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Sheer tops are everywhere right now, but my will to wear them has not solved the more significant question: What bra do I wear underneath?
While many women—and many-a runway showcase—loves to free the nipple beneath a see-through blouse, I personally relish some tasteful deployment of lacy lingerie.
If you’re a millennial, you might recall your youthful years when fancy lingerie was everywhere. It was an era of Victoria’s Secret cultural supremacy; an age of Tumblr, where Cara Delevingne was a clubwear icon, and your spare time was spent re-blogging Ellen von Unwerth photographs. You longed for the perfect Agent Provocateur or Fleur Du Mal set, and instead found yourself at Honey Birdette or Bras ‘n’ Things in your closest Westfield’s. It was the best of times.
Along with a number of millennial trends returning to prominence, exposed lingerie is part of the broader ‘indie sleaze’ renaissance. The trend has now been sanctioned by countless spring-summer 2027 fashion week runways, including Dior, Prada and Fendi.
And if you’ve been waiting for the moment to return your nicest lingerie to wardrobe prominence—I’m thrilled to report it is nigh.
Unlike models on a fashion week runway, however, I suspect most of us won’t be swanning into the office with our satin bralettes exposed beneath our jackets. You might, however, be able to get away with one simple layer in between: a sheer top.
If you’ve purchased a sexy, see-through going-out top this season, you’re certainly not alone in wondering what to wear underneath. Here, a few styling options, plus my top bras to wear beneath sheer tops.
What To Wear Beneath Your Sheer Tops And Dresses
My favourite bra to wear beneath a sheer top is the Kat The Label Maverick Underwire Bra in Black ($65), which is lacy but still obscures the nipple. (It also goes up to a 3X or 16F, covering a broad bust size range.)
The type of bra you choose will undoubtedly come down to the size of your bust, how much you want to obscure or draw attention to the area, and, ultimately, what makes you feel comfortable.
“Choosing undergarments in a similar shade as the sheer clothing is always a super chic way of showing off your lingerie,” Founder of lingerie brand Forever And A Day, Apryl Yii, tells marie claire Australia. This means wearing black bras with black tops, white bras with white tops and so forth. However, if you consult the SS27 runways, lingerie is taking centre-stage of some outfits, with coloured and statement bras featuring heavily in collections like Prada and Dior.
Editor’s Note: I’ve chosen mostly black bras for simplicity, though most have multiple colourways to choose from.
Read more: I Stopped Hating Strapless Bras After Trying These Miracle Ones
Best For Small Busts
People with small busts have a plethora of triangle bralettes and lacy balconette bras from which to choose. The Fleur Du Mal Luxe Triangle Bra is an OG in visible lingerie. And if you need a strapless solution, go for First Thing.
FLEUR DU MAL
Luxe Triangle Bra
KHAITE
Selah Cotton-blend Satin Bralette
ST AGNI
Pointelle Bralette
COTTON ON BODY
Everyday Lace Triangle Padded Bralette
FIRSTTHING
The Strapless AirShape™ Bra
KAT THE LABEL
Sadie Bralette
Best For Large Busts
If you have a large bust, look to brands like Bendon and Berlei for a supporting range of lacy bras up to an 18GG you can still show off with confidence.
FAYREFORM
Midnight Express Underwire Bra (up to 22G)
CHOU CHOU INTIMATES
Olivia Bralette (up to 3XL)
BENDON
Sofia Underwire Bra (up to 18G)
SKIMS
Balconette Bra (up to 22G)
SIMONE PERELE
Subtile Wirefree Triangle Bra
BOODY
Wireless Full Bust T-Shirt Bra
Best Statement Bras & Crop Tops
If you want to dress like you’re on the runways of Milan, choose a bra that stands out. Whether you’re wearing it under a sheer button-up, or it’s taking centre stage over the top of your sheer singlet, be bold and the fashion world will smile on you.
“Consider the colour of your sheer clothing and choose a lingerie piece that creates a strong contrast, such as black lingerie under a white sheer top,” suggests Yii.
Cutts elaborates: “To add a daring edge to your classic black lace, evening blouse why not try a pop of neon in your bralette. Or experiment with layering, for example a bralette is the perfect partner for V-neck cardigans or off shoulder knits adding a little coverage.”
You may also want to consider a lacy balconette bra with a plunging neckline, Yii adds. “Statement lingerie is having such a moment so have fun with it!”
KHAITE
Talita satin bralette
PAULINE DUJANCOURT
Georgia crocheted mesh bra
COLLEEN ALLEN
Tulle bralette
PAULINE DUJANCOURT
Poppy floral-print organza bra
Best Camisoles
Wear any bra you want under a sheer top if you also wear a camisole. While it won’t work for every style top, it’s a great solution for sheer button-ups.
KAT THE LABEL
Jean Camisole
SIMONE ROCHA
Lace-trimmed Satin Bralette
GINIA
Silk Lace Cami
Atmos&Here
Tiana Lace Trim Pj Cami Set
Best Bra Alternatives: Nipple Covers and Tape
According to Apryl Yii, the founder of lingerie brand Forever And A Day, opt for silicone nipple covers if you want to really reduce visibility. “They tend to be more matte than the thin satin ones to avoid any flashback with harsh lights! Stick on G-strings are also an option for a super nude look under clothing.”
B FREE INTIMATE APPAREL
Second Skin Adhesive Nipple Covers
ASHOOOO
Nipple Covers for Women
NEATS
Nipple Covers for WomenProduct Name
B FREE INTIMATE APPAREL
Strong Lift Boob Tape & Nipple covers
What To Wear Under Sheer Tops If You Don’t Like Showing Your Bra
According to Yii, the easiest tactic with sheer clothing is to choose an undergarment that matches your skin tone. You can also obscure the appearance of your bra by choosing plain, seamless t-shirt bras. “My advice would be to avoid anything too frilly or with too much ‘lingerie’ detailing,” Yii says. “Opt for lingerie made of lightweight and thin fabrics to avoid any visible lines — this can help prevent them from showing through the sheer fabric. You can also try layering with seamless camisoles or bodysuits to provide additional coverage.”
Meanwhile, Style Director at THE OUTNET, Sinead Cutts, suggests opting for a sportier vibe to feel more comfortable. “Pair sheer or netted pieces with cycling shorts, body suits, or mini-skirts and style with a sleek bralette to add a sporty luxe feel, without being too exposed,” she says.
Another strategy is misdirection. “Consider wearing a waist belt or statement jewellery to draw attention away from your undergarments and towards your overall outfit,” Yii suggests.
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