Open cup and shelf bras are two of the most revealing bra styles on the market. Contrary to popular belief, open cup and shelf bras are not exactly the same thing. Open cup bras are cupless bras that only feature a small amount of material that sits underneath your bust and leave your breasts completely on display. Shelf bras vary widely in the amount of coverage they provide for your bust. Open shelf bras offer about the same amount of coverage as traditional open cup bras—virtually none, that is.
However, other more conservative shelf bra styles provide approximately half the coverage of a standard bra. These ‘modest’ shelf bras reveal the top half of your breasts, but generally keep your nipples covered up. Both open cup and shelf bras feature bands and straps, which allows them to lift and support your bust like a normal bra. The differences and distinguishing features of these two bra styles can be confusing. Learn more about them from this open cup and shelf bra guide from HauteFlair.com
While open cup and shelf bra styles are ultra-sexy, they offer minimal coverage and many women feel too intimidated or nervous to wear them. Open cup and shelf bras are obviously not appropriate for every occasion. However, there is a right time and a place to rock these revealing bras, and you likely have more use for them than you might think.
1. As Lingerie
One of the most obvious ways to wear an open cup or shelf bra is as lingerie. Don’t be afraid to add an open bra to your lingerie collection.
The lift and support that open cup and shelf bras offer helps flatter your bust and make you look even sexier than when you’re completely naked. You’ll end up feeling more confident in this ultra-revealing lingerie, even if the initial thought of wearing it still scares you.
2. Under Regular Clothes
You can add extra sexy fun to a night in the bedroom by wearing an open cup or shelf bra under your regular clothes before revealing the scandalous lingerie underneath your top.
Wear an open cup or shelf bra under any top that you would feel comfortable wearing without a bra at all. Your ultimate reveal of your sexy lingerie choice is guaranteed to make your partner’s jaw drop.
3. With a Low Cut Top
If you’re having trouble justifying spending money on an open cup or shelf bra, consider the practical benefits of these bra styles—and yes, they do have some practical uses.
Admittedly, it can be difficult to find a functional use for an open cup bra. However, halfcoverage shelf bras pair very well with extremely low cut tops and dresses. When you wear a shelf bra that covers only the bottom half of your breasts, you can wear a top or dress with a plunging neckline without worrying about the cups of your bra showing.
You don’t have to choose between sacrificing the support you need by not wearing a bra and looking tacky by showing your bra straps underneath your low cut top. Shelf bras give you the opportunity to enjoy both the lift and support of a normal bra as well as the freedom of wearing tops and dresses with any neckline, no matter how low. Browse through for nightgown with shelf bra