top presents the perfect opportunity to try out those self-adhesive bras you've seen all over the internet and never trusted enough to try. With a great silicone cup, removable tape, and a properly structured cup size, a backless bra might just make you start believing that magic is real.

Bras For Backless Tops
victoriassecret.com

Bras For Backless Tops

Victoria's Secret Invisible Solutions Backless Strapless Bra ($40)

This bra is made to be worn with backless or low-back tops and dresses. It's easy to just stick on and go without straps or clasps to worry about. VS's Schaffer says most people forget they're even wearing a bra at all with this one on.

Bras For Backless Tops
ae.com

Bras For Backless Tops

Aerie Backless U Plunge Bare Bra ($40)

Aerie makes a backless bra with a deep plunging front, just in case your top or dress has a low neckline, too. The convertible piece is described as having just the right amount of lift, and it also comes with an adhesive strap, should you ever want to add one.

What Bra to Wear With a Casual Summer Dress
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Casual Summer Dress

From brunch to walks around town, you probably have a wide range of dresses — some with complicated straps, some sleeveless, and some quite skin-baring. A bra with multiple different styling options is ideal for this. Whether you own it in black or nude, look for a design that suggests it can be reconfigured in at least five different ways.

Bras For Summer Dresses
victoriassecret.com

Bras For Summer Dresses

Victoria's Secret Bare Every-Way Strapless Bra ($55)

This bra comes in four colors and can be worn in 12 — yes, 12! — different ways. The plunge neckline and light padding make it a standard but also flattering fit, so you should have no problem working it into your everyday wardrobe in the spring and summer.

Bras For Summer Dresses
marksandspencer.com

Bras For Summer Dresses

Marks & Spencer Multiway Push Up Bra ($28)

Not only does this bra come with a low-back converter, but it's also equipped with magic multi-position tape and clear straps that provide discreet support no matter how you style it.

What Bra to Wear With a Sheer Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Sheer Top

If you're aiming to show off your bra — a look that's certainly been having a moment — choose a bra that complements or accents other elements of your look. If you really want to stress the details of your lingerie, play with textures, opt for shine, or pick o contrasting color.

Bras For Sheer Tops
victoriassecret.com

Bras For Sheer Tops

Victoria's Secret Bare Plunge Convertible Shine Bra ($60)

With a rhinestone-covered band that wraps around the back, this bra is a subtle way to add some shine and glamour to any otherwise tame outfit.

Bras For Sheer Tops
bluebella.us

Bras For Sheer Tops

Bluebella Marseille Bra ($64)

The Marseille bra is available in 10 different shades, so you can choose the one that really speaks to your personality. Try coordinating it with the shades of your skirt or pants, since it will be visible through your top. The intricate embroidery makes for conceal-and-reveal elements that make this one of Bluebella's top sellers.

What Bra to Wear With an Off-the-Shoulder Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With an Off-the-Shoulder Top

For off-the-shoulder or strapless necklines, make sure you have a strapless bra that offers the same support as your everyday lingerie, without, well, the straps. Sizing is key on this one, so you might want to walk yourself into a proper lingerie store (at least for your first purchase) to make sure you've purchased the Goldilocks-level perfect strapless bra — no tugging, adjusting, or pulling necessary.

Bras For an Off-the-Shoulder Top
savagex.com

Bras For an Off-the-Shoulder Top

Savage X Fenty Mesh Strapless Bra ($60)

Available in black caviar and honey nude shades, this bra has hidden interior boning that will lend you support, along with underwire. You'll feel secure knowing your bra won't budge under a dress or top that's off the shoulder.

Bras For an Off-the-Shoulder Top
skims.com

Bras For an Off-the-Shoulder Top

Skims Ultra Fine Mesh Strapless Bra ($52)

Available in six different shades and a wide array of cup sizes, this Skims bra has removable straps and is made to enhance your natural shape. The unlined cups and soft mesh fabric give you a bit more flexibility when it comes to layering, too.

What Bra to Wear With a Halter Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Halter Top

Halter necklines might offer a bit more support around the neck for your chest, but that doesn't mean that most of us don't still have to suit up underneath. Make sure your lingerie has the same halter neckline so you can show off those shoulders and back just as your outerwear silhouette originally intended. Otherwise, you can go with a stick-on adhesive bra or boob tape.

Bras For a Halter Top
victoriassecret.com

Bras For a Halter Top

Victoria's Secret Bare Reusable Nipple Covers ($20)

Depending on your desired level of support, nipple covers can be a reliable solve for this look. They're nearly invisible under clothing, self-adhesive, and reusable for up to at least 10 wears.

