Dresses with built-in bras are up there as one of the most elusive items in the fashion industry. In the winter months, this functionality is less of an issue given the sheer number of layers we wear, but as we head into warmer weather, working out the combination of summer dresses and bra straps is a whole new challenge.
You can invest in the best bras in the world, but if you want to wear slender strappy dresses or bandeau styles in the summer, then you're left with very few bra options. Of course, this is normally where a strapless bra comes in, but a strap-free bra under a strapped dress can sometimes cause shaping issues and if your dress is backless or low-backed too, then what?
Finding the most comfortable bras has always been a big challenge, and many of you reading this will know the unrivaled pleasure of ripping off a bra that's been digging in all day as soon as you walk through the door. A dress with a built-in bra solves all of these problems, allowing you to bask in the sunshine, and avoid awkward tan lines while still keeping your bust in place. The best dresses with built-in bras deserve a spot in your capsule wardrobe. And while not all of the best dresses with built-in bras support a big bust, there are options that do, making this style accessible for everyBODY.
10 dresses with built-in bras to shop now
Frankly Apparel's mission is to make going braless an option for more women. With a range of clothing that spans dresses, tops and bodysuits, Frankly Apparel wants to ensure its styles give support to all boobs great and small. Co-founders Jane and Heather can often be found on-site modeling the products, showcasing their styles on themselves to demonstrate the product properly. Covering cup sizes A-G, this nifty brand is set to revolutionize your wardrobe essentials. Select between two cup sizes, standard and full cup, depending if you usually wear the best bras for larger busts or not.
The Emma dress is ideal for summer casual wear. A pretty, A-line style, the dress can be worn for a workout, or simply for a comfortable, casual outfit for a sunny day. A fully supportive bodysuit underneath ensures you feel secure and uplifted. Available in two colors, a timeless black iteration and currant hue. Pair with your best white trainers and a denim jacket for an instant spring-ready style.
Originally a lingerie brand, focusing on great fitting bras, Soma has a host of dresses with built-in bras that will help to reimagine your summer wardrobe. Utilizing the brand's fit knowledge from its bra business and injecting it into feminine dresses, these dresses are pretty and give excellent support - all at a good price point.
The collection boasts a host of jersey-style maxi silhouettes, ideal for summer vacations and weekend outfits. With sizes up to an XXXL, the dresses should fit a US size 20-22 or UK 24-26. The bandeau style lends itself nicely to summer, as it will help even out those tan lines, although there are straps available if you'd like a little more security. The front ruching panel across the bust is flattering for both large and smaller boobs, adding fullness and shaping. With an empire line cut, this is a flattering dress to hide a tummy and ideal for apple body shapes as it skims past midriffs. Pair with the best sandals and a cute cardigan for summer evening style.
Starting in lockdown, RCA Public label is one of the best plus size clothing brands. Made in the USA, items are sewn in small batches in the New York City garment district, giving everything this American clothing brand does an authentic and more sustainable feel. Founder of the brand, Renee, wanted to design clothes that fixed the various style issues she'd found with other plus labels and it seems she has hit the nail on the head for many others too. RCA Public Label showed at New York Fashion Week in its first year and has been applauded by women for its sexy and sleek designs. Since then the brand has show during Paris Fashion Week 2023 and Renee even shared with us what it was like to design for the Oscars red carpet this season.
Speaking about the development of the dress, Renee says: "I invented a built-in bra dress specifically for plus size women with F+ cups and in just one year, my unique patent-pending design has sold out several times. Due to popular demand, it is now also offered in smaller sizes. After all, who wouldn’t love one dress that looks sexy while offering comfortable support, moisture-wicking fabric, and versatility? Free yourself from the strapless bras this summer with a 'one and done' dress!"
The convertible dress is now a staple for the brand. Working tirelessly to make a LBD with a built-in bra that works for plus-size women, this design goes up to a 5X, supporting up to an H cup. With six ways to wear it, this versatile style can be tweaked for what to wear on a first date, used as a base layer under a blazer for what to wear to an interview, or simply worn with your best leather jacket or best denim jacket for stylish weekend look. You can switch it up and turn it into a halterneck style, or tank cut dress and adjust the flattering side ruching to suit your mood. Available in classic black, red and coastal fog and navy, other colors will continue to be released in the coming months. Such has been the demand for Renee's dress she has developed a plus size version for those with C-DD busts too, as the initial run was DD-H cups.
