Are Visible Bra Straps Ever OK?

We recently saw a New York Times article that wondered “Why Are Everyone’s Bra Straps Showing These Days?” [gift link]. The subsequent answer responded to the following reader question: “Everywhere I go I see bra straps. Where did this trend originate, what is the point, and when will it go away?” The NYT's fashion director and chief fashion critic, Vanessa Freidman, addressed the trend.

While we've never specifically focused on this issue in a post, we've always recommended making sure your bra straps are hidden at work. We've also discussed the appropriateness of bare arms at work, Gen Z's workwear choices (according to the WSJ, that is), The Washington Post‘s “definitive rules of office fashion.” We've also rounded up the best underwear to avoid VPL.

Note that, as we usually do when highlighting “trends” from NYT fashion and lifestyle content, we share them with a grain of salt (Himalayan pink salt?), as the paper often treats things as trends when they're not actually that common. Case in point: The NYT also recently asked the following question: “Why Do So Many [Women in the News] Have Long Hair Now?” [gift link], which, OK.

(We've also discussed long hair for the workplace!)

Anyway, let's discuss bra straps!

The story points to a few underlying factors causing more women to show their bra straps: the current 1990s influence on fashion, the ubiquity of workout wear, and lingerie brands creating bra straps that are meant to be shown off, with eye-catching colors, lace, and so on. (I imagine the sheer/”naked” look that you see on so many celebs on the red carpet lately must have an influence, too.)

Here are a few excerpts from the article:

Despite its current ubiquity … it would be a mistake to think that showing off your bra is just another styling choice. There is something both rebellious about the refusal to hide the bra and feminine at the same time.

* * *

The visible bra has become such a familiar sight in many settings that it’s hard to remember that once upon a time it was shocking.

* * *

Especially at the current moment, when the conversation around women’s bodies and who has authority over them and the trad wife movement — one in which the visible bra is definitely not part of the imagery — is gaining steam, the question of what is, or is not, covered up is not so simple.

Readers, what do you think? What do you feel are situations in which visible bra straps are acceptable, if any? Do you think this is a growing trend or not? Do you have any favorite tips or tricks to keep your bra straps tucked away?

Stock photo via Stencil.

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