Bras For a Halter Top
zhilyova.com

Bras For a Halter Top

Zhilyova Ava Bra ($177)

Interested in complementing the silhouette of your halter, or maybe even showing off extra straps for a look that screams '90s? Scope out sites like Zhilyova, which offers unique designs with standout details and plenty of full sets to cater to your inner lingerie queen.

What Bra to Wear With a Tie-Front Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Tie-Front Top

Front-closure tops are not for the faint of heart, and it can be tricky to hide a bra beneath the little bit of fabric that covers your bust area. If you don't feel comfortable going braless in this situation, some proper boob tape that's close to your skin tone is key.

Bras For a Tie-Front Top
revolve.com

Bras For a Tie-Front Top

Nue Breast Tape ($25)

Nue is known for its best-selling boob tape that's designed with stretch so it moves with your body. It's waterproof and sweat-proof, so if you're worried about the stickiness subsiding throughout the day, you can rest assured that you're covered. If you want to shift things around, you can always bring an extra strip in your purse.

Bras For a Tie-Front Top
victoriassecret.com

Bras For a Tie-Front Top

Victoria's Secret Bare Boob Tape ($25)

Make sure you choose the right fashion tape for your skin tone, and from there, strategically situate the tape to be hidden — whether you fold it, wrap it, or crisscross it over your chest to provide lift.

What Bra to Wear With a Plunging Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Plunging Top

If you're taking the plunge, you likely want as much support and lift as possible to feel secure without a wardrobe malfunction. That being said, you won't want your bra on full display — otherwise there's distraction from the top, which is the focal point of your outfit. Luckily, there are plenty of structures designed to give you peace of mind.

Bras For a Plunging Top
luvlette.com

Bras For a Plunging Top

Luvlette U-Plunge Backless Seamless Bra ($23)

Not only does Luvlette's affordable bra feature a deep, U-shaped plunge that won't distract from your neckline, it's also equipped with multi-way straps, so you can alter the shape depending on the back of your top or dress, too.

Bras For a Plunging Top
victoriassecret.com

Bras For a Plunging Top

Victoria's Secret Bare Plunge Low-Back Bra ($55)

Available in three different shades, this bra is described as gravity-defying, since it dips low in both the back and front, but still holds up your assets thanks to hidden underwire. The smooth material wraps over light padding that won't add bulk, making for a design that accommodates almost any low-cut outfit.

What Bra to Wear With a Camisole
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Camisole

When you're wearing a skimpy tank with the intention of a little lingerie reveal, consider a gorgeous lace bralette. While they're a year-round favorite, there's something so light and ethereal about that romantic peek underneath your cami, whether a daring black, bold neon, or stripes. Alternatively, if you'd rather the spaghetti straps sit bare on your shoulders, opt for a strapless skin tone-colored bralette that stays up properly and feels comfortable.

Bras For Camisoles or Spaghetti Straps
yitty.fabletics.com

Bras For Camisoles or Spaghetti Straps

Yitty Nearly Naked Shaping Bandeau ($40)

If you want to draw full attention to your décolletage when wearing a spaghetti-strap tank, go for a strapless design like this bandeau. In this case, you'd rather not have a thick bra strap distracting from the simplicity of your look.

Bras For Camisoles or Spaghetti Straps
us.stripeandstare.com

Bras For Camisoles or Spaghetti Straps

Stripe and Stare T-Shirt Bra in Midnight Stripe ($42)

Alternatively, you may want to add dimension and color with the addition of another thin strap underneath your camisole. Stripe and Stare makes ridiculously comfortable options in a super-soft Tencel fabric that's proven to be twice as soft as cotton. With 10 different splashy patterns available, you can also treat yourself to a pair of matching panties.

What Bra to Wear With a Tight Top
Darrel Hunter

What Bra to Wear With a Tight Top

If your top or dress is rather formfitting or barely there, it's time to shoot for nipple covers or a completely smooth, sheath-like layer that won't visually distract from your look. While these options offer little to no support, they'll still prevent any unwanted free-the-nipple moments (unless, of course, that's the look you're going for).

Bras For a Tight Top
honeylove.com

Bras For a Tight Top

Honeylove V-Neck Bra ($64)

The Honeylove V-Neck bra is so smooth that you can wear it under a formfitting tank or T-shirt with no sign of its existence. It's underwire-free, promises zero back bulge, and has bonded bust support without any hardware to poke out and become visible.

Bras For a Tight Top
victoriassecret.com

Bras For a Tight Top

Victoria's Secret Love Cloud Wireless Strapless Bra ($40)

Also wireless, the stretchy-soft Love Cloud bra is essentially just added lining with a bit of support and lift. What's more, it comes with removable straps that can be fashioned in five different ways, just in case your fitted shirt or dress has fabric that covers the shoulders and neckline.