Built-in bra tops aren't anything new, but they have come a long way from the typical shelf bra design. What has remained consistent, however, is that this basic is a wardrobe staple for every season, especially for times when you don't want to wear a bra — and honestly, that's most days for us.
When the temperatures are scorching and you want to wear as little as possible, these functional tops are the heroes of summer. On the other end, they make the perfect layering piece under sweaters and cardigans, all with minimal effort. Some brands have even expanded into built-in bra dresses, making for another summer must-have.
Like regular bras, not all are created equal, so we tapped bra experts to help us navigate the built-in bra market.
What should you look for in a built-in bra?
"Shelf bra camis have been around forever, but the problem with most of these is that they really offer little to no support," says bra expert and author Jené Luciani. Since modesty is an issue with the thin fabric, she says you'll want to look for a top (or dress) that has sturdier fabric, such as a higher spandex percentage and a molded foam cup for the most support.
You’ll also want to consider how you’ll wear this garment, says Dr. Sapna Palep, co-CEO of Journelle, since some are designed for low-impact activities, such as a sundress, while others are designed for high-impact and workouts where you’ll need more support.
Along with molded and removable cups, Palep says adjustable straps are a plus for built-in bras, which "allow you to adjust the straps for the most comfortable, supportive fit."
Are there different types of built-in bras?
Thankfully, many brands have been getting innovative with this type of clothing, offering a variety to choose from based on your preference. You can still find simple shelf camis as well as properly moulded and wireless bra tops from bra brands like Soma and Uniqlo, and Luciani says one of the biggest trends she’s seen is longline bras (or workout tops) being worn as an everyday top.
Palep explains that the most common built-in bra is the shelf bra, which is a fabric lining and elastic band that can come with padding, and rarely has underwire. "A shelf offers light support and is best suited to smaller breasts or low-impact wear," she says. "The second most common built-in bra is an integrated bra with cups, which is almost like a sewn-in bra and is better suited for someone with larger breasts, as it offers more structure and support."
If you're ready to embrace the comfort and go bra-free, we rounded up our favorite expert- and editor-loved built-in bras to choose from this season.
Best built-in bra tops and dresses, according to experts and editors
Palep says another trend she's been seeing is '90s tops with spaghetti straps. One of my [Garlin] favorite tops for summer is this cropped option from Uniqlo. It's perfect to wear under button-downs or alone with any type of bottom. The straps are removable, so you can wear it as a tube top, too.
Another one of my favorite items from Uniqlo is this fitted midi dress/ I have it in two different colors. The built-in bra is super supportive for my C cup size.
Social editorial assistant Annie Shigo has had her eye on this brand, especially this top from OGL. It comes in tons of colors and inclusive sizing up to 2XL.
Luciani likes Soma’s line of built-in bra outfits since they’re a bra company that she says knows how to design them for proper support.
This tank top, which has a smoothing effect, is my new favorite basic. I'm a huge fan of Soma bras, and this tank has a built-in bra that most resembles and feels like a true bra, more than any other piece I've tried. According to the brand, it's designed with their bestselling Enbliss Wireless Bra.
Longline athletic tops have been a huge trend, and Luciani says you can count on Lululemon to make a great bra top. This option features removable cups and hits just below the belly button, so you can wear it beyond workouts and pair it with shorts, or high-waisted jeans and a cardigan for the fall, too.
"This dress has a built-in removable bra and shapewear through the mid-thigh, so it snatches my waist, smooths my hips, and supports at the chest like no dress I’ve ever put on," says production associate Audrey Ekman. "It’s a little long on me, so I’d just suggest pairing it with heels if you’re on the shorter side."
"This is my go-to dress for the summer months for its cooling and breathable fabric. I've worn it for traveling and long walks, and the fabric holds up well during humid days. I stay dry all day in this, and the sweat always evaporates. It also comes with a built-in shelf bra, which is removable," says SEO writer Jannely Espinal.
Associate editor Kamari Stewart is a fan of this dress and says it’s become a wardrobe staple in her closet. “It’s comfortable, breezy, flattering, and it has pockets! It’s flowy but clings to the body in the right places, so it’s still flattering,” says Stewart.
More built-in bra tops and dresses to shop
Reviewers love this top for its comfort and versatility, mentioning that it elevates jeans and looks great with skirts.
It has a typical cami design, with adjustable straps and a full-length silhouette, making it perfect for layering.
“The shelf bra is secure and holds the girls in place enough for a brisk walk or a night out dancing. Couldn’t love these tops more!” wrote one Amazon reviewer.
You can wear this dress for warm summer days, or pair it with a cardigan or denim jacket for the office or breezy nights.
While this may be a top designed for yoga, reviewers say they've worn this on flights and for nights out. The brand even sells options for different cup sizes, including D-DD cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that there are plenty of options, pretty much anyone can take advantage of these types of tops. Both experts agree that if you do have a larger bust, you'll want to look for options with the most support, such as stronger elastic bands, internal support panels and adjustable straps.
"Generally, anyone with A-B cups may prefer a built-in bra for light support versus wearing a separate bra underneath a top or a dress," explains Palep. "C and D cups and larger may find built-in bras do not offer enough support to lift breasts appropriately, but I wouldn’t say that someone with larger cups should avoid tops and dresses with built-in bras."
Meet our expert
- Jené Luciani is a renowned bra expert and the author of “The Bra Book: An Intimate Guide to Finding the Right Bra, Shapewear, Swimsuit, and More!”
- Dr. Sapna Palep is the co-CEO of the bra and lingerie brand, Journelle.
How we chose
We selected the best built-in bra tops and dresses based on insights and recommendations from professional bra experts and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. Other built-in bra tops and dresses were sourced through verified shopper reviews.
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