A few days ago while shamefully buying a full-fat grande iced caramel macchiato from Starbucks, I noticed a group of girls who were probably roughly 18 sporting some Brandy Melville bags and frappuccinos. Judging by their drink of choice I felt it was safe to assume that they had yet to leave for college. What shocked me was how off-point their bra game was. Seriously– these girls were exposing their bra straps and squeezing their back-fat with elastic. I was under the impression that the Tumblr/Weheartit generation would be a step ahead in the undergarment game, but I realized that perhaps the importance of a good bralette has been completely overlooked.

I thought of my own bralette collection; not exceptional, but I have what I need for my wardrobe. That being said, as someone who wears a 36DD bra size in Victoria’s Secret (not sure what that even means in real life…) Finding a bra, bathing suit, etc has been a challenge I’ve faced for a number of years, and my findings shouldn’t be kept to myself.

tips/tricks:

Look for adjustable straps: a lot of times companies configure their sizing based on proportion. A size large bralette might be for a 5’9-5’10 girl in their mind. Therefore, when you’re 5’5 proportioned shoulders are supposed to help hold the strain of your boobs in a net (if you will), they are unable to do so because the bra isn’t fastened correctly. Unless you’re trying it on in stores, adjustable is almost always the way to go.

Look for sports bras in disguise: sports bras have more support than standard bralettes. Although they may not do too much for us on the treadmill, they are heavenly in day-to-day life. Avoid triangle-shaped bralettes the same way you would a string bikini– sometimes it works out, but usually not. Scooped necks are what’s up. You’ll avoid unnecessary excess cleavage (an actual problem for members of the big tittle committee) and you won’t run the risk of a nip-slip.

Don’t assume you have to splurge: You don’t have to spend a ton of money, some of the best pieces are made from the cheapest material (because they stretch). Stretch is your friend in the undergarment game. In fact, many of the most expensive bralettes (For Love and Lemons, for example) are extremely dainty and of absolutely no use to busty betches like us.

Stop trying to make bustier’s happen: they are never going to happen, your boob will always fall over/under the underwire. The more fabric the better, but make sure that the fabric is covering more boob and less rib (unless we’re talking halters.)

shop:

$15 Charlotte Russe…. but don’t wear it for too long or your neck will be destroyed!!!

Classic Molded Bralette $8 Forever 21: Opting for a bralette over a traditional bra is one way to look like you’ve instantaneously lost 5 lbs

Calvin Klein $28 via Shopbop (how cute with a tank with low armholes?)

Splendid $44 via Shopbop: simple and Splendid = GREAT quality.