Bikini, bra, and lingerie: They might look almost the same but they’re actually different. You can get away with wearing a bra as a bikini top and vice versa, but you can’t wear lingerie as a bikini without getting weird stares from people.
The main difference between bikini, bra, and lingerie lies between the fabric material and the purpose and occasion in which each garment is expected to use. Here’s an in-depth explanation as to how these three pieces of clothing look exactly the same, yet different at the same time.
A bikini is a two-piece garment worn as a swimsuit. It usually has a very brief bottom. If you want more coverage though, opt for the high-waisted bikinis that cover the tummy area and offer full butt coverage.
Two types of bikini styles: the brief bikini (left) and high waisted bikini (right)Purpose: Worn as a swimsuit.
Fabric: Lycra/ spandex is the perfect fabric to manufacture bikinis because of its following properties:
It’s isn’t just pure lycra though. Most bikinis have mixed fabric in them like polyester and nylon which are also known for added durability. When blended with lycra, they give birth to a swimsuit strong enough to withstand the assault of salt and chlorine water.
Absolutely. You’ll do just fine. Nobody’s going to judge you underneath your clothes. Some bikinis might feel less comfortable though. If you’re planning to wear your bikinis as underwears more often, opt for bikinis with minimal details, devoid of tie side and ruffles. Nude and neutral colors are your best color options if versatility is what you’re after.
Bra’s main function is to cover the breasts and provide support. But years of refining gave bras a new task: to enhance the breast size visually and create a deeper cleavage, especially for small-breasted women.
All these types can be either push up or not.
Technically, yes. Some bra designs can be passed for bikini tops for swimming, however, understand that a bra doesn’t possess the resistance to water that a swimsuit bikini has. If worse comes to worst and you don’t have a swimsuit around, feel free to wear your bra. However, only do this sparingly and wash it with fresh water immediately after wearing.
Yes and no. There are panties that could pass for bikini bottoms just fine, but there are others that look like they’re meant to be worn in the bedroom and not for swimming.
Take this lingerie pair for example. The bottom is opaque and plain so it could easily pass for a regular swimsuit. However, we can’t say the same for the bra. Its lace details could easily remind the onlooker of Victoria’s Secret lingerie fashion show. It looks like it’s designed to be worn in private than in public.
Lingerie is the general term for all undergarment a woman wears. This means that a bra is only a subcategory of lingerie, and there are many others like panties, boy shorts, briefs, etc.
When someone says lingerie, the first thought that pops up to most people’s head is “sexy time”. And in a way, that is correct.
A few decades ago, a new market for men and women looking for a special category of lingerie outfit emerged. Brands like Victoria’s Secret sprouted.
This led the lingerie category to split into two: the one side that caters to the most basic needs of coverage, comfort and support, and the other that caters to sensually designed garments.
In short, the lingerie’s main purpose is to flatter the female figure to make you look more attractive and sexually appealing. Or just make you feel good about looking sexy overall.
The fabric properties of lingeries are similar to bra: silky, transparent with a fluid drape, lightweight, lacey, soft and silky to touch.
Absolutely not, if you don’t want to draw attention for the wrong reason, that is. Keep your lacy lingerie in the bedroom where your lover can see you. 🙂 Reserve the swimsuits for the beach. You’re gonna ruin the luxurious fabric with saltwater anyway.
Since sexy lingerie can do the job of covering and supporting the breasts as a bra does, then yes, you can wear it underneath your clothing. A plain bra is more practical though. But should you run out of fresh bra to wear, then lingerie it is. Or a swimwear bra for that matter.
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Sun, sea, and sand is the definition of a perfect summer. You get to rock your chicest bikinis and get a glowing tan, after months of hiding under layers. However, if the endless sunbathing has left no time to do the laundry and you are wondering, “can I wear a bra as a bikini top?” keep reading to find out.
Can I Wear a Bra as a Bikini Top?
Yes, you can get away with wearing some bras as a bikini top, if you are ever in a situation where you do not have a bikini in hand. However, it is imperative to remember that a bra and a bikini have different properties that make them appropriate for different situations, so I don’t recommend them.
A bikini is designed to resist water and other elements. Thus, it does not deteriorate too quickly when exposed to the salts and chemicals present in seawater and swimming pool water, simultaneously.
A bra, on the other hand, should not really be word to swim in, as it focuses more on providing support. Below I discuss the difference between a bra and a bikini top.
What Is the Difference Between a Bra and a Bikini Top?
A bra and a bikini top can be used interchangeably. However, they have some obvious differences, which allow them to fulfill their purposes better:
Bras are made with moisture-absorbing fabrics, such as linen and cotton, which allow your skin to remain dry. Other fabrics, including silk, lace, and satin, might be included as decorative features. You can also find spandex, latex, microfiber, and jacquard in their construction to achieve specific purposes.
Bikini tops are usually made with materials that are stretchable, allowing for brisk movement. They are also slightly water-resistant and dry out quickly due to the lightweight fabric.
The fabric blend is also sturdy enough to withstand extended exposure to salt and chlorine water. The material is also often thick to provide a level of nipple coverage.
Bras feature a hook and an eye to clasp the bands at the back. The closures are usually made up of metal, making them more sturdy and durable.
Bikini tops are usually tied, using strings, at the back and around the neck. Some bikinis might have hooks but they are made up of plastic, as metal rusts when exposed to moisture for lengthy periods of time.
Since bras are worn to provide support, they come in a varied range of sizes. The band is exactly in the size as the circumference of your underbust, without feeling too tight or too loose. The cups hold your breasts perfectly, without any spillage or extra room in the cups.
Bikini tops are free size because of the fabric used in their construction. The stretchability of the material allows it to adjust to the body shape. Moreover, the resilience ensures that it returns back to its original size and shape, even after multiple uses. It is also important to know how to measure your bra size.
Differences Between a Bra and Bikini Top
Style Material Closure Size Regular bra Moisture-absorbing fabricsMostly hook-and-eye closure at the backTypically follows regular bra sizes Bikini top Water-repelling fabricsMostly strings tied at the backTypically has a free sizeWhat Types of Bras Do Not Work as Bikini Tops?
Now that I know that bras can work in place of bikini tops, there are still a few points to consider. This is because not every bra can be passed off as a bikini top. Thus, avoid wearing bras with the following characteristics:
Related Questions
Can You Wear a Bra Under a Bikini Top?
You can typically wear a bra under a bikini top if you need additional support and cover. However, it’s not advisable since bikini tops should have the necessary lift and cover you need.
Can I Wear a Bra to the Beach?
While you can wear your bra to the beach, the sun, sand, and salt from the sea can cause severe and irreparable damage to your bra. Bras are worn under a layer of clothing, so they are not constructed to withstand environmental elements.
Can I Wear a Sports Bra as a Swimsuit?
Yes, you can wear your sports bra as a swimsuit. They can be a great option to hold everything in place while you do laps. However, the salt content and chemicals in the pool can reduce the lifespan of your sports bra.
Bra Size Measurement & Cup Size | A, B, C, D, DD Bra Sizes AND Extra Large Breasts
Conclusion
To conclude, you can wear a bra in place of a bikini top in certain situations. However, try to avoid bras with lace details or underwires. Moreover, opt for a bra that has a blend of materials, instead of a cotton bra that can get soaked quickly, making them cumbersome to wear.