Summer Styling SOS - What to do with your boobs in summer
To wear a bra or not wear a bra? That is the question.
When I think about being comfortable in Summer, the first issue that comes to mind…. is my boobs. Yes, you heard that right, today we are talking about the very specific boob considerations that present themselves in the height of summer (to wear a bra or not wear a bra) and more specifically a few handy tips and tricks I fall back on time and time again from my own personal styling repertoire.
This week i’ve been planning outfits ready for a trip to see one of my favorite girlfriends who lives in San Antonio Texas. The weather report had me thinking very strategically about what clothes i’m going to pack and how i’ll wear them in order to feel comfortable in the boob department.
Above dress from Cos (currently on sale) - Toteme flip flop heels - Vintage Hermes kelly 32 - Lie Studio Julie Earrings
To be clear, if you feel comfortable ‘freeing the nipple’ then good on you, I salute you! I love that look on other women, but as someone with size D boobs, for the most part I haven’t found myself feeling comfortable completely unsupported in the boob department, or rocking the nipple look. Maybe one day that will change, but for now I prefer for my nipples not to be on show.
The first issue with having larger boobs is the dreaded boob sweat, which sans bra, means there’s nowhere for the sweat to go but to go down your front for all to see. This is why, generally speaking, I choose to wear a bra in summer. I’m not ashamed to say I still do my makeup with tissues stuffed under my bra to prolong the inevitable sweat fest that comes with merely getting ready in summer heat. I keep tissues in the underwire part of my bra until i’m ready to leave the house (and yes there has been many occasion where i’ve forgotten said tissues were there and then awkwardly been reminded as they’ve fallen to the floor for all to see).
My go to summer bras
And my go to bras of choice? Call me old fashioned but I still go back time and time again to Marks and Spencer. I like the price point, they wash well, I like their sizing and it’s easy to find bras I like for everyday wear, and most clothing situations.
I’ve spent WAY too much money in the past on beautiful underwear sets from the likes of Agent Provocateur and Fleur de Mal, only to find them sitting in a drawer in my bedroom where they see little to no use. Also, are they comfy? Of course not! I have one ‘sexy’ bra that is comfortable that I like to wear just slightly peaking out with a white shirt from Bluebella, this gets the job done for having one bra I don’t mind intentionally being seen.
What about when you can’t hide the bra straps or the bra cups?
There are certain tops and dresses however, that still make it challenging to wear a bra. Whether it’s the fabric that highlights the lines of a bra, or cutouts (think backless dresses or side cut outs), or where the straps on the dress fall on the garment, sometimes you need a very specific solution.
Above silk slip dress from One Quince - Nipple Covers from Cakes Body
Silk slip dresses are a staple in my forever wardrobe, especially in summer, although it took me a while to figure out what underwear to opt for when wearing these. Personally, I don’t find a strapless bra all that comfortable, and with it being silk, you could still see an outline of my bra through the silk slip.
Now we’ve all seen those god awful frilly nipple covers you get at the drugstore, (why anyone would think a flower shape would be more discreet than seeing an actual nipple is beyond me) but a friend introduced me to a brand called Cakes Body who make incredible nipple covers that actually work and are comfortable enough you’ll forget you’re wearing them. I bought these on her recommendation and I’m not exaggerating when I say these have been a game changer for me! They come in circles and triangle shapes. I own the circles but am adding the triangles to my wishlist.
Above old cotton dress from H&M - Worn with circle cake nipple covers - Toteme flip flop heels -
Ezra Arthur Phoebe Bag
First of all, you don’t need any adhesive because these are made with medical grade silicone that uses your body’s heat to make them adhere, and I can confirm once these are on, they won’t budge until you want them too. They’re completely pain free to remove and the circle is big enough that it just leaves you with a seamless look. You get the look of a tshirt bra without the bra, and you can wash and reuse them again and again.
I wear these with so many of my dresses, especially the ones with incredibly thin straps, and if i’m packing a silk slip dress, these always come with me too.
Above Old bandeau dress from H&M - Shoes Chanel
If you want lift & support without a bra
And without anyone knowing you are wearing a bra, your best bet is this bra from Skims, or I recommend The Lively Solution Tape. While I haven’t personally tried this one, I’ve heard great things about this tape, especially when it comes to the many ways you can wear it and it being pain free to remove.
Feel free to share your tips and tricks in the comments below. Thanks for reading and for being here.
Harry x