One of the coolest trends is low cut armholes. Part of me says hurray x10000 because this offers a chance to show off some pretty bras. But another knows the pain in the butt it can be to find undergarments that work with this specific cut of clothing. Never fear – I have been fitting folks since 2005. As an Undergarment Educator, I have so many solutions for low cut armholes and what to wear underneath. Here are my favorite things to wear with low cut armholes!

Psst! Some of the brands linked are proud partners of mine or I may get a small thank you commission if you purchase through me. Your purchase through those links helps a lot in keeping articles like this coming your way. Either way, I always share items that I truly love and can help you say hurray!

Best Undergarments and solutions for Low Cut Armholes

 Pretty Bralettes Under Low Cut Armholes

Bralettes are really having a moment. They are everywhere. And their coolness factor is making them easy to wear, and to show off. Bralettes are traditionally wire free, carefree bras that come in stylish designs or with fashion forward accents. These frilly and colorful designs are begging to peek out of low cut armhole tops. So why not give them what they want and let them show?

In addition, some bralettes are almost like cropped camisoles, with a long line bra type feel. Because they’re so fashionable, and can cover a bit more than a regular bra, they have a tendency to feel like you’re just wearing a top underneath, which may make it easier to show off with confidence.

Tip: For full busted folks who feel like a bralette doesn’t offer enough support, my friends at Cosabella suggest to wear you favorite basic bra then layer a beautiful bralette over it. Cosabella now makes lace bralettes in 1x-3x and curvy bralettes with smaller bands and more room at the bust.

Need some resources on bralettes? Here you go!

• What is a Bralette? Lingerie Experts Explain (Slate.com)
• When to Wear an Underwire or Wire-Free Bra (Hurray Kimmay)

Layer up with camisoles and tank tops

You don’t HAVE to show off your bra underneath a low armhole top. In fact, you can layer up with another tank with more coverage. Get creative with this. You can try a tank top or cami in a matching, coordinating or contrasting color. Alternatively, try wearing an all lace camisole for fun! And don’t forget that you can try a bra with a built-in cami going across just the bust, or use a detachable cami on any bra!

Show off your gorgeous band

One of the things I hear most when it comes to showing off a bra is that the bra band isn’t sassy enough. I understand. Most bra bands are designed with a practical purpose in mind – you know, to keep your bra and breasts up. But if you’re interested in getting a little stylish, opt for a bra band with some pizazz. A few examples are all lace, a bold pop of color, or a longline bra.

Longline bras can refer to a long bustier type of bra, or simply a bra with a slightly extended band that covers more of the torso. Some other terms for this longer bra band can be “cropped bustier”, or “mini bustier”, or “long band bra”. Either way, this style offers a little bit more coverage than a typical bra band, making it perfect for peeking out of open armholes. If it’s a gorgeous color or pretty print, all the more hurray!

Tube Top or Bandeau

The part of the body that is exposed the most by a low cut armhole top is the side of the breast and body. That makes wearing a bandeau or tube top ideal! The option is that you can wear a bandeau bra, made of pretty lace or a stylish design, or you can use a tube top to cover up a basic bra. Some strappy-wear-a-ton-of-ways dresses actually offer a tube top/bandeau that matches the dress to provide some coverage where the twisty straps may have left you exposed, or so you can wear a bra without it showing. This is the same idea.

Just like a camisole, you can try to match your outfit, or go bold with a pretty color underneath.

Adhesive Bras and Nipple Covers

If you’re looking for an undergarment option that won’t show with low cut armholes, try a stick on bra! I wore the Queens shirt you’ve been here with a stick-on bra during my going away party in 2019 when I was (sadly) moving away from Queens in NYC. I had just gotten a tattoo on my bra line, just under my armpit and wanted to both let it heal and show it off! Wearing something that only covered the front of my bust was ideal.

Keep in mind that the application process is key if you want your adhesive bra to stay in place. I have an entire article on adhesive bras with my best tips for application, safe removable, customizing the shape and size, and the options I love best.  A few of the best are below.

Show off your bathing suit

When you really love your bathing suit and it suits your style, it’s fun to show it off! Wearing a low cut armhole top or dress over it means you can cover up without totally covering your fabulous swimsuit.

Look and feel your best in a bodysuit under low cut armholes

Like the bralette, bodysuits are about to have a moment. This lingerie item functions almost like a camisole, but with longer coverage and the security that it will stay in place and not ride up. In addition, it seems like bodysuits lean toward a more stylish, less practical side, giving you the freedom to fully experiment with your style.

Supportive sports bras

I’m all for tastefully showcasing your lingerie as part of your personal style, but that’s not for everyone. A less risky and equally as stylish option is to show off your sports bra. 

Sports bras are super important to wear while exercising, and recently, very fashionable. There are so many kinds: bold colors, strappy sides, more or less coverage, fun patterns…and more.

To shop more sports bra styles, check out this article on supportive sports bra options:

Your Turn: Showing a little more skin or lingerie than usual can feel risky – I get it. The trick is to make sure you’re wearing something that fits well, feels good, and makes you say hurray! Try out this trend and let me know what you think. Did one of the above style solutions work for you? Share with me over at @hurraykimmay on Instagram!

PS: Some photos are by Becky Yee and as usual, no photo shopping or airbrushing to my body. It’s my commitment to you to show you reality – and real body love.

PPS: This is part of the #HurrayVacay series, but is not a sponsored post. Most of the items here are from my own wardrobe, though a few were gifted to me from the brand. I always share my honest opinion and advice. xo