The Complete Tube Bra Guide:All you need to know
What Is a Tube Bra?
1.What Is a Tube Bra?
A tube bra is an easy-to-wear slip-on bra that comes with or without straps. The bra’s fabric is stretchable. A tube bra comes with thick bands at the top and bottom for support. This bra is also called a “bandeau” bra and often comes with removable pads. Just like any other bra, a tube bra also offers the required support to your breasts. You can pair your tube bras with body-hugging outfits and off-shoulder dresses.
No “Strap Show” Bra
To put it in a nutshell, a tube bra is designed to offer you the best support and shape, without the need to bother about adjustments. Style is another major factor kept in mind when it comes to the design of a tube bra. Whether it’s a tube bra without straps, or with thin spaghetti straps, it’s definitely a bra without any “strap show!”
Know Your Tube Bra
Now that you have an idea of what a tube bra looks like, let’s take a look at the parts of this bra!
Parts of a Tube Bra
1. Stretch of Fabric
The main stretch of fabric that passes over the breasts is the primary part of a tube bra.
2. Thick Bands at the Top and Bottom
These bands in a tube bra offer the extra hold and support to the breasts.
3. Full Cups
The full cups that attach to both breasts provide complete coverage, without any spillage.
4. Pockets
Most tube bras come with pockets where you can insert the pads. You can remove the pads through the same pockets if you don’t need them.
How Did the Tube Bra Get Its Name?
The bra offers a tube-like covering to the breasts. This was how tube bras got their name in the first place!
Features and Benefits of a Tube Bra
2.Features and Benefits of a Tube Bra
Features to Look for in a Tube Bra
Do you know why a tube bra is a must-have item in your lingerie wardrobe? The features of a tube bra make it ideal to be an indispensable accessory in your wardrobe. Let’s look at those features.
- A tube bra is extremely easy to wear because most tube bras come with a slip-on style.
- Most tube bras don’t come with a hook-and-eye closure, which is present in normal everyday bras (but these days, certain types of tube bras are designed with hook-and-eye closures).
- Most tube bras are non-wired. So, they don’t poke your skin.
- A tube bra is suitable to be paired with strapless and off-shoulder dresses.
- The thick bands in the bra offer support to the breasts.
Benefits of a Tube Bra
By now, you might have guessed the benefits of a tube bra since we have listed its features. However, we will also list the benefits below so that you can have a better understanding of tube bras.
- The stretchy fabric and bands in a tube bra provide the breasts with a better hold.
- You have the option to wear a tube bra with or without the padding because most tube bras come with removable padding.
- Both teenage girls and older women can wear tube bras.
- Tube bras are versatile and can be paired with different styles of outfits.
We have been reiterating the fact that tube bras are suitable to be paired with off-shoulder outfits because of the following reasons:
If you wear a normal bra with straps along with an off-shoulder outfit, the straps will be visible outside, along with your dress. The bra hooks will also be visible. So, these are situations where you can wear tube bras instead of normal everyday bras. You can even say goodbye to bra straps with an invisible bra!
Types of Tube Bras
3.Types of Tube Bras
Tube bras come in different styles so that you can pair them with a variety of outfits. You can try all the styles to know which tube bra suits a particular type of outfit. You can also mix and match your tube bras with different outfit styles, depending on the occasion. Also, take a look at the bras to wear as a top or outerwear.
Now, let’s take a peek at the types of tube bras!
1. Longline Tube Bra
This type of bra extends beyond the bustline and it follows the silhouette of the bodyline. Longline tube bras come with or without lace and offer complete coverage.
2. Seamless Padded Tube Bra
The cups of this bra are made from a single piece of fabric such that the bra provides you with a smooth look. If you wish to flaunt a smooth silhouette, you can go for a seamless padded tube bra!
3. Double-layered Tube Bra
This is a type of tube bra in which the double layer offers additional cushioning and comfort. The double layer also reduces the bouncing of breasts to some extent, which in turn prevents breast or back pain.
4. Spaghetti Strap Tube Bra
You might already know what a spaghetti strap is. However, if you don’t, we will help you out with the definition. A spaghetti strap is an extremely thin shoulder strap that offers support.
So, the type of bra we are discussing now is a tube bra that comes with very thin straps. Otherwise, this bra has all the similar features of a normal tube bra.
5. Tube Bra with Detachable Straps
As the name suggests, it is a tube bra from which you can remove the straps. If you wish, you can then re-attach the straps for better support.
