Think about wearing your favorite white shirt. What color bra do you wear underneath? Chances are you don’t even have to think about it. Do you wear white? Flesh toned?
Many women feel very strongly about it one way or another, and women have been wearing white bras under white shirts for decades.
Think about your first bra; it was probably white. But why? Is there really a right color to wear? Let’s find out.
Let’s get right to it. Yes, there is the right color to wear under a white shirt, and it isn’t white. This may seem to break all of the rules but it doesn't.
Actually, there are a couple of colors that work surprisingly well under white. Are you shocked? Did you already know? Let’s explain what the colors are and why.
Why wearing a white bra under a white shirt is wrong
It seems logical, right? Maybe your mother always wore white under white, and your grandmother. Were they wrong? Well, yes.
Wearing a bra the same color as your shirt should make it disappear. Actually, it highlights your bra! This is because the color of the bra contrasts with your skin.
The darker your skin the more obvious the contrast. The same rule applies to pants. If you’re wearing white or light-colored pants, don’t match your underwear to the color of the cloth but match to your skin color instead.
The case for the neutral bra
A bra in the color of your skin tone should be in every woman’s wardrobe. Underneath white or light clothing it will essentially be undetectable. The closer to your skin tone the better. It’s important to pay attention to the undertones in your skin as well.
It’s important to note that your skin color has nothing to do with your undertones. You can have very fair skin and still have warm undertones.
How to tell what undertones you have
Undertones can be confusing but there’s a simple way to tell. If you need help figuring out what undertones you have, take a look at the insides of your wrists and look at the veins.
If they are blue or purplish you have cool undertones. If they are green or greenish-blue, you have warm undertones. If they appear colorless or are hard to see then you probably have neutral tones.
What colors should you look for?
As we know, skin tone doesn’t mean beige, at least for most people. For those with fair skin and cool undertones, a blush shade would match wonderfully.
Medium skin with warm undertones look great in a latte shade, and dark skin is beautiful in cocoa shades.
If you want your bra to disappear under your shirt it should match your skin tone as closely as possible. Thankfully bras are now available in a wide range of neutral shades.
What about a red bra?
Yes, a red bra, and no, this is not a typo! While you would think that a red bra is the last thing to wear under white, it actually works surprisingly well! Why? Because skin naturally has red tones making them blend underneath white shirts.
Apparently, French women have been doing this for years, and thanks to the internet, the secret is out! There is a caveat though. It can’t be just any red. If there are cool tones in the red, such as pinkish-red or Fuschia it won’t work.
Go for a deep red or burgundy color and prepare to be amazed!
It’s not just about color
If you truly want your bra to be invisible under your white shirt there’s something that matters even more than color: fit. If your bra doesn’t fit you well it will never be truly undetectable. A poorly fitting bra leads to bulges, straps that slip, bands that pinch, and cups that gap.
Not only is this unsightly but it’s uncomfortable as well. If it’s been a while since you’ve been fitted, grab your tape measure and get started. Use our Bra Size Calculator to help get your perfect size.
Our top picks for underneath white shirts
Here are some of our favorite neutrals, and of course a not-so-neutral for wearing under white.
- The MagicLift Seamless Support T-Shirt Bra is a great everyday bra with seamless cups that won’t show under form-fitting clothing. Quick-drying fabric leaves you cool and comfortable all day. And it comes in two shades of nude, Taupe and Cafe. Check out our list of best t-shirt bras too.
- The WonderWire Front-Closure Bra has a low front clasp that is easy to put on or take off and perfect for v-necks or lower necklines. The cushioned underwire gives support and comfort that lasts all day. Available in a variety of neutral colors including Cafe, Cappuccino, and Mocha.
- The MagicLift Original Support Bra in Burgundy is the perfect choice for when you’re feeling anything but neutral. It offers full coverage but with beautiful lace that gives it a sexy edge. Wide padded straps won’t dig into your shoulders, and the MagicLift gives you all of the support you need. If you prefer a neutral shade, try this style in Blush, Cappuccino, or Mocha.
No matter what style or color you choose to wear with your white shirts, make sure that it fits like it was custom made. A great-fitting bra makes all the difference in comfort and support.
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