The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: Cami-Bra Basics

I would like to wear a camisole but not a bra and camisole. A camisole with a bra attached would be good, but where do I buy one? What do you suggest I do? —Meena

Sounds like you're ready to test-drive a cami-bra, a modern marvel that fuses brassiere with camisole. Some of these so-called cami-bras have built-in shelf bras, which may or may not provide the support and coverage you need. Other cami-bras feature lightly padded, molded cups and/or underwire which provide full support and render a separate bra unnecessary.

Look for cami-bras in the lingerie department of your favorite store—Macy's, Kohls, Target, etc. Other great stores to check out include Nordstrom—their bra-fit-experts can help you find a supportive camisole, and the service is complimentary. If you have a larger bust, Panache makes a popular cami-bra in sizes up to a G cup (available at BareNecessities.com). Banana Repubic makes some of the best camis that you can layer for work; Victoria's Secret offers one of the widest selections of cami-bras from basic white and black to pretty bra-tops with ruffle-details.

I've had luck with the cami-bras from Gap, Express and Target. Experiment until you find one that works for you—the reward will be a lighter, more comfortable way to layer, especially during the hot summer months.

Are you a fan of the cami-bra or do you prefer to layer a regular camisole over a bra?

Comments
You may find luck at The Limited too.
#1 Dina (Homepage) on 2009-07-28 07:28 (Reply)
soma intimates has a GREAT cami bra - I'm wearing it right now! It's supportive and pretty - a little pricey but worth it for me. It also comes in lots of sizes.
#2 kat on 2009-07-28 09:09 (Reply)
Camisoles like this are part of my everyday life but without a shelf bra and over a regular bra. I just love the feeling of soft cotton against my skin!

The B.P. area in Nordstrom has them for $12 in a huge assortment of colours and the quality is stellar. Straight into the dryer and no shrinkage. Also, if it’s too hot for a regular cami but you need one for cleavage purposes, Second Base is fabulous. Very soft and silky!

http://www.youlookfab.com/2009/06/04/second-base-the-cami-that-keeps-you-cool/
#3 angie (Homepage) on 2009-07-28 09:31 (Reply)
I included the BP camis in the shopstyle widget because I know they're your favorite, angie!

thanks for the tip about second base, hadn't heard of that brand.

i'm not a fan of camis with a shelf bra (the elastic is irritating and they don't fit well over regular bars) but i do like the ones with built-in lightly padded bras. uniqulo (in nyc) actually has an amazing bra-tank that's perfect for summer. no bra straps to worry about yet full coverage and support! genius.
#3.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-07-28 10:56 (Reply)
I actually prefer camis with no shelf bra. I have a couple with shelf bras built in and that seems to make them be lower cut than I would like since I most commonly use them for layering at work. I'm also pretty small chested though...
#4 Nicole on 2009-07-28 09:33 (Reply)
i've been desperate to find a good cami-bra and that one from the gap has a perfect shape.
#5 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-07-28 11:45 (Reply)
Ah! I cannot wear camis w/o a real bra. I have a bigger chest (D) and just do not feel comfortable or I feel like there could be some sort of fashion malfunction. haha. I'm very self-conscious, though.
I'll have to check some of these out tho...maybe I'll find something to change my mind.
#6 angela on 2009-07-28 12:48 (Reply)
Thanks BB !! The readers' and your suggestions and ideas do inspire me to find the right layered look :-)
#7 Meena on 2009-07-28 18:33 (Reply)
I too prefer camis without shelf bras as I find they don't really give good support and that elastic is just annoying. The ones with built-in cups sound intriguing!
#8 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-07-28 22:08 (Reply)
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