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Will a Shelf Bra Work for Me?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 31,141
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While built-in bras are often referred to as shelf bras, this terminology is incorrect. Instead, it is a very specific type of bra that is also a kind of lingerie. It includes wire supports but does not have any kind of material covering the top of the breast. As such, these bras are not practical for everyday use, though many lingerie stores around the world sell a large selection of them. Whether or not a shelf bra will work for you depends upon the type that you choose.

Some of these bras include neck straps that are good for women with larger breast sizes. Women who have smaller breasts may want to consider a bra that includes extra padding. Since these bras come in a number of sizes, shapes, colors, and fabrics, finding the right one for your cup size shouldn't be difficult.

Even though the shelf bra was built for lingerie purposes, many women wear these bras underneath clothing to create a natural look. They will provide enough support to wear any top without the complete support of a traditional bra.

Unlike true shelf bras, built-in bras do cover the top of the breasts. Although often mistakenly given the name, built-in bras are sewn directly into garments such as tank tops and bathing suits in order to provide additional support. They may include wires, though most built-in bras are simply made from tight fabric that constricts the breasts.

Shelf bras come in a number of different sizes, including plus sizes. While women with larger breasts could not wear these bras in the past, this is no longer the case, and many different manufacturers have begun creating ones that can easily support larger breasts. The trick to purchasing the right size is to arrange a proper bra fitting. By visiting a store that offers free bra fittings, determining the bra size that is right for you will become easier.

Wearing the proper bra size will help to shape and lift the breasts, while wearing a bra that does not fit properly will not create a flattering silhouette. If you are unsure of your correct bra size, it is not a good idea to purchase a shelf bra from an online retailer. Instead, visit a local retail store that specializes in bras so that you can purchase the right bra for your unique shape.

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Discussion Comments
By John57 — On Nov 18, 2012

I was doing some online shopping for some lingerie and came across a leather shelf bra. This certainly wasn't my cup of tea, and I would be curious to know what kind of situation would warrant wearing a leather shelf bra. I'm sure someone out there would be interested in it, but I would be surprised if they sold very many of them.

By golf07 — On Nov 17, 2012

I don't have large breasts so don't need to have quite as much support as some women do. The only time I had to worry about it was when I was pregnant and nursing.

When I was close to 9 months pregnant I attended a formal party and had to find a nice dress to wear. I was able to find a maternity shelf bra which was the only style that really worked for the dress I found to wear.

That was the only time I have worn a shelf bra and I thought it was uncomfortable. I was glad when the evening was over and I could take off both the bra and the dress.

By LisaLou — On Nov 16, 2012

I sure don't like to wear a shelf bra every day, but depending on what I am wearing for a special occasion, one can come in handy. The wire takes a little getting used to, but they do offer decent support.

By bear78 — On Aug 30, 2012

@EarylForest, @fBoyle-- I do wear shelf bras sometimes, but I can't wear them everyday. The wires are definitely very different. It doesn't poke you but it's not the most comfortable either. It definitely requires some getting used to.

The only reason I have one is because I have some low cut dresses and tops and a shelf bra works best with those. But otherwise, I don't like the feeling of the wires against my ribs. And also, if you are plus-sized, a shelf bra can feel like it's doing absolutely nothing to keep your breasts in place.

I am considering trying a demi-shelf bra (half-shelf bra) though. I heard that these are more comfortable than a regular shelf bra because they cover the breasts more fully. Maybe I'll have an easier time adjusting to this kind of bra.

By ysmina — On Aug 29, 2012

@fBoyle-- I don't think there is any way for you to know if a shelf bra will work for you without actually trying one.

You can try them on at the store to get a feel for them. I think a few minutes is enough to decide if you're going to be comfortable in it for everyday wear or not.

I personally love shelf bras, I've been wearing them for years. I like the support the wires provide and I also like that there is more space up top. This might sound funny to some people but even doctors recommend bras that are not too tight around the breast. Tight bras prevent blood circulation and lesions are seen more commonly seen in women who wear those kind of bras.

So when I wear a shelf bra, I feel like I have the support I need, but I'm also not suffocating my breasts so to speak.

By fBoyle — On Aug 28, 2012

I've never worn a shelf bra before but I have seen it in retail stores and I think they look really nice. I particularly like the design of shelf bras and I think it's somewhere between regular bras and lingerie bras. I feel like I could wear a shelf bra daily if I really wanted to but I could also make it work as fancy lingerie.

Has anyone tried shelf bras? Do you think it will work for me? I've only worn regular bras and sports bras without any wiring until now. So I'm not sure if a shelf bra will turn out to be more uncomfortable than I expect. So I agree with @EarlyForest and I'm still hesitant to try one even though I really want to.

By EarlyForest — On Aug 18, 2010

Is an underwire shelf bra actually comfortable to wear? It seems like it would be poky.

By naturesgurl3 — On Aug 18, 2010

There is also a type of shelf bra called a half shelf bra.

These still are mostly just underwires, but they have a little bit of cloth, about half of what a normal cup would have.

This can be a good option for some women, as it is slightly more comfortable (I find) and is also not such an extreme step.

By rallenwriter — On Aug 18, 2010

Nice article -- I never knew about the lingerie-style shelf bra, I always just heard of shelf bra tank tops.

Hence my confusion when I heard the terms open shelf bra and sheer shelf bra -- but now I know! Thanks!

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