Fashion

babe-worthy bras under $50

‘tis the season

by gray chapman

Hallmark cards and candy hearts are all well and good, but you know what really gets us swooning this time of year? Satin, lace, and tulle. In general, underpinnings make us feel fine as hell, but especially on Valentine's Day. Of course, not all of us have the financial wherewithal to spring for the likes of La Perla. And slightly more affordable options, like Victoria’s Secret, can just feel so… obvious. But “sexy” doesn’t always have to equate with the same old leopard-print push-ups. Whether you’re into bombshell balconettes, feather-light sheers, or lots and lots of lace, there’s a crush-worthy bra for every style out there. No, really, every style. You just have to know where to look. 

Blush Soft Seduction Demi Bra $46

Light-as-a-feather lace meets structured shaping in this gorgeous underwire by Blush. We love it for the scalloping, the supportive panels, and the striking pine-green palette. Romance and retro, unite.

Tatiana's Threads Black Scalloped Lace Bralette, $33

The handmade underpinnings coming out of this San Diego-based studio are so jaw-droppingly gorgeous, it’s hard to choose just one. But this wide-strapped, halter-style lace bralette—equal parts retro and romantic—made our hearts skip a beat. Pretty sure we won’t be the only ones feeling that way.

Choux Bond Demi Bra, $29

A strappy cage-style steal at $29, this ruby-red stunner is perfect for channeling your inner Pussy Galore. Spring for the matching garter skirt for maximum femme-fatale effect.

Only Hearts Coucou Lola Bralette, $46

The sweet Swiss dots, delicate chiffon, and bow closure may look sweet, but the peek-a-boo cups keep this bralette far from girl-next-door territory. Never did a nip slip look so damn good.

Helen Kukovski Lace Triangle Bralette, $25

On her Etsy bio, this designer writes that the reason she began making her own lingerie was because she could never find garments that were a) sexy (without being made from synthetic materials), and b) natural and comfortable (without looking like grandma undies). This wispy, barely-there bralette, gussied up with pretty floral appliques, hits the mark on all three accounts.

Intimately Shimmy Shimmy Ya Bra, $38

Crimson lace, a muted gray-blue mesh trim, and a sweet longline silhouette make this simple slip-over bralette ideal for Valentine’s Day mornings spent with coffee and canoodling in bed.

CLO Malla Shelf Underwire Bra, $48

Lace and frills not your thing? This black tulle bra from CLO Intimo might be more suited to your likings: modern, clean, and minimalist, but bedecked with the teeniest of decorative hearts.

Parfait Charlotte Dusty Rose Balconette Bra, $42.75

Voluptuous types whose assets can’t be contained by a dainty bralette: This retro balconette is made for buxom babes like you. Its structured satin cups, tiny accent bows and black contrast piping make for pinup perfection fit for the likes of Bettie Page. Cue the wolf whistles.

Felina Black Bow Rue Fauvet Bra, $48

Lace. Boning. Bows. Velvet. What could possibly make this vintage-inspired bra any more appealing? Oh, right: glitter.