This sporty, flirty midi dress is an ideal style to bag for the summer. Featuring an empire cut that falls into an A-line skirt, this design is light and airy, great for holidays or casual weekend wear. The Frankly Apparel brand offers brilliant support with its built-in bra system, that comes in standard and full cup sizing, and the deep V-neck and squared-off back are both a sweet design element and offer a level of style practicality. A spot-on dress for heatwaves it even has pockets, immediately adding extra fashion points. Team with a pair of comfortable flats for a chic summer look.
Another great design from Soma, this strappy dress features a built-in bra that both fits and flatters. The ruching across the bust will add shape and fullness to a smaller chest, making it an ideal for choice for those looking to add curves. Made from jersey, the dress offers plenty of comfort and stretch but also has a lovely drape and handle.
In a maxi-length silhouette, this dress can easily be dressed up or down. Team with plimsolls or sandals for a sun-ready outfit or team with a cropped blazer in sequin or tweed to give this look added polish.
SheBird was founded four years ago by three women who wanted to revolutionize the way women dressed. They wanted to simplify every day, creating clothing from performance fabric with built-in added value. The brand's journey started with its SheLove built-in bras that feature in this dress, as well as a range of tops and sleepwear. Having seen success with its built-in bras, the brand is launching shorts with some of the best shapewear built-in, just in time for summer.
Embrace the fashion color trends 2023 with this earthy green dress. One of the best green dresses, it perfectly encapsulates rich tones that are a popular spring/summer fashion trend 2023. With a sleek, in-built bra, the almost crop top style support underneath lifts, fits, and flatters for a comfortable finish. The dress itself favors a trapeze shape, which will work for all body types, skimming a midriff on apple body shapes and gliding past fuller hips on pear-shaped bodies. While the jersey dress definitely feels casual, add one of the best blazers to this look and a smart pair of heels, and you could easily make this look work for the office in the summer.
Advocates for plus size workout wear, Fabletics have worked with numerous plus size models and influencers. Specialists in sportswear and luxe fitness apparel, the On-The-Go dress has an unsurprisingly sporty aesthetic, featuring a racer back and sleek, contoured bodice and lightly A-lined skirt. With a discreet built in bra and cleavage framing V-neck, this cute tennis style dress comes in 6 colorways and can be worn for workouts or simply for a comfortable, stretchy weekend look.
This almost electric blue hue is one that is sure to add a dose of dopamine dressing to your closet. The double vertical 'go faster' stripes create a sporty feel for a look ideally paired with sneakers. The racer back adds to the activewear fit, and while this style can be hard to pair with an appropriate bra, as your support is built in here, you're good to go.
Soma has made this list a few times for a reason. Specialists in the field, the brand's range is larger than we could fit into this column. This double strap detailed dressed, with gathering detail under the bust and a knee-length hem is one of the smartest dresses we found, with a built-in bra. In a neutral black hue, this dress can easily be spun for multiple occasions. Looking for what to wear to a christening? Add a bright jacket to this look and you're on to a winner. Need something for an upcoming holiday? Slide this dress into your luggage for the ultimate in alfresco dining style. Simple, but flattering, the fuller skirt and under-bust cut will skim your silhouette and without pesky bra wires, you'll feel comfortable all day and night.
One of the most glamorous evening dresses with a built in bra we've seen, this is a great wedding guest dress for up coming events. The maxi style gives this an immediately summery feel and thanks to the built in bra, this cut away style presents no challenge at all in the support department. With a discreet and uplifting inner, you'll look ready to party, while still feeling comfortable. Available in two colorways, the gathered waistline delivers an hourglass silhouette and thanks to the fairly subtle print you can spin this into summer office attire too.
Bringing style and comfort together is the name of the game at Klassy Network. Utilizing wardrobe staples and giving them a fashion-forward twist, with a dose of practicality sprinkled on top has given way to a collection of 'brami' (bra-cami) tops that can easily be slotted into your capsule wardrobe. Using its signature built-in padding, to offer bust support without restriction. With an inclusive size range, the brand's items fit cup sizes A-G+ and XS to a 3XL.
This strapless design is ideal as we head towards holiday season and perfect for packing for alfresco dinners on your next vacation. Featuring built-in padding with a contoured silhouette throughout to show off your shape. Ruched through the body, this dress will skim curves for a body con but not overly skintight finish. Essentially a black basic dress you can wear it alone or use it as a layering piece under jackets or an oversized white linen shirt for a more relaxed feel. A really clever design that offers plenty of fashion mileage.
