Everything You Need to Know About Unlined, Lined & Lightly Lined Bras

Lined or unlined? That is the question. Naturally, we’ve got answers. Shopping for the perfect bra can be tough with all the options. At ThirdLove, we obsess over fit so you look and feel great in every bra you wear. Your bra lining is a huge part of that. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the difference between unlined, lined, and lightly lined bras. Now let’s find your perfect bra.

The basics of lined vs unlined.

Unlined bras have one layer of lining that’s usually made of a mesh, lace, or stretchy fabric. Unlined bras are free of padding or foam, and should feel like a second skin. This depends on the type of fabric and how it’s designed. The more comfortable the fabric, the less you’ll feel it. If you love the natural shape of your breasts and want to enhance it, unlined is for you. Unlined bras can have a sheer or opaque finish, so it depends on your style. We’ve designed a better unlined bra that you’ll never want to take off. No itchy seams or scratchy fabrics. Try our NEW 24/7® Second Skin Unlined. Lined bras have that extra layer of fabric inside the cup.

Lined bras come in two categories — traditional lined and lightly lined bras. The light padding or lining on the inside of your bra cups does a few things: it smooths, shapes, and enhances your breasts. Most traditionally lined, padded bras with extra fabric have adjustable or removable pads so you can customize your cleavage.

So what’s a lightly lined bra?

Lightly lined bras are still made with a bit of extra fabric lining, it’s just less of it. It’s that extra layer of memory foam or similar that offers more coverage. Our 24/7® Classic T-Shirt Bra is a perfect example of an ultra lightly-lined style that millions of women (and their boobs) love. It keeps your nipples hidden, smooths your shape, and gives you all day support. Plus, it looks amazingly invisible under your clothes.

Are unlined bras supportive?

Unlined bras aren’t necessarily more supportive than lined bras. You should get all the support you need based on the design of the bra. At ThirdLove, we design our bras to fit your body (and bodies just like yours). The lining of your bra is more about comfort, where the underwire and straps are the hardware that keep your boobs lifted and supported. The larger your breasts, the more support and coverage you’ll likely need. We recommend our lightly lined full coverage bras.

You don’t have to choose between a lined and unlined bra for support. You should find the same support in both styles of bra. If you’re choosing between an unlined and lined bra, it’s about comfort. The feel of the fabric against your skin and finding the perfect fit go hand in hand. So try a few unlined and lined styles to decide what feels best for you.

Will I be able to see my nipples through an unlined bra?

That depends on the fabric that’s used. If your unlined bra is sheer or see through then you’ll likely see your nipples through the cups. While you may see your nipples through the bra itself, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will see your nipples through your clothes. Depending on the fabric, you may see a light outline of your nipples. We recommend trying out a few unlined styles if you’re new to unlined and wear your usual outfit while you do it. That way you can tell whether or not you want more or less coverage around your nipples.

Which bra style is best for everyday?

For us to consider a bra perfect for everyday, it has got to make you look and feel good first. Second, it should also be the most comfortable thing you wear. If you forget it’s there, that’s your winner. You definitely shouldn’t have to think too hard about it either. Good thing we have you covered there with a full line of 24/7 bras you can literally wear 24/7. Whether it’s lined or unlined, we’ve got everyday bras in full and half-cup sizes in both styles. Did you know you can try our T-Shirt Bra before you buy it for 60 days? You totally can.

Truth is, most bras suck. We make ones that don’t. You deserve better bras that make you look great in any outfit. Also, you might be wearing the wrong size (over 80% of women are). So take our Fitting Room Quiz and let us get you the perfect fit. If you need some help deciding between lined and unlined styles, just ask a Fit Stylist. We’re happy to help.