6. Full Lace Padded Tube Bra
This type of tube bra is adorned with pretty lace fabric. The lace gives a fancy look to the bra. So, if you want to wear something different from a normal plain tube bra, go for a full lace tube bra! You can also have a glance at other fancy lace bras.
7. Lace-Necklined Seamless Tube Bra
Yes! The neckline of the bra is designed with lace. So, it’s in between a plain tube bra and a full lace tube bra! Flaunt your style with this bra type with your favourite off-shoulder dress!
8. Full-Coverage Moulded Tube Bra
The bra provides complete coverage and the cups are crafted with two layers of fabric. This gives a smooth silhouette.
Who Can Wear a Tube Bra?
4.Who Can Wear a Tube Bra?
Women with various breast sizes and shapes can wear tube bras. However, plus-size or heavy-busted women may not find tube bras comfortable. The reason is such bras will not offer the required support for heavy breasts (since there are no bra straps in many tube bras). But if you feel that you have bigger breasts, and still want to wear a tube bra, you are not out of options. Just go for a padded tube bra with shoulder straps, which can give you better support and comfort. In addition, such bras provide your breasts with a better lift.
Usually, teenagers prefer tube bras to other types of bras. They let school and college-going teens make a style statement. These bras are chic, comfy and elegant, which are the features young girls look for. The absence of underwires in the bras makes it the perfect choice for girls of this age group. Yet another reason behind teenagers preferring tube bras is the availability of a variety of colours and designs in tube bras. Since we are talking about teenagers, you can also look at our teenager bra size chart.
When Can You Wear a Tube Bra?
5.When Can You Wear a Tube Bra?
In this section, we will discuss when you can wear a tube bra and when not to. Let’s begin!
You can wear a tube bra while doing chores around the house or working at the office. You can even wear it to a party (along with a suitable outfit) by pairing it with any fancy strapless or off-shoulder outfit.
It would be wise to avoid wearing a tube bra while you are working out or getting involved in physical activities. In other words, If you are dancing or doing some strenuous activity with heavy body movements, it’s best to avoid tube bras.
However, you can reserve your tube bras for special occasions, like a dinner date, or a getaway with friends. You can even use it as an everyday bra if you feel comfortable in it.
What Outfits Can Be Paired with Tube Bras?
6.What Outfits Can Be Paired with Tube Bras?
As stated earlier, tube bras can be paired with tops or dresses with deep necklines, and body-hugging outfits too. You can wear tube bras, along with flared jeans, as smart casuals in the office. Or else, you can pair it with a smart and elegant suit for meetings. The right tube bra with a matching smart suit can do wonders for your professional look!
Purchasing Your First Tube Bra
You now know that the bra size is important. It holds true for all types of bras, including tube bras. At Shyaway, we have an array of tube bras in different sizes, colours and patterns. All the lingerie here is specially curated to listen to your body. So, you can take your pick and zero in on the best and most suitable tube bra by shopping online with us.
Once you finish purchasing your tube bra, try it on and ensure that the size and fitting are correct. Read the tube bra fitting guidelines we have given below so that you can feel utmost comfort in your bra and feel confident while wearing it.
Tube Bra Fitting Guidelines
7.Tube Bra Fitting Guidelines
How do you know that your tube bra fits you perfectly? Yes, we are getting to that part right away…
First of all, make sure you purchase the correct size of tube bra. If you buy a bra of the wrong size, it will not fit you properly. Moreover, wrong-sized bras can cause discomfort, and sometimes, even lead to breast or back pain!
If you want to find your correct bra size, read about the bra size chart - how to measure bra size?
How to Wear a Tube Bra?
After ensuring that the tube bra is of your correct size, follow these steps to wear it.
- Slip into the bra just as you do with a regular top.
- Make sure that the bra offers complete support and coverage for your breasts.
- Check the band and ensure that it rests comfortably on your body.
- Confirm that the bra is not too tight.
What Fabric Is Used in the Making of Tube Bras?
Tube bras are mainly made out of the following materials:
- Nylon
- Nylon Spandex
- Viscose Spandex
Nylon provides better elasticity when compared to viscose. Nylon and viscose blended fabrics are suitable for clothing that needs extra stretch, like tube bras.
