Your Guide to Every Type of Bra Worth Owning, From Sweat-Wicking to Multiway

What it does: This trusty bra — with wide sides and sewn-in silicone stitching along the edges to keep it in place on your skin — is essential to avoid pesky bra straps peeking out underneath your clothes. Some are even made with a plunging front, for more versatility with skin-baring pieces, or a corseted bottom to provide added support.

When to wear it: You might not wear strapless tops very often, but even for those pieces with thin straps, you'll probably want a strapless bra.

When to replace it: Although it depends on frequency of wear, it's a good idea to pick up a new one at the start of every summer, when you are sure to start wearing it a lot more often and will need one poised to perform at its best.

Shop: Lively The No-Wire Strapless Bra ($10, originally $48). Skims Fits Everybody Bandeau ($28). Wacoal Red Carpet Strapless Bra ($78).