5 Editors Try Uniqlo’s New Bra Top Collection

Published on May 16, 2024 at 2:15 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Harrington / Alida Araica / Yerin KimPhoto Illustration: Keila GonzalezPOPSUGAR Photography | Jessica Harrington / Alida Araica / Yerin KimPhoto Illustration: Keila GonzalezEvery editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

Is there anything more satisfying than taking off your bra at the end of a long day? Evidently, yes: not wearing one at all. While fashion trends may come and go, we’d argue that the braless look is one of this century’s most enduring fads. Thanks to the pandemic and growing interest in more comfortable wardrobe essentials, it’s also here for the long haul.

For as liberating as going braless may be, let’s be real: it isn’t always the most comfortable option, especially for those with midsize and large busts who might be more prone to back pain and discomfort. Fortunately, Uniqlo — ever the brand for functional fashion offerings — has developed the ultimate style for those who’d like to forgo wearing traditional bras without having to sacrifice on comfort and support. Enter in: the bra top.

Unlike other tank tops, these pieces are fitted with a seamless, built-in bra minus any awkward lines to accompany it. The bra tops are designed to mirror the look of a basic tank, but with an extra layer of inner support to ensure your bust feels lifted and comfortable. From tube tops and camisoles to cropped tanks, these styles are designed to cater to all body types and bust sizes. Plus, they come in plenty of color options, too.

Ahead, we tasked five PS editors with testing out Uniqlo’s bra top collection, and asked each to analyze the pieces based off their level of support and stylishness. Keep reading for our editors’s honest reviews and see why these bra tops double as a more comfortable alternative for embracing the braless trend.

POPSUGAR Photography | Jessica HarringtonUniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra TopUniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top ($30)

“My warm-weather wardrobe is a cute tank top and jeans (or jean shorts), so I’m always looking for a new one to add to my collection. The Uniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top hits all my requirements for a good summertime top. It’s cropped in length but not so short that I’m constantly tugging at it or concerned with it riding up. The fabric is super comfortable cotton with some spandex for stretch, making it the kind of shirt you want to throw on and live in all day.

It gets bonus points for the built-in, sports-style bra, which offers light support and coverage. It’s not uncommon for me to go braless in the summer (due to heat, but also because it’s just easier), and I love that this top offers the coverage of a bra without having to worry about any discomfort or unsightly straps sticking out. I opted for the classic white colorway, but all of the neutral options would fit seamlessly into my wardrobe.” — Jessica Harrington, senior editor, beauty

Rating:

★★★★★

POPSUGAR Photography | Alida AraicaUniqlo AIRism Cropped Bra Tube TopUniqlo AIRism Cropped Bra Tube Top ($30)

“Honestly, when I first heard about Uniqlo’s trending bra tops I was skeptical. But I quickly got the hype once I put the AIRism Cropped Bra Tube Top on. First and foremost, it was surprisingly supportive — a little more so with the removable spaghetti straps on, but just as good without — and true to my bra cup size. The padded cups and the elastic band at the top of the shirt helped keep everything in place no matter how I decided to wear it. I styled it as a tank or tube top for the most part, but you can criss-cross the straps to your liking to zhuzh things up a bit, too.

Overall, what really impressed me about the Uniqlo top was how comfortable it was. When I wore it as a tube top, I didn’t spend the whole day pulling it up — a game changer if this is what drives you crazy about strapless clothes, too. And while sporting it as a tank, I liked that I didn’t have to worry about concealing bra straps that would otherwise peek out. After wearing it out a few times, I had no doubt that this would be one of my go-to pieces for summer (aka, spaghetti strap and tube top season). It’s cute, easy to style, and comes in 4 different neutral colors — and yes, I need them all.” — Alida Araica, newsletter manager

Rating:

★★★★☆

POPSUGAR Photography | Shari StrakerUniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra TopUniqlo Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top ($30)

“I loved the Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top and I think it’s going to be my Summer staple. There are so many ways to dress it up or down. I wore it to run an errand and paired it with a blazer, leggings, and sneakers that were both cute and comfortable. I can also see myself pairing it with a pair of jeans or pants. They’re so versatile and I felt super supported. The built-in bra was SO comfortable. It actually felt more comfortable than some of the bras I own. I was highly surprised. I’ve worn built in bras in the past where I didn’t feel supported AND comfortable but that wasn’t the case here. Right now I’m eyeing the rest of the colors. 10/10. No notes!” — Shari Straker, social content producer

Rating:

★★★★★

POPSUGAR Photography | Yerin KimUniqlo AIRism Cropped Bra Tube TopUniqlo AIRism Cropped Bra Tube Top ($30)

“I hate wearing bras, and while I’m all for freeing the nipple, it’s not always the most suitable or flattering option. That’s why I was especially excited to try Uniqlo’s bra top collection, which features flattering basics with built-in bras. I’ve seen TikTokers rave about them, and I know the brand’s AIRISM fabric is elite.

With its built-in bra, the top offers support and a flattering little lift, and I was happy to see the lining of the bra is barely visible. As expected, the top is super soft, lightweight, and comfortable. I also like that the straps are removable, so I can wear it as a tube top that I don’t have to worry about constantly pulling up. I already know this will be a summer staple in my wardrobe.

My only qualm is that based on its description, I was expecting the top to be slightly more cropped. That said, I do have a shorter torso, so just keep that in mind if you have a similar frame.” — Yerin Kim, editor, Features

Rating:

★★★★☆

POPSUGAR Photography | Kyley WarrenUniqlo Seamless Half Bra CamisoleUniqlo Seamless Half Bra Camisole ($20)

“I have a midsize bust and generally, my fashion sense leans on the conservative side — which means that embracing the braless trend never really fell into my style (let alone comfort) wheelhouse. Naturally, I was skeptical about the bra top’s effectiveness; built-in bras are not known for offering great support, especially when they boast a more atypical design like that of a ribbed tank. But I’m happy to report that this piece has surpassed my expectations in every way.

It’s fitted with interior cupping which not only helps to provide ample support for my bust, but also gives it a subtle and supremely flattering lift. The top even has a ribbed detailing which elevates the style with some added texture and makes the piece feel so much more high-quality. I can wear it on its own for a walk around my neighborhood or even to a Pilates class. Alternatively, I can team it with an oversize blazer for a skin-baring look if I’m in the mood for a dressier ensemble come nighttime.

Overall, the bra top’s styling versatility is endless and best of all, it doubles as the most comfortable option for everyday wear. I also love that it gives me an “in” for embracing the braless trend without having to free the nip beyond my comfort zone.” — Kyley Warren, assistant editor, Commerce

Rating:

★★★★

Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.