Differences between Tube Bras and Other Bras
8.Differences between Tube Bras and Other Bras
Differences between a Normal Bra and a Tube Bra
Normal Bra | Tube Bra |
---|---|
Usually comes with a hook-and-eye closure | Most tube bras don’t come with a hook-and-eye closure (only a very few types are designed with hook-and-eye closures) |
Can be paired with many different styles of outfits | Can be paired with tube tops and dresses, off-shoulder tops and other body-hugging outfits |
Doesn’t come with pockets | Comes with pockets to insert pads |
Bra straps might be visible | Bra straps won’t be visible |
Can be worn for everyday use | Mostly worn for special occasions, but can also be worn for everyday use |
Differences between a Cami Bra and a Tube Bra
Here are the differences between a cami bra and a tube bra!
Cami Bra | Tube Bra |
---|---|
Dual-function bra - they combine the functions of a camisole and a bra | Single-function bra |
Most bras come with straps | Most bras come without straps |
Can be paired with cami tops and other similar tops | Can be paired with tube tops and dresses, off-shoulder tops and other body-hugging outfits |
Made out of cotton or modal mix | Mostly made out of nylon, nylon spandex or viscose spandex |
Differences between a Sports Bra and a Tube Bra
The differences between a sports bra and a tube bra are provided in the following table. Take a peek and also read about the types of sports bras for your physical activity.
Sports Bra | Tube Bra |
---|---|
Designed for sports, workouts and other physical activities | Designed for special occasions, but can be worn with everyday wear too |
Mostly come with straps | Mostly come without straps |
Have moisture-wicking properties | Not designed to be moisture-wicking |
Can be paired with sheer tops or worn as a standalone piece | Can be paired with tube tops and dresses, off-shoulder tops and other body-hugging outfits |
Tube Bra Maintenance
9.Tube Bra Maintenance
Now that you are aware of the nitty gritty of tube bras, let’s take a few minutes to see how to maintain them!
- Hand-Wash:It is recommended that you hand-wash your tube bras. If necessary, use a mild detergent with water. This practice results in better longevity and quality of the fabric.
- Don’t Use Dryer:Refrain from using the dryer because too much heat can spoil the fabric and elasticity of the tube bra. However, you can air-dry the bra.
- Avoid Too Much Heat/Light: Refrain from drying your tube bra under direct sunlight or heat. Why? Because too much heat can break down the spandex fibres.
- Fabric Softener is a No-No:Do not use any fabric softener on a tube bra because it can affect the elasticity of the bra.
Some women have the habit of using a bra laundry bag to store bras. See why you need a bra laundry bag for delicate lingerie.
Lifespan of a Tube Bra
The lifespan or durability of a tube bra depends on its usage. If you use it 3 or 4 times a week, and wash the bra after every use, it will last from 3 to 6 months. However, if you wear it once a week, it may last longer than 6 months.
The durability of a tube bra also varies based on its maintenance. If you take good care of it and stick to the maintenance guidelines we have suggested above, your tube bra’s lifespan will be extended.
Myths and Facts about Tube Bras
10.Myths and Facts about Tube Bras
There are lots of myths and facts surrounding tube bras. You might be surprised while reading them. Come on, let’s talk about the common myths and facts associated with tube bras!
Tube Bra Myths Debunked
1. Myth: Tube bras don’t offer support to the breasts.
Fact: The upper and lower elastic bands in a tube bra are designed such that they can support the breasts.
2.Myth: Tube bras often tend to roll up.
Fact: Only the tube bras in which the elastic is worn out tend to roll up. Replacing your tube bra when it gets worn out is a good solution to this problem.
3.Myth: Tube bras are only for teenagers.
Fact: Certainly not true! These bras can be worn comfortably by older women too. But the sizes of tube bras for teenagers and older adults will vary!
4.Myth: Tube bras are not that comfortable.
Fact: Lots of women find tube bras to be comfortable. Many of them even use the bras for everyday wear.
5.Myth: Tube bras are mostly plain and are lacklustrous.
Fact: There are different types of tube bras in various styles and colours. Some of them come with elegant lace, and others with wonderfully designed scalloped necklines. So, you can choose from a wide variety of tube bras!
6.Myth: All tube bras are strapless.
Fact: No. Some tube bras do have straps. You can find spaghetti straps in many of them!
7.Myth: Tube bras can make the breasts sag.
Fact: Since the elastic bands in these bras offer support just like normal bras, your breasts will not sag.