Last updated on July 27th, 2021 at 11:46 am
Fashion revolutions have now shifted from evolving every decade to nearly an annual thing. This has made it challenging to keep up with new and emerging trends. But one fashion trend you should definitely embrace is racerback bras. This unassuming piece of clothing will transfigure the way you wear sleeveless tops and dresses.
What is a Racerback Bra?
This is a bra with a racerback design similar to that used in active sportswear. It is usually crossed in the back for maximum support, in the shape of a V, T, or Y back design. The strap can either be cut out in the shape of one of the letters or have crisscrossed straps.
Why is it Called a Racerback Bra?
Why is it Called a Racerback Bra?As the name suggests, the bra has a design used in racing clothes known as a racerback. The term racerback refers to a design of active sportswear with a y or v shape back design. The racerback design was popularized in the late 1920s and was meant to allow the wearer to stay cool while participating in intense sports such as marathon runs and other intense sporting activities.
The design was later adopted for use on bras. Initially, the design was first used in sports bra for its supportive benefits and then crept into mainstream bra designs. Its popularity in mainstream bras is pushed by the strap hiding effect when wearing sleeveless clothes.
Are Racerback Bras Better?
If you are looking for extra support, then a racerback is the way to go. However, other bras also offer their range of benefits as well. Needless to say, it is beneficial to have different types of bras for wearing for different occasions with various kinds of outfits.
A racerback bra is similar to a sports bra without the extra compression on the breasts. It is comfortable, but it does not function like a pushup bra or a balconette bra.
Racerback Bra Advantages
- Racerback bras are more comfortable than regular bras. They tend to have a wider band at the bottom, which offers more support, especially for larger breasted women. Most of them also tend to have a pullover design, which means you do not have to contend with an unraveling hook and closure system.
- Racerback bras help with posture, especially in larger breasted women. The strap design helps to redistribute weight, which in turn relieve pressure. This prevents you from having to hunch over if you have more massive breasts.
What Does Crossing Bra Straps Do?
Racerback bras offer extra support on account of the crisscrossed back design. This design allows the bra to provide additional lift due to the angle of the crisscross. Like a sports bra, they offer maximum breast lift, which can give a flattering look in tighter fitting clothes.
Not to mention that you do not have to worry about strap slippage as their design ensures the straps stay in place all the time. They also enable you to wear sleeveless clothes without worrying about the bra straps peeping from the sides as they are designed to stay in place as they are intended to land closer to the collarbone, which makes then invisible underneath most sleeveless cloth designs.
How To Turn a Regular Bra Into a Racerback
Are your straps poking from your sleeveless top or dress? Here are some easy steps to follow and turn your regular bra into a racerback bra;
Use a paper clip to turn your regular bra into a racerback bra and hold the straps together at the center of the back. Alternatively, you can invest in a bra strap clip that does the same thing as a paper clip. But it usually does a better job of holding the straps without the risk of the paper clip digging into your back.
Check this too: What is a Balconette Bra?
It is still better to invest in a racerback as regularly clipping your regular bra straps will damage them. And they do not offer the same level of support as a specially designed racerback bra.
Top 5 Best Racerback Bras Of 2021
Warner’s Play It Cool Wire-Free Cooling Racerback Bra
This wireless racerback bra is made of 51% Polyamide, 37% Polyester, and 12% Elastane. It features a Hook and Eye closure, Chill fx lining in the cups, and lightly contoured cups. The lining used cools and wicks away moisture. The bra also has front adjustable straps.
Features
- 51% polyamide, 37% polyester, 12% Elastane
- Hook and eye closure
- Chill fx lining
- Light contour cups
- Front adjustable straps
- Wire-free style
Pros
- Moisture-wicking capabilities
- Offers shaping and support benefits
- Easy on and off
Cons
- The size runs small
Lilyette by Bali Women’s Elegant Lift and Smooth Front-Close Racerback Bra
The Lilyette lifting racerback bra is made of a fabric blend that contains 76% Nylon and 24% Elastane. It can only be hand-washed, and it features an underwire, front closure, and a sheer floral lace inset at the back.
The bra measures 1″ high and 8″ wide. It has adjustable racerback straps for maximum support as well as an inner side sling for lift and smoothing.
Features
- 76% Nylon and 24% Elastane
- Front closure
- Sheer floral lace
- Adjustable racerback straps
- Inner side sling
- Two-ply cups
Pros
- Supportive
- Lifting
- Smoothing
Cons
- Not ideal for large breasts
Hanes Women’s Get Cozy Racerback Bra
The Hanes racerback bra for large bust has a super soft seamless pullover design. It features knit-in zones for support and shapes the bust. Its built-up sides and back have maximum smoothing effects.
It also has a wide band that helps the bra stay in place. The bra is also wireless and has wide shoulder straps and a full center gore.
Features
- Knit-in zones
- Built-up sides and back
- Comfort band
- Clasp-free design
- Wide shoulder straps
- Wide center gore
- Wireless design
Pros
- Super soft
- Seamless pullover
- Ultra-smoothing
Cons
- The built-up sides offer a tight corset feel
Maidenform Women’s Comfort Devotion Tailored T-Back
This racerback pushup bra is made of 64% Nylon and 36% Elastane. It has a rectangle rape closure and can only be hand Washed. The bra measures 1″ high and 8″ wide.
It features an underwire and convertible racerback straps with front adjustability. It also has foam-lined cups, smoothing wings, and a T-back.
Features
- Material: 64% Nylon, 36% Elastane
- Rectangle Tape closure
- Hand Wash
- 1″ high
- 8″ wide
- Underwire
Pros
- Convertible racerback straps
- its foam-lined cups offer a pushup effect
- Smoothing wing and t-back
Cons
- It has demi cups
Maidenform Women’s One Fab Fit Extra-Coverage Lace T-Back
The Maidenform lace racerback bra features cups made from 76% Nylon and 24% Elastane and lace back made of 90% Nylon and 10% Elastane. It also features a full-coverage lining and a pull-on closure.
Check this too: What is a Plunge Bra?
The bra can be machine washed. It allows you to bare your shoulders while looking smooth and shapely all around. The extra coverage cups offer unbelievable comfort and sexy shaping. The lace back adds support and the side wings help smooth you. It also has adjustable straps for a customizable fit.
Features
- Cups: 76% Nylon, 24% Elastane
- Lace: 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane
- Full coverage
- Pull-on closure
- Machine wash
- Lace back
Pros
- Side wings help smooth you
- Easy on/off front close
- Soft back-adjust straps
Cons
- The bra cups are cone-shaped and protrude when wearing fitting clothes
Conclusion
The best racerback bra should be supportive, durable, easy to wash, moisture-wicking, and comfortable to wear and take off. Look for racerback bras with a broader band and straps if you have a large bust for maximum support. You can also go a padded racerback bra if you still wish to have a pushup effect while gaining maximum support.