Summer Probs

I live in Georgia. It gets HOT here. And humid.

Which means that even on the best of days, if you are outside more than 3o minutes, every part of you has started to glisten. And everything you’re wearing gets damp…including your undergarments.

Which is not a pleasant situation if you’re sporting you’re great winter bra that lifts, supports, and smooths all the places you need it to. Sweaty boobs are no fun.

Thus the summer bra scenario.

Now maybe if you haven’t had children, or the having of the children has left nary a dent on your body you can still rock those built in shelf bras in camis. But if you are over 30, larger than an A cup, or have had kiddos, you might want to read on.

I need a lot from a summer bra. Preferably some sort of cotton blend. SUPPORT. Lift. Visually appealing because it’s chances of being seen are a lot higher with the sheerness of some tops, and deep cut arm holes of all the tank tops. I also rock a lot of racerback dresses and tanks, so I like a racerback option as well. I also don’t want it to make my back or arm fat plump out. I’m high maintenance in the bra department.

I know lots of people love Victoria Secret, but I really don’t like shopping there. Not only do I feel like they are overpriced for the quality you get, I just don’t like supporting a company that promotes unrealistic body images and basically promotes porn. I have two boys, and I already dread the day they ask to go hang out at the mall because of all the images VS doles out for them. It also REALLY bothers me that they market to guys just as much as girls. We’ve even had catalogs come with my husbands name on them. Nope. Not to mention I don’t want my daughters thinking they have to pose a certain way and dress (or not dress) a certain way to be found “sexy”, and I don’t like supporting companies that tell them that. (soap box over)

So, dry, supportive, pretty, comfortable, and a company I don’t hate were my top needs. And lets be honest, I don’t want to break the bank buying one bra.

Here are my top 3 favorites:

1.The Gap Breathe collection. They don’t have the specific one I have anymore (bummer), but I have two that were racerback, pullover, longline, no wireless, and super smooth that I got before I went to China. Let me tell you, if it can survive southern China in July…it’s legit. One got a little lumpy in the light padding, and they sometimes get a bit gapey where you have to pull them up, but I still wear it regularly so it must not be that bad. They have some new options I haven’t personally tried, but would not hesitate to go that route again as pleased as I was with last summers purchases. Here’s the current version. 

2. I’ve been keeping an eye on Aerie for awhile, loving their marketing of not air brushing and using real bodies to market to real women. They seem to really want some skin in the game in the underwear business and are acting like such, making products that will support a variety of body types. I love that. And when my friend Rachel recommended them I ordered a bunch to try out for myself. When I purchased a handful of bralettes from them, my expectations weren’t high. This one pleasantly surprised me! I love the racerback style, it’s comfortable, and keeps things fairly dry. The only downside is it’s a little bumpy in the front from all the lace, but depending on the top, it doesn’t matter that much.

3. This is my absolute favorite so far. So comfortable!!! Smooth, supportive, and really pretty. Aerie FTW!!! SO comfortable. And $16 on sale right now?  I’m buying 2 more!

So what’s your intimates style in the summer?  Bralettes all the way?  Still rocking the tried and true winter bra? Just live in your swim suit??? Let me know your favorites!