6 Bras to Wear With a Tank Top, From T-Shirt Bras to Lace Bralettes

If there’s one thing that can make or break a tank top, it’s the bra underneath. While tank tops are technically among the least complicated pieces of clothing to wear (hardly groundbreaking news), finding a bra that works with their straps, necklines, and openings around the arms can be another story. More than keeping your bra out of sight, knowing what to wear underneath everything from your favorite ribbed top to a slinky little cami can make a world of difference.

Since buying a different bra for every tank top in your closet may seem a bit much, we’ve narrowed down the options worth knowing about. From racerback and strapless bras to lace bralettes you might want to show, there’s plenty to consider when deciding what works best. Read on for our guide to what bra to wear under a tank top, including which options suit different necklines and when there’s no reason to keep your prettiest bralettes hidden.

T-Shirt Bras

For tank tops with wider straps and relatively simple necklines (a classic crewneck or a higher scoop, for example), a T-shirt bra is usually a good place to start. Its smooth, seamless cups are designed to sit discreetly beneath clothing, making it a natural match for ribbed tanks and other tops that sit close to the body. We’re partial to lightly padded cups for a little extra coverage, although an unlined T-shirt bra can work just as well if you prefer less material against your skin.

That said, a T-shirt bra isn’t guaranteed to stay hidden beneath every tank. A deep scoop neck may reveal the upper edge of your cups, while larger armholes can expose part of the band underneath. Our editors would suggest trying the two on together before deciding whether the bra is right for the top (what stays hidden under one tank may be completely visible beneath another). If the cups are peeking out, a plunge-style T-shirt bra can be a good alternative when you’re working with a lower neckline.

Racerback Bras

Racerback tank tops are great for showing a little more of your shoulders and upper back, though they don’t leave much room for conventional bra straps. Fortunately, that’s where a racerback bra comes in. Instead of sitting on either side of your back, the straps come together between your shoulder blades, following a similar shape to the tank itself.

There are a few variations to consider, however. Some racerback bras have straps that form a Y, while others meet higher up the back or have a more traditional T-shaped design. Depending on how your tank is cut, one may be easier to conceal than another. And if you happen to like the look of a visible racerback bra, we’re certainly not going to tell you to cover it up.

Strapless Bras

We have nothing against showing a bra strap, but there are certain tank tops where we’d prefer to leave them out of the outfit altogether. Spaghetti-strap camisoles and asymmetrical tanks are good examples, especially when we’re dressing up for an evening out. Our editors generally prefer strapless bras in either case, since they won’t interfere with the neckline.

Without shoulder straps, much of the responsibility for support falls on the band. It should sit snugly around your ribcage without slipping down, even when you raise your arms or bend over. Women with fuller busts may appreciate the additional support of underwires or a longline band, although neither can make up for a bra that doesn’t fit properly. Our advice is to try it on with your tank before making a decision (and move around a bit to make sure everything stays where it belongs).

Convertible Bras

Most come with detachable straps that can be rearranged to suit whatever you’re wearing. Cross them behind your back for a racerback tank, fasten one around your neck for a halter, or remove both for a strapless camisole.

Before buying one, take a look at where the straps attach and how many configurations are possible. Some convertible bras allow you to unhook both ends, while others offer only a handful of arrangements. You’ll want to consider the cups as well, since a bra that disappears beneath a high-neck tank may be visible under a lower-cut camisole. And don’t forget about support! Removing the straps changes how the bra sits on your body, so we’d make sure the band can comfortably support your breasts on its own before going completely strap-free.

Adhesive Bras

A tank top with an open back can make even a strapless bra difficult to conceal. Adhesive bras solve that problem by attaching directly to your breasts, eliminating the need for shoulder straps or a band around your ribcage. Some have two cups that fasten together at the center, while others are worn separately. And if you’re only concerned about nipple coverage, adhesive covers may be all you need beneath a thin camisole.

That being said, make sure your skin is clean and completely dry. Lotions, oils, and perspiration can interfere with the adhesive, so we’d save the moisturizer for another time. Keep in mind that adhesive bras generally don’t offer the same support as a conventional bra, either (something women with fuller busts may want to consider).

Lace Bralettes

A little lace peeking out above your tank top’s neckline can be just as pretty as the top itself. We love the idea of a black (or red) lace bralette beneath a white tank, although there are plenty of other colors we’d happily experiment with. A scoop-neck tank might reveal the scalloped edging along the cups, while something with larger armholes gives you the opportunity to show a little lace along the sides. And if you have a bralette with decorative straps? All the more reason to wear it.

One thing our editors would consider is how much coverage you want underneath. Some lace bralettes are completely sheer, while others have lined cups or additional fabric that conceals more of your breasts. They generally offer less structure than traditional underwired bras, so they’re best suited to days when you don’t need as much support. As for whether the lace should be visible, that’s entirely your call. We wouldn’t spend money on a beautiful bralette only to insist that every inch of it stay hidden.