As the heat turns up, you’ll want to pull back the layers donned during the winter months. A built-in bra dress makes dressing for the warmer tempertures so much easier. This style of dress takes away the need for a bra. That way, you’re not dealing with wires poking you or worrying about falling strapless bras.
How Do Built-in Bra Dresses Work?
Built-in bra dresses work by including a second panel of fabric behind the chest that has some form of bra or bralette. And, they are usually wireless There are a few different variations of built-in bras. In general, there are shelf bras, shelf bras with removable cups, and built-in bras with non-removable cups.
Shelf bras are most like bralettes. They’re usually a second panel of fabric at the bust with an elastic band to keep your chest in place. Shelf bras with removable cups have slits just under the armpit so that you can keep the molded cups where they are, or you can slide them out entirely. Built-in bras with non-removable cups essentially sew molded cups – like the ones you’d find on a t-shirt bra – to a secondary fabric panel at the bust.
- Best Active Dress: Old Navy PowerSoft Square-Neck Athletic Dress
- Best Bodycon Dress: Skims Long Dress with Bralette
- Best Dress with Convertible Straps: Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress
- Best Dress with Surplice Neckline: Soma Maxi Bra Dress
- Best Flutter Sleeve Dress: Soma Flutter Sleeve Maxi Bra Dress
- Best One Shoulder Dress: Soma One-Shoulder Knot Maxi Bra Dress
- Best Tank Dress: UNIQLO Ribbed Bra Sleeveless Dress
Best Active Dress
Old Navy PowerSoft Square-Neck Athletic Dress
Old Navy’s PowerSoft Square-Neck Athletic Dress will take you from yoga to brunch with the need for a quick change. This fast-drying dress features a built-in shelf bra with removable cups. And, a pair of attached shorts with a pocket on one side.
Best Bodycon Dress
Skims Long Dress with Bralette
This Long Dress with Bralette from Skims is a maxi dress that hugs your curves. The bodycon dress has a built-in bralette that features a lace trim at the top for an added feminine touch. Plus, the fully-covered back gives a seamlessly smooth look.
Best Dress with Convertible Straps
Athleta Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress
Athleta’s Elation V-Neck Hybrid Dress is a flowy fit and flare dress that features convertible straps. You can wear the adjustable straps straight back or you can cross them at the back. Plus, this midi dress has a built-in bra with removable pads. And, there are pockets on both sides. Shop this dress in three colors and three lengths: petite, regular, and tall.
Best Dress with Surplice Neckline
Soma Maxi Bra Dress
Soma’s Maxi Bra Dress features a surplice (faux-wrap) neckline and a built-in shelf bra. This maxi dress also features a gathered waist to accentuate your curves. And, there are pockets on either side.
Best Flutter Sleeve Dress
Soma Flutter Sleeve Maxi Bra Dress
Soma’s Flutter Sleeve Maxi Bra Dress gives you coverage and comfort along its included built-in bra. This maxi dress has flutter sleeves that drape over the upper arm, a V-neck that doesn’t dip too low, and a defined double-row elastic waistband. Plus, it has two pockets.
Best One Shoulder Dress
Soma One-Shoulder Knot Maxi Bra Dress
Soma’s One-Shoulder Knot Maxi Bra Dress includes a built-in bra so that you’re not left trying to pull up a strapless bra all day. The one-shoulder maxi dress also includes short slide slits and pockets. Shop it in three colors in sizes XS to XXL.
Best Tank Dress
UNIQLO Ribbed Bra Sleeveless Dress
UNIQLO’s Ribbed Bra Sleeveless Dress is like your go-to tank top that got turned into a built-in bra dress. This knee-length dress features a built-in bra with non-removable molded cups. Grab yours in one of four available colors in sizes XXS to XL.
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